Where do I file for probate in Kennebec County, ME?

Probate petitions for estates in Kennebec County are filed at the Kennebec County Probate Court. Contact the court directly for filing instructions and office hours.

How much does probate cost in Kennebec County?

Probate filing fees in Kennebec County, Maine vary based on the estate value and type of petition. Contact the probate court clerk for the current fee schedule.

Assets held in trusts, joint tenancy, or with designated beneficiaries (like life insurance and retirement accounts) can pass outside of probate. Consult with an estate planning attorney for strategies specific to your situation.

Do I need a lawyer for probate in Kennebec County?

While not always legally required in Maine, a probate attorney is recommended for most estates, especially those involving real estate, business interests, or potential disputes among heirs.

What happens if someone dies without a will?

When someone dies intestate (without a will) in Maine, their assets are distributed according to state intestacy laws. The Kennebec County Probate Court will appoint an administrator to manage the estate.

Kennebec County Probate Court, Maine

Q: How long does probate take in Maine?

Probate in Maine typically takes 6 to 18 months. Timeline depends on estate complexity, creditor claims, and whether the will is contested.

Court Location & Contact

Address

95 State Street Augusta, ME 04330

Phone

207-622-7558

Fax

207-621-1639

Email

kenprob@gwi.net

Visit Official Court Website

Filing Fees

Kennebec County, Maine

Fee Type	Amount
Filing Fee- Based on Value of Estate. Up to and including $10,000	$40
$10,001 to $20,000	$60
$20,001 to $30,000	$75
$30,001 to $40,000	$95
$40,001 to $50,000	$125
$50,001 to $75, 000	$190
$75,001 to $100,000	$250
$100,001 to $150,000	$325
$150,001 to $200,000	$375
$200,001 to $250,000	$450
$250,001 to $300,000	$500
Petition for Appointment of Guardian or Conservator	$90
Petition for Change of Name	$75

Judges & Officers

EH

Elizabeth H. Mitchell

Probate Guide

Probate in Kennebec County, Maine

The Kennebec County Probate Court handles all matters related to the estates of deceased persons, including the validation of wills, appointment of executors and administrators, and the supervised distribution of assets. If you need to file for probate in Kennebec County, ME, this guide covers what you need to know.

What Is Probate?

Probate is the legal process of settling a deceased person's estate. It involves validating the will (if one exists), identifying and inventorying assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing remaining property to heirs and beneficiaries. In Maine, the probate court in each county oversees this process.

When Is Probate Required in Maine?

Probate is generally required when:

The deceased owned real estate solely in their name
The estate contains assets above Maine's small estate threshold
There are disputes among heirs or creditors
Assets are not held in a trust or joint tenancy

Steps to File for Probate in Kennebec County

Locate the will (if one exists) and gather the death certificate
File a petition with the Kennebec County Probate Court to open probate
Notify heirs and creditors as required by Maine law
Inventory the estate — identify all assets, debts, and liabilities
Pay debts and taxes — settle outstanding obligations from estate funds
Distribute remaining assets — according to the will or state intestacy laws
Close the estate — file a final accounting with the court

How Long Does Probate Take?

In Maine, probate typically takes 6 to 18 months depending on the complexity of the estate. Simple estates with no disputes may be resolved faster, while contested wills or complex asset distributions can take longer.

Do You Need a Probate Attorney?

While Maine does not always require an attorney for probate, it is strongly recommended, especially for estates with significant assets, real estate, business interests, or potential disputes. A local probate attorney familiar with Kennebec County Probate Court procedures can help navigate the process efficiently.

Resources

For more information about the probate process, visit the Kennebec County Probate Court directly or consult with a local probate attorney. You can also explore tools like EverSettled for step-by-step estate settlement guidance.

Additional Notes

The Kennebec County Probate Court has jurisdiction over specialized matters such as estates, trusts, adoptions, legal name changes, guardianships, conservatorships and other family matters. Probate Courts are under the county jurisdiction and not the state court system.

Kennebec County