How Much Does Probate Cost in Washington County, Maine?
Understanding what probate costs before you start helps you plan and avoid surprises. Here's what families in Washington County can expect.
Probate in Washington County, Maine runs through the Probate Court at 85 Court Street, Machias. The total cost depends on the estate's size, whether the will is contested, and how much professional help the executor uses.
Maine charges $40 - $1,200+ (based on estate value)18-C M.R.S. § 1-602Verified May 7, 2026 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 2%18-C M.R.S. § 3-719 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage); § 3-720 (estate litigation expenses)Verified May 7, 2026 to 4%18-C M.R.S. § 3-719 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage); § 3-720 (estate litigation expenses)Verified May 7, 2026 of estate value. Flat-fee arrangements are common for straightforward estates.
Executor compensation runs 2%18-C M.R.S. § 3-719 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified May 7, 2026 to 4%18-C M.R.S. § 3-719 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified May 7, 2026 of estate value, based on reasonable pay for time and effort. 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 months18-C M.R.S. § 3-719 (reasonable fees), § 3-603 (bond), § 3-801 (notice to creditorsVerified May 7, 2026 to 12 months18-C M.R.S. § 3-719 (reasonable fees), § 3-603 (bond), § 3-801 (notice to creditorsVerified May 7, 2026, and costs accrue throughout. The 4 months18-C M.R.S. § 3-803Verified May 7, 2026 creditor claim window is the single biggest driver of that timeline — a mandatory wait regardless of estate complexity.
Legal Sources
- 18-C M.R.S. § 1-602
- 18-C M.R.S. § 3-719 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)
- 18-C M.R.S. § 3-719 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage); § 3-720 (estate litigation expenses)
- 18-C M.R.S. § 3-719 (reasonable fees), § 3-603 (bond), § 3-801 (notice to creditors
- 18-C M.R.S. § 3-803
Data sourced from Maine statutes and official state code. How we research.
Frequently Asked Questions
Total probate costs usually run 3–8% of the estate value. For Washington County, that means filing fees (about $625 to open), attorney fees, executor compensation, publication costs, and possibly a bond. The calculator on this page runs the math for your estate size.
The petition to open probate costs about $625 in Washington County. Additional filings during administration (inventory, accounting, final petition) can add to the total. The calculator above shows the full picture.
Maine uses "reasonable fees" — usually hourly billing or a percentage of the estate. Typical range is 2%–4% of estate value, negotiable based on complexity.
Maine allows "reasonable" executor compensation, typically 1–5% of estate value depending on complexity. Family executors often waive fees because the fee is taxable income while an inheritance is not.
Yes. Maine estates under $52,500 can use a Small Estate Affidavit and avoid most probate costs. Check the Maine self-filing assessment to see if this applies.
A revocable living trust skips probate entirely — no filing fee, no attorney schedule, no executor commission. The cost of setting up the trust is typically recovered many times over compared to what probate would cost the estate. Create a revocable trust online and keep the estate out of Washington County probate.
Probate Court
Washington County
85 Court Street
Machias, ME 04654
Phone:
207-255-6591Fax:
207-255-3999
Hours:
Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Paper Filing Available
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