Washington County Court Records Search
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Washington County is situated in central Vermont with its county seat in Montpelier, the state capital. The county’s judicial operations are conducted through the Washington County Superior Court, which serves as the trial court of general jurisdiction across four specialized divisions. Whether a resident needs to check the status of a pending case, obtain a copy of a divorce decree, or research a probate filing, there are multiple pathways for accessing the records maintained by the court system in this county.
Individuals looking for court records in Vermont can begin by exploring official resources provided by the state judiciary. The Vermont Judiciary website centralizes information about court locations, forms, fees, and electronic filing across every county. For broader reference, VermontCourts.us may also help users locate publicly available case information. Records can be searched through the judiciary’s online Public Portal, at public access terminals inside courthouses, by submitting written requests directly to the clerk’s office, or by visiting in person during business hours.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Washington County?
Washington County Superior Court operates out of two physical locations, depending on the type of case. All four divisions share a single email address for correspondence: WashingtonUnit@vtcourts.gov.
Civil and Probate Divisions
Address: 65 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05602
Phone: (802) 828-2091
Fax: (802) 828-2146
Criminal and Family Divisions
Address: 255 North Main Street, Suite 1, Barre, VT 05641
Phone: (802) 479-4205
Hours of Operation (all divisions): Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Courts are closed on state-observed holidays and on the fourth Wednesday of each month from 8:00 a.m. to noon for in-service training.
There are several methods for looking up a case:
- Vermont Judiciary Public Portal — The Public Portal allows anonymous users to search case information without creating an account. Search by party name, attorney name, case number, citation number, or attorney bar number. To narrow results to Washington County, select “Washington Unit” under “General Options” and choose the appropriate division under “Case Search Criteria”. Case parties who need elevated access to documents in their own cases must register and submit an access request through the portal.
- Public Access Terminals (PAT) — Both courthouse locations have computer terminals available for on-site use during business hours. Searches can be run by case number or party name at no charge, though printing from the terminal incurs a per-page fee.
- Written Requests — Complete the Request for Access to Court Record form (form 600-00033) and submit it by email, mail, or hand delivery to the appropriate courthouse. If submitting by email, the judiciary recommends following up by phone after a few days.
- In-Person Visits — Walk into either courthouse during regular hours and request assistance from court staff.
Copy Fees (per 32 V.S.A. § 1751):
| Copy Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Paper photocopy | $0.25 per page ($1.00 minimum) |
| Certified copy | $5.00 per document |
| Exemplified copy | $10.00 plus regular copy fees |
| Authentication of documents | $5.00 |
| Retrieval from records center | $7.50 per file (postage) |
| Microfilm search | $3.00 per search |
Payments are accepted by check or money order payable to “Vermont Superior Court”. Credit card payments can be arranged over the phone by noting the preference in the body of an emailed request form.
Are Court Records Public in Washington County?
Vermont operates under a strong presumption of public access to government records. The Vermont Public Records Act (1 V.S.A. § 316) establishes the right of any person to inspect or copy public records, including those maintained by the courts. The judiciary also adopted the Rules for Public Access to Court Records, which govern specific procedures and limitations for case-related documents. These rules can be found under the Supreme Court Administrative Orders and Rules section.
Certain categories of records are exempt from public inspection. Under both the Public Records Act (1 V.S.A. § 317) and the court-access rules, the following types of records are restricted:
- Mental health records
- Juvenile court records
- Confidential business information, including trade secrets
- Judicial work products such as memoranda, notes, research drafts, and internal communications created by a judge
- Evidence introduced in a proceeding that is itself confidential
- Risk assessment and needs-screening information obtained from an individual
- Audio or video recordings, transcripts, or court reporter notes from confidential proceedings
- Documents associated with a search warrant (application, affidavit, inventory, and the warrant itself) until the warrant is returned
- All documents filed to initiate a criminal proceeding if no probable cause was found
- Potential jurors’ questionnaire responses (excluding names and town of residence)
- Personal identifying information such as Social Security numbers, taxpayer identification numbers, passport numbers, and financial account numbers
Under 12 V.S.A. § 5, the court does not permit public internet access to criminal, family, or probate case records. This means that while the Public Portal provides civil case information for anonymous users, access to criminal, family, and probate docket details online is limited. Those records must generally be obtained in person, by mail, or through a formal records request.
If a request for access to a court record is denied, the requester may file a Notice of Appeal of Decision on Access to Court Records with the court. The appeal form is available through the Vermont Judiciary forms library.
Washington County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Washington County — including felonies, misdemeanors, and traffic offenses — are handled by the Criminal Division of the Superior Court, located at the Barre courthouse.
Washington County Superior Court – Criminal Division
Address: 255 North Main Street, Suite 1, Barre, VT 05641
Phone: (802) 479-4205
Email: WashingtonUnit@vtcourts.gov
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
To obtain copies of specific criminal case documents (complaints, motions, orders, judgment records), submit the Request for Access to Court Record form to the Criminal Division by email, mail, or in person. Standard copy fees apply. The public access terminals at the Barre courthouse also allow on-site viewing of criminal docket information.
Statewide Criminal Conviction Records
The Vermont Crime Information Center (VCIC) is the central repository for criminal history records in Vermont. Conviction reports can be obtained through several channels:
- Online: The Vermont Criminal Conviction Record Internet Service (VCCRIS) provides immediate results for a $30.00 fee per report. This fee is nonrefundable regardless of whether a record is found. Reports obtained through VCCRIS are unnotarized.
- In person: Visit the VCIC at 45 State Drive, Waterbury, VT 05671-1300 on weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Bring a valid photo ID. Same-day processing is available for requests submitted before 3:30 p.m. Payment accepted: cash, money order, bank check, or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover).
- By mail: Send a completed Public Request for Criminal Conviction Information form, a $30.00 cashier’s check or money order, and a self-addressed stamped envelope to the VCIC at the Waterbury address listed above.
Employer and education-related background checks follow separate procedures with fees of $12.00 (employee checks) and $10.00 (volunteer fingerprint-based checks).
Local Law Enforcement Records
Arrest reports and incident records are maintained by the law enforcement agency that handled the case. In Washington County, two primary agencies produce these records:
- Washington County Sheriff’s Department — 10 Elm Street, Montpelier, VT 05602; Phone: (802) 223-3001; Fax: (802) 828-3611. The sheriff’s office publishes press releases on its official website.
- Montpelier Police Department — Publishes monthly arrest reports online. Contact the department through its main page for additional records requests.
Washington County Civil Court Records
The Civil Division of the Washington County Superior Court sits in Montpelier and has jurisdiction over a broad range of civil disputes. These include breach of contract, personal injury, medical malpractice, wrongful death, foreclosure, eviction, land disputes, and small claims actions for amounts up to $10,000. The division also hears appeals from the Probate Division.
Washington County Superior Court – Civil Division
Address: 65 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05602
Phone: (802) 828-2091
Email: WashingtonUnit@vtcourts.gov
Presiding Judge: Honorable Daniel Richardson
Court Operations Manager: Donna Waters
Clerk of Court: Margaret Villeneuve
Searching Civil Records
The Public Portal is the primary tool for researching civil case information remotely. Anonymous users can search civil division records without registering. Select “Washington Unit” from the location filter and “All Case Types” or “Civil” under the case type filter. Search by party name, business name, attorney name, or case number.
Requesting Copies
To obtain certified or uncertified copies, complete the Request for Access to Court Record form and submit it to the Civil Division. Methods of submission include email to WashingtonUnit@vtcourts.gov, mail to 65 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05602, or hand delivery. Copy fees are $0.25 per page with a $1.00 minimum; certified copies cost $5.00 per document. For older case files stored off-site, a $7.50 retrieval fee applies.
Civil Filing Fees (per 32 V.S.A. § 1431):
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Civil action filing | $295.00 |
| Cross-claim or third-party claim | $120.00 |
| Counterclaim | $90.00 |
| Postjudgment motion | $90.00 |
| Small claims ($1,000 or less) | $65.00 |
| Small claims ($1,001–$10,000) | $90.00 |
| Small claims appeal to Civil Division | $120.00 |
| Tax appeal | $295.00 |
| Jury trial request | $10.00 |
Individuals who cannot afford filing fees may apply using the Application to Waive Filing Fees and Service Costs.
Washington County Family Court Records
The Family Division handles divorce, annulment, legal separation, dissolution of civil union, parentage, child custody (parental rights and responsibilities), parent-child contact, child support, and domestic violence matters. The division operates from the Barre courthouse.
Washington County Superior Court – Family Division
Address: 255 North Main Street, Suite 1, Barre, VT 05641
Phone: (802) 479-4205
Email: WashingtonUnit@vtcourts.gov
Presiding Judge: Honorable Daniel Richardson
Superior Judge: Honorable Kirsten Schoonover
Magistrates: Brian Valentine and Alicia Humbert
Accessing Family Division Records
Because 12 V.S.A. § 5 restricts public internet access to family case records, the Public Portal offers limited information for family cases to anonymous users. The most reliable way to obtain family court documents is through a formal records request. Complete the Request for Access to Court Record form and submit it to the Family Division by email, mail, or in person. Standard copy fees ($0.25 per page; $5.00 for certified copies) apply.
In-person visitors may use the public access terminal at the Barre courthouse to view family case information during regular business hours.
Family Division Filing Fees:
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Divorce, annulment, or dissolution (without stipulation) | $295.00 |
| Divorce, annulment, or dissolution (with stipulation, one or both residents) | $90.00 |
| Divorce, annulment, or dissolution (with stipulation, neither party resident) | $180.00 |
| Parentage or desertion/support (without stipulation) | $120.00 |
| Parentage or desertion/support (with stipulation) | $35.00 |
| Motion to modify custody, contact, or maintenance (without stipulation) | $120.00 |
| Motion to modify custody, contact, or maintenance (with stipulation) | $35.00 |
| Motion to enforce custody, contact, property, or maintenance (without stipulation) | $90.00 |
| Motion to modify child support (without stipulation) | $45.00 |
| Motion to enforce child support | No fee |
| Registration of out-of-state custody determination (alone) | $90.00 |
| Registration with motion to enforce | $130.00 |
| Registration with motion to modify | $160.00 |
| Certified mail service (restricted delivery) | $18.50 |
| First-class mail service with acknowledgment | $3.00 |
If a divorce case becomes contested after a reduced stipulation fee was paid, the difference between the full fee and the reduced fee must be paid before the court issues a final order.
Marriage Records
Certified and noncertified copies of Washington County marriage certificates are available from the town or city clerk in the municipality where the marriage took place. Alternatively, the Vermont Department of Health provides copies through three channels:
- Online via the Vermont Vital Records Ordering Service — $12.00 per certified copy (includes a $2.00 processing fee); noncertified copies can be requested by email at no charge.
- By mail — $10.00 per certified copy. Use the appropriate application form depending on the date of the marriage: for marriages from 2024 to present, use the marriage/divorce/dissolution application; for marriages from 2023 and earlier, use the VSARA form.
- In person at a local town or city clerk’s office during business hours.
Birth and Death Records
Washington County birth and death certificates are available from local town or city clerks or from the Vermont Department of Health. Certified copies cost $10.00 each ($12.00 if ordered online). Noncertified copies are free. Only family members, legal guardians, certain court-appointed parties, or legal representatives may request certified birth or death certificates. A valid photo ID is required. Mail requests should include the completed Application for Certified Copy of Vermont Birth or Death Certificate, a copy of the applicant’s ID, and a $10.00 check or money order sent to:
Vermont Department of Health
Vital Records
280 State Drive
Waterbury, VT 05671-8370
Washington County Probate Court Records
The Probate Division of the Washington County Superior Court handles matters related to decedent estates, wills, trusts, guardianships of adults and minors, conservatorships, adoptions, name changes, and civil commitments. The division shares office space with the Civil Division in Montpelier.
Washington County Superior Court – Probate Division
Address: 65 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05602
Phone: (802) 828-2091
Email: WashingtonUnit@vtcourts.gov
Superior Judge: Honorable Jeffrey Kilgore
Probate Register: Jennifer Grochowik
Because 12 V.S.A. § 5 restricts internet access to probate case records for the general public, online searches through the Public Portal yield limited results for probate filings. The most effective way to research or obtain probate documents is through a direct request to the court.
Requesting Probate Records
- Complete the Request for Access to Court Record form.
- Specify the case name, case number, or decedent name and any other identifying details.
- Submit the form by email (WashingtonUnit@vtcourts.gov), by mail to the Montpelier address, or by visiting the courthouse in person.
- Enclose payment for copies: $0.25 per page for paper copies, $5.00 for each certified copy. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if requesting by mail.
Probate Filing Fees (per 32 V.S.A. § 1434):
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Estate valued at $10,000 or less | $50.00 |
| Estate $10,001–$50,000 | $110.00 |
| Estate $50,001–$150,000 | $265.00 |
| Estate $150,001–$500,000 | $500.00 |
| Estate $500,001–$1,000,000 | $1,000.00 |
| Estate $1,000,001–$5,000,000 | $1,750.00 |
| Estate $5,000,001–$10,000,000 | $2,500.00 |
| Estate over $10,000,000 | $3,250.00 |
| Small estate affidavit (Rule 80.3(h)) | $50.00 |
| Guardianship (adult or minor) | $150.00 |
| Adoption | $150.00 |
| Name change | $150.00 |
| Will for safekeeping | $30.00 |
| Annual account on estate (filed >1 year after opening) | $85.00 |
| Annual account on trust | $85.00 |
| Motion to reopen case (non-estate) | $90.00 |
| Correction of vital records | $40.00 |
Historical probate records from Washington County, including estate files from the early twentieth century, are also available through the Vermont State Archives and Records Administration. The Secretary of State’s office maintains indexes to these records in its Reference Room.