The Vermont Supreme Court’s Advisory Committee on Rules of Probate Procedure has scheduled its next meeting for February 5, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. The agenda includes approval of the previous meeting’s minutes from November 23, 2025, and a review of ongoing matters related to probate procedure rules.
Several rule changes will be discussed. V.R.P.P. 80.3 and V.R.P.P. 54 became effective on January 1, 2026. Comments have closed for V.R.P.P. 13 as of December 6, 2025; the committee will consider recommending it for promulgation. Amendments to V.R.P.P. 4(d)-(h) were promulgated on January 6, set to take effect July 1, while the comment period for V.R.P.P. 60(c) ends February 4 with consideration for further action.
The committee will also receive reports from subcommittees regarding wills held for safekeeping (V.R.P.P. 80.4), standby guardianships, and an update from Teri Corsones about approaches to abrogating the spendthrift statute. Ms. Corsones is also expected to report on the Oversight Committee’s review concerning probate division filings related to adoption consents.
New business includes a report by Judge Kennedy on a Legislative Rules Committee meeting held December 12, and a memo addressing confidentiality in emancipation proceedings submitted to the Public Access Committee.
Other topics involve discussion about adding a new attorney member to the committee and scheduling the next meeting.
The Vermont Judiciary operates as an independent branch of government responsible for delivering fair justice through its Superior Court system and Supreme Court appellate functions across all counties statewide according to its official website. It manages civil, criminal, family, and environmental cases while offering services such as language support and mediation to promote public education and community safety. Specialized dockets address substance use or mental health issues and treatment-focused initiatives are in place.
As part of its broader mission under the state constitution the judiciary oversees attorney discipline and judicial rules, ensures accessible dispute resolution forums to safeguard rights, collaborates with advocacy programs like Guardian ad Litem for children in abuse or neglect cases, and extends operations via county-based Superior Courts with statewide reach.
