Estate Planning for York County, Maine Property Owners

For most York 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.

Record a TOD deedWhere to recordLocal attorneys

For a York 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 York 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.

Record a Transfer-on-Death Deed in York County

A transfer on death deed names a beneficiary who receives York 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.

Create a MaineTOD deed →York Countysigning requirements →

Where to Record Property Documents

Deeds and other real property documents for York County are recorded with the Registry of Deeds, led by Register of Deeds Nancy E. Hammond, at 45 Kennebunk Road, Alfred, ME 04002. Phone: 207-324-1576. Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM.

Documents submitted by mail go to PO Box 339, Alfred, ME 04002.

The Registry of Deeds charges $40 flat, regardless of page count. A 2-page transfer on death deed costs $40 to record in York County. A transfer on death deed is exempt from transfer tax.

York County accepts electronic recording through Simplifile.

Recording Office Record

Registry of Deeds

York County · Register of Deeds · Nancy E. Hammond

Address

45 Kennebunk RoadAlfred, ME 04002Mailing: PO Box 339, Alfred, ME 04002

Fax

207-324-2886

Hours

Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

E-recording

Available via Simplifile
Visit recorder website →

Recording fees

Flat fee (any length)$40
Transfer tax on a TOD deedExempt

33 MRSA 751; 33 MRSA 752

Open in Google Maps

Verified September 6, 2026 · Source

Estate Planning Attorneys Serving York County

FirmYork, ME

Brennan & Rogers, PLLC

Serves 2 counties

A family-owned firm in York serving southern Maine, with additional offices in Kennebunk and Portland. Handles estate planning, probate, elder law, MaineCare/Medicaid applications, guardianships, and conservatorships; licensed in Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts. Named Best of the Seacoast Best Law Firm 2021-2024.

PracticesEstate PlanningElder LawMedicaid PlanningGuardianships ConservatorshipsProbate Administration

Office
279 York StreetYork, ME 03909

Solo PracticeWells, ME

Brin Moore Esq., LLC

Serves 1 county

A York County solo practice in Wells serving Maine and New Hampshire. Attorney Brin Moore prepares wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and advance directives, and assists with probate administration. Named a Super Lawyers Rising Star 2019-2021.

PracticesEstate PlanningPowers Of AttorneyProbate AdministrationWills Trusts

Office
76 Settlers Retreat RdWells, ME 04090

FirmWells, ME

Clason & Nickerson

Since 1963 · Serves 1 county

Serving Maine families since 1963, originally founded by Charles L. Nickerson. Specializes in estate planning, probate, and trust administration for York County clients. Offers complimentary initial consultations.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationGuardianships ConservatorshipsProbate Administration

Office
2181 Post RoadWells, ME 04090
Free consultation

Solo PracticeKennebunk, ME

Dirigo Law LLC

Since 2020 · Serves 1 county

A Kennebunk solo practice serving southern Maine with wills, trusts, probate administration, real estate, and business transactions. Attorney Craig McMurray offers a free initial consultation.

PracticesEstate PlanningBusiness LawProbate AdministrationReal Estate LawWills Trusts

Office
6 Garden StreetKennebunk, ME 04043
Free consultation

Solo PracticeYork, ME

Kathryn Bedell Law

Serves 1 county

Attorney Kathryn Bedell has practiced in York, Maine since 1991. Over 31 years of experience advising individuals, couples, and families on estate planning, probate matters, real estate, and elder law including Medicaid/MaineCare planning.

PracticesEstate PlanningElder LawMedicaid PlanningProbate AdministrationWills Trusts

Office
1000 US Route One, Suite 103York, ME 03909

FirmBiddeford, ME

Woodman Edmands, Attorneys At Law

Since 1985 · Serves 1 county

A downtown Biddeford firm serving York County since 1985, with eight attorneys. Handles estate planning and probate, including drafting wills and various trusts and their administration. Expanded by merging with Hull Law Office in 2021.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbate AdministrationWills Trusts

Office
234 Main StreetBiddeford, ME 04005
See all 19 firms serving York County→

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.

SimplyTrustSimplyTrust Editorial·

Legal Sources

Data sourced from Maine statutes and official state code. How we research.

Maine Estate Planning Articles

Estate planning articles for Maine.