What to Do When Someone Dies in York County, Maine
Probate in York 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 York 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
Probate Court
York County
Address
149 Jordan Springs RoadAlfred, ME 04002Mailing: 45 Kennebunk Road, Alfred, ME 04002
Paper filing availableE-filing optionalSelf-filing allowed
Accepted paymentCredit card. Accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express.
Departments
Deputy Register of Probate / Office Manager207-324-1577 ext. 2431
Archives original records dating back to 1687. Staff includes Register of Probate (elected), Deputy Register (appointed), and 4 full-time employees. Also serves as certified passport application acceptance facility.
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 York County, probate runs through the Probate Court at 149 Jordan Springs Road, Alfred.
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 York County
What probate costs in York 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 149 Jordan Springs Road, Alfred.
Probate matters are handled through the Deputy Register of Probate / Office Manager. Filing and payment go through these offices, not the main clerk window.
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.
The Probate Court accepts e-filing (https://www.maineprobate.net). Paper filing remains available for self-represented filers.
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.
How to File Probate at the Probate Court
Probate documents in York County can be filed in person at the Probate Court, by mail, or electronically. Most families handling probate themselves prefer paper filing, though e-filing is available.
Filings here are routed through the Deputy Register of Probate / Office Manager. Confirm with the office which intake handles the petition type you're filing.
How to File Your Documents
Paper Filing Available
You can file your probate documents in person at the court or by mail.
E-Filing Also Available
If you prefer, you can file electronically through the state's online system. This is optional for families filing without an attorney.
Not every estate requires an attorney. Estate size, asset types, and whether beneficiaries agree determine if self-filing at the Probate Court is realistic.
Credit card. Accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express.
What to Bring
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.
Transferring Property in York County
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 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.
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
Maine allows informal probate, so many families settle straightforward estates in York 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 York 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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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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York County Guides
Step-by-step tools for families in York County, Maine.
