Estate Law · Vermont
Vermont estate planning rules
State-specific rules that affect how your estate is distributed, how probate works, and what planning steps matter most for Vermont residents.
- Vermont intestacy gives the spouse the entire estate when descendants are mutualVermont intestacy: spouse takes entire estate with mutual descendants; one-half with prior-relationship descendants.
- Vermont requires three witnesses for will execution — among the few statesVermont requires THREE competent witnesses for will execution — distinctive requirement compared to most states' two-witness rule.
- Vermont small estate procedures handle estates up to $45,000Vermont small estate administration handles personal property up to $45,000. Modest threshold compared to many states.
- Vermont's Uniform Power of Attorney Act provides default-durable POAsVermont POAs are durable by default under the Uniform Power of Attorney Act (2023). Hot powers require express enumeration. Healthcare directive separate.
- Vermont imposes state estate tax with $5 million thresholdVermont estate tax: $5M exclusion. Between IL $4M and ME ~$6.8M. No portability between spouses. Top rate 16%.
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Check your situationThis information is educational, not legal advice. For complex situations, consult a licensed Vermont attorney.