Court records in Chittenden County, Vermont can be searched through several channels. ChittendenCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. You can also access records through the Vermont Judiciary's official resources, by visiting the clerk's office at the Chittenden County Superior Court in Burlington, or by using public terminals available at the courthouse. Under Vermont's Rules for Public Access to Court Records, online access to criminal, family, and probate case records is restricted — so in-person requests are often necessary.
Chittenden Court System & Jurisdictions
Vermont's court system is unified under the Superior Court, and Chittenden County's Superior Court sits in Burlington. Rather than separate courts, the Superior Court is divided into divisions, each handling specific case types:
- Criminal Division — Felonies, misdemeanors, and violations occurring in Chittenden County. The Chittenden County State's Attorney's Office prosecutes criminal cases here.
- Civil Division — Lawsuits, contract disputes, personal injury claims, foreclosures, and appeals from administrative agencies. Small claims cases (disputes up to $5,000) are also filed in this division.
- Family Division — Divorce, parentage, child support, child custody, domestic violence relief-from-abuse orders, and juvenile proceedings.
- Probate Division — Wills, estates, trusts, guardianships, adoptions, and name changes. Historical probate court records for Chittenden County may be researched through the Vermont State Archives.
- Environmental Division — Land use permits, Act 250 appeals, and municipal zoning disputes. This division serves the entire state but holds hearings in Burlington for Chittenden County matters.
Federal cases involving Chittenden County residents are handled by the U.S. District Court for the District of Vermont, located in Burlington. Federal bankruptcy filings go through the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, also in Burlington.
Chittenden Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
The Vermont Judiciary publishes court calendars online through its official website at vermontjudiciary.org. To find today's, tomorrow's, or this week's hearings in Chittenden County:
- Visit the Vermont Judiciary's court calendar page.
- Select Chittenden as the county.
- Choose the division (Criminal, Civil, Family, or Probate).
- Select the date or date range you want to search.
Calendars typically list the case number, party names, hearing type, judge, and courtroom. You can also call the clerk's office directly to confirm a specific hearing time or check whether a case has been continued.
Chittenden County Superior Court — Clerk's Office
For criminal division scheduling matters, the Chittenden County Criminal Division Standing Orders may affect arraignment and hearing schedules.
How to Get a Copy of a Chittenden Court Document
Vermont distinguishes between certified and uncertified copies of court documents. A certified copy bears the court seal and clerk's attestation — required for most legal proceedings. An uncertified copy is a plain photocopy for informational use.
How to request copies
- In person: Visit the clerk's office at 175 Main Street, Burlington. Bring the case number or enough identifying details (party names, approximate filing date) for staff to locate the file. You can review files and request photocopies on site.
- By mail: Send a written request to the clerk's office with the case number, document description, and a check or money order for the applicable fees. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope.Chittenden County Superior Court
- Online: Vermont does not permit public online access to criminal, family, or probate case documents. Civil division records may have limited electronic availability. Contact the clerk to confirm what can be provided remotely.
What you'll need
- Case number (if known)
- Full names of the parties
- Approximate date of filing or hearing
- Type of document requested
For criminal conviction records maintained by the state (rather than court-filed documents), use the Vermont Crime Information Center's online service. A separate request to VCIC is needed for formal record checks.
Chittenden Court Records Fees & Payment
Court document fees in Vermont are set by statute and administrative order. The following table reflects standard fees charged by the clerk's office. Confirm current amounts when you submit your request, as fees may be updated periodically.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Photocopy (per page) | $0.25 |
| Certification of a document | $5.00 per document |
| Filing fee — Civil complaint | $295.00 |
| Filing fee — Small claims | $75.00 |
| Filing fee — Family Division (divorce/parentage) | $295.00 |
| Filing fee — Probate (estate administration) | Varies by estate value |
| Record search by clerk staff | Contact clerk for current rate |
| VCIC criminal conviction record (online) | $30.00 |
Payment methods
- In person: Cash, check, or money order payable to the Vermont Superior Court.
- By mail: Check or money order only.
- Online (VCIC criminal records): Credit or debit card through the VCIC online portal.
Fee waivers may be available for individuals who qualify based on income. Ask the clerk's office for the fee-waiver application form if you cannot afford the filing or copy fees.