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- A description of Vermont Courts
- Can you recommend a good lawyer?
- Have I completed my requirements for continuing legal education? (click here to go to FAQ's for continuing legal education)
- How do I become a notary public?
- How do I change parental rights and responsibilities?
- How do I enforce an out of state divorce order?
- How do I extend my visa?
- How do I file a complaint against an attorney?
- How do I file a complaint against a court? (click here to be directed to the complaint brochure)
- How do I file a complaint against a judge?
- How do I file for bankruptcy?
- How do I find an attorney?
- How do I find out about records on public disciplinary actions?
- How do I submit a Supreme Court Brief?
- How may I be excused from jury service?
- How many copies of documents are needed for cases appealed to the Supreme Court?
- I am an attorney, how do I notify the Court Administrator's Office of my new address?
- Information for Jurors
- I would like to be admitted to the Vermont Bar. What is the process? (click here to go to the Board of Bar Examiner FAQ's.)
- What are court fees?
- What are the cover color requirements for documents filed with the Vermont Supreme Court?
- What is the telephone number for the court diversion program?
- Where do I get a Certificate of Good Standing? (click here to go to FAQ's for Attorneys)
- Where do I get a marriage license?
- Where do I get a passport?
- Where do I go to change my name?
A DESCRIPTION OF VERMONT COURTS
The Vermont court system consists of seven State courts: the Supreme Court, the Superior Court, the District Court, the Family Court, the Probate Court, the Environmental Court and the Vermont Judicial Bureau.
- The Supreme Court, the state's highest court, consists of a chief justice and four associate justices. For the most part, it hears appeals of cases that have been decided by the other courts. No evidence is presented during an appeal; the attorneys argue in writing and in the courtroom as to why they think the decision made in the lower court should be changed or remain the same. If the Supreme Court overrules the decision of the trial court, it is done solely on issues of law. The Supreme Court rarely reviews the jury's decision on the facts. The Supreme Court also has overall administrative control of the court system and makes administrative and procedural rules for all courts.
- The Superior Court hears predominantly civil cases including small claims cases in which people sue for $5,000 or less. On occasion, it hears criminal cases. Each county has two assistant judges who sit with one of the Superior Court judges in most cases. The assistant judges (who need not be attorneys) are elected county officials who are responsible for county affairs in addition to their responsibilities in court.
- The District Court hears predominantly criminal cases. Assistant judges do not sit in the District Court.
- The Family Court hears divorces, juvenile, domestic abuse, and child support cases. The District and Superior Court judges as well as assistant judges are assigned to the Family Court
- The Probate Court handles the probate of wills, the settlement of estates, adoptions, guardianships, name changes and uniform gifts to minors. There are 18 Probate Court judges who are elected for four-year terms. There is no requirement that the judges of probate be attorneys.
- The Environmental Court hears appeals of Act 250 enforcement orders issued by the executive branch and also hears appeals of zoning decisions made by cities and towns.
- The Vermont Judicial Bureau hears traffic ticket cases and violations of municipal ordinances, and some fish and wildlife violations, and others including: hazing and minors possessing alcohol.
There is trial by jury only in Superior and District Courts. Most jury work in Superior Court is civil. Most jury work in District Court is criminal.
If you have lived in Vermont for at least 6 months, you may file a motion to modify the court order establishing parental rights and responsibilities in Vermont Family Court.
My ex, who now lives in Vermont, refuses to send our children home after a 2 week vacation. How do I get the out of state divorce order, which decreed that the children should live with me, enforced in Vermont?
You must send a certified copy of the Final Divorce Order to:
Deb Laferriere
Vermont Supreme Court
109 State Street
Montpelier, VT 05609-0701
(802) 828-3204How do I get a Certificate of Good Standing?
The Vermont Supreme Court issues Certificates of Good Standing. Put your request in writing along with the $3.00 fee for each certificate, made payable to:
Attorney Licensing
2418 Airport Road, Suite 2
Barre, VT 05641(click here to go to Attorney FAQ's)
I am an attorney, how do I notify the Court Administrator's Office of my new address?
Click here to email your change of address to the Court Administrator's Office.
Can you recommend a good lawyer?
Contact the Vermont Bar Association Lawyer's Referral Service:
If you live in Vermont, call (800) 639-7036.
Callers from out of state should dial (802) 223-2020.
Vermont Bar Association or click here to get to our Lawyer Resource page.The Vermont Bar Association has an attorney referral service that may be able to help you find an attorney right for you.
Where do I get a marriage license?
Marriage licenses may be obtained from your town clerk.
What are the cover color requirements for documents filed with the Vermont Supreme Court?
Printed Case--White
Appellant's Brief--Blue
Appellee's Brief--Red
Reply Brief--Gray
Amicus Curiae/Intervenor's Brief--Green
The Court may reject briefs and printed cases that do not comply with these rules. See V.R.A.P. 32(a). These requirements do not apply to filings of pro se parties.
How many copies of documents are needed for cases appealed to the Supreme Court?
The number of copies required depends on the type of document filed:
DOCUMENT NUMBER OF COPIES printed case and brief 12 motions and responses to motions 5 plus original docketing statement 1 stipulation 1 Please serve copies of all documents on all parties.
How do I file a complaint against an attorney?
The Professional Responsibility Board is responsible for reviewing and investigating all complaints of unethical conduct by attorneys licensed to practice in Vermont. Contact:
Professional Responsibility Board
c/o Costello Courthouse
32 Cherry Street, Suite 213
Burlington, VT 05401Click here for more information on attorney discipline.
Professional Responsibility Board Complaint Brochure
How do I file a complaint against a judge?
The Judicial Conduct Board is responsible for reviewing and investigating all complaints of misconduct or disability by Vermont judicial officers. Contact:
Robert Keiner, Esq.
70 Court Street
Middlebury, VT 05753
Judicial Conduct Board Complaint Brochure
How do I become a notary public?
You may apply at the Vermont Superior Court in the county in which you reside. Notaries public serve four year terms; the current term ends in 2007. The fee is $20.00
Passport applications may be obtained at Vermont Superior Courts (County Courthouses, except Windsor and Windham). You will also need:A certified copy of your birth certificate; it must include:
How Do I Submit a Supreme Court Brief?If you would like to submit a Supreme Court Brief e-mail it in PDF format to jud-supremecourtbriefs@state.vt.us
- a raised seal;
- a signature from the town clerk’s office;
- the date the certificate was filed with the town clerk.
- Two passport photographs (some counties take passport photos).
Passport fees:
Check or money order made payable to U.S. Department of State for the following amounts:
$55.00 (for those 16 or older ~ 10 year passports)
$40.00 (for those under 16 ~ 5 year passports)
Check made payable to Superior Court for $30.00 for processing fee; cash is also accepted for this processing fee.
Every applicant must appear before the processing agent (from 1 day to adults); children from 1 day to 13 years of age must appear with both natural parents and both parents need to provide proof of identity, such as a valid driver’s license; children between the ages of 14 years to 17 years of age must appear with 1 natural parent with proof of identity such as a valid driver’s license, to sign his or her application in front of the processing agent.
For expedite information or any other questions, please contact your county Superior Court.Where do I go to change my name?
Vermont Probate Court has jurisdiction over name changes.
Court fees are listed here.
Bankruptcy petitions are filed in Federal Court. Contact:
Bankruptcy Court
P.O. Box 6648
Rutland, VT 05701-6648
Vermont Bankruptcy Court website
What is the telephone number for the court diversion program?
There are twelve Court Diversion Programs in the state; Caledonia and Essex counties are served by one program as are Chittenden and Grand Isle counties.
COUNTY TELEPHONE NUMBER Addison (802) 388-3888 Bennington (802) 447-1595 Caledonia (802) 748-8732 Chittenden (802) 864-1585 Essex (802) 748-8732 Franklin (802) 527-5560 Grand Isle (802) 372-4955 Lamoille (802) 888-5871 Orange (802) 685-3172 Orleans (802) 334-7316 Rutland (802) 775-2479 Washington (802) 828-0600 Windham (802) 257-0361 Windsor (802) 295-5078 The Immigration and Naturalization Service is responsible for visa extensions. Contact:
Immigration and Naturalization Service
St. Albans Office
64 Gricebrook Road
St. Albans, VT 05478
National Customer Service number 1-800-375-5283How may I be excused from jury service?
You must write a letter to the judge presiding over the court in which you are to appear. To find out the name of the presiding judge, select one of the following:
How do I find out about records on public disciplinary actions?
Please contact the Professional Responsibility Board at 109 State St., Montpelier, VT 05609.
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