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); Vermont Statutes Title 14, Chapter 1, Wills (Vermont Legislature).
• 4 facts aren't stated on those pages, so the kit says so and links where to check.

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. 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. 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.
• Still to confirm in Vermont. waiting period after the death, notary or oath, official form: check 14 V.S.A. chapter 81, Small estates (Vermont General Assembly); if the will is handwritten: check Vermont Statutes Title 14, Chapter 1, Wills (Vermont Legislature).