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Home→Tools→Executor Duties Checklist→Vermont

What Are My Duties as Executor in Vermont?

Step-by-step guide for executors navigating probate, from filing the will to closing the estate.

Frequently Asked Questions

An executor (or personal representative) in Vermont is responsible for filing the will with the probate court, inventorying and appraising assets, notifying creditors, paying debts and taxes, and distributing remaining property to beneficiaries. The executor has a fiduciary duty to act in the best interest of the estate and its beneficiaries.

The probate petition filing fee in Vermont is approximately $500 for a $500,000 estate.14 V.S.A. § 1901 (small estate), §§ 1202-1203 (publication/creditor claims), § 1065 (fees), § 906 (bond), §§ 2101-2110 (bond chapter), §§ 1851-1854 (waiver of administration); 32 V.S.A. § 1434(a)(1)-(8) (formal estate filing fees); V.R.P.P. 80.3(h) (small estate $50 fee); vtcourts.gov/fees (re-verified 2026-05-27 against legislature.vermont.gov primary source and vtcourts.gov/fees)Verified May 27, 2026 Additional fees may apply for certified copies, recording fees, and publication of notice to creditors.

Vermont requires the executor to publish notice to creditors in a local newspaper. Known creditors should also receive direct written notice. Creditors have 4 months to file claims.14 V.S.A. § 1901 (small estate), §§ 1202-1203 (publication/creditor claims), § 1065 (fees), § 906 (bond), §§ 2101-2110 (bond chapter), §§ 1851-1854 (waiver of administration); 32 V.S.A. § 1434(a)(1)-(8) (formal estate filing fees); V.R.P.P. 80.3(h) (small estate $50 fee); vtcourts.gov/fees (re-verified 2026-05-27 against legislature.vermont.gov primary source and vtcourts.gov/fees)Verified May 27, 2026 The executor is personally liable for distributions made before the claim period expires if valid claims go unpaid.

Vermont allows estates valued at $45,000 or less to use a Small Estate Administration.14 V.S.A. § 1901 (small estate), §§ 1202-1203 (publication/creditor claims), § 1065 (fees), § 906 (bond), §§ 2101-2110 (bond chapter), §§ 1851-1854 (waiver of administration); 32 V.S.A. § 1434(a)(1)-(8) (formal estate filing fees); V.R.P.P. 80.3(h) (small estate $50 fee); vtcourts.gov/fees (re-verified 2026-05-27 against legislature.vermont.gov primary source and vtcourts.gov/fees)Verified May 27, 2026 The waiting period is 0 days after death. This avoids the need for formal probate and significantly reduces time and cost.

Vermont allows executors to receive reasonable compensation.14 V.S.A. § 1065 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified May 27, 2026 Typical executor fees range from 2% to 4% of estate value. Executors can waive their fee entirely or accept a reduced amount. See a detailed breakdown with the Vermont executor fee calculator.

Probate costs in Vermont include court filing fees, attorney fees, executor compensation, publication costs, and potentially a surety bond. Total costs generally range from 3-8% of the estate value depending on complexity. The Vermont probate calculator provides a detailed cost estimate based on estate value.

Executor Duties in Vermont

Probate in Vermont begins with filing the will and a petition with the court. The initial filing fee is $50 - $3,250 (based on estate value)32 V.S.A. § 1434Verified May 27, 2026. After appointment, the executor receives letters testamentary granting legal authority to manage estate affairs.

Creditors in Vermont have 4 months14 V.S.A. § 1203Verified May 27, 2026 to file claims after notice is published. The executor must publish notice in a local newspaper and send direct notice to known creditors. For smaller estates under $45,00014 V.S.A. § 1901Verified May 27, 2026, simplified procedures may be available that bypass formal probate.

Vermont allows reasonable compensation for executors, typically 2%14 V.S.A. § 1065 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified May 27, 2026 to 4%14 V.S.A. § 1065 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified May 27, 2026 of estate value. Executors can waive their fee or negotiate a different amount. See the executor fee calculator for a breakdown.

Simple estates in Vermont typically close in 6 months14 V.S.A. § 1901Verified May 27, 2026 from the date of filing. Estates held in a revocable living trust skip probate entirely — the successor trustee handles distribution privately in weeks. The creditor claims guide covers notification deadlines for estates that do go through probate.

SimplyTrustSimplyTrust Editorial·Updated May 27, 2026

Legal Sources

  • 14 V.S.A. § 1065 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)
  • 14 V.S.A. § 1203
  • 14 V.S.A. § 1901
  • 32 V.S.A. § 1434

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

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Vermont Estate Planning Resources

In-depth guides covering Vermont probate laws, trust requirements, and estate planning strategies.

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