Intestate Succession in Vermont
State-specific overview · Estate & Probate
Vermont gives the surviving spouse the first $25,000 plus a percentage of the remaining estate, depending on other heirs.
How Vermont treats Intestate Succession
If the deceased leaves a spouse and one child, the spouse receives $25,000 plus half the remainder, with the child taking the rest. With multiple children, the spouse receives $25,000 plus one-third of the remainder. If no spouse survives, children inherit equally; if no children, parents inherit; if none, siblings divide the estate. Vermont's thresholds are among the lowest in the nation, favoring earlier distribution to other heirs.
The general definition of Intestate Succession
The legal process of distributing a deceased person's property when they leave no valid will.
If someone dies without a will (or with an invalid will), state law determines who inherits their property. Each state has a set order of priority—usually spouse first, then children, then parents, then siblings. The court appoints an administrator to manage the estate and follow these statutory rules, even if the deceased person's wishes were different.
Read the full Intestate Succession entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Vermont.