Vermont Public Records /Vermont Court Records Online

Vermont Court Records Online

Are Court Records in Vermont Open to the Public?

Yes, court records in Vermont are open to the public. The Vermont Supreme Court mandates that court record custodians evaluate requests based on the Vermont Rules for Public Access to Court Records and the Rules Governing Dissemination of Electronic Case Records. These rules ensure that members of the public can inspect or obtain copies of court records, except where records are redacted or exempt from disclosure due to legal reasons.

Requesters must provide specific details such as the names of the case parties, case number, and the court where the case was filed to facilitate the search. Courts in Vermont do not provide public internet access to criminal or family case records, but certain criminal justice agencies may have access for official purposes.

What Information Appears in a Vermont Court Records Search?

Names of case parties
Case details
Charges
Disposition
Attorneys' names

How To Find Court Records in Vermont

To obtain court records in Vermont, start by identifying the courthouse where the case was filed. Each courthouse has a designated record custodian, typically the clerk of courts. Court records are maintained in both paper and electronic formats, allowing requesters to access them either in person or online.

Requesters can visit the appropriate courthouse to access records in person. Nominal fees are charged for obtaining copies of court records. Alternatively, online access is available for certain case information through remote access platforms, though actual records must be obtained in person.

Public Access to Vermont Court Records

Members of the public can access electronic copies of case information for Vermont Superior Courts and the Judicial Bureau. Through the VTCourtsOnline platform, users can access detailed case information for civil divisions, including civil and small claims cases. Criminal and family division cases are not accessible through this platform.

Searching Vermont Court Records by Name

A record seeker can conduct a court record search by name online or in person at the courthouse where the case was filed. Online requests can be made via the Vermont Judiciary Odyssey Public Portal. Public users can view Civil Division and Judicial Bureau cases, while case parties, attorneys, and some public agency personnel can sign up for elevated access.

Requesters can also visit the appropriate courthouse to use public access terminals (PAT) for a more comprehensive search. The PAT search process involves using the Public Portal to perform a "Smart Search" by typing in a party name related to the case.

How To Access Court Records Online for Free in Vermont

The Vermont Judiciary provides a public portal where anyone can access court records for free. Users can choose to register an account for elevated access or use the portal anonymously for limited information. To access records, use the Smart Search tool by entering a party name or case number.

Alternatively, the PACER tool available on the United States Bankruptcy Court District of Vermont website offers access to court records at a minimal cost per page. Eligible individuals may use PACER for free under certain conditions.

Exemptions for Vermont Court Case Lookup

Not all court records in Vermont are available to the public. Exemptions include records that are sealed, expunged, or otherwise protected by law. Examples of confidential court records include:

Adoption records
Investigative records
Juvenile delinquency proceedings
Mental health records
Confidential legal advice
Records on pending litigation

These records are only accessible to case parties, their attorneys, and individuals with court orders authorizing access.

Finding a Court Docket in Vermont

A Vermont court docket is a formal record that includes all filings and proceedings of a case. It shows all court materials involved in the case, such as the docket number, nature of suit, names of parties and attorneys, and docket proceedings.

Individuals can find court dockets on the Vermont Judiciary website. Dockets help track all events, filings, hearings, and decisions in a case.

What Information Is Found in Vermont Judgment Records?

Vermont judgment records are documents describing the outcome of a case decided in a court of competent jurisdiction. These records typically include:

Litigants' names
Judge's name
Concise case description
Court's decision on contested matters

Judgment records are entered into the court docket by the clerk, who acts as the designated record custodian.

Are Bankruptcy Records in Vermont Publicly Accessible?

Yes, bankruptcy records in Vermont are publicly accessible. These records include documents created and maintained by the bankruptcy court. Requesters must provide specific details such as the name of the person listed in the record and the case number to facilitate the search.

Bankruptcy records can be viewed or copied by contacting the local record custodian. Different types of bankruptcy filings, such as Chapter 7, Chapter 11, and Chapter 13, are included in these records.

How To Search Bankruptcy Records in Vermont

Bankruptcy records can be accessed through the United States Bankruptcy Court District of Vermont. Requesters can sign up for a Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) account to access records online. A search can be conducted by a specific court or a nationwide index.

Bankruptcy records are also available through the Voice Case Information System (VCIS) and the National Archives and Records Administrator (NARA). Fees may apply for accessing these records, depending on the method used.

Different Types of Courts in Vermont

Supreme Court: The highest court, handling appeals and overseeing the court system.
Family Division: Handles divorce, child support, and custody cases.
Criminal Division: Manages misdemeanor and felony cases.
Environmental Division: Deals with environmental law cases.
Civil Division: Handles civil matters like land disputes and medical malpractice.
Probate Division: Manages adoptions, guardianships, and probate of estates.
Judicial Bureau: Handles civil violations like traffic and municipal ordinance cases.

Understanding the Differences Between Civil and Small Claims Courts in Vermont

Vermont Small Claims Courts are designed to be informal, simple, and inexpensive. Court sessions are relaxed, and individuals can represent themselves. Only cases with an amount in controversy not exceeding $5,000 can be brought before Small Claims Courts. Plaintiffs cannot ask for a return of property or repossess a lost job.

In contrast, Civil Courts handle more complex cases, including those involving amounts over $5,000. Parties are typically represented by attorneys, and cases can involve a broader range of issues beyond monetary claims.

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