Overview
Kennebec County is located in Maine with a population of approximately 128,461. The Kennebec 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). For testate estates (with a will), the process begins with filing a Petition for Formal Probate of Will and Appointment of Personal Representative (Form DE-201). For intestate estates (without a will), file Form DE-101 Petition for Formal Probate and Appointment of Personal Representative. The court then issues Letters of Authority for testate estates or Letters of Administration for intestate estates.
Maine offers a simplified procedure for small estates known as Collection of Personal Property by Affidavit. The 2025 threshold is $51,100 (the base statutory amount of $40,000 adjusted annually for inflation). This threshold may be adjusted for 2026.
Maine probate filing fees are calculated based on the value of the estate. There are no statutory attorney fees in Maine; fees must be reasonable based on time and complexity.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Kennebec 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
Kennebec County Probate Court
Probate matters in Kennebec County are handled at the Kennebec County Courthouse.
Address: 95 State Street, Augusta, ME 04330
Phone: (207) 622-7558 (Probate Office)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Judge of Probate: Elizabeth H. Mitchell
Register of Probate: Ronda Snyder
The Probate Court is located in the county seat of Augusta. The Register of Probate oversees the filing and processing of all probate documents.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available near the courthouse on State Street and in surrounding municipal lots. Visitors pass through 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 approximately $51,100 or less (2025 threshold), you may be able to collect assets via affidavit after a 30-day waiting period.
- Survivorship: Assets held in joint tenancy with rights of survivorship pass directly to the co-owner.
- Trust administration: Assets held in a living trust generally do not require probate.
Step 2: File the Petition
If formal probate is needed, file the appropriate petition with the Kennebec County Probate Court:
- For testate estates (with a will): File Petition for Formal Probate of Will and Appointment of Personal Representative (Form DE-201)
- For intestate estates (without a will): File Petition for Formal Probate and Appointment of Personal Representative (Form DE-101)
Include:
- Original Will and Codicils (if any, for testate estates)
- Certified Death Certificate
- Probate Information Sheet (Form DE-400)
- Filing fee (based on estate value)
- Acceptance of Appointment (Form DE-105)
Maine Probate Courts utilize an official e-filing system (Maine Probate.net) which is mandatory for attorneys and optional for self-represented parties.
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.
- Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in Kennebec County (typically the Kennebec Journal) once a week for two successive weeks.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
The court will schedule a hearing on the petition. If the petition is uncontested and all paperwork is in order, the judge or register reviews the petition and issues Letters of Authority.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Notify creditors (claims must be presented within 4 months of first publication)
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 3 months of appointment
- Pay valid creditor claims and estate expenses
- File federal and state tax returns as needed
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries
- File a Sworn Statement of Personal Representative Closing Estate to conclude the process
Local Requirements
Kennebec County-Specific Procedures
- E-filing: Kennebec County participates in the statewide Maine Probate e-filing system.
- Bond requirements: Bond may be required unless waived by the will or by the court.
- Publication: Notice to creditors and interested parties is typically published in the Kennebec Journal.
- Mediation: The court may refer contested matters to mediation.
Always check with the Register of Probate for the most current local rules and standing orders.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Kennebec County)
Filing fees are based on the value of the estate:
- $10,000 or less: $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
- Estates over $100,000: Fee increases incrementally based on value
- Certified copies of Letters: $10 per copy + $1 for certification
- Publication costs: approximately $150-$300 depending on the newspaper
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, and credit cards (with a processing fee).
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (informal probate): 6-9 months
- Average estates: 9-15 months
- Complex or contested estates: 18 months to 2+ years
Creditors have 4 months from the date of first publication to file claims, which sets a minimum duration for the process.
Local Resources
Kennebec County Court Resources
- Court Website: kennebec.gov/probate
- Probate Self-Help: maineprobate.net
- 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) 622-4731 — Legal aid for qualifying residents
- Legal Services for the Elderly: 1-800-750-5353
Publication
- Kennebec Journal: (207) 623-1121 — General circulation newspaper for notices