Short answer
Vermont Judiciary currently describes the small-estate procedure as available when the estate is worth less than $45,000 and has no real estate other than a timeshare. Eligibility depends on what the decedent owned—not simply the family's estimate of the inheritance.
Classify assets before counting
Identify property owned by the decedent and distinguish probate assets from jointly owned property, beneficiary-designated accounts, and trust property. Title and beneficiary records can change the analysis.
Real estate changes the route
Under current Judiciary guidance, Vermont real estate other than a timeshare prevents use of the small-estate procedure. Property outside Vermont and unresolved ownership questions may also require separate analysis.
Gather the opening materials
Current forms and instructions should control.
- Certified death certificate
- Original will and codicils, if any
- Interested-person information
- Inventory and value support
- Funeral-expense and debt records
- Correct Probate Division and filing fee