How Vermont Courts Appoint a Guardian ad Litem for a Minor’s Settlement
Detailed Answer Short answer: In Vermont, when a minor has a claim that will be resolved by a settlement (for example, a personal injury recovery), a Vermont court commonly appoints a guardian ad litem (GAL) to protect the minor’s legal and financial interests. The process generally requires filing a petition or motion asking the court […]
Read article →If Mediation Fails in a Vermont Partition and Probate Dispute — Do You Still Need Court?
What to expect after mediation fails in a Vermont partition and probate dispute Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. I am not a lawyer. If you have a dispute about property division or an estate, talk with a qualified Vermont attorney about your situation. Detailed answer — next […]
Read article →Vermont: How to Open Probate for an Out‑of‑State Sibling
Can I open probate in Vermont for my sibling’s estate if I live out of state? Short answer Yes — you can usually open probate in Vermont for a Vermont-domiciled sibling even if you live in another state. The decedent’s domicile (where they lived) determines which Vermont Probate Division has authority. Because you live elsewhere, […]
Read article →How to Settle a Parent’s Estate in Vermont and Handle Out‑of‑State Property
Settling a Parent’s Estate in Vermont and Handling Property Located in Another State Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer. This article provides general information about Vermont estate administration and is not legal advice. For decisions that affect legal rights, consult a licensed Vermont attorney and, if needed, counsel in the other state where property is […]
Read article →Transferring Real Property to a Child after a Spouse’s Death — Vermont
How to transfer real property to a child after a spouse’s death — Vermont FAQ Disclaimer: This is general information, not legal advice. I am not a lawyer. For specific answers about your situation, contact a Vermont real estate or probate attorney. Quick answer The exact steps depend on how the property was titled when […]
Read article →Vermont — How to Make Sure a Wrongful Death Settlement Is Filed and Split Correctly
How to make sure a wrongful death settlement is filed correctly and split as agreed under Vermont law Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer. This article provides general information only and is not legal advice. Consult a licensed Vermont attorney before taking action. Detailed answer — steps to ensure correct filing and distribution When a […]
Read article →Vermont: When a Will Isn’t Enough — TOD Deeds, POD Designations, and Probate
Will vs. Transfer-on-Death Deeds and Payable-on-Death Designations: How to Make Sure Your Daughter Actually Gets Your Property in Vermont Short answer: A will that leaves all your property to your daughter does not always avoid probate or guarantee immediate transfer of every asset. Transfer-on-death (TOD) deeds and payable-on-death (POD) designations (and beneficiary forms for retirement […]
Read article →Vermont — Appraisal Reimbursement Before an Estate Buyout: What Heirs Need to Know
Detailed answer Short answer: It depends on who ordered the appraisal, whether the appraisal was a necessary estate administration expense, and whether you have an agreement or a probate court order. Under Vermont law, expenses that are necessary to administer an estate (inventory, appraisal for estate accounting or sale, taxes, and reasonable professional fees) are […]
Read article →Vermont — How to Transfer a Parent’s House to You and Your Siblings After an Intestate Death
Transferring a Parent’s House to Children When a Parent Dies Without a Will in Vermont Short answer: In Vermont, if a parent dies without a will, the estate typically passes by intestate succession to surviving heirs (often the children). To put the house in your and your siblings’ names you usually must open the parent’s […]
Read article →How to Take Over a Deceased Parent's Mortgage in Vermont: Steps, Probate, and Lender Options
Overview If your parent died owning a home in Vermont and you want to keep the house and its mortgage, you must handle both the property title and the loan. Mortgages do not disappear when a borrower dies. This FAQ-style guide explains, in plain language, the typical steps under Vermont practice, who to contact, and […]
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