For most Knox 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 Knox 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 Knox 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.
Without a recorded beneficiary designation or a trust, Knox County property passes through the Probate Court — even simple Maine probates run 4+ months and start with $40 in filing fees.
A transfer on death deed names a beneficiary who receives Knox 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 Knox County are recorded with the Registry of Deeds, led by Registrar of Deeds Madelene Cole, at 62 Union Street, Rockland, ME 04841. Phone: 207-594-0422. Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM; recordings stop at 3:30 PM.
The Registry of Deeds charges $40 flat, regardless of page count. Recording a 2-page transfer on death deed in Knox County comes to $40. A transfer on death deed is exempt from transfer tax.
Knox County accepts electronic recording through Simplifile.
Recording Office Record
Knox County · Registrar of Deeds · Madelene Cole
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
FirmRockland, ME
Attorneys serving as trusted advisors to local families and businesses since 1901. Represents clients in all Maine Courts including Probate Court, District Court, Superior Court and before the Maine Supreme Judicial Court and US Federal Courts.
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A dedicated estate planning and elder law practice in Camden serving midcoast Maine. Attorney Jesse Bifulco has 25+ years of experience helping families with wills, trusts, probate, MaineCare planning, and second-home estate planning. Offers regular free estate planning workshops in the midcoast region.
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FirmRockland, ME
A Rockland firm serving midcoast Maine since 1963. Handles estate planning, probate, and elder law for residents of Knox, Lincoln, Waldo, and surrounding counties.
PracticesEstate PlanningElder LawProbate Administration
Solo PracticeDamariscotta, ME
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.
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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.
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Data sourced from Maine statutes and official state code. How we research.
Estate planning articles for Maine.
Forms and tools for property owners in Knox 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.
