---
title: "Vermont Executor Checklist: First 30 Days | MCC Solutions"
description: "Vermont executor checklist: first 30 days, up to $45,000 small estate limit, sworn affidavit, 2 will witnesses, official court links."
url: "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/vermont-executor-checklist"
---

Executor checklist · Vermont

# Vermont executor and estate paperwork checklist

The first 30 days, the small estate route, the will at probate, and the official pages to ask, from this state's own court and statute pages.

**Quick answer.** In the first 30 days, an executor in Vermont orders certified death certificates, finds the original will, secures the home, car and mail, lists what the person owned and owed, and holds off on paying debts until it's clear who has authority. For the small estate route, Vermont's official pages give a limit of up to $45,000 and a sworn affidavit; it goes through the court.

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**Short answer.** Vermont: up to $45,000 small estate limit; sworn affidavit; filed through the court; 2 will witnesses; self-proving affidavit allowed. 9 of 11 state facts below are confirmed on official pages; 2 are marked not confirmed, with the page to check.

**This is an organizer, not legal advice.** An estate attorney or the county probate/surrogate office answers questions about your situation.

## The first 30 days

General steps in plain words. Tick them off as you go; the ticks stay on this screen only.

- **Ask for certified death certificates, more than you think**The funeral director or vital records office issues them. Institutions often keep the copy you send, so plan on one each.
- **Confirm the death was reported to Social Security**Usually the funeral home does this. If it didn't, phone 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778); a widow or widower, or certain children, may qualify for $255.
- **Locate the signed will and any changes**The signed original matters more than a copy. Keep it whole and somewhere safe, and note who else has a copy.
- **See whether a self-proving affidavit is attached**It's a sworn page signed by the witnesses, usually at the end of the will; the rule for this state is below.
- **Keep the house and vehicles safe**Tell the insurer about the death so coverage stays in place, take photos of what's inside, and redirect the mail.
- **Hold off on paying debts or giving things away**Wait until you know which route applies and who has authority. If something can't wait, ask the probate clerk or an attorney.
- **Stop using the person's power of attorney**A power of attorney ends at the principal's death, so an agent under it can't act for the estate.
- **Start an inventory**Every account, property, vehicle and debt, with how each is held. Beneficiary and joint accounts usually pass directly, not through the estate.
- **Compare the estate with $45,000**That's the small estate figure on this state's official page. Count only what the page says counts.
- **Keep an account of every transaction**Write down each payment and each deposit with the date and a receipt; heirs and the court may ask to see it.
- **When appointed, get an EIN and open an estate account**Pay estate bills from that account only. Form 1041 is due if the estate has more than $600 of gross income in a year (IRS).

Sources for the federal steps: [Social Security Administration: When someone dies](https://ssa.gov/personal-record/when-someone-dies) · [IRS: Deceased taxpayers, filing the estate income tax return (Form 1041)](https://www.irs.gov/individuals/deceased-taxpayers-filing-the-estate-income-tax-return-form-1041) · power of attorney: [Power of attorney at a real estate closing](/notary/guides/power-of-attorney-at-a-real-estate-closing).

## The small estate route

- #### ConfirmedSmall estate limit An estate of not more than $45,000 consisting entirely of personal property (a time-share is allowed)."not more than $45,000.00 and consists entirely of personal property" Sources: [14 V.S.A. chapter 81, Small estates (Vermont General Assembly)](https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/fullchapter/14/081); [Nolo (secondary source): Probate Shortcuts in Vermont (Nolo)](https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/vermont-probate-shortcuts-31977.html), checked November 2026
- #### ConfirmedReal estate Real estate in the person's name alone takes the estate out of this procedure. Sources: [14 V.S.A. chapter 81, Small estates (Vermont General Assembly)](https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/fullchapter/14/081); [Nolo (secondary source): Probate Shortcuts in Vermont (Nolo)](https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/vermont-probate-shortcuts-31977.html), checked November 2026
- #### Not confirmedWaiting period after the death Not confirmed — check [14 V.S.A. chapter 81, Small estates (Vermont General Assembly)](https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/fullchapter/14/081).
- #### ConfirmedNotary or oath Sworn; a notary can give the oath. The motion to waive administration is made under oath, as Nolo's summary describes it."must be made under oath" Source: [Nolo (secondary source): Probate Shortcuts in Vermont (Nolo)](https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/vermont-probate-shortcuts-31977.html), checked November 2026
- #### ConfirmedWhere the paperwork goes 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. Sources: [14 V.S.A. chapter 81, Small estates (Vermont General Assembly)](https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/fullchapter/14/081); [Nolo (secondary source): Probate Shortcuts in Vermont (Nolo)](https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/vermont-probate-shortcuts-31977.html), checked November 2026
- #### Not confirmedOfficial form Not confirmed — check [14 V.S.A. chapter 81, Small estates (Vermont General Assembly)](https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/fullchapter/14/081).
- #### ConfirmedSimplified court procedure 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. Sources: [14 V.S.A. chapter 81, Small estates (Vermont General Assembly)](https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/fullchapter/14/081); [Nolo (secondary source): Probate Shortcuts in Vermont (Nolo)](https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/vermont-probate-shortcuts-31977.html), checked November 2026
- #### ConfirmedWorth knowing Last amended by 2019 Acts No. 36. Sources: [14 V.S.A. chapter 81, Small estates (Vermont General Assembly)](https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/fullchapter/14/081); [Nolo (secondary source): Probate Shortcuts in Vermont (Nolo)](https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/vermont-probate-shortcuts-31977.html), checked November 2026

## The will at probate

When the will goes to the court, these signing rules are what it is checked against.

- #### ConfirmedWitnesses the will needed Two or more witnesses, who sign in the presence of the testator and each other."signed in the presence of two or more credible witnesses" Sources: [Vermont Statutes Title 14, Chapter 1, Wills (Vermont Legislature)](https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/fullchapter/14/001); [14 V.S.A. 108, Self-proved wills (Vermont Legislature)](https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/14/003/00108); [Nolo (secondary source): How to Make a Will in Vermont (Nolo, updated August 2024)](https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/vermont-make-will-31659.html); [14 V.S.A. 5, Execution of will; requisites (Vermont Legislature)](https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/14/001/00005), checked November 2026
- #### ConfirmedSelf-proving affidavit 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."before a notary public or other official authorized to administer oaths" Sources: [Vermont Statutes Title 14, Chapter 1, Wills (Vermont Legislature)](https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/fullchapter/14/001); [14 V.S.A. 108, Self-proved wills (Vermont Legislature)](https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/14/003/00108); [Nolo (secondary source): How to Make a Will in Vermont (Nolo, updated August 2024)](https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/vermont-make-will-31659.html); [14 V.S.A. 5, Execution of will; requisites (Vermont Legislature)](https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/14/001/00005), checked November 2026
- #### ConfirmedIf the will is handwritten 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."signed in the presence of two or more credible witnesses by the testator" Sources: [Vermont Statutes Title 14, Chapter 1, Wills (Vermont Legislature)](https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/fullchapter/14/001); [14 V.S.A. 108, Self-proved wills (Vermont Legislature)](https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/14/003/00108); [Nolo (secondary source): How to Make a Will in Vermont (Nolo, updated August 2024)](https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/vermont-make-will-31659.html); [14 V.S.A. 5, Execution of will; requisites (Vermont Legislature)](https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/14/001/00005), checked November 2026
- #### ConfirmedA witness who inherits A gift to a witness, or to a witness's spouse, can be undone unless two other competent witnesses signed."shall be voidable unless there are two other competent, subscribing witnesses" Sources: [Vermont Statutes Title 14, Chapter 1, Wills (Vermont Legislature)](https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/fullchapter/14/001); [14 V.S.A. 108, Self-proved wills (Vermont Legislature)](https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/14/003/00108); [Nolo (secondary source): How to Make a Will in Vermont (Nolo, updated August 2024)](https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/vermont-make-will-31659.html); [14 V.S.A. 5, Execution of will; requisites (Vermont Legislature)](https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/14/001/00005), checked November 2026

## Want us to handle it?

We order certified records, pick up and deliver documents, get the small estate affidavit signed and notarized, and file papers near where the estate is, in any state. We are not lawyers.

**Price:** Quote-based, from $199 per job plus government and court fees at cost. Starting rates. Your exact price is quoted after we confirm a local notary/runner, before you pay.

[Ask for estate paperwork help](/notary/estate-paperwork-help-out-of-state#request)

## Documents to gather

- Pension, Social Security and benefit letters
- Safe deposit box location and keys
- Certified death certificates
- The original will and any codicils
- Deeds and mortgage statements
- Vehicle titles and registrations
- Recent bank, brokerage and retirement statements
- Life insurance policies and annuities
- The last few years of tax returns
- Recent bills, loan and credit card statements

## Who to notify

Landlord or mortgage servicer, Credit card companies, Pension or employer, Social Security (if the funeral home hasn't), Banks and credit unions, Brokerage and retirement accounts, Life insurance companies, Utilities and phone. Write once to each, enclose a death certificate copy, and record the reply.

## Documents needed abroad

- #### ConfirmedA death certificate needed abroad Apostilles for this state's documents come from the Vermont State Archives and Records Administration (VSARA), Secretary of State. $10 per apostille or authentication. Vital records: Official copies certified by the legal record custodian; original certifications only. Source: [Vermont State Archives and Records Administration (VSARA), Secretary of State](https://sos.vermont.gov/secretary-of-state-services/apostille-or-authentication), checked November 2026

## Where to ask

An estate attorney or the county probate/surrogate office answers questions about your situation. Official pages for Vermont:

- [Probate Shortcuts in Vermont (Nolo)](https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/vermont-probate-shortcuts-31977.html)

## Still to confirm

- Waiting period after the death: check [14 V.S.A. chapter 81, Small estates (Vermont General Assembly)](https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/fullchapter/14/081)
- Official form: check [14 V.S.A. chapter 81, Small estates (Vermont General Assembly)](https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/fullchapter/14/081)

General information, not legal, tax or financial advice. We are not lawyers, and MCC Solutions is not a law firm. An estate attorney or the county probate/surrogate office answers questions about your situation. Facts checked November 2026.

## Common questions

**Is there a small estate route in Vermont?**

On the official pages we read: An estate of not more than $45,000 consisting entirely of personal property (a time-share is allowed). 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.

**Does the small estate paperwork in Vermont need a notary?**

Sworn; a notary can give the oath. The motion to waive administration is made under oath, as Nolo's summary describes it.

**How many witnesses did a will in Vermont need?**

Two or more witnesses, who sign in the presence of the testator and each other.

**What about a self-proving affidavit in Vermont?**

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.

**What if the only will in Vermont is handwritten?**

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.

**Who answers questions about an estate in Vermont?**

An estate attorney or the county probate/surrogate office answers questions about your situation. The official pages behind this checklist: Probate Shortcuts in Vermont (Nolo).

Related: [Executor guide by state](/notary/executor-guide-by-state) · [Will signing requirements](/notary/will-signing-requirements-vermont) · [Estate paperwork help](/notary/estate-paperwork-help-out-of-state)

## Family far from the estate?

[See estate paperwork help](/notary/estate-paperwork-help-out-of-state)[Call (908) 444-6373](tel:+19084446373)