Probate in Maine · 16 counties

Maine Probate Courts

Estates here go through the Probate Court (County Probate Court). Pick a county on the map or search below — each record shows where to file and where every detail comes from.

Small-estate limit

$40,000

Wait 30 days

Death taxes

Yes

Estate tax over $7.16 million

Executor fee

Reasonable

Reasonable fee set by the court

Handwritten wills

Valid

Unwitnessed, in testator’s hand

Plate · ME

Every Maine county, on one map

Population, low → high courthouse

§ I

Maine probate rules

Court: Probate Court (County Probate Court)Maine maintains an elected Probate Court in each of its 16 counties. Probate Judges oversee estates, trusts, adoptions, and legal name changes under the Maine Uniform Probate Code.
Small estates: $40,000 adjusted for inflation (entire estate less liens), personal property only18-C M.R.S. § 3-1201
Filing the will: Must be filed promptly; 3-year deadline for formal probate
Creditor claims: 4 months after the date of first publication of notice to creditors18-C M.R.S. §§ 3-801, 3-803
Executor fees: Reasonable compensation under 18-C M.R.S. § 3-71918-C M.R.S. § 3-719 · calculator
Estate tax: Yes — exemption $7.16 millionMaine imposes an estate tax; exclusion is $7,160,000 for 2026 deaths ($7,000,000 for 2025), rates 8% to 12%.
Inheritance tax: NoneNo inheritance tax in Maine.
Typical duration: 6 to 12 months
Official courts site: maineprobate.netCase search: Maine Probate Court Online Search System (maineprobate.net)

Re-checked Sept 2026 against: legislature.maine.gov (statute) · maine.gov · maineprobate.net

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§ II · Register

All 16 counties

Sorted by population. office checked = probate office address/phone confirmed on the court's own website. courthouse mapped = located in OpenStreetMap.

#	County	Seat	Population	Record
1	Cumberland County	Portland	310,230	courthouse mapped
2	York County	Alfred	218,586	courthouse mapped
3	Penobscot County	Bangor	155,312	courthouse mapped
4	Kennebec County	Augusta	127,259	courthouse mapped
5	Androscoggin County	Auburn	113,765	courthouse mapped
6	Aroostook County	Houlton	67,351	courthouse mapped
7	Oxford County	Paris	59,905	courthouse mapped
8	Hancock County	Ellsworth	56,526	courthouse mapped
9	Somerset County	Skowhegan	51,302	courthouse mapped
10	Knox County	Rockland	40,977	courthouse mapped
11	Waldo County	Belfast	40,620	courthouse mapped
12	Sagadahoc County	Bath	37,513	courthouse mapped
13	Lincoln County	Wiscasset	36,507	courthouse mapped
14	Washington County	Machias	31,555	courthouse mapped
15	Franklin County	Farmington	30,828	courthouse mapped
16	Piscataquis County	Dover-Foxcroft	17,486	courthouse mapped

§ III

Maine probate questions

What is the small estate affidavit limit in Maine?

$40,000 adjusted for inflation (entire estate less liens), personal property only (18-C M.R.S. § 3-1201). It can be used 30 days after death. Wait 30 days after death. Net personal estate under $40,000. Real estate cannot be transferred via affidavit.

How are executor and administrator fees calculated in Maine?

Reasonable compensation under 18-C M.R.S. § 3-719 (18-C M.R.S. § 3-719). Courts can award more for extraordinary services, such as running a business or litigation.

What is the creditor claim deadline for estates in Maine?

4 months after the date of first publication of notice to creditors (18-C M.R.S. §§ 3-801, 3-803). Claims filed after the deadline are generally barred.

Does Maine recognize handwritten (holographic) wills?

Yes. Maine recognizes holographic wills if signature and material portions are in testator's handwriting (18-C M.R.S. § 2-502).

Does Maine have a state estate tax or inheritance tax?

Yes, Maine taxes estates above $7.16 million. Maine imposes an estate tax; exclusion is $7,160,000 for 2026 deaths ($7,000,000 for 2025), rates 8% to 12%. There is no inheritance tax.