Do I Need a Transfer on Death Deed in Vermont?

Answer a few questions about the property to see whether a transfer on death deed applies for avoiding probate on real estate.

State where property is located

Find out if a TOD deed is right for you

Select your state to see if a transfer on death deed can keep your property out of probate.

This tool provides general information about transfer on death deeds and is not legal advice. TOD deed availability and requirements vary by state. Consult a licensed attorney for guidance specific to your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Vermont does not currently allow transfer on death deeds. Vermont has not adopted the Uniform Real Property Transfer on Death Act or any TOD deed statute. (Verified against legislature.vermont.gov Title 27 and Title 14 chapter indexes and the full 2025-2026 session bill list 2026-07-13; no TOD deed / beneficiary deed chapter exists, no TOD deed bill introduced.)

Because Vermont does not allow TOD deeds, alternatives for avoiding probate on real property include: Enhanced life estate deed (27 V.S.A. ch. 6, sections 651-660, enacted 2019 Act No. 145 (Adj. Sess.) / H.837, eff. Jul 13, 2020), Revocable living trust, Joint tenancy with right of survivorship. Compare your options with the trust vs. will comparison.

Without a TOD deed option, real property in Vermont typically passes through probate unless held in a trust or with joint tenancy. Use the Vermont probate calculator to estimate what that would cost.

TOD Deeds in Vermont

Vermont does not currently allow transfer on death deeds (No). Vermont has not adopted the Uniform Real Property Transfer on Death Act or any TOD deed statute. (Verified against legislature.vermont.gov Title 27 and Title 14 chapter indexes and the full 2025-2026 session bill list 2026-07-13; no TOD deed / beneficiary deed chapter exists, no TOD deed bill introduced.) Without this option, real property passes through probate unless held in a trust or with joint tenancy.

Because TOD deeds are unavailable, the primary alternative for avoiding probate on real estate in Vermont is a revocable trust. Probate for simple estates takes at least 6 months, and estates under $45,000 may qualify for simplified procedures. The probate calculator shows the full cost picture.

The trust vs. will comparison outlines the differences for Vermont families weighing their options for avoiding probate on real property and other assets.

SimplyTrust Editorial·Updated July 15, 2026

Legal Sources

14 V.S.A. § 1901

Data sourced from Vermont statutes and official state code. How we research.

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