Vermont Bankruptcy Overview
Vermont offers bankruptcy protections including a $125,000 homestead exemption and the choice between state and federal exemptions.
2026 Vermont Median Income
| Household Size | Annual Median Income |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | $72,461 |
| 2 People | $96,963 |
| 3 People | $114,075 |
| 4 People | $137,583 |
Vermont Exemptions
Homestead Exemption: $125,000
Vermont protects up to $125,000 of equity in your primary residence—one of the higher homestead exemptions in the nation.
Vehicle Exemption: $2,500
Vermont allows you to protect up to $2,500 of equity in one motor vehicle.
Personal Property
- Household Goods: Up to $2,500 for furniture, appliances, and household goods
- Jewelry: Up to $500 for wedding rings; $500 for other jewelry
- Tools of Trade: Up to $5,000 for books, tools, and equipment
- Retirement: Unlimited for qualified plans
- Wildcard: Up to $7,000 for any property, plus up to $8,075 of unused homestead
Federal vs. State: Vermont allows you to choose federal exemptions, but most Vermont homeowners benefit from the $125,000 state homestead exemption. Renters may prefer federal exemptions for the wildcard.
Vermont Bankruptcy Court
Official court website: U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Vermont (www.vtb.uscourts.gov) — the official source for local rules, filing locations, hearing schedules, and court forms.
Rutland: 67 Merchants Row, Rutland, VT 05701
Cost of Filing
Attorney fees in Vermont: $1,100-$1,800 for Chapter 7; $2,800-$4,100 for Chapter 13.
Disclaimer: Consult with a licensed Vermont bankruptcy attorney for advice specific to your situation.