A landlord kept your deposit, a contractor walked off the job, a dry cleaner ruined your coat. In Vermont you can sue for up to $10,000 in the Small Claims, Civil Division of the Vermont Superior Court, without hiring a lawyer. Check your case below, then follow six steps.
Answer a few questions. The result updates as you type.
Vermont's small claims rules don't require a demand letter before filing. A short, dated demand letter is the best proof. Use the generator below and keep a copy.
The Civil Division of the Superior Court in the county where you or the defendant lives.
Small Claims Complaint. After the defendant answers, the court mails a trial notice, usually a few weeks before the trial date.
$65 for claims of $1,000 or less and $90 for claims over $1,000. A sheriff or constable charges extra if mail service doesn't work. If you can't afford it, ask for a fee waiver: Application to Waive Filing Fees and Service Costs.
Within 7 days of getting the court packet, mail the papers to the defendant by first-class mail and file a Certificate of Service. If they don't answer within 30 days, have a sheriff or constable serve them. Mail within 7 days. If a sheriff or constable is needed, file their return within 60 days of the first mailing or the case may be dismissed.
Bring receipts, photos, texts, the contract and your demand letter, with three copies of each. The court doesn't collect for you. If they don't pay within 30 days, ask for a financial disclosure hearing, wage garnishment (trustee process) or a writ of execution.
Want every detail? The full filing guide walks you through all 7 stages, from finding the defendant's legal name to collecting your money, with a checklist.
Open the filing guideFill in the details, then download the letter as a PDF or Word file, or copy the text. Send it by certified mail or email so you can prove the date.
Miss this date and the court will dismiss your case, however strong it is. Libel and slander can't be filed in small claims at all.
| Type of claim | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Broken written contract (lease, invoice, signed agreement) | 6 years |
| Broken verbal agreement | 6 years |
| Damaged property | 3 years |
| Personal injury | 3 years |
| Fraud | 6 years |
| Libel or slander | 3 years |
| Claims against a government agency | Suing the State of Vermont or a town has special rules; ask the clerk or a lawyer first. |
Yes. Lawyers are allowed, but many people represent themselves.
You can sue for up to $10,000 (raised from $5,000 in 2023). Collection of consumer credit debt or medical debt is capped at $5,000. You can't split a bigger claim, and small claims can't hear libel or slander. Otherwise, you can give up the amount above the limit, or file a regular civil case where the rules are stricter.
Either side can appeal within 30 days of the judgment ($120 fee). A different judge reviews the record; there is no new trial, and only legal mistakes can be raised.
Request an interpreter through the Vermont Judiciary's language access page before your court date.