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As one of the original 13 U.S. states, Vermont’s court system has a lengthy history and tradition. It is, however, also a quite progressive court, with not only supreme, superior and district court venues, but also issues-oriented courts such as Family Court, Probate Court and even Environmental Court. 

Vermont Supreme Court 

The Vermont Supreme Court is the state’s highest judicial venue. It consists of a chief justice (Paul Reiber) and four associate justices whose primary job is to hear appeals of cases decided by lower courts. 

Cases in the Supreme Court are decided from the written record, written briefs submitted by lawyers for each side, and oral arguments by those lawyers. No evidence is presented. The court’s job is to decide whether legal errors were made by the lower court; rarely will the Supreme Court attempt to reach a decision on whether the facts are true. 

Additionally, the chief justice of the Supreme Court is considered the managing officer for all Vermont courts, and makes administrative decisions and procedural rules for the operations of all courts in the state. 

The Supreme Court convenes at 109 State St. in the capital city of Montpelier. Its court calendar is available online, as are its published opinions, published orders and unpublished court orders.

Vermont Superior Court

Vermont’s Superior Court hears primarily civil cases. People can also sue for small claims of $5,000 or less. On occasion, the Superior Court will hear a criminal case.

Each of Vermont’s 14 coutnies has two assistant judges who sit with one Superior Court judge to hear most cases. The assistant judges – who need not be attorneys – are elected county officials who are responsible for county affairs in addition to their courtroom responsibilities.

Superior Court has exclusive jurisdiction over most civil cases, which involve the private rights of individuals, businesses and organizations. These cases might include: orders for protection for victims of stalking or sexual assault; tort claims, i.e., injury or wrong resulting from the action or inaction of another; disputes over contracts; disputes in ownership of real estate or other property; and small claims, i.e., other disputes involving damages of $5,000 or less.

Vermont’s superior courts also have jurisdiction to review the decisions of a lower court or government agency upon request for appeal.

The facts of the case may be decided by a three-judge panel – the presiding judge and two assistants – or by jury.

There are 12 Superior Court judges, all of whom may hear cases in Superior Court, District Court or Family Court.

A roster and contact list of Superior Court judges and staff, and a link to each court’s calendar, are available online by county: Addison; Bennington; Caledonia; Chittenden; Essex; Franklin; Grand Isle; Lamoille; Orange; Orleans; Rutland; Washington; Windham; and Windsor. 

Vermont District Courts

Vermont’s District Court venues primarily hear criminal cases.

Just as in the Superior Court system, the district courts are active in all 14 Vermont counties. They field nearly all criminal cases filed in Vermont, plus some civil matters, including civil suspensions of a driver’s license, fish and wildlife violations, and appeals of traffic tickets and municipal ordinance violation decisions rendered by lower courts.

There are 17 District Court judges. The addresses and phone numbers for their courts, the names of associated staff members, two-week calendars for the court and the Vermont Judiciary Surcharge Schedule for fines and restitution can be accessed online by county: Addison; Bennington; Caledonia; Chittenden; Essex; Franklin; Grand Isle; Lamoille; Orange; Orleans; Rutland; Washington; Windham; and Windsor.

Vermont Family Courts

Family Court venues in Vermont hear cases involving divorce, juvenile matters, domestic abuse and child support.

The District Court and Superior Court judges, Family Court magistrates and some assistant judges are assigned to Family Court as needed.

Each of Vermont’s 14 counties has a Family Court. Numerous matters related to marriage – divorce, annulment, desertion and separation – are handled by these courts. So are child support matters, determination of a child’s parentage, orders for protection for victims of domestic abuse, and juvenile cases for the delinquent, unmanageable, abused or neglected minor. The court’s final responsibility is decisions on psychiatric commitment to the Vermont State Hospital.

Many individuals represent themselves in Family Court. Vermont offers training sessions led by court staff to educate these participants so they will receive a fair hearing of their family matters.

All Family Court matters except child support determinations are usually decided by the presiding Family Court judge. Child support orders are the responsibility of Family Court magistrates. There are no jury trials.

Vermont Probate Court

As in other probate courts, the Vermont Probate Court handles the settlement of estates, matters involving wills, requests for name changes, adoptions and guardianship of children and uniform gifts to minors.

There are 18 Probate Court judges who are elected to serve four-year terms. Probate Court judges need not be licensed attorneys.

Each of Vermont’s 14 counties has at least one Probate Court venue. In four of the state’s southern counties, there are two Probate Court locations. Bennington County has venues in Bennington and Manchester, Rutland County has locations in Rutland and Fair Haven, Westminster County operates sites in Marlboro and Windham, and Windsor County has probate courts in Hartford and Windsor. These courts can be contacted by location: Addison; Bennington; Caledonia; Chittenden; Essex; Fair Haven; Franklin; Grand Isle; Hartford; Lamoille; Manchester; Marlboro; Orange; Orleans; Rutland; Washington; Westminster; and Windsor.

Vermont Environmental Court

Vermont’s Environmental Court hears appeals from municipal boards and commissions, and also appeals from “Act 250” decisions. The court also can hear Agency of Natural Resources, Natural Resource Board and municipal enforcement department cases.

Two Environmental Court judges preside over courtrooms at 2418 Airport Road in Barre.

The court’s calendar can be found online. Also available are links to Environmental Court decisions and to information on seeking mediation on environmental matters.

Vermont Judicial Bureau

The Vermont Judicial Bureau is assigned to hear Vermont Civil Violation Complaints and violations of municipal ordinances.

These matters might include traffic tickets, minor municipal violations, fish and wildlife offenses, hazing cases and matters involving minors in possession of alcohol.

Offenders who are willing to plead guilty or no contest to traffic violations can pay their tickets online. Online resources for such individuals include a link to PDFs of the Judicial Bureau Motion Form, a waiver penalty and schedule of fines, and a speeding penalty chart.

Supreme Court Opinions

Vermont Judiciary Home Page

United States District Court - District of Vermont

United States Bankruptcy Court - District of Vermont

Vermont Judiciary - Vermont Civil Violation Complaints Online.  Instructions for paying your traffic tickets online.

Vermont Court Fees - Database of court fees for all courts including the Supreme Court, Superior Court, Small Claims Court, Environmental Court, District Courts, Family Courts, Probate Courts and the Judicial Bureau.

Vermont Courts Public Access Rules - Rules regarding the public access of court records in the state of Vermont.

Vermont Court Forms - Search and download PDF court forms for use in the Vermont court system.

Vermont Court Judiciary Contact Information - Search the Vermont Court directory.

Vermont Bar - Search the Lawyer Databases through the Vermont Bar.

Vermont Judiciary - Instructions regarding how to use the small claims court in the state of Vermont.

Vermont Self Service Center - Self-Help for individuals who are representing themselves in Vermont courts.