Overview
Aroostook County is located in Maine with a population of approximately 66,776. The Aroostook 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 the Maine Probate Code (Title 18-C). The process begins with filing an Application for Informal Probate (Form DE-201) or a Petition for Formal Probate (Form DE-101) to admit the will and appoint a personal representative. The court then issues Letters of Authority to the appointed representative.
Maine offers a simplified procedure for small estates. If the value of the estate (less liens and encumbrances) does not exceed $51,100 (adjusted annually for inflation), successors may collect assets via a Small Estate Affidavit (Collection of Personal Property by Affidavit) 30 days after death without full probate.
Executors and administrators are entitled to "reasonable compensation" for their services. Maine does not have a statutory percentage fee schedule; fees are based on factors like the time spent and the complexity of the estate.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Aroostook 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
Aroostook County Probate Court
Probate matters in Aroostook County are handled at the Aroostook County Courthouse.
Address: 26 Court Street, Suite 103, Houlton, ME 04730
Phone: (207) 532-1502 (Probate Office)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
The Probate Court is located in the county complex in Houlton. The Register of Probate (Catherine G. Goff) oversees filings and records.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available near the courthouse. Visitors should be prepared for security screening upon 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 $51,100 or less (2025/2026 threshold), you may be able to collect assets by affidavit 30 days after death.
- Non-Probate Transfers: Assets with designated beneficiaries (life insurance, IRAs) or held in joint tenancy pass directly to survivors.
- Trust administration: Assets held in a living trust generally do not require probate.
Step 2: File the Application or Petition
If probate is needed, file the appropriate form with the Aroostook County Probate Court. Common forms include:
- Application for Informal Probate (Form DE-201) for uncontested estates.
- Petition for Formal Probate (Form DE-101) for contested estates or when judicial oversight is needed.
Include:
- Original Will (if one exists)
- Certified Death Certificate
- Filing fee (varies by estate value)
- Probate Information Sheet (Form DE-401)
Maine Probate Courts utilize the Maine Probate EZ-File system for electronic filing.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After appointment, you must:
- Mail notice to heirs and beneficiaries within 30 days of appointment.
- Publish notice to creditors in a newspaper of general circulation in Aroostook County (e.g., The County or Bangor Daily News) once a week for two successive weeks.
Step 4: Administration and Inventory
The personal representative must:
- Prepare an Inventory of estate assets within 3 months of appointment.
- Provide the inventory to interested parties (filing with the court is optional unless requested).
- Allow the 4-month creditor claim period to expire before closing the estate.
Step 5: Close the Estate
After paying debts and taxes, and distributing assets, the personal representative may close the estate by filing a Sworn Statement of Personal Representative Closing Estate (Form DE-405) no earlier than 6 months after appointment.
Local Requirements
Aroostook County-Specific Procedures
- E-Filing: Aroostook County participates in the Maine Probate EZ-File system. Attorneys are generally required to e-file; self-represented parties may file in paper or electronically.
- Notices: Probate notices are typically published in The County (classifieds.thecounty.me) or the Bangor Daily News.
- Bond: A bond may be required if the will demands it or if the court deems it necessary to protect interested parties, though it is often waived in informal proceedings.
Always check with the Register of Probate for the most current local rules and form requirements.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Aroostook County)
Filing fees are statutory (Title 18-C §1-602) and based on the value of the estate:
- No Probate (Will only): $15
- Estates $10,000 or less: $20
- Estates $10,001 to $20,000: $40
- Estates $20,001 to $30,000: $60
- Estates $30,001 to $40,000: $75
- Estates $40,001 to $50,000: $95
- Estates $50,001 to $75,000: $125
- Estates $75,001 to $100,000: $175
- Certified Copies: $10 + $1 per page
- Publication costs: Approximately $100-$200 depending on the newspaper.
Payment Methods
The court accepts checks, money orders, and credit cards (via the e-filing system).
Estimated Timelines
- Informal Probate: 6-12 months (minimum 6 months to close).
- Formal/Contested Estates: 12-18 months or longer.
- Creditor Claim Period: 4 months from the date of first publication.
Local Resources
Aroostook County Court Resources
- Court Website: maineprobate.net
- Probate Self-Help: Maine Probate Forms & Instructions
- E-Filing System: Maine Probate EZ-File
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Maine State Bar Association: (800) 860-1460 — Lawyer Referral Service
- Pine Tree Legal Assistance: (207) 764-4349 — Presque Isle Office
- Legal Services for the Elderly: (800) 750-5353
Publication
- The County (Aroostook): (207) 764-4471 — classifieds.thecounty.me
- Bangor Daily News: (207) 990-8000 — bangordailynews.com