Build Your Vermont Estate Plan with Essential Resources
The Green Mountain State
Explore comprehensive Vermont estate planning resources including FREE downloadable forms for wills, financial power of attorney, and healthcare directives. Learn about Vermont's unique estate planning requirements.
What Makes Vermont Different
Like all states, Vermont recognizes formally executed wills and living trusts as valid estate planning tools. A standard will here requires 2 adult witnesses, and adding a notarized self-proving affidavit can streamline the probate process later.
The state adopted the Uniform Power of Attorney Act in 2023, modernizing its rules around financial powers of attorney. If you have older documents, it may be worth reviewing them to ensure they take advantage of the current law's protections.
If you die without a will in Vermont, your heirs must survive you by at least 5 days to inherit anything. This "survival period" exists to prevent property from passing through multiple estates in quick succession when family members die close together in time, such as in an accident. The amount a surviving spouse inherits without a will depends on whether your parents are still alive. If they are, your spouse may have to share the estate with them—a result that surprises many people and underscores why having a will matters.
Vermont Estate Planning Resources
Free estate planning forms, calculators, and checklists for Vermont. No account required.
Vermont Last Will and Testament
Create a free, state-specific will with Vermont's witness and notarization requirements included.
Vermont Pour-Over Will
Transfer assets to your existing trust. Vermont's execution requirements included.
Vermont Healthcare Power of Attorney
Designate someone to make medical decisions on your behalf. Vermont's requirements included.
Vermont Financial Power of Attorney
Designate someone to manage your financial affairs. Vermont's requirements included.
How Much Does Probate Cost in Vermont?
Estimate attorney fees, executor fees, court costs, and timeline for probating an estate in your state. See if the estate qualifies for simplified probate procedures.
How Much Can an Executor Charge in Vermont?
Calculate how much an executor (personal representative) can charge for administering an estate. See if your state has statutory fees or uses reasonable compensation.
What's Fair Trustee Compensation in Vermont?
Find out what's fair compensation for serving as trustee. Compare family, professional, and corporate trustee rates based on your situation.
Who Inherits in Vermont?
Find out who inherits your estate and how much they get if you die without a will. Based on your state's intestate succession laws.
How Many Death Certificates Do I Need in Vermont?
Calculate how many certified death certificates you need based on the assets and accounts you need to close. See state-specific ordering information.
How Much Are Estate & Inheritance Taxes in Vermont?
Calculate federal estate tax, state estate tax (12 states + DC), and inheritance tax (5 states) for an estate or trust.
Do I Need Probate in Vermont?
Answer a few questions to find out if an estate needs full probate, qualifies for simplified probate, or can avoid probate entirely with a small estate affidavit.
How Do I Settle an Estate in Vermont?
Get a personalized checklist for settling an estate after someone passes away. Covers trust administration, probate, and intestate estates.
What Are My Duties as Trustee in Vermont?
Step-by-step guide for successor trustees administering a trust. Understand your duties, notification deadlines, and asset management responsibilities.
What Are My Duties as Executor in Vermont?
Complete guide for executors and personal representatives navigating probate. Court filings, creditor claims, and distribution timelines.
What Does a Revocable Living Trust Cost in Vermont?
Compare the cost of creating a revocable living trust. See how SimplyTrust, Trust & Will, LegalZoom, and attorneys compare over 5 years including life events.
What Does a Will Cost in Vermont?
Compare the cost of creating a will. See document costs plus probate fees your heirs will pay. Compare SimplyTrust, Trust & Will, LegalZoom, and attorneys.
How Much Life Insurance Do I Need in Vermont?
Calculate how much life insurance coverage you need. Accounts for income replacement, debt payoff, college funding, and state-specific factors like cost of living and estate taxes.
What Should I Expect When Inheriting in Vermont?
Find out what to expect when inheriting money, property, or other assets. See timeline estimates, inheritance tax implications, and understand what the executor or trustee is handling behind the scenes.
Does Vermont require probate for all estates?
Vermont follows the Uniform Probate Code, which offers simplified probate procedures for smaller estates. Estates under certain thresholds may qualify for summary administration or informal probate processes. Revocable living trusts can help Vermont residents avoid probate entirely by transferring assets outside the probate system.
