Overview
Androscoggin County is located in Maine with a population of approximately 115,000. The Androscoggin County Probate Court handles all probate and estate matters for decedents who were domiciled in the county at the time of death.
Maine probate is governed by Title 18-C (Maine Uniform Probate Code). The process begins with filing a Petition for Formal Probate (Form DE-201) or Application for Informal Probate (Form DE-201(I) for testate estates or Form DE-101(I) for intestate estates) to admit the will and appoint a personal representative. The court then issues Letters Testamentary for testate estates or Letters of Administration for intestate estates.
Maine offers a "Collection of Personal Property by Affidavit" for small estates valued at $40,000 or less (adjusted for inflation). This allows successors to collect assets 30 days after death without full probate.
Filing fees are based on the value of the estate, starting at $40 for estates under $10,000. Maine does not have a statutory fee schedule for attorneys or executors; fees must be "reasonable" based on the services provided.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Androscoggin County probate process. It is not legal advice and is not a substitute for consulting a qualified attorney. Laws and local procedures may change — verify current requirements with the court.
Courthouse Information
Androscoggin County Probate Court
Probate matters in Androscoggin County are handled at the Androscoggin County Building.
Address: 2 Turner Street, Unit 5 (1st Floor), Auburn, ME 04210
Phone: (207) 753-2500 Ext. 1983 (Register of Probate)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
The Probate Court is located in the county building in Auburn. The Register of Probate handles filings and records.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available near the county building and courthouse. Security screening is required for entry.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:
- Small Estate Affidavit: If the estate is valued at $40,000 or less (subject to inflation adjustment), successors can collect assets via affidavit 30 days after death.
- Summary Administration: For estates where the value does not exceed the homestead allowance, exempt property, family allowance, costs of administration, and funeral expenses.
- Trust administration: Assets held in a living trust generally do not require probate.
Step 2: File the Petition
If formal probate is needed, file a Petition for Formal Probate (Form DE-201) or Application for Informal Probate (Form DE-201(I) for testate estates or Form DE-101(I) for intestate estates) with the Androscoggin County Probate Court. Include:
- Original Will (if applicable)
- Acceptance of Appointment
- Certified Death Certificate
- Filing fee (based on estate value, e.g., $40-$950+)
- Probate Bond (if required)
Maine Probate Courts utilize an official e-filing system (Maine Probate EZ-File) at maineprobate.net.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice of the hearing to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties at least 14 days before the hearing (for formal probate)
- Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in Androscoggin County once a week for two successive weeks
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
The court will schedule a hearing on the petition, typically 2 to 4 weeks after filing. At the hearing, the judge reviews the petition and, if approved, issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Publish notice to creditors. Creditors have 4 months from the date of first publication to file claims.
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 3 months
- Pay valid creditor claims
- File federal and state tax returns as needed
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries
- File a final accounting and petition for discharge
Local Requirements
Androscoggin County-Specific Procedures
- E-Filing: Androscoggin County participates in the statewide Maine Probate EZ-File system.
- Bond requirements: Bond may be required unless waived by the will or the court.
- Local court rules: Follows Maine Uniform Probate Code and Maine Rules of Probate Procedure.
- Publication: Notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Androscoggin County for two successive weeks.
Use official Maine Probate forms available online.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Androscoggin County)
- Formal/Informal Probate: $40 (estates under $10k) to $950+ (estates over $2M)
- Notice to Creditors: approximately $150 (publication cost)
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $20 per certified copy
- Publication costs: approximately $150-$300 depending on the newspaper
- Will filing only (no probate): $20
Maine does not have a statutory fee schedule for attorneys or executors; fees must be "reasonable".
Payment Methods
The court accepts checks, money orders, or credit cards (via e-filing). Credit card payments may incur a processing fee.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (no disputes, limited assets): 6-12 months
- Average estates: 9-15 months
- Complex or contested estates: 18 months to 2 years
Creditor claim period is 4 months from publication.
Local Resources
Androscoggin County Court Resources
- Court Website: androscoggincountymaine.gov
- Probate Self-Help: Maine Probate Court Forms
- Maine Probate Forms: Official Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Maine State Bar Association: (207) 622-7523 — Lawyer Referral Service
- Pine Tree Legal Assistance: (207) 774-8211 — Legal Aid
- State Bar Lawyer Referral: mainebar.org
Publication
- Sun Journal: (207) 784-5411 — General Circulation
- Portland Press Herald: (207) 791-6000 — Regional Circulation