Estate Planning for Cumberland County, Maine Property Owners

For most Cumberland County homeowners, the house is what drags an estate into probate. A transfer-on-death deed or a living trust keeps it out—here is how to set up either one and record it locally.

Record a TOD deedWhere to recordLocal attorneys

For a Cumberland County property owner, the biggest probate risk is the home itself. Real estate is what forces most families into the Probate Court. The two tools that keep a Cumberland County home out of probate are a transfer-on-death deed recorded with the Registry of Deeds, and a revocable living trust that holds title to the property.

Skipping this planning step means the Probate Court decides who receives the property: a simple Maine probate takes 4+ months and opens with $40 in court filing fees.

Record a Transfer-on-Death Deed in Cumberland County

A transfer on death deed names a beneficiary who receives Cumberland County property automatically at the owner's death, without probate. It is recorded with the Registry of Deeds during the owner's lifetime and can be revoked at any time.

Before recording, a Maine transfer on death deed is signed with notary acknowledgment18-C M.R.S. 6-401 to 6-420Verified Aug 24, 2026View source. The deed takes effect only if it is recorded before the owner's death18-C M.R.S. 6-401 to 6-420Verified Aug 24, 2026View source.

Create a MaineTOD deed →Cumberland Countysigning requirements →

Where to Record Property Documents

Deeds and other real property documents for Cumberland County are recorded with the Registry of Deeds, led by Register of Deeds Jessica M. Spaulding, at 27 Northport Drive, Portland, ME 04103. Phone: 207-871-8389. Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM.

The Registry of Deeds charges $40 flat, regardless of page count. A 2-page transfer on death deed costs $40 to record in Cumberland County. A transfer on death deed is exempt from transfer tax.

Cumberland County accepts electronic recording through Simplifile.

Recording Office Record

Registry of Deeds

Cumberland County · Register of Deeds · Jessica M. Spaulding

Address

27 Northport DrivePortland, ME 04103

Fax

207-772-4162

Hours

Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

E-recording

Available via Simplifile
Visit recorder website →

Recording fees

Flat fee (any length)$40
Transfer tax on a TOD deedExempt

33 MRSA 751; 33 MRSA 752

Open in Google Maps

Verified September 6, 2026 · Source

Estate Planning Attorneys Serving Cumberland County

FirmYork, ME

Brennan & Rogers, PLLC

Serves 2 counties

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.

PracticesEstate PlanningElder LawMedicaid PlanningGuardianships ConservatorshipsProbate Administration

Office
279 York StreetYork, ME 03909

FirmPortland, ME

Casco Bay Law, PLLC

Serves 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.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbate AdministrationWills Trusts

Office
1 Union Street, Suite 501Portland, ME 04101

FirmLisbon Falls, ME

Clifford & Golden, P.A.

Serves 3 counties

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.

PracticesEstate PlanningGeneral LitigationProbate Administration

Office
5 Maple StreetLisbon Falls, ME 04252

FirmFalmouth, ME

Lanman Rayne Nelson Reade

Serves 2 counties

A dedicated estate planning, elder law, and real estate firm with offices in Falmouth and Bridgton. Features multiple attorneys specializing in estate planning, elder law, and special needs planning, including Patricia Nelson-Reade, a Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA) and registered nurse.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationElder LawTax Planningand 2 more

Office
261 US Route 1, Suite 201Falmouth, ME 04105

Solo PracticeDamariscotta, ME

Law Office of Deborah Potter

Since 1987 · Serves 6 counties

Operating since 1987, this solo practice serves the midcoast region handling everything from simple wills to complex multi-jurisdictional estate planning. Admitted to practice in Maine and Massachusetts, and before the U.S. Supreme Court. Member of MSBA Elder Law and Estates & Trusts committees.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationElder LawTax Planningand 3 more

Office
P.O. Box 1086Damariscotta, ME 04543

FirmPortland, ME

LeBlanc & Young

Since 1995 · Serves 2 counties

A boutique estate and tax law firm rooted in Maine's values, founded in Portland in 1995. Provides customized legal solutions for life's important transitions and asset preservation. Expert representation in probate processes, guardianships, and conservatorships.

PracticesEstate PlanningEstate AdministrationTrust AdministrationTax Planningand 2 more

Office
188 Middle Street, Suite 401Portland, ME 04101
See all 23 firms serving Cumberland County→

Firm listings are for informational purposes only. SimplyTrust does not endorse or recommend any specific firm or attorney. Contact firms directly to verify their current practice areas and availability.

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