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Vermont Probate Glossary

Plain-language definitions of the words you will meet while settling an estate in Vermont. Vermont is not a Uniform Probate Code state, so several of these terms mean something different here than they do in New Hampshire or New York. Vermont also says executor or administrator rather than personal representative, appoints no conservators, and keeps its land records at the town clerk rather than at a county registry of deeds. Use this page to decode probate language before you open forms, call the local filing office, or decide whether an estate needs court supervision.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why use a Vermont probate glossary instead of a general legal glossary?
Vermont probate procedure still uses many standard estate terms, but the way those terms appear on court forms, local instructions, and simplified procedures can vary. A state glossary helps families connect the definition to the actual filing path they are dealing with.
Which probate terms matter most at the start of an estate?
The most useful early terms are executor or personal representative, intestate, probate estate, letters testamentary, letters of administration, beneficiary, and small-estate procedure. Those concepts usually determine who can act and what kind of court filing is needed.
Can county rules change how probate terms are used in Vermont?
Yes. Counties may use different packet names, clerk instructions, or local references even when the statewide legal concept is the same. That is why it helps to read the glossary alongside county filing-office and forms pages.

Information current as of April 4, 2026

Settled Estate is not a law firm, and this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Probate laws and procedures in Vermont can change. Consult with a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation. Full disclaimer.

More Vermont Resources

Explore the rest of the Vermont probate hub.

Do I need probate?4 pages
Costs and money5 pages
File for probate2 pages
Transfer assets4 pages
Learn and reference4 pages