Adult & Minor Guardianship | Vermont Judiciary

Based on the weather forecast for Sunday, December 10, and Monday, December 11, state courts in Windham, Bennington, Rutland and Windsor Counties will open at 8 a.m. on Monday. There will be a delayed opening until 12:30 p.m. in all other counties. Weather conditions will be re-evaluated Monday morning and any other changes will be posted on the website by 10 a.m. Monday. If you are scheduled for a hearing in the affected counties please contact the court for your rescheduled hearing date when the court re-opens.

There is currently a network issue causing errors with the Public Portal. Judiciary staff are aware of the issue and working on a solution.

Except as noted above and below, all Vermont state courthouses are open for normal business hours:

The Washington Civil/Probate Court hearings will be remote only pending further notice. The Washington Civil/Probate Courthouse in Montpelier remains closed but civil and probate paper filings can be brought to the Washington Criminal/Family Courthouse in Barre for processing. Electronic filings continue to be processed electronically.

The Vermont Supreme Court Building in Montpelier remains closed for repair work following the flooding.

Click here for information regarding court operations, including participating in remote hearings.

Not finding what you're looking for? Email us: jud.selfhelp@vermont.gov.

Involuntary guardianship of an adult

If you believe an adult is incapable of managing their personal care, their financial affairs, or both, you may petition the court to appoint a guardian to promote the person's well-being or protect the person's human and civil rights. The court may appoint a total guardian or a limited guardian. In either case, the guardian encourages the person under guardianship to build independence and self-reliance.

Voluntary guardianship of an adult

If you are an adult who needs help managing your own affairs, you may file a petition to ask for the appointment of a guardian.

Adult Guardianships

There are circumstances when a court-appointed guardian is needed to provide for a minor's personal care (custodial guardianship) or protection of their property (financial guardianship), or both.

Minor Guardianships