For most Kennebec 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.
For a Kennebec 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 Kennebec 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.
A transfer on death deed names a beneficiary who receives Kennebec 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.
Deeds and other real property documents for Kennebec County are recorded with the Registry of Deeds, led by Register of Deeds Matthew Boucher, at 77 Winthrop Street, Augusta, ME 04330. Phone: 207-622-0431. Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM.
Documents submitted by mail go to PO Box 1053, Augusta, ME 04332.
The Registry of Deeds charges $40 flat, regardless of page count. A 2-page transfer on death deed costs $40 to record in Kennebec County. A transfer on death deed is exempt from transfer tax.
Kennebec County accepts electronic recording through Simplifile.
Recording Office Record
Kennebec County · Register of Deeds · Matthew Boucher
Address
Phone
Fax
Hours
E-recording
Recording fees
| Flat fee (any length) | $40 |
| Transfer tax on a TOD deed | Exempt |
33 MRSA 751; 33 MRSA 752
Verified September 6, 2026 · Source
FirmAugusta, ME
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.
PracticesEstate PlanningElder LawGuardianships ConservatorshipsProbate AdministrationTrusts Estates
FirmWaterville, ME
A Waterville elder law firm serving Kennebec and Somerset county families for over 20 years. Handles estate planning, probate, long-term care and MaineCare/Medicaid planning, powers of attorney, health care directives, and guardianships and conservatorships. Member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys.
PracticesEstate PlanningElder LawMedicaid PlanningGuardianships Conservatorshipsand 4 more
FirmAugusta, ME
Founded in 1977 by Jim Mitchell and Jed Davis, both Princeton University and Yale Law School graduates. Provides reliable counsel at a reasonable rate for estate administration matters. Serves clients in Lewiston, Auburn, Waterville, Augusta, Gardiner, and surrounding areas.
PracticesEstate PlanningEstate DisputesProbate AdministrationTrusts
FirmWinthrop, ME
A Winthrop firm with 40+ combined years of experience handling estate planning, probate, elder law, real estate, tax planning, and business transactions for Kennebec County families.
PracticesEstate PlanningElder LawTax PlanningBusiness Lawand 3 more
FirmWinthrop, ME
Maine attorneys focusing on elder law with over 40 years of experience serving the community. Located in Winthrop with additional appointment availability in Brunswick/Topsham and Waterville areas. Founding partners Levey, Wagley, and Putman have retired; practice continues under remaining attorneys.
PracticesEstate PlanningElder LawHealthcare DirectivesLong Term Care Planningand 3 more
FirmWaterville, ME
A Waterville general-practice firm serving Kennebec and Somerset counties, formed by the July 2024 merger of O'Donnell Lee with Marden, Dubord, Bernier & Stevens. Handles estate planning, elder law, and probate, and maintains a Maine-Florida practice for snowbird clients.
PracticesEstate PlanningElder LawMunicipal LawProbate Administration
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.
Data sourced from Maine statutes and official state code. How we research.
Estate planning articles for Maine.
Forms and tools for property owners in Kennebec County.
Create a revocable living trust to avoid probate, protect privacy, and control asset distribution.
Create a free, state-specific will with witness and notarization requirements included.
Transfer assets to your existing trust. State execution requirements included.
Transfer real property to a beneficiary upon your death without probate.
Designate someone to make medical decisions on your behalf.
Designate someone to manage your financial affairs.
Answer questions about your estate size, real estate ownership, marital status, and family situation to see how a revocable trust compares to a will alone. Includes estimated probate costs for your state.
Answer questions about your property type, ownership structure, and estate plan to see if a TOD deed is the right approach. Includes state-specific availability, signing requirements, and recording fees.
Compare trusts vs wills for your specific situation. See probate costs, trust administration expenses, and whether your estate qualifies for simplified procedures based on your state and estate value.
Find out who inherits your estate and how much they get if you die without a will. Based on your state's intestate succession laws.
Compare the cost of creating a revocable living trust. See how SimplyTrust, Trust & Will, LegalZoom, and attorneys compare over 5 years including life events.
Estate planning articles for Maine.
