Springfield opens new court facility today

Southern Vermont residents now have an easier way to access the county courts system.

http://www.rutlandherald.com/article/20111213/NEWS02/712139951

Published December 13, 2011 in the Rutland Herald
Springfield to open new court facility today

By Christian Avard
Staff Writer

SPRINGFIELD — Southern Vermont residents now have an easier way to access the local courts system.

The Vermont Superior Court facility in Springfield is reopening today at a new location. The office is now in the Municipal Building at 96 Main St. and replaces the North Springfield Probate Courthouse, which closed Dec 6.

Windsor and Orange Superior Court Clerk Tari Scott said the address change was part of a restructuring program implemented by the Vermont courts system.

Scott said assistant judges and the Vermont judiciary worked with the town of Springfield to improve access to justice and court services. The new office will provide users with more services and improved accessibility.

According to Scott, southern Windsor County residents will be able to file petitions and other documents in family, civil, or probate matters and even pay criminal and judicial bureau fines. The office will be open for one day a week but they will consider more days of operation, if necessary.

“Our lease was up with the Cota Company (on Route 106 in North Springfield) and over the last year, we looked at strategic planning for the next few years with an eye to offering more access in Windsor County. It was part of our strategic plan to make the office more accessible and expand services to cover all areas in the courts,” Scott said.

The new court office is located at the Springfield Town Hall Building and former police station. Scott said the office is easy to reach and saves money.

“We wanted to be more centrally located and it was going to be a savings by getting a smaller space. We didn’t need the large space at Cota and Cota, so we were able to save the taxpayers some money by reducing the size of the office,” Scott said. “As far as travel time, it’s a 70-mile round trip from Springfield to White River Junction. We thought that would save money in terms of travel time and costs not only to White River Junction but also to Woodstock for probates courts.”

The Vermont Superior Court Springfield Office is located at 96 Main St. An open house will be held today from 10 a.m. to noon. Vermont State Supreme Court Chief Justice Paul Reiber will be on hand to open the new facility.

The Vermont Superior Court Springfield Office is open on Tuesdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The new phone number is 885-5433 and the fax number is 885-5436.