700-00049 Guidance: Notice of Elections and/or Waivers by Spouse (Vermont)

The 700-00049 Notice of Elections and/or Waivers by Spouse form is a crucial document in the probate process, particularly for a surviving spouse when handling the estate of a deceased partner. This form is typically required when the decedent's estate is being processed through the probate court, and the surviving spouse needs to make elections regarding certain inheritance rights. Filing this form is particularly pertinent when the deceased left a will, and you need to decide whether to accept the provisions made in the will or elect for statutory entitlements. - **Trigger Events for This Form**: - The opening of probate proceedings following the death of a spouse. - Filing of the decedent's will with the probate court. - Discovery of the decedent's estate plan or its absence (intestate). Before you reach the stage of needing this form, the probate process likely begins with filing the petition to open probate and submitting the death certificate. These actions, combined with the discovery of the will or the realization there is none, lead you to evaluate your statutory rights versus what has been left for you in the will.