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Chittenden County Court Records

What Is Chittenden County Court Records

Court records in Chittenden County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's jurisdiction. These records consist of case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing records maintained by the courts. Pursuant to Vermont Public Records Act § 317, court records are distinct from other public records such as property deeds, vital statistics, and tax assessments.

The following courts maintain records in Chittenden County:

  • Vermont Superior Court - Civil Division
  • Vermont Superior Court - Criminal Division
  • Vermont Superior Court - Family Division
  • Vermont Superior Court - Probate Division
  • Vermont Superior Court - Environmental Division
  • Vermont Judicial Bureau (traffic violations)
  • United States District Court for the District of Vermont (federal cases)
  • United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Vermont

Court records document proceedings in civil litigation, criminal prosecutions, family matters, probate cases, environmental disputes, traffic violations, and federal cases. The Vermont Rules for Public Access to Court Records define court records as "all recorded information of any kind that is collected, received, or maintained by court personnel in connection with a judicial proceeding or the operation of a court." This definition is established under Vermont Rules for Public Access to Court Records § 3.

Are Court Records Public In Chittenden County

Court records in Chittenden County are generally accessible to the public under Vermont's open records laws and constitutional principles. The Vermont Public Records Act, codified in 1 V.S.A. § 315-320, establishes that public records, including court records, shall be available for inspection and copying. Additionally, the Vermont Rules for Public Access to Court Records govern specific access to judicial records.

Records typically available to the public include:

  • Most civil case files
  • Criminal case files (post-charging)
  • Judgments and orders
  • Docket sheets
  • Hearing schedules
  • Court calendars

It is important to note the distinction between federal and state court records. Federal court records for cases in Chittenden County are governed by federal rules and are accessible through the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system, while state court records follow Vermont state access rules.

The Vermont Supreme Court has established specific rules regarding court record access through the Vermont Rules for Public Access to Court Records. These rules balance the public's right to access with privacy concerns and the efficient administration of justice.

However, certain records may be restricted or sealed by court order or statute, including:

  • Juvenile proceedings
  • Mental health cases
  • Adoption records
  • Records sealed by judicial order
  • Grand jury proceedings
  • Certain family court matters

How To Find Court Records in Chittenden County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Chittenden County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The Vermont Judiciary currently provides multiple avenues for record retrieval:

  1. Visit the Chittenden County courthouse in person:

Vermont Superior Court - Chittenden Unit
175 Main Street
Burlington, VT 05401
(802) 863-3467
Vermont Judiciary

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)

  1. Submit a written request for records:

    • Complete the Public Records Request Form
    • Include case number, party names, and specific documents requested
    • Submit via mail, email, or in person to the appropriate court clerk

  2. Access records electronically through the Vermont Judiciary's online portal:

  3. For federal court records in Chittenden County:

    • Access the PACER system
    • Register for an account (fees may apply)
    • Search for cases in the District of Vermont

Pursuant to Vermont Rules for Public Access to Court Records § 6, requesters may need to provide identification when seeking certain records, and fees may apply for copies or extensive searches.

How To Look Up Court Records in Chittenden County Online?

Chittenden County court records can be accessed through several online portals, each serving different court systems and record types. The Vermont Judiciary provides electronic access to state court records through its comprehensive case management system.

For Vermont state court records:

  1. Visit the Vermont Judiciary Public Portal

    • No registration required for public case information
    • Search by case number, party name, or attorney
    • Access docket entries, case status, and scheduled hearings
    • View publicly available documents (some may require in-person requests)

  2. For Vermont Superior Court - Criminal Division records:

    • Use the Vermont Judiciary Public Portal
    • Select "Criminal Case Records" from the search options
    • Enter search criteria (name, case number)
    • Review results for case status, charges, and upcoming court dates

  3. For federal court records in Chittenden County:

    • Access the PACER system
    • Register for an account (fees apply: $0.10 per page viewed)
    • Select "U.S. District Court - District of Vermont" from court options
    • Search by case number, party name, or filing date
    • Download available documents

  4. For Vermont Judicial Bureau records (traffic violations):

The Vermont Judiciary Electronic Case Management System provides access to civil, criminal, family, and probate division records, though certain documents may be restricted based on case type and confidentiality rules established under Vermont Rules for Public Access to Court Records § 5.

How To Search Chittenden County Court Records for Free?

Vermont law guarantees the public's right to inspect court records without charge, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents. According to 1 V.S.A. § 316(c), "A public agency may not charge for staff time for complying with a request for a copy of a public record... when the time directly involved in complying with the request does not exceed 30 minutes."

Free options for searching Chittenden County court records include:

  1. In-person inspection at the courthouse:

    • Visit the Chittenden County courthouse during business hours
    • Request to view specific case files at the clerk's office
    • Examine records on-site at no charge

  2. Online search through free public portals:

  3. Federal court record searches:

  4. Law library access:

    • Visit the Vermont State Law Library
    • Access public terminals for court record searches
    • Receive assistance from law librarians at no cost

While basic searches and in-person inspection are free, requesters should note that fees may apply for copies ($0.25 per page for standard copies), certified documents ($5.00 per certification), and extensive searches requiring more than 30 minutes of staff time, as permitted under Vermont Court Administrative Order 41.

What's Included in a Chittenden County Court Record?

Court records in Chittenden County contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings. The specific contents vary by case type but typically include:

For Civil Cases:

  • Complaint or petition initiating the case
  • Summons and proof of service
  • Answers and counterclaims
  • Motions and supporting memoranda
  • Discovery documents (if filed with the court)
  • Exhibits admitted into evidence
  • Transcripts of hearings and trials
  • Orders and judgments
  • Financial information (judgments, liens, satisfaction of judgments)
  • Appeals documentation

For Criminal Cases:

  • Charging documents (information, indictment)
  • Arrest warrant or citation
  • Affidavit of probable cause
  • Bail and conditions of release orders
  • Plea agreements
  • Pre-trial motions and rulings
  • Trial exhibits and transcripts
  • Sentencing documents
  • Probation reports (may be confidential)
  • Post-conviction relief filings

For Family Court Cases:

  • Petitions for divorce, parentage, or relief from abuse
  • Financial disclosure forms (may be confidential)
  • Parenting plans and child support orders
  • Guardian ad litem reports
  • Custody evaluations
  • Final divorce decrees
  • Modification requests
  • Child support calculations

For Probate Cases:

  • Wills and codicils
  • Petitions for estate administration
  • Inventories of estate assets
  • Claims against estates
  • Guardianship petitions and reports
  • Adoption petitions and decrees (confidential)
  • Accountings
  • Certificates of appointment
  • Orders of distribution

Each court record also contains a docket sheet or register of actions that chronologically lists all events in the case, including filings, hearings, and judicial actions. Pursuant to Vermont Rules for Public Access to Court Records § 4, certain sensitive information may be redacted or filed under seal, including social security numbers, financial account numbers, and information about minors.

How Long Does Chittenden County Keep Court Records?

Chittenden County courts retain records according to schedules established by the Vermont Supreme Court through the Vermont State Archives and Records Administration (VSARA). Retention periods vary based on case type, significance, and statutory requirements.

The primary retention periods for court records in Chittenden County are:

  • Civil Cases:

    • General civil litigation: 10 years after final disposition
    • Cases establishing precedent or significant public interest: Permanent
    • Small claims: 7 years after final disposition

  • Criminal Cases:

    • Felonies: 75 years after final disposition
    • Misdemeanors: 10 years after final disposition
    • Expunged or sealed records: Maintained according to specific court orders

  • Family Court:

    • Divorce records: Permanent
    • Child support orders: Until the youngest child reaches age 28
    • Protection orders: 25 years
    • Adoption records: Permanent (confidential)

  • Probate Court:

    • Estate administration: Permanent
    • Guardianships: 75 years after case closure
    • Trusts: Permanent

  • Vermont Judicial Bureau:

    • Traffic violations: 3 years after final disposition
    • Municipal ordinance violations: 3 years after final disposition

These retention schedules are mandated by the Vermont Supreme Court Administrative Directive No. 28 and the Vermont State Archives Records Management Program. After the retention period expires, records may be transferred to the Vermont State Archives for historical preservation or destroyed according to approved procedures.

Certain historically significant cases and all Supreme Court opinions are preserved permanently. Digital records are maintained according to the same schedules as paper records, with additional protocols for ensuring long-term digital preservation.

Types of Courts In Chittenden County

Chittenden County's court system consists of both state and federal courts, each with distinct jurisdictions and functions:

Vermont Superior Court - Chittenden Civil Division
175 Main Street
Burlington, VT 05401
(802) 863-3467
Vermont Judiciary
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Vermont Superior Court - Chittenden Criminal Division
32 Cherry Street
Burlington, VT 05401
(802) 651-1950
Vermont Judiciary
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Vermont Superior Court - Chittenden Family Division
175 Main Street
Burlington, VT 05401
(802) 863-5140
Vermont Judiciary
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Vermont Superior Court - Chittenden Probate Division
175 Main Street
Burlington, VT 05401
(802) 651-1518
Vermont Judiciary
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Vermont Judicial Bureau
32 Cherry Street, Suite 287
Burlington, VT 05401
(802) 651-1939
Vermont Judiciary
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

United States District Court for the District of Vermont
11 Elmwood Avenue, Room 500
Burlington, VT 05401
(802) 951-6301
District of Vermont
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Vermont
11 Elmwood Avenue, Suite 240
Burlington, VT 05401
(802) 776-2000
District of Vermont Bankruptcy Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

The Vermont court hierarchy follows this structure:

  1. Trial Courts (Superior Court divisions)
  2. Vermont Supreme Court (final state appellate authority)

Federal court hierarchy:

  1. U.S. District Court for the District of Vermont
  2. U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
  3. U.S. Supreme Court

What Types of Cases Do Chittenden County Courts Hear?

Each court within Chittenden County has jurisdiction over specific case types as defined by Vermont statutes and court rules:

Vermont Superior Court - Civil Division:

  • Major civil litigation (claims exceeding $5,000)
  • Property disputes
  • Contract disputes
  • Personal injury claims
  • Landlord-tenant matters
  • Small claims (up to $5,000)
  • Civil appeals from municipal decisions
  • Foreclosures
  • Name changes

Vermont Superior Court - Criminal Division:

  • Felony prosecutions
  • Misdemeanor prosecutions
  • Criminal arraignments
  • Bail hearings
  • Sentencing proceedings
  • Probation violations
  • Post-conviction relief petitions
  • Search warrant applications
  • Treatment court programs

Vermont Superior Court - Family Division:

  • Divorce proceedings
  • Child custody and visitation
  • Child support establishment and enforcement
  • Parentage determinations
  • Relief from abuse/domestic violence petitions
  • Juvenile delinquency proceedings
  • Children in need of care or supervision (CHINS)
  • Termination of parental rights
  • Adult guardianships
  • Mental health proceedings

Vermont Superior Court - Probate Division:

  • Estates and inheritance matters
  • Will probate
  • Intestate succession
  • Guardianships of minors
  • Adoptions
  • Trusts administration
  • Name changes
  • Vital records amendments

Vermont Superior Court - Environmental Division:

  • Appeals from municipal zoning decisions
  • Act 250 land use permit appeals
  • Environmental enforcement actions
  • Municipal ordinance violations related to land use

Vermont Judicial Bureau:

  • Traffic violations
  • Municipal ordinance violations
  • Fish and wildlife violations
  • Parking tickets
  • Local health ordinance violations

United States District Court:

  • Federal criminal prosecutions
  • Civil cases under federal law
  • Civil rights claims
  • Patent and copyright disputes
  • Cases between citizens of different states (diversity jurisdiction)
  • Habeas corpus petitions
  • Federal agency appeals

United States Bankruptcy Court:

  • Chapter 7 liquidation
  • Chapter 11 reorganization
  • Chapter 12 family farmer reorganization
  • Chapter 13 individual debt adjustment

How To Find a Court Docket In Chittenden County

Court dockets in Chittenden County provide chronological listings of all actions taken in a case. Members of the public may access docket information through several methods:

  1. Online Access:

    • Visit the Vermont Judiciary Public Portal
    • Select "Smart Search" or "Case Search"
    • Enter case number, party name, or attorney name
    • Review docket entries showing filings, hearings, and court actions
    • Note that some case types may have restricted access

  2. In-Person Requests:

    • Visit the appropriate division of the Chittenden Superior Court
    • Complete a records request form at the clerk's office
    • Provide case number or party names
    • Review docket sheets on public access terminals or request printed copies

  3. Federal Court Dockets:

    • Access PACER for federal court dockets
    • Search by case number, party name, or filing date
    • View docket reports showing all case activity
    • Download docket sheets (fees apply)

  4. Court Calendars:

  5. By Mail or Email:

    • Submit a written request to the appropriate court clerk
    • Include case information and specific docket information needed
    • Provide contact information and payment for any applicable fees

For criminal cases, docket information includes arraignment dates, plea entries, motion hearings, trial dates, and sentencing information. Civil dockets contain complaint filings, answer deadlines, discovery schedules, motion hearings, and trial dates.

Pursuant to Vermont Rules for Public Access to Court Records § 4(b), docket entries are generally public information, though access to underlying documents may be restricted in certain case types.

Which Courts in Chittenden County Are Not Courts of Record?

A "court not of record" is a judicial body that does not create or maintain verbatim transcripts of its proceedings and whose decisions generally cannot be appealed based on the record of proceedings. In Vermont, courts not of record typically handle minor matters with simplified procedures.

In Chittenden County, the following are courts not of record:

  1. Vermont Judicial Bureau

    • Handles traffic violations, municipal ordinance violations
    • Proceedings are not transcribed verbatim
    • Appeals from Judicial Bureau decisions go to Superior Court as new proceedings (de novo)
    • Governed by 4 V.S.A. § 1102

  2. Municipal Boards acting in quasi-judicial capacity:

    • Local boards of civil authority (tax appeals)
    • Municipal development review boards
    • Zoning boards of adjustment
    • Planning commissions when conducting hearings
    • Appeals from these bodies go to Superior Court Environmental Division

All Vermont Superior Court divisions (Civil, Criminal, Family, Probate, Environmental) are courts of record, as is the Vermont Supreme Court. These courts maintain verbatim records of proceedings, either through court reporters or electronic recording systems, as required by 4 V.S.A. § 740.

Federal courts in Chittenden County, including the U.S. District Court and U.S. Bankruptcy Court, are also courts of record, maintaining complete transcripts of all proceedings.

The distinction between courts of record and courts not of record affects appeal procedures. Appeals from courts not of record typically involve new hearings (trials de novo) rather than reviews of the proceedings below, as there is no official record to review.

Lookup Court Records in Chittenden County

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