12 V.S.A. § 5170: When defendant prevails in whole or in part

When, on trial, it is determined that the plaintiff has no right or share in the estate claimed, or that he or she holds a smaller share than alleged in his or her complaint, the adverse party shall recover against him or her reasonable costs. If the plaintiff holds a smaller share than claimed in his or her complaint, the judgment shall be that partition of the estate be made according to the title of the respective owners.