Vermont Probate Records: Difference between revisions

Since Vermont first proclaimed itself an independent republic in 1777, probate records have been kept by probate district courts. Unlike Vermont county courts, which have jurisdiction over the entire county, early Vermont probate districts were confined to a specific geographical area within the county. As a result, counties were comprised of multiple probate districts. Initially the number of probate districts per county was set by Vermont legislators at four.<ref name="null">Walter H. Crockett, editor, ''Journals and Proceedings of the General Assembly of the State of Vermont''; vol. 3, part 1 of ''State Papers of Vermont'' (Bellows Falls, Vermont: P. H. Gobie Press, Inc., 1924), 8.</ref> When representatives met in general assembly in February 1779 they created three probate districts in Bennington County (Bennington, Manchester, and Rutland), and four in Cumberland County (Guilford, Rockingham, Windsor, and Barnet).<ref name="null">Allen Soule, editor, ''Laws of Vermont, 1777-1780''; vol. 12 of ''State Papers of Vermont'' (Montpelier, Vermont: Vermont Printing Company, 1964), 85-86.</ref>  

Before long Vermont’s population necessitated the creation of additional counties. In 1781 Cumberland County was abolished and the counties of Windsor, Windham, and Orange were formed. Rutland County was also formed from the northern portion of Bennington County. As a result of the reconfiguration, the number of probate districts per county decreased. Each Vermont county was divided into two probate districts, with the exception of Rutland, which was established with one. Since that time, all Vermont counties have been comprised of either one or two probate districts.<ref name="null">John A. Williams, editor, ''Laws of Vermont, 1781-1784''; vol. 13 of ''State Papers of Vermont'' (Barre, Vermont: Modern Printing Company, 1965), 12-13.</ref>  

Adoption cases over 99 years old are open to the public.