Maine probate guide
Probate process in Maine
Maine has a county-based Probate Court system and adopted the Uniform Probate Code as Title 18-C. Filing fees scale by estate value, from $40 for very small estates up to $1,200+ for large ones, and are subject to annual inflation adjustment starting in 2026. The small-estate affidavit threshold is also inflation-adjusted — about $51,100 as of 2025. Maine recognizes the Uniform Real Property Transfer on Death Act.
Maine probate at a glance
- Court
- Probate Court (county)
- Typical timeline
- 26–52 weeks
- Filing fee
- $40–$1200
- Small-estate threshold
- $51,100
- TOD deed allowed?
- Yes
- Bond required by default?
- No
- Statute
- Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 18-C (Maine Probate Code)
Source: legislature.maine.gov. Fees and thresholds change — verify with your county court before filing.
How Maine probate works, step by step
- 1File application for informal probate with the county Probate Court
- 2Registrar appoints personal representative and issues letters
- 3Mail notice to heirs/devisees and publish creditor notice
- 4File inventory and pay debts, taxes, and allowances
- 5File closing statement and distribute the estate
Probate by county in Maine
Filing fees, court contacts, and process detail for 1 Maine county:
Protect your family from another probate — get a free life insurance quote
Most Maine families never plan ahead. A 30-second quote from a licensed agent costs nothing and could save your heirs months of probate court.
This page is informational and is not legal advice. Probate procedure varies by county and changes over time. Consult a licensed Maine probate attorney for advice specific to your situation.