Everything you need to know about Vermont Form PE_56, including helpful tips, fast facts & deadlines, how to fill it out, where to submit it and other related VT probate forms.
There are all sorts of forms executors, beneficiaries, and probate court clerks have to fill out and correspond with during probate and estate settlement, including affidavits, letters, petitions, summons, orders, and notices.
Summary Of Account With Schedules & Motion To Allow Account is a commonly used form within Vermont. Here’s an overview of what the form is and means, including a breakdown of the situations when (or why) you may need to use it:
Sometimes it’s tough to find a quick summary— here’s the important details you should know about Summary Of Account With Schedules & Motion To Allow Account:
This form pertains to the State of Vermont
Government forms are not typically updated often, though when they are, it often happens rather quietly. While Atticus works hard to keep this information about Vermont’s Form PE_56 - Summary Of Account With Schedules & Motion To Allow Account up to date, certain details can change from time-to-time with little or no communication.
Double check that you have both the correct form name and the correct form ID. Some Vermont probate forms can look remarkably similar, so it’s best to double, even triple-check that you’re using the right one! Keep in mind that not all States have a standardized Form ID system for their probate forms.
Fill out all relevant fields in Form PE_56, take a break, and then review. Probate and estate settlement processes in VT are long enough to begin with, and making a silly error can push your timeline even farther back. No thank you!
Note: If you don’t currently know all of the answers and are accessing Form PE_56 online, be sure to avoid closing the browser tab and potentially losing all your progress (or use a platform like Atticus to help avoid making mistakes).
Some States and situations require particular forms to be notarized. If you have been instructed to get the document notarized or see it in writing on the document, then make sure to hire a local notary. There are max notary fees in the United States that are defined and set by local law. Take a look at our full guide to notary fees to make sure you aren’t overpaying or getting ripped off.
This is most often the local probate court where the decedent (person who passed away) is domiciled (permanently resides) or the institution involved with this particular form (e.g. a bank). Some offices allow you to submit forms online, other’s don’t, and we while we generally recommend going in-person to expedite the process, sometimes that simply isn’t an option.
It’s also a generally good idea to establish a positive working relationship with any probate clerk (unfortunately there’s enough people & process out there making things more difficult and unnecessarily confusing for them), so a best practice is to simply ask the probate clerk proactively exactly how and where they’d prefer you to submit all forms.
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Different probate forms or processes can require different deadlines or response times for completing the appropriate form.
While some steps in the process are bound to specific deadlines (like petitioning for probate, having to submit an inventory of assets, or filing applicable notices to creditors and beneficiaries), many probate forms or processes are not tied to a specific deadline since the scope of work can vary based on situational factors or requirements involved.
Either way, there are a bunch of practical reasons why personal representatives should work to complete each step as thoroughly and quickly as possible when completing probate in Vermont.
The sooner you begin, the faster Vermont can allow heirs and beneficiaries to get their share of assets subject to probate. Acting promptly can also decrease the costs & overall mental fatigue through an otherwise burdensome process.
Helpful Context: What’s the Difference Between Probate and Non-Probate Assets?
In general, creditors of an estate usually have around 3-6 months from the time you file notice to creditors to file any claims for debt against the deceased’s assets. If they don’t, then that debt is forfeited (and more importantly, the executor won’t be held personally responsible). So doing this sooner means you have a better idea of who is owed what and ensures you won’t get a surprise collector months later.
Not filing a will within 30 days (on average) could mean that the probate process proceeds according to intestate laws (laws that govern what happens to someone's stuff without a will) or is subject to unnecessary supervision by the probate court. And if you aren't directly related to the deceased (a.k.a. next of kin), this could also mean you lose your inheritance.
It’s important to file any necessary state tax returns on behalf of the deceased or estate by the following tax season in Vermont. If you don’t, you could owe penalties and interest. This also includes any necessary federal tax returns such as Forms 1040, 1041, or even a Form 706 estate tax return.
If a house in the State of Vermont is left empty (or abandoned) for a while, insurance can get dicey. For example, if the house burns down and no one has been there for a year, an insurance company may get out of paying your claim.
If you’re not using Atticus to get specific forms, deadlines, and timelines for Vermont probate, then try and stay as organized as possible, pay close attention to the dates mentioned in any correspondence you have with the State’s government officials, call the local Vermont probate clerk or court for exact answers regarding Form PE_56, and when in doubt— consult a qualified trust & estates lawyer for that area.
Summary Of Account With Schedules & Motion To Allow Account is one of the many probate court forms available for download through Atticus.
It may also be available through some Vermont probate court sites, such as . In order to access the latest version, be updated with any revisions, and get full instructions on how to complete each form, check out the Atticus Probate & Estate Settlement software or consider hiring a qualified legal expert locally within Vermont.
While Atticus automatically provides the latest forms, be sure to choose the correct version of Form PE_56 - Summary Of Account With Schedules & Motion To Allow Account f using any other site or resource in order to avoid having to re-complete the form process and/or make another trip to the Vermont probate court office.
Summary Of Account With Schedules & Motion To Allow Account is a .pdf, so opening it should be as simple as clicking “View Form” from within the Atticus app or by clicking the appropriate link found on any Vermont-provided government platform. Once you’ve opened the form, you should be able to directly edit the form before saving or printing.
Form PE_56 - Summary Of Account With Schedules & Motion To Allow Account is a probate form in Vermont.
Vermont has multiple types of probate and the necessary forms depend on the unique aspects of each estate, such as type and value of assets, whether there was a valid will, who is serving as the personal representative or executor, and even whether or not they also live in Vermont.
During probate, all personal representatives and executives in are required to submit a detailed inventory of assets that must separate non-probate assets from probate assets.
Probate in Vermont, especially without guidance, can take years to finish and cost upwards of $14,000.
What is probate, exactly?
Probate is the government’s way of making sure that when a person dies, the right stuff goes to the right people (including the taxes the government wants).
All of that stuff is collectively known as someone’s “estate”, and it’s the job of the executor or personal representative to fill out all the forms and complete all the required steps to formally dissolve the estate.
To get instant clarity on the entire probate process and get an idea of the steps, timeline, and best practices, read the Atticus Beginner’s Guide to Probate.
Where can I get help with Probate?
The best place? Create an account in Atticus to start getting estate-specific advice.
You may need a lawyer, you may not, and paying for one when you didn’t need it really hurts. Atticus makes sure you make the best decisions (plus you can write it off as an executor expense).
We’ve also created a list of other probate services. Be sure to check it out!
What does a VT executor or personal representative have to do?
An executor is named in someone’s will, and if the deceased didn’t have a will, then the spouse or other close family relative usually steps up to fulfill the role. If no one wants to do it, then a judge will appoint someone.
The executor is responsible for the complete management of the probate process, including major responsibilities such as:
Creating an inventory of all probate assets.
Filling out all necessary forms
Paying off all estate debts and taxes
Submitting reports to the court and beneficiaries as requested
And much more. This process often stretches longer than a year.
For an idea of what separates executors who succeed from those who make this way harder than it should be, visit our article, Executors of an Estate:
What they do & secrets to succeeding.
Here’s the text, verbatim, that is found on Vermont Form PE_56 - Summary Of Account With Schedules & Motion To Allow Account. You can use this to get an idea of the context of the form and what type of information is needed.
PE56 – Summary of Account (01/2016) Page 1 of 5 STATE OF VERMONT SUPERIOR COURT PROBATE DIVISION Unit Docket No.: In re ESTATE of : SUMMARY OF ACCOUNT I am the fiduciary of the estate of the above named decedent. I hereby account to the Court for the period beginning and ending Date of Your Appointment as Fiduciary or Date of Last Accounting End Date for This Accounting Period  This is an interim account.  This is a final account. ACCOUNTING WORKSHEET Complete the Schedules in Worksheet A, B and C first. For each schedule (A1-A7, B1-B6 and C1-C2) that you enter an amount greater than 0, you MUST include an itemized accounting on a separate sheet of paper. Once you total the amount for each section, you must then record those totals on the Summary of Account on page 3. You must complete all sections top and bottom. If there is no value, please indicate with a zero. SECTION A – ASSETS and RECEIPTS Schedule Value A-1 Personal estate: (per inventory value or last account) $ A-2 Real estate: (per inventory value or last account) $ A-3 Gain on personal estate sold (attach itemized list) $ A-4 Gain on real estate sold (attach itemized list) $ A-5 Income to estate since inventory last account (attach itemized list) $ A-6 Personal and/or real estate not listed on inventory (attach itemized list) $ A-7 Monies advanced to estate (attach itemized list) $ TOTAL ASSETS AND RECEIPTS Add all lines in Section A $ PE56 – Summary of Account (01/2016) Page 2 of 5 SECTION B – DISBURSEMENTS You must complete all sections top and bottom. If there is no value, please indicate with a zero. List only disbursements since estate opened or last account. Schedule B-1 Funeral and burial expenses (attach itemized list) $ B-2 Loss on personal estate sold (attach itemized list) $ B-3 Loss on real estate sold (attach itemized list) $ B-4 Paid debts (attach itemized list) $ B-5 Distribution(s) to Legatee(s) (attach itemized list) $ B-6 Support for surviving spouse or children (attach itemized list) $ B-7 Administrative expenses (attach itemized list) $ B-8 Attorney fees ( attach itemized statement) $ B-9 Fiduciary fees (attach itemized statement) $ B-10 Other disbursements (attach itemized list) $ TOTAL DISBURSEMENTS Add all lines in Section B $ SECTION C –BALANCE HELD BY FIDUCIARY C-1 Personal Estate: Include values for cash in bank accounts, stocks, bonds, cars, etc. If real estate has been sold, include the net proceeds from the sale. (attach itemized list) $ C-2 Real Estate: Include the value of any real property. If there is no real estate or if all real estate has been sold, enter zero. The proceeds from any real estate that has been sold should be entered on line C-1. (attach itemized list) $ TOTAL BALANCE HELD BY FIDUCIARY Add line C-1 and C-2 $ PE56 – Summary of Account (01/2016) Page 3 of 5 SECTION D –PROPOSED DISTRIBUTION For Final Accounting Only Name of Beneficiary Specific Description of Asset(s) To be Distributed to Beneficiary e.g. If assets are in an account, include name of bank and account number; if assets consist of stocks, provide the name and the number of shares. Description should match the description in the Inventory. Value of Asset(s) to be Distributed $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ TOTAL VALUE DISTRIBUTED $ PE56 – Summary of Account (01/2016) Page 4 of 5 STATE OF VERMONT SUPERIOR COURT PROBATE DIVISION Unit Docket No.: In re ESTATE of : SUMMARY OF ACCOUNT  This is an interim account.  This is a final account. ACCOUNT SUMMARY (totals taken from accounting worksheet(s) Sections A through C) 1. TOTAL ASSETS and RECEIPTS from Section A $ 2. TOTAL DISBURSEMENTS from Section B $ 3. BALANCE HELD BY FIDUCIARY Subtract Line (2) from Line (1) $ REAL ESTATE Value of real estate not sold $ PERSONAL ESTATE Include value of all personal property including cash, stocks, bonds, cars, etc. $ Date Signature of Fiduciary Printed Name Signature of Co-Fiduciary (if any) Printed Name of Co-Fiduciary Subscribed and sworn before me on: date Signature of Notary My commission expires on: STOP: Did you include an itemized list for each schedule where the value you recorded was greater than zero? The itemized lists must be attached to this form when you file it. At the top of each list, please indicate clearly the Section of the Form, the Schedule letter and number (e.g. A-1) and the type of asset, receipt or disbursement (e.g. Section B, Schedule B-3, Paid Debts). PE56 – Summary of Account (01/2016) Page 5 of 5 STATE OF VERMONT SUPERIOR COURT PROBATE DIVISION Unit Docket No.: In re ESTATE of : MOTION TO ALLOW ACCOUNT I/We, request that the court allow the account for the estate as set forth in the attached Summary of Account. I have attached an itemized list for each schedule that has a value greater than zero. Signature of Fiduciary Dated Fiduciary’s Name Printed Signature of Second Fiduciary if applicable Dated Fiduciary’s Name Printed Note: all fiduciaries must sign. ______________________
View allVermont probate forms.
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