Vermont Executor and Estate Kit: the $45,000 Small Estate Route, First Month Checklist and Estate Ledger

Who it is for

Whoever is settling the estate of someone who lived in Vermont. Through a court office. Opened by petition to the court, with an affidavit of paid and outstanding funeral expenses; the fiduciary later files a sworn statement of payments.

Not the right fit if

The person didn't live in or own property in Vermont, or a will contest or family dispute means you need an estate attorney. Not a form preparation or legal service.

Why it is different

• Sources, checked November 2026: 14 V.S.A. chapter 81, Small estates (Vermont General Assembly); Nolo (secondary source): Probate Shortcuts in Vermont (Nolo); Vermont Statutes Title 14, Chapter 1, Wills (Vermont Legislature); 14 V.S.A. 108, Self-proved wills (Vermont Legislature); Nolo (secondary source): How to Make a Will in Vermont (Nolo, updated August 2024); 14 V.S.A. 5, Execution of will; requisites (Vermont Legislature).
• 2 facts aren't stated on those pages, so the kit leaves them out and lists them once to look up, with the official page.

What is inside

• Vermont small estate route. An estate of not more than $45,000 consisting entirely of personal property (a time-share is allowed). Real estate in the person's name alone takes the estate out of this procedure. Sworn; a notary can give the oath. The motion to waive administration is made under oath, as Nolo's summary describes it. Through a court office. Opened by petition to the court, with an affidavit of paid and outstanding funeral expenses; the fiduciary later files a sworn statement of payments. Small estate (14 V.S.A. 1901-1903): A short probate proceeding; interested parties who haven't consented have 14 days after notice to object.
• How a Vermont will had to be signed. Two or more witnesses, who sign in the presence of the testator and each other. Allowed. The testator and witnesses make a sworn acknowledgment before a notary public or other official authorized to administer oaths where the will is signed. Not recognized unless witnessed: a will must be signed in front of two or more credible witnesses, who sign in front of the testator and each other (14 V.S.A. 5). The section makes no exception for handwritten wills. A gift to a witness, or to a witness's spouse, can be undone unless two other competent witnesses signed.
• Vermont estate ledger (Excel). Assets, debts, payments and distributions; it compares the countable assets with $45,000 and flags real estate in the person's name alone, which rules the route out.
• First 30 days, tracker and letters. The first month in order, a documents and accounts tracker, and plain letters to a bank, a utility and Social Security.
• Look up before you file in Vermont. waiting period after the death, official form: look up on 14 V.S.A. chapter 81, Small estates (Vermont General Assembly).