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Probate in Maine typically costs 2%–4% of the estate value in attorney fees18-C M.R.S. § 3-719 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage); § 3-720 (estate litigation expenses)Verified May 31, 2026, plus court filing fees, executor compensation, publication costs, and any required surety bond. Attorney fees in Maine are negotiated, so the actual cost depends on the firm and complexity. Total all-in costs typically run 3-8% of estate value. The Maine probate calculator gives a detailed estimate based on estate value.
Maine allows "independent administration" (sometimes called unsupervised or informal probate), which lets the executor handle most estate decisions without ongoing court approval. The executor still files the will, inventories assets, and reports to the court, but doesn't need a hearing for routine actions like paying bills or selling assets. Independent administration typically saves both time and attorney fees compared to supervised probate.
Estate planning attorneys in Maine average $343 per hourClio Legal Trends Report 2025Verified Jan 1, 2025 for wills and estates work. Flat-fee packages run roughly $1,029–$2,058 for a simple individual will and $5,390–$8,085 for a basic revocable trust. Online and DIY services cost $30–$300 for the same documents — see the will cost calculator for a side-by-side comparison.
Maine allows estates under $52,500 to use a simplified Small Estate Affidavit procedure, which is a form rather than a court case and typically doesn't require an attorney. For larger estates, formal probate is involved enough that retaining counsel is usually practical — the procedural work is what they're there for. Use the Maine probate calculator to estimate the costs.
In Maine, the situations where retaining counsel is typically worth the cost are: blended families with children from prior relationships; ownership of a business, rental property, or significant investment assets; special-needs dependents who need a special-needs trust to preserve benefits; estates near or above the Maine estate tax threshold; substantial property held in multiple states. If none of these describe your situation, the simpler online and DIY tools are often enough.
Search 3,941 estate law firms across 51 states.
Firm listings are for informational purposes only. SimplyTrust does not endorse or recommend any specific firm or attorney. Contact firms directly to discuss your situation and verify their current practice areas and availability.
58 firms
A law firm serving the Greater Portland area for over 40 years, providing probate, probate litigation, estate planning, and elder law services to help clients navigate challenging legal situations.
Location
7 Ocean StreetSouth Portland, ME 04106
Phone
(207) 767-4824
Serves Aroostook County from Presque Isle. Attorney Martha Grant has concentrated in elder law since 1986, handling estate planning, probate, long-term care planning, and MaineCare/Medicaid asset protection. Founded Aroostook Elder Law, LLC in 2016.
Location
99 Fort Fairfield Road, Suite 6Presque Isle, ME 04769
Phone
(207) 760-7511
Service Area
1 county
A Portland-founded firm (1915) and one of northern New England's largest, with 100+ attorneys. Its Trusts & Estates group handles estate and trust administration, probate, business succession, charitable planning, and fiduciary representation for Maine families and executors.
Location
100 Middle Street, West TowerPortland, ME 04101
Phone
(207) 774-1200
Established
1915
Service Area
Statewide
A distinguished law firm in Augusta, Maine specializing in Probate Law including Trusts & Estates, Elder Law & Estate Planning, and Adult Guardianships, Conservatorships & Fiduciary Responsibilities. A multigenerational practice.
Location
116 State StreetAugusta, ME 04330
Phone
(207) 623-3701
Service Area
1 county
A family-owned firm in York serving southern Maine, with additional offices in Kennebunk and Portland. Handles estate planning, probate, elder law, MaineCare/Medicaid applications, guardianships, and conservatorships; licensed in Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts. Named Best of the Seacoast Best Law Firm 2021-2024.
Location
279 York StreetYork, ME 03909
Phone
(207) 361-4680
Service Area
2 counties
A York County solo practice in Wells serving Maine and New Hampshire. Attorney Brin Moore prepares wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and advance directives, and assists with probate administration. Named a Super Lawyers Rising Star 2019-2021.
Location
76 Settlers Retreat RdWells, ME 04090
Phone
(207) 200-4702
Service Area
1 county
A law firm in Portland's Old Port district focused on wills and trusts, estates, probate, and business law. Effective, cost-conscious, and focused on clients.
Location
1 Union Street, Suite 501Portland, ME 04101
Phone
(207) 608-6865
Service Area
1 county
One of central and midcoast Maine's established firms, working from Lisbon Falls. Handles estate planning and probate administration for families in Androscoggin, Sagadahoc, and Cumberland counties, alongside general litigation.
Location
5 Maple StreetLisbon Falls, ME 04252
Phone
(207) 353-9366
Service Area
3 counties
Serving Maine families since 1963, originally founded by Charles L. Nickerson. Specializes in estate planning, probate, and trust administration for York County clients. Offers complimentary initial consultations.
Location
2181 Post RoadWells, ME 04090
Phone
(207) 324-4396
Established
1963
Service Area
1 county
A well-established Aroostook County firm serving clients from Houlton to Fort Kent. Develops personalized estate planning strategies and guides families through the probate process, contested estates, and guardianship/conservatorship filings.
Location
55 North StreetPresque Isle, ME 04769
Phone
(207) 764-4193
Service Area
1 county