Vermont Small Claims Court

How it works in Vermont

1. Complete the Small Claims Complaint (form 100-00257).
2. File with the Civil Division in the county where you or the defendant lives, and pay the fee or apply for a waiver.
3. Within 7 days of getting the court’s packet, mail the papers to the defendant by first-class mail and file a Certificate of Service (form 100-00260).
4. If the defendant doesn’t answer within 30 days, arrange service by a sheriff or constable and file the Return of Service within 60 days of first mailing.
5. If the defendant still doesn’t answer, ask for a default judgment (form 100-00262). If they dispute the claim, the court schedules a trial.

What it costs

$65 for claims of $1,000 or less, $90 for larger claims

How long you have to sue

12 V.S.A. §§ 511, 512. These are general limits. The clock can start late, pause or be much shorter, as it is for claims against a government agency.

If you lose

Either side can appeal to the Civil Division within 30 days of the judgment, where a different judge reviews the record for legal mistakes and there is no new trial.

Official links

• Vermont small claims self-help
• Court forms
• Find your court