Can I Become the Personal Representative of My Sister's Estate? (VT)
Detailed Answer If your sister has died, you may be able to serve as the personal representative (sometimes called an executor or administrator) of her estate in Vermont, but whether you can depends on a few facts: whether she left a valid will naming someone, who her closest surviving relatives are, and whether any higher-priority […]
Read article →Do wrongful death proceeds pass in accordance to the Decedent's Last Will and Testament? (VT)
How Vermont Law Treats Wrongful Death Recoveries and Estate Wills This FAQ-style guide explains how wrongful death money is allocated under Vermont law, how that differs from claims that survive a decedent, and what family members and personal representatives should know when there is a potential claim. Detailed Answer Under Vermont law, a statutory wrongful […]
Read article →How Does a Workers’ Compensation Lien Affect a Personal Injury Settlement in VT?
Detailed Answer In Vermont, when an employee receives workers’ compensation benefits for a work-related injury and later recovers damages from a third party (for example, a negligent driver or property owner), the employer’s workers’ compensation insurer has a right of subrogation. Under 21 V.S.A. § 643, the insurer may seek reimbursement (often called a lien) […]
Read article →How Do I Confirm if Workers’ Compensation Payments Were Applied to My Medical Bills in Vermont?
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you need help with your specific situation, consult a qualified attorney or contact the Vermont Department of Labor. Detailed Answer Under Vermont’s Workers’ Compensation Act, your employer’s insurer must cover all reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to your work […]
Read article →How can I probate a will that was not witnessed or notarized in Vermont?
Probating an Unwitnessed, Unnotarized Will in Vermont Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified probate attorney for guidance specific to your situation. Detailed Answer Under Vermont law, a will generally must be in writing, signed by the testator, and witnessed by two individuals to be […]
Read article →How to Obtain and Submit an Original Will or Filed Copy During Probate Administration in Vermont
How to Obtain and Submit an Original Will or Filed Copy During Probate Administration in Vermont Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult an attorney for guidance specific to your situation. Detailed Answer When a person passes away in Vermont, the original will must be filed with […]
Read article →How to Invoke an Insurance Appraisal Clause to Challenge a Low Diminished Value Offer in Vermont
Detailed Answer If your insurer’s diminished value offer feels unreasonably low, you can trigger the appraisal clause in your policy. An appraisal clause lets you and the insurer appoint independent appraisers who determine the loss value. Here’s how to invoke it under Vermont law: Review your policy. Locate the appraisal provision—typically under “Conditions” or “Loss […]
Read article →How to obtain and review corporate formation documents and bylaws affecting a decedent’s business interest in VT
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. Detailed Answer Step 1: Identify the Decedent’s Corporate Interest Begin by confirming the decedent’s role and ownership in the corporation. Review the decedent’s personal records for share certificates, stock ledgers, membership lists, or prior correspondence with the corporation. Step 2: Obtain […]
Read article →How can beneficiaries challenge a trustee who misuses trust funds in Vermont?
Detailed Answer When a trustee misuses trust assets, beneficiaries have options under Vermont law to hold the trustee accountable. Below is a step-by-step guide to challenging a trustee’s misconduct. 1. Confirm Your Standing as a Beneficiary Under 14 V.S.A. § 1002, current beneficiaries, remainder beneficiaries, and individuals with a present or future interest in the […]
Read article →How to Calculate and Support Lost Wage Claims When Hours and Pay Rate Records Are Missing in Vermont
Detailed Answer When an employer fails to keep accurate records of your hours and pay rate, Vermont law allows you to reconstruct your lost wage claim using reasonable approximations and alternative documentation. Under Vermont’s Wage and Hour Act, 21 V.S.A. § 342, employers must maintain payroll records for at least three years. If those records […]
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