Court records in Addison County, Vermont can be found through several channels. AddisonCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. You can also access records through the Vermont Judiciary's online tools, the clerk's office at the Addison County Superior Court in Middlebury, and public terminals available at the courthouse. The sections below explain which courts handle which cases, how to check calendars, and how to obtain copies of court documents.
Addison Court System & Jurisdictions
Vermont does not use a district/magistrate court structure like many other states. Instead, the state operates a unified Superior Court system. In Addison County, the Superior Court sits in Middlebury and is divided into several divisions, each handling specific case types:
- Criminal Division — felonies, misdemeanors, and violations prosecuted by the Addison County State's Attorney's Office
- Civil Division — contract disputes, personal injury, real estate litigation, small claims (up to $5,000), and appeals from administrative agencies
- Family Division — divorce, parentage, child support, relief-from-abuse orders, juvenile proceedings, and civil unions/dissolutions
- Probate Division — wills, estate administration, guardianships, adoptions, name changes, and civil commitments. Historical probate court records may be held at the Vermont State Archives
- Environmental Division — land use permits, Act 250 appeals, and municipal zoning disputes (centralized in Burlington but covers Addison County cases)
Traffic violations — including DUI charges — are handled through the Criminal Division. Small claims cases are filed within the Civil Division. Federal matters such as bankruptcy or federal criminal charges go through the U.S. District Court for the District of Vermont in Burlington or Rutland.
Addison County Superior Court
Phone: 802-388-7741
Addison Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
The Vermont Judiciary publishes court calendars online through its website. To find today's, tomorrow's, or this week's hearings in Addison County:
- Visit the Vermont Judiciary's official website at vermontjudiciary.org/court-calendars.
- Select Addison from the county dropdown.
- Choose the division (Criminal, Civil, Family, or Probate) and date range.
- The system displays scheduled hearings, including case numbers, party names, hearing type, and courtroom assignments.
Calendars are typically updated daily. If you need information about a specific hearing that does not appear online, call the clerk's office at 802-388-7741. Walk-in visitors can also review posted calendars at the Middlebury courthouse.
How to Get a Copy of a Addison Court Document
Court documents filed in Addison County — such as complaints, motions, orders, and judgments — are maintained by the clerk of the Superior Court in Middlebury. Here is how to obtain copies:
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Uncertified copies are plain reproductions of court documents. They are generally sufficient for personal reference or background research.
- Certified copies bear the court seal and clerk's signature, confirming authenticity. These are typically required for legal proceedings, real estate transactions, or filings in other courts.
How to Request
- In person: Visit the clerk's office at the Addison County Superior Court. Bring the case number or enough identifying details (party names, approximate filing date) so the clerk can locate the file. Public terminals at the courthouse may also be available for self-service lookups.
- By mail: Send a written request to the clerk's office with the case number, document description, and a check or money order for applicable fees.
- Online: Vermont's electronic case management system, Odyssey, allows some case information to be viewed through the Vermont Judiciary's eServices portal. Document availability online varies by case type; sealed, juvenile, and certain family records are restricted.
Phone: 802-388-7741
Restricted Records
Not all court records are publicly accessible. Sealed cases, juvenile delinquency files, certain family division records, mental health proceedings, and records expunged under Vermont law are generally unavailable. If you are unsure whether a record is public, ask the clerk before submitting a request.
For criminal conviction history unrelated to a specific court case, the Vermont Criminal Conviction Record Internet Service (VCCRIS) provides online background checks through the Vermont Crime Information Center. The VCIC record checks page explains the different types of checks available and their requirements.
Addison Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court records in Vermont are set by statute and administrative order. The table below lists common fees you may encounter when requesting records from the Addison County Superior Court clerk's office. Confirm current amounts with the clerk, as fees may be updated periodically.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.25 |
| Certification of a document | $5.00 per document |
| Record search (per name) | Varies; contact clerk |
| Audio recording of hearing (per disc/file) | $10.00 |
| VCCRIS online criminal record check | $30.00 |
| Fingerprint-based criminal record check (through VCIC) | $30.00–$50.00 depending on purpose |
Payment methods: The clerk's office generally accepts cash, checks, and money orders. For mail requests, include a check or money order payable to the Vermont Superior Court. Online payments through the Judiciary's eServices portal may be accepted for certain filings and record requests — verify availability on the eServices page.
Fee waivers may be available for individuals who demonstrate financial hardship. Ask the clerk's office for the appropriate fee-waiver application form.