Orange County, VT Courts and Public Records
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The Vermont Superior Court's Orange County unit hears civil, criminal, family and probate matters for the county.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Court Name | Vermont Superior Court, Orange County unit |
| Website | vermontjudiciary.org |
| Handles | Civil, criminal, family and probate matters in the county unit; traffic and civil ordinance matters go to the Judicial Bureau |
| Does NOT Handle | Federal cases (U.S. District Court for Vermont), traffic matters (Judicial Bureau), and parking tickets (the issuing agency) |
| Online Case Search | Vermont Judiciary Public Portal |
How to Search Orange County Court Records
Have the full name, the case number if you know it, and approximate dates ready before you search Orange County court records.
Online
Go to the Vermont Judiciary Public Portal to look up court cases online.
Check the case details shown in the portal before you contact the clerk.
Best for: Quick case lookups before contacting the clerk
In Person
Go to the Clerk of the Superior Court's office for Orange County.
Bring the case number and party names if you have them.
Ask the clerk which division handles your type of case.
Best for: Records you cannot get online
By Phone
Call the Clerk of the Superior Court's office for Orange County.
Ask which records the clerk can provide and how to request them.
Confirm the clerk's current phone number on the Vermont Judiciary website.
Best for: Questions about a specific case
Search by Name on VermontCourts.org
Go to VermontCourts.org and enter a full name.
Search across record types without a case number.
Confirm results with the court, since they are not official court records.
Best for: Finding leads without a case number
Orange County Court Statistics (FY 2024)
Orange County courts handled an estimated 2,138 new cases in FY 2024 and disposed of an estimated 2,108. The estimate scales Vermont statewide totals by the county's share of state population.
~2,138
Total filings in FY 2024
~2,108
Total dispositions in FY 2024
~1,069
Filings per judicial position (2 estimated positions)
~-1.0%
Change in total filings vs FY 2023
| Metric | FY 2024 | FY 2023 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Filings | ~2,138 | ~2,159 | ~-1.0% |
| Total Dispositions | ~2,108 | ~2,099 | ~+0.4% |
| Criminal Filings | ~718 | ~728 | ~-1.4% |
| Civil Filings | ~394 | ~399 | ~-1.3% |
| Family Law Filings | ~487 | ~491 | ~-0.8% |
| Probate Filings | ~222 | ~222 | ~+0.0% |
| Mental Health Filings | ~65 | ~65 | ~+0.0% |
| Juvenile Filings | ~102 | ~107 | ~-4.7% |
| Authorized Judicial Positions | ~2 | ~2 | ~0.0% |
The largest category movement was in criminal filings. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: Vermont statewide figures scaled by Orange County's 4.63% share of the state population.
How Have Court Filings Changed in Orange County?
Estimated total filings in Orange County moved up over the last five years; dispositions are estimated at a similar level.
| Fiscal Year | Total Filings | Total Dispositions | YoY Filing Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| FY 2024 | ~2,138 | ~2,108 | ~-1.0% |
| FY 2023 | ~2,159 | ~2,099 | ~+4.7% |
| FY 2022 | ~2,062 | ~1,993 | ~+11.2% |
| FY 2021 | ~1,854 | ~1,784 | ~+2.6% |
| FY 2020 | ~1,807 | ~1,715 | ~+2.6% |
Estimated filings changed +18.3% between FY 2020 and FY 2024, from 1,807 to 2,138. The largest annual change was +11.2% in FY 2022. The latest change of -1.0% reflects statewide Vermont trends. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: Vermont statewide figures scaled by Orange County's 4.63% share of the state population.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Orange County?
Criminal cases are estimated to be the largest category in Orange County, at about 33.6% of filings in FY 2024.
| Case Type | Filings FY 2024 | Share of Total | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | ~718 | ~33.6% | ~-1.4% |
| Family law | ~487 | ~22.8% | ~-0.8% |
| Civil | ~394 | ~18.4% | ~-1.3% |
| Probate | ~222 | ~10.4% | ~+0.0% |
| Juvenile | ~102 | ~4.8% | ~-4.7% |
| Mental health | ~65 | ~3.0% | ~+0.0% |
Probate cases are estimated as the fastest-growing category and juvenile cases as the fastest-falling. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: Vermont statewide figures scaled by Orange County's 4.63% share of the state population.
How Does Orange County Compare With Vermont Overall?
Orange County is estimated to account for about 4.63% of the 46,141 cases filed in Vermont courts in FY 2024.
| Metric | Orange County | Vermont | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | ~2,138 | 46,141 | ~4.63% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | ~-1.0% | -1.0% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Filings per judicial position | ~1,069 | 1,154 | Estimated at the state level |
| Dispositions per judicial position equivalent | ~1,054 | 1,138 | Estimated at the state level |
| Criminal share of filings | ~33.6% | 33.6% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Civil share of filings | ~18.4% | 18.4% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Family law share of filings | ~22.8% | 22.8% | Same as state (estimate) |
These county values are estimates built from statewide Vermont figures, so they track the state mix by design. Actual county dockets may differ. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: Vermont statewide figures scaled by Orange County's 4.63% share of the state population.
Orange County Crime Statistics (2025)
These figures are Vermont statewide totals as reported to the FBI, not counts for Orange County. Agency reporting may be incomplete, and county crime counts are not available here. Statewide violent and property crimes combined fell 12.8% from 2024 to 2025. In 2025, reporting agencies covered about 99.8% of Vermont's population, so year-over-year changes can partly reflect which agencies reported.
1,415
Violent crimes, Vermont statewide, 2025
9,301
Property crimes, Vermont statewide, 2025 (includes arson)
219.5
Violent crime rate per 100K, Vermont statewide, 2025 (population 644,663)
-12.8%
Change in total violent plus property crimes, Vermont statewide, 2025 vs 2024 (10,716 vs 12,287)
| Offense | 2025 | Rate per 100K | 2024 | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 11 | 1.7 | 23 | -52.2% |
| Rape | 236 | 36.6 | 258 | -8.5% |
| Robbery | 75 | 11.6 | 94 | -20.2% |
| Aggravated assault | 1,093 | 169.5 | 1,096 | -0.3% |
| Violent crimes total | 1,415 | 219.5 | 1,471 | -3.8% |
| Burglary | 607 | 94.2 | 865 | -29.8% |
| Larceny-theft | 8,332 | 1,292.5 | 9,474 | -12.1% |
| Motor vehicle theft | 318 | 49.3 | 431 | -26.2% |
| Property crimes total | 9,301 | 1,442.8 | 10,816 | -14.0% |
Rates use the Vermont 2025 population of 644,663. County-level rates are not published, so this section does not compare Orange County with the state. The property crimes total includes arson, so it is larger than the sum of the property offenses listed above.
Orange County Courthouse Locations
Orange County court proceedings are held at the Orange County Courthouse. Check your notice or case paperwork to confirm the courthouse assigned to your case before you go.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orange County Courthouse | 5 Court Street, Chelsea, VT 05038 | (802) 685-4610 | See location page |
Addresses and phone numbers come from public directory listings and may change, so confirm them with the clerk before you visit.
Which Court Handles Your Case in Orange County?
The Superior Court has civil, criminal, family and probate divisions in Orange County, while the Judicial Bureau handles traffic matters.
| Your Situation | Go To | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic ticket | Judicial Bureau | The Judicial Bureau handles traffic and civil ordinance matters statewide. |
| Parking ticket | The agency that issued the ticket | Parking tickets are not handled by the court. |
| Misdemeanor | Superior Court, Criminal Division | Criminal cases are heard in the Orange County unit's criminal division. |
| Felony | Superior Court, Criminal Division | Felony cases are heard in the Orange County unit's criminal division. |
| Civil lawsuit | Superior Court, Civil Division | Civil cases are heard in the Orange County unit's civil division. |
| Divorce | Superior Court, Family Division | Family matters are heard in the Orange County unit's family division. |
| Child custody or support | Superior Court, Family Division | Family matters are heard in the Orange County unit's family division. |
| Probate or estate | Superior Court, Probate Division | Probate matters are heard in the Orange County unit's probate division. |
| Appeal | Vermont Supreme Court | The Supreme Court is Vermont's appellate court. |
Are Orange County Court Records Public?
Yes, most Orange County court records are public, with exceptions set by Vermont law or court order.
Public records
Court records are generally public under the Vermont Public Records Act, 1 V.S.A. chapter 5 (sections 315 et seq.).
Restricted or confidential records
Some records may be restricted by law or court order. The clerk can confirm what is available for a specific case.
Online access
The Vermont Judiciary Public Portal is the statewide case search. Online access does not replace the official court file, so confirm with the clerk which records you need.
In-person access
Visit the Clerk of the Superior Court's office for Orange County to view or request records. Call ahead to confirm which division holds your case.
How to Search Orange County Court Records Online
Search Orange County court records online by case type, then ask the Superior Court clerk for documents that are not available online.
- Identify the case type, such as criminal, traffic, civil, family or probate.
- Open the Vermont Judiciary Public Portal for the statewide case search.
- Search using the name or case number you have.
- Review the case details shown for parties and status.
- Contact the Clerk of the Superior Court's office for Orange County to request documents that are not online.
| Case Type | Where to Search | What You'll Find | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | Vermont Judiciary Public Portal; Superior Court clerk | Superior Court criminal case information | Confirm with the clerk which records are available |
| Traffic | Judicial Bureau | Traffic matters handled by the Judicial Bureau | Confirm the search method with the Judicial Bureau |
| Civil | Vermont Judiciary Public Portal; Superior Court clerk | Superior Court civil case information | Documents may require the clerk |
| Family law | Superior Court clerk | Superior Court family case information | Some details are restricted by law |
| Probate | Superior Court clerk, Probate Division | Probate division records | Confirm availability with the clerk |
How to Pay Fines & Citations in Orange County
Pay a fine by following the instructions on your paperwork and confirming the office that handles your case.
- Traffic tickets: Contact the Judicial Bureau, which handles traffic matters, for payment instructions on your ticket.
- Online: The Vermont judiciary website lists a Pay a Fine page. Confirm the current payment options there at vermontjudiciary.org.
- Superior Court fines: Contact the Clerk of the Superior Court's office for Orange County about a fine from a Superior Court case.
Parking tickets are handled by the agency that issued the ticket, not by the court.
Orange County Court Records FAQ
How do I search court records?
Start with the Vermont Judiciary Public Portal, then contact the Clerk of the Superior Court for Orange County for records not shown online.
Are court records public?
Court records are generally public under the Vermont Public Records Act, but some may be restricted by law or court order.
How do I find a criminal case?
Search the Vermont Judiciary Public Portal, or contact the Clerk of the Superior Court for Orange County if the case does not appear.
How do I find a court date?
Check your notice or paperwork for the date, and confirm it with the Clerk of the Superior Court for Orange County.
How do I pay a traffic ticket?
Follow the payment instructions on your ticket and contact the Judicial Bureau, which handles traffic matters.
How many cases are filed in Orange County each year?
County filing counts are not published here, so no annual case figure is shown.
What is the most common type of case?
A case type breakdown for Orange County is not published here.
Is crime rising or falling?
County crime counts are not available here. Statewide, reported violent crimes fell 3.8% to 1,415 in 2025 from 1,471 in 2024, and property crimes fell 14.0% to 9,301 from 10,816, as reported to the FBI. These are Vermont statewide figures, and reporting coverage changed between years.
Courts in the County
Orange County Superior CourtMore Info
| Address: | 5 Court Street, Chelsea, VT, 5038 |
| Phone Number: | 802-685-4610 |
| Website: | https://www.vermontjudiciary.org/court-locations/orange-civil-division |
Useful Links
- Orange County Courthouse | Vermont Judiciary - Official page for Orange County Courthouse details, including contact information, directions, and available services.
- Vermont Court Records | Vermont Judiciary - Access Vermont court records, including civil, criminal, and family court records from the Vermont Judiciary system.
- For Attorneys | Vermont Judiciary - Resources and information for attorneys practicing in Vermont, including court rules, e-filing, and bar admissions.
- Court Schedules | Vermont Bar Association - View scheduled court dates and hearings across Vermont, including specific schedules for Orange County.
- People in Disputes | Vermont Judiciary - Information on handling disputes, family cases, and small claims in Vermont courts.
- Legal Assistance | Vermont Legal Aid - Provides information on accessing legal aid and resources available for low-income residents in Vermont.
- Criminal Conviction Records | Vermont Crime Information Center - Access Vermont state criminal conviction records through the Vermont Crime Information Center's online portal.
- Public Records and State Archives | Vermont State Archives & Records Administration - Access Vermont's public records and archives, including historical court documents and government records.
- Parents and Families | Vermont Judiciary - Support and resources for families dealing with family law matters in Vermont courts.
- Representing Yourself in Court | Vermont Judiciary - Guidance and resources for individuals representing themselves in Vermont courts, including forms and instructions.
- Paying Fines | Vermont Judiciary - Information on paying fines, fees, and restitution ordered by Vermont courts, including online payment options.
- National Center for State Courts | NCSC - A resource providing research, education, and information services for court leaders around the country.
- Orange County Superior Court | CourtReference.com - Resource providing contact information and other court-related references for Orange County Superior Court.
- Know Your Rights | ACLU of Vermont - Information on understanding and exercising your legal rights in Vermont, provided by the ACLU of Vermont.
- Family Services Division | Vermont Department for Children and Families - Resources provided by the Family Services Division of Vermont DCF, addressing family and child welfare issues.
- Vermont Statutes Online: Title 12: Court Procedure - Complete chapter of Vermont’s court procedure statutes available online, part of Vermont’s legislative documents.
- Court Opinions | Vermont Judiciary - Search and view opinions from the Vermont Supreme Court and other state courts of Vermont.
- Vermont Bar Association - The professional organization for attorneys in Vermont, offering resources, education, and networking for legal professionals.
- Vermont Association of Justice - A statewide association dedicated to supporting plaintiffs’ attorneys and advancing fair access to justice in Vermont.
- Jury Service Information | Vermont Judiciary - Comprehensive guide on jury service in Vermont, including rights, responsibilities, and frequently asked questions.
Table of Contents
- Orange County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Orange County Court Records
- Orange County Court Statistics (FY 2024)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Orange County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Orange County?
- How Does Orange County Compare With Vermont Overall?
- Orange County Crime Statistics (2025)
- Orange County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Orange County?
- Are Orange County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Orange County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Orange County
- Orange County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links