A basic knowledge of the District Court of VT can be very beneficial if you ever have to file bankruptcy or find yourself a creditor when someone else does. Regardless of the circumstances, it helps to understand the court process and know a little about general bankruptcy rules.

Whether you need to search for a bankruptcy filing on a debtor or determine if bankruptcy is an option for you or your company, the Vermont District Court can assist you with both. When examining the District Courts in Vermont, consider the following:

1. New requirements through the VT District Court make it difficult for an individual to take advantage of bankruptcy as a means to get out of debt.

2. provides downloads of local bankruptcy case rules.

3. The District Court in Vermont also provides information on the basics for bankruptcy filing, contact information for trustees and bankruptcy attorneys and an online search of Vermont District Court filings.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

File a bankruptcy or creditor claim with the District Court of Vermont

In order to file bankruptcy, you must meet specific eligibility requirements and follow rules of procedure. Talk to a bankruptcy attorney to make sure it's the right choice for you. Additionally, if you find that someone who owes you money files bankruptcy, it's important that you file a claim form in the case to make sure you're on the list of creditors. That is the only way you will receive funds if the debtor failed to list you as someone he owes money to, providing the trustee has funds to distribute. You should also attend the 341 creditor meeting to find out the details of the case.

I recommend: Visit the US Courts Federal Judiciary for information on bankruptcy basics, including Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies, the most frequently filed types. Examine the Vermont District Court calendar for meetings of creditors on the US Bankruptcy Court District of Vermont website to find out when to the 341 meeting for the cases that list you as a creditor.

Procure forms for cases in the Vermont District Courts

There are a large number of forms filed in a bankruptcy case. In fact, the District Court in state of Vermont, along with all other states, provides access to an Internet filing system, which most bankruptcy attorneys use today. In order to file online, however, you need the appropriate Internet-friendly forms. You can access most of these on the District Court of Vermont website.

I recommend: If you’re filing your bankruptcy Pro Se (without an attorney) go to the website for the US Bankruptcy Court District of Vermont and, under “Bankruptcy Help,” click on the Vermont Pro Se Packet for assistance. Download PDF files of each individual form, which are ready to fill out with your case information, save and file online, from the US Courts Federal Judiciary.

Access information about Vermont District Court cases through CM/ECF

Public Access to Court Electronic Records, also known as PACER, is a case access system used nationwide. Each district bankruptcy court has its own PACER database called CM/ECF, or electronic case filing system. This allows bankruptcy courts to accept case document filings and provide access to those documents over the Internet. You must obtain a login and password through the CM/ECF system.

I recommend: In order to access bankruptcy case records and file bankruptcy documents online, you must register for a Public Access to Court Electronic Records account. Sift through case records by clicking the CM/ECF login link on any of the Vermont bankruptcy court sites, and accessing pages like the District Court of Vermont Document Filing System.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Regardless of how much knowledge you have of the District Court of Vermont, you should hire an attorney who specializes in your specific type of case to represent you.