Vermont Court Records

Vermont court records refer to documents, files, and information generated and maintained by the various courts within the state's judicial system. These records document the proceedings, decisions, and actions taken in civil and criminal cases that the state courts hear.

 

Court records are available to the overall population. The guideline of open admittance to court records is established in the state's obligation to transparency and accountability in its laws. The Vermont Public Records Act, codified in Title 1, Chapter 5 of the Vermont Rules, states the regulations that administer community to government records, including court records.

 

The Vermont Judiciary is crucial in managing and providing access to court records. The Judiciary's website is valuable for people looking for court records. It gives an internet-based portal known as the "Vermont Judiciary Public Portal," which offers admittance to various court records, including case agendas, court schedules, and other essential reports. The public portal enables users to look for court records by case number, party name, or lawyer name, making it easier for people to track down essential data.

Which Vermont Courts Maintain Publicly Accessible Records?

Vermont's judicial system has several courts, each with jurisdiction and responsibilities. The following courts in Vermont maintain publicly accessible records:

Supreme Court of Vermont

The Supreme Court of Vermont is the highest appellate court in the state. It reviews appeals from lower courts and can interpret the state constitution and statutes. The court's decisions are of significant legal importance and set precedents for the entire state. The High Court keeps up with openly available records of its cases, including opinions, briefs, and other relevant documents. These records can be accessed through the Vermont Judiciary's online portal or by visiting the court's physical location in Montpelier, the state capital.

Vermont Superior Courts

The Vermont Superior Courts are the trial courts with general jurisdiction in the state. They handle various civil and criminal cases, including family, probate, and small claims matters. 14 Superior Court units are located throughout Vermont, each serving specific counties or regions. The Superior Courts maintain publicly accessible records of their cases, including case dockets, court calendars, and other relevant documents. These records can be accessed through the Vermont Judiciary's online portal or by visiting the respective Superior Court location.

Vermont District Courts

The Vermont District Courts are lower courts with limited jurisdiction. They handle various cases, including civil disputes involving small claims, landlord-tenant issues, traffic violations, and misdemeanors. Several District Court locations across the state serve specific geographical areas. The District Courts also maintain publicly accessible records of their cases, accessed through the Vermont Judiciary's online portal or by visiting the respective District Court location.

Vermont Environmental Court

The Vermont Environmental Court is a specialized court that deals with environmental and land use matters. It has jurisdiction over cases involving Act 250 land development permits, environmental enforcement actions, appeals of administrative decisions, and other environmental disputes. The Environmental Court maintains publicly accessible records of its cases, including pleadings, judgments, and other relevant documents. These records can be accessed through the Vermont Judiciary's online portal or by visiting the Environmental Court location in Montpelier.

What are the Common Public Court Records in Vermont? 

Public court records in Vermont encompass a wide range of legal proceedings and decisions. Here are the most common public court records available in the state, explaining each record and the corresponding court, division, or government agency responsible for them.

Criminal Court Records

Criminal court records document cases related to alleged violations of criminal law. These records incorporate data about arrests, charges, court appearances, request arrangements, preliminaries, and sentencing. They provide insight into the criminal justice system and the outcomes of criminal cases. The Vermont Superior Courts, District Courts, and the Supreme Court primarily maintain criminal court records. To access these records, individuals can use the Vermont Judiciary Public Portal, which provides search options based on case numbers, party names, or attorney names.

Civil Court Records

Civil court records about non-criminal cases, including disputes between individuals, businesses, or organizations. They encompass various matters, such as contract disputes, personal injury claims, and property disputes. Civil court records provide information on civil cases' proceedings, judgments, and resolutions. The Vermont Superior Courts and District Courts maintain these records. Accessing civil court records follows the same process as accessing criminal court records through the Vermont Judiciary Public Portal.

Small Claims Court Records

Small claims court records related to cases filed in the Vermont District Courts' Small Claims Division. These cases involve relatively minor disputes, typically seeking monetary compensation up to a specific limit. Small claims court records include information about the parties involved, the nature of the dispute, and the judgment or resolution reached. Small claims court records can be accessed through the Vermont Judiciary Public Portal or by visiting the District Court location.

Probate Court Records

Probate court records include wills, estate inventories, probate documents, and other related materials. These records can provide valuable insights into the administration of estates and the distribution of assets. Individuals can contact the appropriate Probate Court or visit their physical location to access probate court records.

Family Court Records

Family court records are associated with cases handled by the Vermont Family Division, which operates within the Vermont Superior Courts. Family court cases involve divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, and domestic relations. Family court records include divorce decrees, custody orders, support agreements, and related documents. These records help individuals understand the legal processes involved in family-related matters. Access to family court records is available through the Vermont Judiciary Public Portal or by visiting the respective Family Division location.

Environmental Court Records

Environmental court records pertain to cases heard in the Vermont Environmental Court. This specialized court deals with environmental and land use matters, including Act 250 land development permits, environmental enforcement actions, and appeals of administrative decisions. Environmental court records encompass pleadings, findings, and other relevant documents that shed light on environmental issues in Vermont. These records can be accessed through the Vermont Judiciary Public Portal or by visiting the Environmental Court location in Montpelier.

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It's important to note that while these are the common types of public court records in Vermont, there may be other specialized records specific to certain courts or divisions. For example, specialized dockets, such as drug or mental health courts, may maintain records focusing on treating and rehabilitating individuals with specific needs.

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In addition to the accessibility provided through the Vermont Judiciary Public Portal and physical court locations, it is essential to note that certain court records may have specific procedures or requirements for access. For instance, some records may be subject to redaction to protect sensitive personal information or may require a request through the court clerk's office. It is advisable to check with the specific court or division for additional steps or guidelines to access certain records.

Does Vermont Have a Case Search?

Vermont provides an online portal known as the "Vermont Judiciary Public Portal," which allows individuals to search and access case and court records. This user-friendly system is designed to provide convenient and efficient access to public court records. In addition to the online portal, alternative methods are available for obtaining court records in Vermont. Let's explore these options in detail:

Vermont Judiciary Public Portal

The Vermont Judiciary Public Portal fills in as the essential web-based asset for looking and getting to court records in the state. It gives a far-reaching platform for people to recover data about cases, court agendas, sentiments, and other vital records. The portal allows users to search for court records based on criteria such as case numbers, party names, or attorney names.

 

To use the Vermont Judiciary Public Portal, follow these steps:

 

1. Visit the Vermont Judiciary website at judiciary.vermont.gov.
2. Look for the "Public Portal" or "Case Search" option on the website's homepage and click on it.
3. Create or log in to an existing account. Registration is free. Certain services or advanced features may require payment or a subscription.
4. You can enter relevant search criteria, such as the case number, party name, or attorney name, to locate the desired court record.
5. Review the search results and click on the specific case or record to access further details and associated documents.

 

The Vermont Judiciary Public Portal offers a user-friendly interface, enabling individuals to navigate the system and retrieve court records easily. It is an excellent resource for conducting online research and staying informed about legal proceedings in the state.

In-Person Requests

For individuals who prefer to obtain court records in person or require additional assistance, visiting the physical location of the respective court or division is an option. In-person requests can be made at the appropriate court clerk's office, where court records are typically stored and maintained. Individuals can access records, request copies, and seek guidance from court staff by personally visiting the court.

 

To obtain court records in person, follow these general steps:

 

1. Identify the court or division where the case or record is located. This information can be determined based on the type of case or the jurisdiction involved (e.g., Superior Court, District Court, Family Division, Probate Court, Environmental Court).
2. Determine the court's physical location or division, as different courts may be in various counties or regions within Vermont.
3. Visit the court clerk's office during regular business hours. It is advisable to contact the court in advance or check their website for any specific requirements, such as appointment scheduling or limitations due to COVID-19 protocols.
4. Inform the court clerk of your request to obtain specific court records. Provide the necessary details, such as the case number, parties involved, or any other relevant information that can assist in locating the records.
5. Depending on the court's procedures, you may be required to complete a request form or provide identification. Be prepared to follow any specific guidelines outlined by the court clerk.
6. Pay any applicable fees for copies or certification of the requested court records, as determined by the court's fee schedule.

 

In-person requests offer the advantage of direct interaction with court personnel, who can guide navigating the court's record system and ensure that you receive the correct documents.

Requests by Mail

Another method of obtaining court records in Vermont is through mail-in requests. This option benefits individuals who cannot personally visit the court or prefer to communicate by mail. To request court records by mail, follow these general steps:

 

1. Identify the court or division where the case or record is located.
2. Obtain the mailing address of the court clerk's office for the respective court or division. This information can typically be found on the court's website or by contacting the court directly.
3. Draft a written request, including the necessary details such as the case number, parties involved, and specific records being sought. It is essential to provide clear and accurate information to ensure the court can locate the requested records.
4. include a self-addressed stamped envelope with sufficient postage to cover the return of the requested documents.
5. Enclose any required fees as a money order or certified check. Some courts may also accept personal checks, but it is advisable to verify the acceptable forms of payment with the court clerk's office.
6. Mail the request, the self-addressed stamped envelope, and fees to the court clerk's office.
7. Allow sufficient time for processing and delivery of the requested court records. The exact timeframe may vary depending on the court's workload and administrative processes.

 

These methods through the Vermont Judiciary Public Portal, in-person requests, and requests by mail, provide individuals with various avenues to obtain court records in Vermont. The availability of multiple options ensures that individuals can access the records in a manner that best suits their preferences and circumstances.

 

While the online portal provides a convenient and efficient way to look at and access court records, certain records or case subtleties might require extra advances or cycles. For instance, accessing sealed records, confidential documents, or records involving juveniles may have other restrictions or require court authorization.

 

To ensure a smooth and successful search or request for court records, it is best to look into the court's standards, methods, and related charges. Additionally, verifying the accuracy of the information provided, such as case numbers or parties' names, can help expedite the process and avoid delays.

 

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Counties in Vermont

• Addison
• Bennington
• Caledonia
• Chittenden
• Essex
• Franklin
• Grand Isle
• Lamoille
• Orange
• Orleans
• Rutland
• Washington
• Windham
• Windsor

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Courts in Vermont