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Representatives of the New Hampshire Grants eventually remedied the situation in 1777 by declaring themselves an independent republic. Initially, the state was known as New Connecticut, but later the name Vermont was adopted. Following the Revolutionary War and the ratification of the Constitution, Vermont was admitted as the 14th state in the union on 14 March 1791. | Representatives of the New Hampshire Grants eventually remedied the situation in 1777 by declaring themselves an independent republic. Initially, the state was known as New Connecticut, but later the name Vermont was adopted. Following the Revolutionary War and the ratification of the Constitution, Vermont was admitted as the 14th state in the union on 14 March 1791. | ||
Researchers looking for probate records prior to Vermont’s independence in 1777 are encouraged to check the records of New York or New Hampshire. There are no known probate records in Vermont prior to independence. | '''Pre-1777. '''Researchers looking for probate records prior to Vermont’s independence in 1777 are encouraged to check the records of New York or New Hampshire. There are no known probate records in Vermont prior to independence. | ||
Since 1777, Vermont 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> | '''Since 1777''', Vermont 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>Allen Soule, editor, ''Laws of Vermont, 1777-1780''; vol. 12 of ''State Papers of Vermont'' (Montpelier, Vermont: Vermont Printing Company, 1964), 85-86.</ref> | '''1779.''' 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>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>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> | '''1781.''' 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>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> | ||
Today Vermont has 14 counties and 18 probate districts. The four southern counties (Bennington, Rutland, Windham, and Windsor) still have two probate courts each. The remaining counties each have one probate district who's jurisdiction is confined to the current county boundaries. | '''Today''' Vermont has 14 counties and 18 probate districts. The four southern counties (Bennington, Rutland, Windham, and Windsor) still have two probate courts each. The remaining counties each have one probate district who's jurisdiction is confined to the current county boundaries. | ||
Vermont probate courts are responsible for wills, inventories, estates, guardianships, name changes, adoptions, and relinquishments. Adoption cases over 99 years old are open to the public. | Vermont probate courts are responsible for wills, inventories, estates, guardianships, name changes, adoptions, and relinquishments. Adoption cases over 99 years old are open to the public. | ||