Estate Planning & Probate in Washington County, Maine
Most Washington County estate questions come down to one fork: avoid probate before a death, or work through it after one. This page points you to the right path—planning ahead, or settling an estate at the Probate Court.
Someone died — settling an estate
Filing probate at the Probate Court, what it costs, transferring property, and local attorneys.
What to do when someone dies in Washington County→Planning ahead as a property owner
Keep a Washington County home out of probate with a transfer-on-death deed or a living trust.
Estate planning in Washington County→The Probate Process in Washington County
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 Washington County, probate runs through the Probate Court at 85 Court Street, Machias.
Full Washington Countyprobate guide: cost, how to file & attorneys →Probate Court Record
Probate Court
Washington County
Recording Deeds & Property Documents
Recording Office Record
Registry of Deeds
Washington County · Register of Deeds · Tammy C. Gay
Address
Phone
Fax
Hours
E-recording
$40 flat, regardless of page count; a 2-page TOD deed records for $40; TOD deeds are exempt from transfer tax.
Full recording details →Verified September 6, 2026 · Source
Local Procedures at the Probate Court
The Probate Court schedules probate hearings Two Tuesdays per month (and as needed).
Maine Estate Planning Articles
Articles about estate planning, probate, and trusts relevant to families in Washington County.
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