The 5 Essential Estate Planning Documents Every Vermonter Should Have
June 20, 2025

Estate planning may sound like something only the wealthy or elderly need to worry about, but in truth, it’s an essential part of life planning for every adult—regardless of age, wealth, or family structure. Whether you're a small business owner in Montpelier, a retiree in Middlebury, or a young parent in Burlington, having a clear and legally sound estate plan can protect your loved ones, preserve your assets, and provide peace of mind.


In Vermont, as in most states, there are five core documents that form the foundation of a comprehensive estate plan. Each plays a specific role in ensuring your wishes are respected and your affairs are handled according to your preferences—both during your lifetime and after your death.


Here’s a closer look at the five essential estate planning documents every Vermonter should have:


1. Last Will and Testament


A will is the cornerstone of any estate plan. It outlines how you want your assets to be distributed after your death and names an executor to manage your estate. If you have minor children, your will is also the document where you nominate a guardian for them. Without a will, your estate will be distributed according to Vermont’s intestacy laws—which may not reflect your wishes. This process can be time-consuming, emotionally draining for your family, and lead to unintended outcomes.

Even if your estate is modest, a will ensures clarity and can help your loved ones avoid unnecessary legal complications during an already difficult time.


2. Durable Power of Attorney

A durable power of attorney (POA) allows you to name someone to handle your financial and legal affairs if you become incapacitated. This could include paying your bills, managing investments, filing taxes, or making other important decisions on your behalf. In Vermont, a POA remains in effect even if you become mentally or physically unable to manage your own affairs—hence the term durable. Without a POA, your loved ones may have to go through a costly and time-consuming court process to gain the authority to act on your behalf. Choosing a trusted agent now can spare your family considerable stress later.


3. Advance Directive for Health Care

Also known as a health care proxy or medical power of attorney, an advance directive allows you to appoint someone to make medical decisions for you if you are unable to do so yourself. This includes decisions about life-sustaining treatments, organ donation, and end-of-life care. Vermont has a specific form for advance directives, and completing one ensures your health care wishes are known and legally binding. Without this document, important medical decisions may fall to someone who doesn’t know your preferences—or disagreements among family members could create unnecessary tension.


4. HIPAA Authorization

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) protects the privacy of your medical records, but it can also make it difficult for loved ones to access information in an emergency. A HIPAA authorization allows you to name individuals who can access your medical records and communicate with your doctors. This is especially important if you have multiple family members who may need to coordinate your care or advocate on your behalf. Without this document, your loved ones may be left in the dark at a time when fast, informed decisions are critical.


5. Revocable Living Trust (Optional, But Strongly Recommended)

While not every Vermonter needs a revocable living trust, it can be a powerful tool—especially if you own real estate, have a blended family, or want to avoid probate. A revocable living trust allows you to transfer ownership of your assets into a trust during your lifetime, with instructions for how they should be managed and distributed. You retain control of the assets while you're alive, and after your death, they can be distributed without going through the Vermont probate process.

A trust also provides greater privacy, flexibility, and control, and can be particularly helpful for managing out-of-state property or planning for incapacity.


Take Control of Your Legacy


Estate planning isn’t just about preparing for the unexpected—it’s about making intentional decisions that protect your family, safeguard your assets, and reflect your values. At Deppman Law PLC, we help individuals and families throughout Vermont create customized estate plans that meet their specific needs—no matter how simple or complex. Whether you’re starting from scratch or need to update existing documents, we’re here to guide you through every step with care and clarity. Contact Benj or Lesley today to schedule a consultation and begin building your estate plan with confidence.

How to Protect Your Business in Vendor and Service Agreements

March 16, 2026
Vendor and service agreements are a routine part of running a small business, but they are also one of the most common sources of legal disputes. Whether you are hiring a vendor, providing services to a client, or entering into a long-term business relationship, a well-drafted agreement is essential to protecting your interests. Taking the time to get these contracts right on the front end can prevent costly issues down the road. Scope of Work At its core, a vendor or service agreement should clearly define the scope of work. This includes what services or goods will be provided, the timeline for performance, and any specific deliverables. Vague or overly broad descriptions can lead to misunderstandings and disagreements about whether obligations have been fulfilled. The more specific the agreement, the easier it is to hold all parties accountable. Payment Terms Payment terms are another critical component. Your agreement should outline how much will be paid, when payments are due, and what happens if a payment is late or not made at all. For service providers, this may include requiring deposits or including interest or penalties for late payment. For businesses hiring vendors, it is equally important to ensure that payment is tied to satisfactory performance. Liability Limits Limiting liability is also key to protecting your business. Many agreements include provisions that cap the amount of damages one party can recover or exclude certain types of damages altogether. While these clauses must be carefully drafted to be enforceable, they can significantly reduce your financial exposure in the event of a dispute. Similarly, indemnification provisions can require one party to cover certain losses or claims, such as those arising from negligence or third-party actions. Disputes Another important consideration is how disputes will be handled. Your agreement should specify whether disputes will be resolved through litigation, mediation, or arbitration, as well as the location and governing law. For Vermont businesses, including a clause that applies Vermont law and designates a local venue can provide greater predictability and convenience if a dispute arises. Termination Termination provisions are often overlooked but can be just as important as the initial terms of the agreement. A strong contract will outline when and how either party can terminate the relationship, including for cause (such as a breach) or for convenience. It should also address what happens upon termination, such as final payments, return of property, or transition of work in progress. Confidentiality In addition, businesses should consider including provisions related to confidentiality and intellectual property. If sensitive business information is being shared, a confidentiality clause can help prevent misuse or disclosure. If the agreement involves the creation of content, designs, or other work product, it should clearly state who owns that work and how it can be used. Finally, it is important to ensure that all agreements are properly executed and reflect the actual understanding of the parties. Relying on informal arrangements or handshake deals can leave your business exposed if a disagreement arises. Even when using templates, contracts should be reviewed and tailored to fit the specific transaction and applicable law. Contact Deppman Law PLC For more information about drafting or reviewing vendor and service agreements, contact Deppman Law PLC. Our team can help you create contracts that protect your business and support your day-to-day operations with confidence.

What to Expect at a Vermont Real Estate Closing

February 11, 2026
Buying or selling real estate is one of the most significant financial transactions most people will make, and the closing is where everything comes together. While the process can feel intense, understanding what to expect at a Vermont real estate closing can help you feel more prepared and confident on the big day. In Vermont, real estate closings are typically handled by an attorney or title company, and the process is often more attorney-driven than in some other states. Whether you are buying or selling, your attorney plays a central role in ensuring that the transaction is legally sound and that your interests are protected throughout the process. Leading up to the closing, several important steps take place behind the scenes. One of the most critical is the title search. This involves reviewing public records to confirm that the seller has clear ownership of the property and that there are no outstanding liens or legal issues that could affect the transfer. If any issues are discovered, they must be resolved before closing can proceed. At the same time, the buyer will typically finalize financing, secure homeowners insurance, and review the closing disclosure, a document that outlines the final terms of the loan, as well as all costs associated with the transaction. It is important to review this document carefully in advance so there are no surprises at closing. On the day of closing, the parties will meet—either in person or, in some cases, remotely—to sign the necessary documents. Buyers can expect to sign a number of documents related to their mortgage, including the promissory note and mortgage deed. Sellers will sign documents transferring ownership of the property, most notably the deed. In Vermont, the deed is often a warranty deed, which provides assurances to the buyer that the seller has clear title to the property and the legal right to transfer it. Along with the deed, various affidavits and tax forms are also executed to complete the transaction. Funds are also exchanged at closing. Buyers will provide the balance of their down payment and closing costs, typically via wire transfer, while the lender provides the loan funds. The closing agent then distributes these funds to the appropriate parties, including paying off any existing mortgages, covering taxes and fees, and delivering the remaining proceeds to the seller. Once all documents are signed and funds are disbursed, the final step is recording the deed in the local land records. This officially transfers ownership of the property to the buyer. In many cases, the buyer will receive the keys to the property shortly after this step is complete. While most closings proceed smoothly, issues can arise. Delays in financing, title defects, or last-minute changes to terms can all impact the timeline. Having experienced legal guidance can help address these challenges quickly and keep the transaction on track. Ultimately, a Vermont real estate closing is a structured process designed to ensure that ownership is transferred properly and that both parties’ rights are protected. With the right preparation and support, it can be a straightforward and even rewarding experience. Contact Deppman Law PLC For more information about Vermont real estate transactions or to ensure your closing proceeds smoothly, contact Deppman Law PLC. Our team is available to guide you through each step of the process and protect your interests from contract to closing.