The figures on this page are general estimates. Laws, fees, thresholds, and prices differ by state and change often, and your own situation may change the result. Before you act, confirm the current numbers and rules for Maine with a licensed professional — an attorney, tax advisor, or licensed agent as appropriate. Reading this page does not create a professional relationship.
The short answer
Maine does not set probate fees by statute. Costs depend on the attorney’s billing arrangement, the type of administration, and the size and complexity of the estate. Here’s what to expect, and the ways many families avoid full probate entirely.
Attorney fees
Not statutory. Maine attorneys typically charge a flat fee ($3,000–$5,000 for routine informal probate) or hourly; the estate pays fees as a reasonable administrative expense.
Executor / personal representative fees
Under 18-C M.R.S. §3-719 the personal representative is entitled to reasonable compensation (no fixed percentage); family representatives frequently waive it.
What the fee is based on
Maine's adoption of the Uniform Probate Code means most estates qualify for informal probate with limited court supervision, which keeps costs low compared with fee-schedule states like California.
Court filing fees
A sliding scale tied to estate value — roughly $20 for the smallest estates up to about $950 or more for estates over $2 million, set by the Maine probate courts.
Appraisal / probate referee
Not used. Maine does not appoint a state appraiser; the personal representative prepares an inventory and hires appraisers only as needed.
How long probate takes in Maine
About 9 to 12 months for a routine informal-probate estate; the estate stays open through the creditor-claim period. Contested estates, missing heirs, or real estate sales can extend that.
Creditor claim period
Creditors must present claims within 4 months after the first publication of notice, or within 9 months of death if no notice is published, under 18-C M.R.S. §§3-801 and 3-803. In practice, this window is often the real floor on how quickly an estate can close, because the personal representative usually waits it out before making final distributions.
How to skip full probate (or shrink the bill)
- Small-estate procedure. Maine allows collection of personal property by affidavit for estates that (after liens) don't exceed $40,000 — a figure adjusted for inflation, roughly $51,100 in recent years — under 18-C M.R.S. §3-1201.
- Transfer-on-death deed. Maine DOES authorize a transfer-on-death deed for real estate under the Maine Uniform Real Property Transfer on Death Act, 18-C M.R.S. §6-401 et seq. An owner can record a TOD deed naming a beneficiary; the property passes outside probate at death, and the deed can be revoked anytime before death.
- A funded living trust. Assets in a properly funded revocable living trust skip probate entirely. The successor trustee distributes them privately, usually in a month or two.
- Beneficiary designations and joint ownership. Life insurance, retirement accounts, payable-on-death (POD) accounts, and jointly held property pass directly to the named person and never enter probate.
- Family member as executor. When a relative serves as executor, they can often waive the commission — meaningfully cutting the total bill.
Do you need a lawyer?
For most Maine estates that go through full probate, yes — the court process has formal requirements and missed deadlines can cost more than the legal fees they were meant to avoid. For genuinely simple estates, or where a small-estate procedure applies, many families handle it themselves or use a legal document preparer for a flat fee.
The honest takeaway
The cheapest probate cost is the one you avoid in advance — by titling assets correctly, keeping beneficiary designations current, and, where it makes sense, using a living trust. If your estate is likely to exceed Maine’s small-estate thresholds, it’s worth talking to a licensed Maine estate attorney while you still have the option to plan.
Related reading
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What Is Probate and How Does It Work? — the full plain-English explanation of how probate works in the US.
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How to Avoid Probate in Maine — the state-specific avoidance playbook.
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How Long Does Probate Take in Maine? — the companion timeline guide for Maine.
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Will vs. Trust: Which Do You Need? — for Maine residents weighing whether a trust is worth it.
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Estate Planning Checklist: Everything in One Place — the documents and decisions that make probate easier (or unnecessary).
This page explains Maine probate costs in general terms as of 2026. It is not legal advice, and fee schedules, thresholds, and court costs change and depend on your specific situation. Confirm current figures with the Maine courts or a licensed Maine attorney. Sources: 18-C M.R.S. §3-719, 18-C M.R.S. §3-1201, 18-C M.R.S. §3-803, 18-C M.R.S. §6-405, 18-C M.R.S. §6-401.