The Vermont Partial Release of Judgment Lien is a legal process that allows a debtor to have a portion of their property released from the encumbrance of a judgment lien. This release is granted upon the debtor fulfilling specific requirements set forth by the court and the creditor. In Vermont, there are two primary types of partial release of judgment liens: voluntary and involuntary. 1. Voluntary Partial Release of Judgment Lien: This type of release is sought when the judgment debtor wishes to sell or refinance a particular property that is encumbered by a judgment lien. The debtor must request a voluntary release from the judgment creditor, who can choose to release the lien entirely or partially, depending on the negotiated terms and conditions. This allows the debtor to transfer the property without the lien hindering the transaction. 2. Involuntary Partial Release of Judgment Lien: An involuntary release of a judgment lien occurs when the debtor convinces the court that a portion of their property should be exempt from the judgment lien. This is typically based on exemptions provided under state law, allowing the debtor to protect certain property, such as their primary residence or essential assets needed for personal or professional purposes. The court will review the debtor's claim and assess whether exempting a portion of the property from the lien is justified. To initiate the process of obtaining a Vermont Partial Release of Judgment Lien, the debtor must file a motion or petition with the court that issued the judgment or the court overseeing the lien. The motion should provide detailed information about the property in question, the judgment lien, and the specific reasons why a partial release is being sought. Additionally, the motion should outline any applicable exemptions under Vermont law that the debtor wishes to assert. Supporting documents, such as appraisals, financial statements, or other evidence, may also be required to substantiate the debtor's claim. It is important to note that the court will carefully evaluate the debtor's request and consider the interests of both the judgment creditor and the debtor. The court may hold a hearing where both parties can present their arguments or reach a resolution through negotiation or mediation. Once the court approves the partial release, a written order will be issued, officially excusing the exempted portion of the property from the judgment lien. It is crucial for the debtor to ensure that this order is recorded with the appropriate county office to establish the priority of the released property in relation to other liens. In summary, the Vermont Partial Release of Judgment Lien offers debtors an opportunity to free a portion of their property from the encumbrance of a judgment lien. By going through the legal process and satisfying specific requirements, debtors can either negotiate with the judgment creditor or seek court intervention to exempt essential assets or facilitate the sale or refinancing of their property.