What to do after a death in Vermont

Quick facts

• Good to know: Families can care for their own dead without a funeral director.

• Tip: Vermont allows natural burial grounds on private property.

Getting started in Vermont

• Vermont allows families to care for their own dead without a licensed funeral director.

• Home burial and natural burial grounds are permitted on private property.

• The Board of Funeral Service protects consumers and can help with complaints.

Good to know: Vermont gives families significant freedom in caring for their loved ones. Take the time you need to make decisions that feel right.

First 24–72 hours

If the death occurred at home

• Contact the attending physician or hospice nurse if one was involved.

• For unexpected deaths, call 911.

• You can keep the body at home while making arrangements.

Hospice was involved

• The hospice nurse will pronounce death and help with paperwork.

• Vermont allows home funerals. Hospice can help you plan one if you want.

• Take all the time you need with your loved one.

No hospice involvement

• Call 911 for any unexpected death.

• The medical examiner may need to be involved.

• Once cleared, you can proceed with arrangements yourself or with a funeral home.

If the death occurred at a hospital

• Hospital staff will help with initial paperwork.

• You can spend time with your loved one before leaving.

• You can arrange transportation yourself or use a funeral home.

Cremation in Vermont

• Vermont requires a 24-hour waiting period after death before cremation.

• A medical examiner must issue a cremation certificate.

• A $25 fee is paid to the department for the cremation permit.

• A burial-transit permit is required before cremation.

• Vermont also allows natural organic reduction (human composting) as an alternative.

Burial in Vermont

• Home burial of family members is legal on your own property.

• The site must be 150 feet from water supply and 25 feet from power lines.

• Check local zoning. Most rural residential areas allow family burial grounds.

• The burial must be registered with the town and noted on the property deed.

• Vermont permits natural burial grounds without vaults or embalming.

Paperwork in Vermont

• Death certificates must be filed within 48 hours of death.

• The burial/transit permit must be filed by the 10th of the month following disposition.

• Certified copies cost $10 each ($12 if ordered online).

• Plan to order 8–10 certified copies for insurance, banks, and legal matters.

• Noncertified copies are available at no charge.

Consumer rights in Vermont

• You can handle all arrangements yourself without a funeral director.

• The Funeral Services Trust Account protects prepaid funeral purchases.

• Embalming isn’t required by law.

• Caskets and vaults aren’t required by state law.

• File complaints with the Secretary of State at 802-828-2367.