Orleans County Court Records

Orleans County court records are documents, files, and transcripts related to all court cases held in Orleans County. A typical court record may contain information such as lawsuits, small claims, traffic offenses, and criminal convictions. These court records also detail the persons involved, the nature of the case, and the court's ruling.

The courts in Orleans County maintain records on everything that occurs during a legal process. For instance, Orleans County court records are important because they provide the factual and legal basis for making arguments and decisions in both civil and criminal cases. Documentation of lawsuits will ensure accuracy and transparency in all legal actions, ensuring justice is served in the county.

Are Court Records Public in Orleans County?

Yes, Orleans County court records are public records, as seen in Vermont’s Public Records Act. According to the law, any person may inspect or copy any public record of a public agency within the county (1 V.S.A. § 316). A public record is any written or recorded information, regardless of physical form or characteristics, that is produced or acquired in the course of a public agency business (1 V.S.A. § 317(2b)).

However, not all Orleans County Court Records are accessible to the public by law. The following are some examples of court records exempt from public inspection and copying (1 V.S.A. § 317(2c)):

• Records that are confidential or may only be disclosed to specific persons.
• Records dealing with the detection and investigation of crime, but only if the production of such records could:
  • Disclose the identity of a confidential source;
  • Deprive a person of a right to a fair trial or an impartial adjudication;
  • Interfere with enforcement proceedings.
• Records relating to the management and direction of a law enforcement agency.
• Records reflecting the initial arrest of a person, including any ticket, citation, or complaint issued for a traffic violation.

Orleans County Court Records Search

Interested persons can conduct a general search for court records in Orleans County through the following locations and sources:

• Orleans County Courthouse, where the case was filed
• Orleans County Court Clerk’s office
• The Vermont Judiciary Public Portal
• Online third-party sites.

Orleans County Courts

The Orleans County court system includes the Superior Court and the Supreme Court. The Superior Court has five divisions: Civil, Criminal, Environmental, Family, and Probate. Below is a list of the various court locations in Orleans County:

Vermont Superior Court - Orleans Civil Division
247 Main Street
Newport, VT 05855
Phone: (802) 334-3305

Vermont Superior Court - Orleans Criminal Division
217 Main Street
Newport, VT 05855
Phone: (802) 334-3325

Vermont Superior Court - Orleans Family Division
247 Main Street, Suite 1
Newport, VT 05855
Phone: (802) 334-3305

Vermont Superior Court - Orleans Probate Division
247 Main Street
Newport, VT 05855
Phone: (802) 334-3305

Orleans County Criminal and Civil Records

According to 20 V.S.A. § 2056c, criminal court records such as Orleans arrest records and criminal conviction records, including a register of all offenders in the county, may be available to the public. For instance, the Orleans County Sheriff's Office disseminates news releases for significant criminal or public safety incidents and arrests within the county. Moreover, access to Orleans County Arrest Records provides information such as the name, age of the arrestee, and the type of charge.

The Vermont Crime Information Center is the official repository for crime data in Vermont, including Orleans County. However, a person may obtain a criminal conviction record from the center provided the requestor has completed a user’s agreement with the center (20 V.S.A. § 2056c).

For in-person requests, the requestor will have to:

• Fill and submit a request in writing to the center’s main office in Waterbury, VT to receive a certified copy of the record.
• Provide valid identification such as a driver’s license, state identification, birth certificate, or passport to access these records.
• The Center charges $30.00 for each criminal court record, which can be made in cash, check, or money order.

To access Orleans criminal court records online, visit the Vermont Criminal Conviction Record Internet Service (VCCRIS) and complete a criminal record request form. Once the requester completes the form and due payment is made, all results are instantly available.

The Vermont Judiciary Public Portal provides online access to Orleans County civil court records such as breach of contract cases, small claims, land disputes, and court judgements. Users may view certain case summaries for the county civil division through the SMART Search option. Moreover, users can also Make Payments via the portal using the search type and criteria.

Orleans County Marriage Records

Orleans County vital records are public records, however, access to copies of certain records may be restricted for various reasons (18 V.S.A § 5014). For instance, only parties involved and relatives may access marriage records in Vermont.

Orleans County Town Clerks can issue vital records, including certified copies of Orleans County Marriage records. Requesters can visit the town clerk’s office, depending on where the marriage ceremony took place. Marriage certificates are also available on file in the Clerk’s office upon request.

The Vermont Department of Health is a state agency that issues certified and noncertified copies of marriage records to applicants in person. However, an online Vital Records Request Service is also available for users to order certified copies of Orleans County Marriage certificates. This ordering service requires applicants to fill an identification form and make payments for each certificate. Each certified copy costs $12.00 using Vermont.gov.

The Vermont State Archives and Records Administration can also provide certified copies of marriage records (1909 through 2022 only) in person. To obtain marriage records through mail, the applicant can fill form VSARA-09 and pay $10.00 per certification to the Vermont Secretary of State.

Orleans County Divorce Records

Divorce records in Orleans County are public records but may only be available to certain people. Eligible individuals can obtain copies of the order of divorce from the court where the divorce case was filed. To request a copy of divorce records, submit a Request For Access To Court Records form (600-00033) available on the Vermont Judiciary website.

The Department of Health issues certified and noncertified copies of vital records for divorces that took place in Orleans County. Individuals can also order certified copies of divorce records from the Vermont State Archives and Records Administration. Additionally, one can order copies of divorce records through mail to the Vermont Secretary of State.

Orleans County Birth Records

Birth records are important as they provide legal documentation for individuals and maintain accurate population data. In Orleans County, birth records are only accessible to specific individuals, including immediate family and authorized persons. Town Clerks in Orleans County may issue non-certified and certified copies of Orleans County birth certificates and records in person if filed in the Clerk’s office.

The Department of Health provides in-person services for Orleans County birth records from January 1909 to date. Eligible persons also have access to a current and online searchable index of births in the county. Certified copies of records are also accessible online through the Vital Records Request Service.

Orleans County Death Records

Death records are important for several reasons including settling estates, claiming benefits, and documenting the cause of a person's death. In Orleans County, death records are confidential and access is restricted to the deceased's immediate family members and legal representatives. Individuals can get certified copies of death certificates from the Orleans County Courthouse or any Town Clerk's Office in the county.

The Department of Health also has a current and searchable index of deaths registered in Orleans County from 1909 to date. Requesters may have to input the last name, year of birth, and sex of the record subject.

Orleans County Probate Court Records

Orleans County probate court records contain information on emancipation, guardianship, authorization of nonresident clergy to perform marriages, and probate (proving the validity) of estates, trusts, and wills.

To access Orleans County probate court records, the requester has to complete the Request for Access to Court Record form (600-00033) and submit it to the Orleans Probate Division. The form is available on the Vermont Judiciary’s official website.

Orleans County Property Records

Property records contain legal descriptions and ownership histories for all real estate and are used for all property transfers and mortgage filings. Orleans County property records are maintained at the town level, not the county level. In other words, it is the Town Clerk's responsibility to maintain property records in the county. Individuals can visit the Town Clerk's office where the property is situated to access these records.

Orleans County Court Records Online

There are third-party online resources like Vermontcourtrecords.us that make it easy for individuals to access Orleans court records. These websites have benefits that include the possibility to access records from anywhere, saving time and effort for individuals who cannot visit the courthouse in person. With a user-friendly interface, users can also search for records on different and specific court cases. However, third-party websites work independently of any government agency, which means the accuracy and reliability of information on such websites vary.