Vermont Laws

This page summarizes ten Vermont laws people ask about most, with a link to the full guide for each. Every guide cites the state statute or an official source. Laws change, so check the current statute or talk to a local attorney before you act.

Vermont Personal Injury Statute of Limitations

In Vermont, you generally have 3 years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit (Vt. Stat. tit. 12, § 512). If you miss the deadline, the court will usually dismiss the case. Different deadlines can apply to medical malpractice, wrongful death and claims against government agencies.

Read the full personal injury statute of limitations guide →

Vermont Comparative Negligence Laws

Vermont follows modified comparative negligence (51% bar). You can recover if your share of fault is 50% or less, with your award reduced by your percentage of fault. At 51% or more you recover nothing.

Read the full comparative negligence laws guide →

Vermont Minimum Wage in 2026

The Vermont minimum wage is $14.42 per hour, above the federal $7.25. Adjusted annually for inflation. When state and federal rates differ, employees are entitled to the higher rate. Overtime at one and a half times the regular rate generally applies after 40 hours in a workweek.

Read the full minimum wage guide →

Vermont Final Paycheck Laws

In Vermont, an employer must pay final wages to a fired employee: within 72 hours. If you quit, final pay is due: next regular payday, or the following Friday if there is no regular payday. If wages are late or missing, you can file a wage claim with the state labor department or go to court.

Read the full final paycheck laws guide →

Vermont Small Claims Court Limits

In Vermont, you can sue for up to $10,000 in small claims court, which is handled by the Superior Court, Civil Division (small claims). Claims for consumer credit or medical debt are limited to $5,000. Small claims cases are faster and cheaper than regular lawsuits, and most people represent themselves. If your claim is larger, you must file in a higher court or give up the excess.

Read the full small claims court limits guide →

Vermont Security Deposit Laws

Vermont security deposit limit: no statutory limit. The landlord must return the deposit, minus lawful deductions, within this deadline: 14 days (60 days for seasonal rentals). Landlords cannot deduct for normal wear and tear, and tenants can usually sue in small claims court if a deposit is wrongly withheld.

Read the full security deposit laws guide →

Vermont Eviction Notice Requirements

If rent is unpaid in Vermont, the landlord must generally give a written notice before filing an eviction case: 14 days' notice to pay or move. Only a court can order an eviction; a landlord cannot change the locks, remove belongings or shut off utilities to force a tenant out.

Read the full eviction notice requirements guide →

Vermont Small Estate Affidavit

Vermont small estate limit: $45,000 in personal property (court procedure). Waiting period after death: none set. Real estate cannot be transferred this way. A small estate process lets heirs collect property without a full probate case.

Read the full small estate affidavit guide →

Does Vermont Recognize Common Law Marriage?

No. Vermont does not recognize common law marriages formed in Vermont. Most states generally recognize a marriage that was valid where it was formed, so a common law marriage created in a state that allows it may still be recognized.

Read the full common law marriage guide →

Vermont Divorce Residency Requirements

To file for divorce in Vermont: 6 months to file and 1 year before the final hearing. Waiting period: 90-day nisi period after the divorce is granted. If you do not meet the residency rule yet, you may need to wait or file in the state where your spouse lives.

Read the full divorce residency requirements guide →

This page summarizes state law for general information and is not legal advice. Laws change and courts interpret them; check the current statute or official source, or talk to a licensed attorney in your state about your situation.

Other states