Vermont Judiciary is a state department that includes all Vermont state courthouses and provides a series of judicial services. With normal business hours for most venues, it offers a broad range of court proceedings and administrative functions covering various legal domains. The exceptions include the Washington Civil/Probate Court, which currently holds remote hearings only, and the Supreme Court building that remains closed until further notice. Despite the closure of some buildings, Vermont Judiciary maintains its services by allowing civil and probate paper filings to be taken to the Washington Criminal/Family Courthouse in Barre. Moreover, it continues to process electronic filings.
The department's extensive website provides easy access to important information including court operations, remote hearings participation, court calendars, and court divisions. It also offers online options to find a court, pay a fine, or seek information about a wide array of legal topics, which includes but isn't limited to abuse prevention, adoption, adult and minor guardianships, debt and small claims, divorce and parentage, housing, and transcript services.
Aside from general public services, Vermont Judiciary caters to specific groups such as attorneys, jurors, law enforcement officials, and media. It supplies needed tools and resources for these stakeholders directly through its online platform. The site also offers features like E-Filing and a public portal, which simplifies the process of filing court documents and accessing court data respectively.
Vermont Judiciary aids not only in court proceedings but also in legal self-help through resources and tools designed to assist individuals in handling their own legal matters. It includes information involving the judicial nominating board, language access, and judicial commission on family treatment dockets.
Court divisions are well-defined in Vermont Judiciary. They are Civil Division, Criminal Division, Environmental Division, Family Division, Judicial Bureau, Probate Division, and Supreme Court. Each division handles specific cases which ensures that every legal issue is effectively addressed.
Vermont Judiciary maintains transparency by providing access to court records data and information requests. The department prioritizes public access to court documents and openly shares information about the court's operations with the public to ensure accountability.
In conclusion, Vermont Judiciary functions effectively as a comprehensive source of judicial services, meeting the needs of various stakeholders through its accessible online platform and well-structured court divisions. Despite its temporary operational adjustments due to closures, it manages to continue providing its services for all.
