Can You Self-File Probate in Chittenden County, Vermont?
In Vermont, informal probate is not available14 V.S.A. § 1851Verified Sep 9, 2026View source, so self-filing means a formal court petition rather than a registrar filing. In Chittenden County, the petition is filed at the Chittenden County Superior Court - Probate Division, which requires e-filing.
Yes. Chittenden County runs a self-help center for self-represented filers. It works best for a straightforward estate. The estate settlement plan tracks each Chittenden County filing step alongside the estate's accounts and deadlines.
File at the Superior Court - Probate Division, 175 Main Street, Burlington, VT 05401. Phone: 1-802-651-1518. Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:30 PM.
Chittenden County requires attorneys to e-file probate matters. Attorneys must e-file through eFile & Serve. A self-represented filer may e-file, but once they e-file in a case they keep e-filing for the rest of it unless the court allows otherwise. E-filing adds a $14 use fee per filer per case, and card payments through it carry a 2.89% processing fee.
Chittenden County runs a self-help center at Costello Courthouse, 32 Cherry Street, Burlington (by appointment). Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:00 PM. Phone: 1-802-879-1185.
The Vermont court filing fee is $50 - $3,250 (based on estate value)32 V.S.A. § 1434(a)(1)-(8)Verified Oct 17, 2026View source, and publication of the creditor notice is a separate cost set by the newspaper. Vermont requires a bond of the personal representative by default14 V.S.A. § 906; 14 V.S.A. §§ 2101-2110Verified Sep 9, 2026View source, so a bond premium is a cost too unless the will or the heirs waive it. The filing fee is a fraction of what probate costs with counsel: attorney fees are the largest line, and self-filing removes that line while court costs, publication and executor compensation stay the same.
Self-File Probate Assessment in Nearby Counties
- More Vermont counties: Caledonia County (St. Johnsbury) · Essex County (Guildhall)
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Forms for Settling an Estate in Vermont
Free forms for settling an estate in Vermont: probate petition, small estate affidavit, creditor notice and closing forms. Prepare each form for Vermont.
Petition for Probate and Letters
In Vermont, the petition asks the Vermont Superior Court, Probate Division to appoint the personal representative, whose authority is proved by Certificate of Appointment; every appointment goes through the court14 V.S.A. § 1851Verified Sep 9, 2026View source.
Notice to Creditors
In Vermont, the notice to creditors is published for 114 V.S.A. §§ 1201-1207Verified Oct 19, 2026View source week in a local newspaper, and creditors have 4 months14 V.S.A. § 1203Verified Sep 9, 2026View source from first publication to present claims.
Renunciation of Executor
In Vermont, a person named as executor may decline to servePE25, Executor's Refusal of Appointment (02/2015)Verified Sep 23, 2026View source before anyone is appointed.
Estate Inventory
In Vermont, the personal representative files the estate inventory within 60 days14 V.S.A. §§ 1051-1053Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment.
Estate Closing
In Vermont, the personal representative is discharged by court order14 V.S.A. §§ 1721(a)(3), 1854; 32 V.S.A. § 7454(a)Verified Sep 15, 2026View source, and a final accounting is required unless it is waived.
IRS Form 1310
Claim a refund due a deceased taxpayer on the official form, on the box the form routes you to, with what the form says to attach.
Tools for Settling an Estate in Vermont
Free tools for settling an estate in Vermont: whether probate is needed, executor and trustee pay, creditor deadlines and taxes. Run each tool for Vermont.
How Much Can an Executor Charge?
Vermont pays executors reasonable compensation14 V.S.A. § 1065 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Sep 9, 2026View source, typically 2.2%Estimated from the 16 state statutes that set an executor fee schedule (median and interquartile range at this estate value)Verified Sep 9, 2026View source to 3.8%Estimated from the 16 state statutes that set an executor fee schedule (median and interquartile range at this estate value)Verified Sep 9, 2026View source of the estate.
How Do I Get Letters Testamentary?
In Vermont, the Probate Division of the Superior Court issues a Certificate of Appointment once the Vermont Superior Court, Probate Division appoints the personal representative; every appointment goes through the court14 V.S.A. § 1851Verified Sep 9, 2026View source.
What Are the Creditor Claim Deadlines?
In Vermont, creditors have 4 months14 V.S.A. § 1203Verified Sep 9, 2026View source from first publication of the creditor notice to present claims; late claims are barred.
What Happens When an Estate Is Insolvent?
When an estate owes more than it holds, Vermont pays the claims in 414 V.S.A. § 1205Verified Sep 23, 2026View source classes in statutory order, beginning with costs and expenses of administration.
How Do I Claim a Deceased Person's Unclaimed Property?
In Vermont, a deceased owner's unclaimed property is claimed from the Vermont State Treasurer, Unclaimed Property Division27 V.S.A. Chapter 18 (Revised Uniform Unclaimed Property Act); §§ 1553–1557Verified Aug 24, 2026View source.
How Do I Open an Estate Account When Someone Dies?
Compare estate-account opening requirements bank by bank: channels, required documents, and steps.
What Social Security Survivor Benefits Can I Get?
Which Social Security survivor benefit a spouse, former spouse, child or parent can get, what share it pays, and the lump-sum death payment.
What Is the Estate's Personal Property Worth for Probate?
In Vermont, the personal representative lists the estate's personal property at its fair market value as of the date of death14 V.S.A. §§ 1051-1053Verified Sep 15, 2026View source, on the inventory filed within 60 days14 V.S.A. §§ 1051-1053Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of the appointment.
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Vermont Estate Settlement Resources
In-depth guides covering Vermont probate, estate administration, and settling an estate.