Probate in Kennebec County runs through the Probate Court: prove the will, settle the debts, and pass the house to the heirs. Here is how the local process works—and what each step actually costs.
When someone dies in Kennebec County, settling their estate runs through the Probate Court. This page covers the court record, whether probate is required, what it costs, how to file, transferring property, and the local attorneys who handle probate here.
Probate Court Record
Kennebec County
Address
Phone
Fax
Hours
New fee schedule effective December 15, 2025.
Verified July 3, 2026 · Source
Probate is the court-supervised process of settling someone's estate after they die — validating the will, paying debts and taxes, and transferring what's left to the heirs. In Kennebec County, probate runs through the Probate Court at 95 State Street, Augusta.
The personal representative opens the case, gives notice to heirs and creditors, files an inventory of the estate's assets, settles outstanding debts and taxes, and then distributes the remainder under the will — or under Maine intestacy law when there is no will.
Most Maine estates take 6 months to 12 months to move through this process. The 4 months18-C M.R.S. § 3-801(1) (4 months from first publication); § 3-803(1) (outer bar: earlier of 9 months after death or the § 3-801 period)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source creditor claim window is the largest fixed piece of that timeline — a mandatory wait regardless of how simple the estate is.
What probate costs in Kennebec County, Maine comes down to a handful of line items — the court filing fee, attorney and executor compensation, publication, and sometimes a bond — scaled by the estate's size and whether the will is contested. The case itself runs through the Probate Court at 95 State Street, Augusta.
Maine charges $40 - $1,200+ (based on estate value)18-C M.R.S. § 1-602(2)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source to open probate, the same in every county. Additional filings during administration — inventory, accounting, the final petition — add to the total.
Estimate the costs for this estate:
Attorney fees in Maine are negotiated, typically 1.9%18-C M.R.S. § 3-721 (court review of the reasonableness of attorney compensation; no statutory percentage); § 3-720 (reasonable attorney fees in estate litigation)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source to 3.1%18-C M.R.S. § 3-721 (court review of the reasonableness of attorney compensation; no statutory percentage); § 3-720 (reasonable attorney fees in estate litigation)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of estate value. Flat-fee arrangements are common for straightforward estates.
Executor compensation is based on reasonable pay for time and effort — the states that do set a schedule pay 2.2%Estimated from the 16 state statutes that set an executor fee schedule (median and interquartile range at this estate value)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source to 3.8%Estimated from the 16 state statutes that set an executor fee schedule (median and interquartile range at this estate value)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of estate value. Family members who are also beneficiaries often waive the fee — executor pay is taxable income while inheritances are not.
Maine requires publishing creditor notice in a local newspaper, typically $200–$500. Professional appraisals for real estate or business interests add $300–$600 per asset.
Probate in Maine typically runs 6 months to 12 months, and costs accrue throughout that period.
Probate cases in Kennebec County are filed at the Probate Court. File in person during business hours or by mail.
How to File Your Documents
You can file your probate documents in person at the court or by mail.
Not every estate requires an attorney. Estate size, asset types, and whether beneficiaries agree determine if self-filing at the Probate Court is realistic.
For a full cost comparison and filing checklist, see the Kennebec County Self-Filing Assessment.
These are specific requirements for filing probate in this county. Following these guidelines will help avoid delays or rejected filings.
For emergency guardianship or conservatorship filings, email the Register and Deputy Register.
Court and clerk lobby close from 8 AM to noon during administrative weeks: Spring (March 30-April 3), Summer (July 27-31), Fall (October 19-23) in 2026.
To file at the Probate Court you need: the original will (or proof there isn't one), a certified death certificate, contact information for all heirs and beneficiaries, and a summary of what the estate owns and owes.
Clearing title to real estate after a death, whether by a personal representative’s deed, an affidavit of survivorship, or a court order, happens at the Registry of Deeds.
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.
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
Maine allows informal probate, so many families settle straightforward estates in Kennebec County without hiring an attorney. A probate attorney earns the fee when the estate is contested, includes a business or out-of-state real estate, has unclear or insolvent debts, or when beneficiaries disagree.
Probate attorney fees in Maine are based on reasonable compensation — typically 1.9%18-C M.R.S. § 3-721 (court review of the reasonableness of attorney compensation; no statutory percentage); § 3-720 (reasonable attorney fees in estate litigation)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source to 3.1%18-C M.R.S. § 3-721 (court review of the reasonableness of attorney compensation; no statutory percentage); § 3-720 (reasonable attorney fees in estate litigation)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of the estate's value, billed hourly or as a flat fee. Ask a Kennebec County firm to quote a structure up front.
A probate attorney files the petition with the Probate Court, publishes the required creditor notices, prepares the inventory and accounting, handles creditor claims and tax filings, and guides the final distribution. They represent the personal representative — not the beneficiaries — a distinction that matters if a dispute develops.
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.
Each institution has a separate death claim process. Find yours below.
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Vehicles, jewelry, collectibles, etc.
Mortgages, credit cards, loans, etc.
Living trust assets, and accounts with a named beneficiary or surviving joint owner. These skip probate; some states charge the court fee only on what remains.
Select your state and enter an estate value to see a detailed cost estimate.
Probate fee bases vary by state and may use gross estate, personal property, inventory value, or net property after debts. This calculator provides educational estimates only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Actual costs vary significantly by county, attorney, and estate complexity. Consult a licensed attorney in your state for guidance specific to your situation.
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Cost comparison vs. hiring an attorney
This tool provides general information about self-filing probate and is not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in your state for guidance specific to your situation.
Step-by-step tools for families in Kennebec County, Maine.
Get a personalized plan for settling an estate after someone passes away. Covers trust administration, probate, and intestate estates.
Get a personalized plan for settling a trust after the grantor passes away. Covers beneficiary notification, asset transfers, creditor handling, taxes, and distributions.
Get a score-based recommendation on whether self-filing probate is right for your situation. See estimated savings vs. hiring an attorney and get a step-by-step checklist.
Browse vetted Maine attorneys handling probate matters.
