Vermont Rules of Probate Procedure – 2026

The Probate Division's own complete ruleset, FRCP-flavored. Vermont is one of the few states with genuine probate procedure rules rather than a handful of statutes.

Last updated September 06, 2026

Browse all 91 rules of the 2026 edition below. Each rule includes the full text, a plain-English summary, committee notes, amendment history, and cross-references to related rules. Use the search box to find rules by keyword or number.

I. Scope of Rules; Form of Proceeding

Rule 1 Scope of Rules Rule 2 Form of Proceeding

II. Commencement of Proceeding; Service of Notice, Process, Pleadings, Motions, and Orders; Time

Rule 3 Commencement and Duration of Proceedings Rule 3.1 Waiver of Filing Fee and Service Costs; Compensation of Appointed Counsel Rule 4 Notice; Process [Effective until July 1, 2026] Rule 5 Service and Filing of Pleadings and Other Documents Rule 5.1 Service and Notice; Specific Actions Rule 6 Time

III. Pleadings and Motions

Rule 7 Pleadings and Motions Rule 8 Rules of Pleading Rule 9 Pleading Special Matters Rule 10 Form of Pleadings Rule 11 Signing of Papers; Sanctions Rule 12 Notice of Initial Hearing; Defenses and Objections—When and How Presented Rule 13 Elections in Estates [Effective until July 1, 2026] Rule 14 [Reserved.] Rule 15 Amended and Supplemental Pleadings Rule 16 Consent and Waiver Rule 16.1 Mediation

IV. Parties

Rule 17 Parties Generally Rule 18 Representative Parties Rule 19 Joinder of Claims Rule 20 Permissive Joinder of Parties Rule 21 Misjoinder and Nonjoinder of Parties Rule 22 [Reserved.] Rule 23 [Reserved.] Rule 24 Intervention Rule 25 Substitution of Parties

IX. Probate Courts and Registers; Attorneys

Rule 77 Probate Courts and Registers Rule 78 Filing of Original Documents Rule 79 Books and Records Kept by the Register and Entries Therein Rule 79.1 Appearance and Withdrawal of Attorneys and Self-Represented Parties Rule 79.2 Possession and Use of Recording and Transmitting Devices

V. Discovery

Rule 26 Discovery Rule 27 [Reserved.]

VI. Hearings

Rule 38 Change of Venue Rule 39 Expedited Hearings Rule 40 Assignment of Cases for Hearing; Continuances; Disqualification Rule 41 Voluntary Dismissal of Actions Rule 42 Consolidation or Joint Hearing Rule 43 Evidence Rule 43.1 Remote and Hybrid Proceedings with Participation or Testimony by Video or Audio Conference Rule 44 Determination of Local and Foreign Law Rule 45 Subpoena Rule 46 Exceptions Unnecessary Rule 47 Recording of Probate Proceedings Rule 48 [Reserved.] Rule 52 Findings by the Court Rule 53 Masters Div. VI VI. Hearings

VII. Judgment

Rule 54 Judgments; Costs Rule 55 [Reserved.] Rule 56 [Reserved.] Rule 57 Declaratory Judgments Rule 58 Entry of Judgment Rule 59 [Reserved.] Rule 60 Relief From Judgment or Order [Effective until July 1, 2026] Rule 60.1 Closing a Probate Proceeding; Reopening Rule 61 Harmless Error Rule 62 Stay of Proceedings to Enforce a Judgment Rule 63 [Reserved.]

VIII. Special Provisions

Rule 64 Creditors' Claims Against Decedents' Estates Rule 65 Equitable Relief Rule 66 Inventory and Accounts Rule 67 Fiduciaries Rule 68 Foreign Fiduciaries and Sureties Rule 69 Deposit in Court Rule 70 Judgment for Specific Acts; Vesting Title Rule 71 Process in Behalf of and Against Persons Not Parties Rule 72 Civil Contempt Proceedings Rule 73 Referral to the Civil Division Rule 74 Waiver of Administration Rule 75 , 76. [Reserved.]

X. Special Rules for Certain Procedures

Rule 80 Conveyance of Property When Record Holder Deceased Rule 80.1 Notice of Appointment of Guardian Rule 80.2 Ancillary Administration Rule 80.3 Small Estates Rule 80.4 Delivery of Will by Custodian; Copy of Will Filed for Safekeeping Rule 80.5 Adoption Proceeding Rule 80.6 Change of Name Rule 80.7 Certificate of Presumed Death Rule 80.8 Accounting by an Agent under a Power of Attorney Rule 80.9 Representation by Guardians Ad Litem of minors Rule 80.10 Representation by Attorneys and Guardians Ad Litem of Adults in Specified Proceedings Rule 80.11 Representation by Guardians Ad Litem and Attorneys of Child Witnesses

XI. General Provisions

Rule 81 Applicability of Rules Rule 82 [Reserved.] Rule 83 Definitions Rule 84 Forms Rule 85 Title Rule 86 Effective Date