FigureMyTax

Vermont Small Estate: Filing How-To

A court filing, not a pure affidavit — with a bond and a specific document checklist of its own.

Vt. R. Prob. P. 80.3

By the FigureMyTax Editorial Team · Reviewed 2026 · How we calculate

Quick answer: file with the Probate Division in the decedent's county, bringing the death certificate, will (if any), funeral bill, and a Small Estate Administration Bond, along with the filing fee or a waiver request. Check whether an estate qualifies with the Vermont small estate checker.

Step by step

  1. Confirm no real property beyond a timeshare, and total value at or under $45,000.
  2. Gather a certified copy of the death certificate.
  3. Gather the original will and codicils, if there was a will.
  4. Gather a copy of the paid funeral bill.
  5. Complete the Small Estate Administration Bond (Form 700-00020PESM).
  6. File with the Probate Division in the decedent's county, with the filing fee or a request to waive it.

A court filing, not a bank-facing affidavit

Confirmed current: certified copy of the death certificate. Original will (if there was one) and any amendments (codicils). Copy of paid bill for funeral expenses. Small Estate Administration Bond (form 700-00020PESM) — the bond is without surety unless the judge orders otherwise. The filing fee, or a request to waive the filing fee.
Facing probate in Vermont?

A local probate attorney can review your estate — many offer a free consultation.

Talk to a Vermont attorney

Each of Vermont's 14 counties' Probate Division handles this filing under the same Vt. R. Prob. P. 80.3.

How-to — frequently asked questions

Where is Vermont's small estate procedure filed?

With the Probate Division of the Superior Court in the county where the decedent lived — unlike a pure affidavit, this is a court filing.

What documents accompany the filing?

A certified copy of the death certificate, the original will and any codicils if there was a will, a copy of the paid funeral bill, the Small Estate Administration Bond, and the filing fee or a request to waive it.

Does the bond require a surety company?

Not by default — the bond is without surety unless the judge orders otherwise.

Can the filing fee itself be avoided?

Yes — the filing fee, or a request to waive it, is part of the standard filing package if paying it would be a hardship.

How do I file a small estate affidavit in Vermont?

File with the Probate Division in the decedent's county, bringing the death certificate, will (if any), funeral bill, and a Small Estate Administration Bond, along with the filing fee or a waiver request. Check whether an estate qualifies with the Vermont small estate checker.

Keep going

Vermont Small Estate Affidavit CheckerDoes this estate qualify? Do I Need Probate in Vermont?Waiver of Administration and the timeshare exception Transferring a Car in Vermont Without ProbateUsing the small estate procedure at the DMV Vermont Probate Cost CalculatorIf this estate needs full probate

This page provides general guidance only and is not legal advice. Based on Vt. R. Prob. P. 80.3. Confirm current requirements with the Probate Division or a licensed Vermont attorney before acting.