ProbateUS
Probate Court

Knox County

Maine

207-594-0427

Phone

207-594-0427

Website

Official Site →

Email

probate@knoxcountymaine.gov

Court Location & Contact

Address

62 Union Street, Rockland, ME 04841

Visit Official Court Website

Filing Fees

Knox County, Maine

Fee TypeAmount
Estates up to $10,000$40
Estates $10,001 - $20,000$60
Estates $20,001 - $30,000$75
Estates $30,001 to $40,000$95
Estates $50,001 to $75,000$190
Estates $75,001 to $100,000$250
Estates $100,001 to $150,000$325
Estates $150,001 to $200,000$375
Estates $200,001 to $250,000$450
Estates $250,001 to $300,000$500
Estates $300,001 to $400,000$575
Estates $400,001 to $500,000$625
Estates $500,001 to $750,000$700
Estates $750,001 to $1,000,000$750
Estates $1,000,001 to $1,500,000$875
Estates $1,500,001 to $2,000,000$950
Estates More than $2,000,000$1,200, and continuing in steps of $250 for every increase in value of $500,000 or part thereof above $2,500,000
Filing a will for no probate$15
Filing a will to be probated and without an appointment$20
Each certificate, under seal of the court, of the appointment and qualification of a personal representative, guardian, conservator or trustee$10
each double certificate$20
Copies of court records$1 per page

Judges & Officers

CR
Carol R. Emery

Probate Forms Library

48 fillable forms — scroll to browse

1.10 — Real Estate Transfer Tax Fee TablecountyDownload
RETT2019 — Real Estate Transfer Tax FormcountyDownload
Real Estate Transfer Tax Form Supplemental (for extra names, lots)countyDownload
1041 — Accumulation Distribution for Certain Complex TrustsfederalDownload
1041-T — Allocation of Estimated Tax Payments to BeneficiariesfederalDownload
1041 — Alternative Minimum Tax — Estates and TrustsfederalDownload
Application For Burial BenefitsfederalDownload
SSA-4 — Application for Child's Insurance BenefitsfederalDownload
SF 2800 — Application for Death Benefits (CSRS)federalDownload
SF 3104 — Application for Death Benefits (FERS)federalDownload
Application For DIC, Survivors Pension And/Or Accrued BenefitsfederalDownload
SS-4 — Application for Employer Identification NumberfederalDownload
706 — Application for Extension of Time To File a Return and/or Pay U.S. Estate TaxesfederalDownload
SSA-10 — Application for Widow's or Widower's Insurance BenefitsfederalDownload
1041 — Beneficiary's Share of Income, Deductions, Credits, etc.federalDownload
1041 — Capital Gains and Losses (Estates and Trusts)federalDownload
706-CE — Certification of Payment of Foreign Death TaxfederalDownload
FE6 — Claim for Death Benefits (FEGLI)federalDownload
VA40-1330 — Claim For Standard Government Headstone Or MarkerfederalDownload
SF 2818 — Continuation of Life Insurance Coverage as AnnuitantfederalDownload
FE7 — Designation Of Beneficiary (FEGLI)federalDownload
SF 2823 — Designation Of Beneficiary Federal Employees' Group Life InsurancefederalDownload
FS 5336 — Disposition of Treasury Securities Belonging to a Decedent's Estate Being Settled Without AdministrationfederalDownload
8855 — Election To Treat a Qualified Revocable Trust as Part of an EstatefederalDownload
1041 — Estimated Income Tax for Estates and TrustsfederalDownload
706 — Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax (Form 706)federalDownload
706-GS — Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax Return for DistributionsfederalDownload
706-GS — Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax Return for TerminationsfederalDownload
8971 — Information Regarding Beneficiaries Acquiring Property From a DecedentfederalDownload
56 — Notice Concerning Fiduciary RelationshipfederalDownload
706-GS — Notification of Distribution From a Generation-Skipping TrustfederalDownload
1041-V — Payment Voucher (Estate or Trust)federalDownload
I-360 — Petition For Amerasian, Widow(er), Or Special ImmigrantfederalDownload
2848 — Power of Attorney and Declaration of RepresentativefederalDownload
FS 1455 — Request By Owner or Person Entitled to Payment for Reissue of United States Savings BondsfederalDownload
706 HAS — Request for Discharge From Personal Liability Under IRC 2204 or 6905federalDownload
4810 — Request For Prompt Assessment Under Internal Revenue Code Section 6501(d)federalDownload
FS 1522 — Special Form of Request for Payment of United States Savings and Retirement SecuritiesfederalDownload
SSA-721 — Statement of Death by Funeral DirectorfederalDownload
1310 — Statement of Person Claiming Refund Due a Deceased TaxpayerfederalDownload
706-NA — U.S. Estate Tax Return for Nonresident Not a Citizen of the U.S.federalDownload
706-QDT — U.S. Estate Tax Return for Qualified Domestic TrustsfederalDownload
1041 U — U.S. Income Tax Return for Estates and TrustsfederalDownload
1041-A — U.S. Information Return Trust Accumulation of Charitable AmountsfederalDownload
706-A — United States Additional Estate Tax ReturnfederalDownload
706 UNITED — United States Estate (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax ReturnfederalDownload
709 — United States Gift (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax ReturnfederalDownload
Guardian ad Litem Roster ApplicationstateDownload

Probate Guide

Probate in Knox County, Maine

The Knox County Probate Court handles all matters related to the estates of deceased persons, including the validation of wills, appointment of executors and administrators, and the supervised distribution of assets. If you need to file for probate in Knox County, ME, this guide covers what you need to know.

What Is Probate?

Probate is the legal process of settling a deceased person's estate. It involves validating the will (if one exists), identifying and inventorying assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing remaining property to heirs and beneficiaries. In Maine, the probate court in each county oversees this process.

When Is Probate Required in Maine?

Probate is generally required when:

  • The deceased owned real estate solely in their name

  • The estate contains assets above Maine's small estate threshold

  • There are disputes among heirs or creditors

  • Assets are not held in a trust or joint tenancy

Steps to File for Probate in Knox County

  1. Locate the will (if one exists) and gather the death certificate

  2. File a petition with the Knox County Probate Court to open probate

  3. Notify heirs and creditors as required by Maine law

  4. Inventory the estate — identify all assets, debts, and liabilities

  5. Pay debts and taxes — settle outstanding obligations from estate funds

  6. Distribute remaining assets — according to the will or state intestacy laws

  7. Close the estate — file a final accounting with the court

How Long Does Probate Take?

In Maine, probate typically takes 6 to 18 months depending on the complexity of the estate. Simple estates with no disputes may be resolved faster, while contested wills or complex asset distributions can take longer.

Do You Need a Probate Attorney?

While Maine does not always require an attorney for probate, it is strongly recommended, especially for estates with significant assets, real estate, business interests, or potential disputes. A local probate attorney familiar with Knox County Probate Court procedures can help navigate the process efficiently.

Resources

For more information about the probate process, visit the Knox County Probate Court directly or consult with a local probate attorney. You can also explore tools like EverSettled for step-by-step estate settlement guidance.

Additional Notes

The Probate Court and Registry are located in the County Courthouse on the first floor. Probate Court is held on the first and third Wednesday of each month, and at other times as necessary. The Knox County Probate Office holds records reaching back to 1860, with anything prior filed in either Waldo or Lincoln Counties.

Office Hours

Monday-Friday8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

FAQ

Where do I file for probate in Knox County, ME?

Probate petitions for estates in Knox County are filed at the Knox County Probate Court. Contact the court directly for filing instructions and office hours.

How much does probate cost in Knox County?

Probate filing fees in Knox County, Maine vary based on the estate value and type of petition. Contact the probate court clerk for the current fee schedule.

How long does probate take in Maine?

Probate in Maine typically takes 6 to 18 months. Timeline depends on estate complexity, creditor claims, and whether the will is contested.

Can I avoid probate?

Assets held in trusts, joint tenancy, or with designated beneficiaries (like life insurance and retirement accounts) can pass outside of probate. Consult with an estate planning attorney for strategies specific to your situation.

Do I need a lawyer for probate in Knox County?

While not always legally required in Maine, a probate attorney is recommended for most estates, especially those involving real estate, business interests, or potential disputes among heirs.

What happens if someone dies without a will?

When someone dies intestate (without a will) in Maine, their assets are distributed according to state intestacy laws. The Knox County Probate Court will appoint an administrator to manage the estate.

Probate Attorneys

Closest to this court, Maine

Jeffrey (Jeff) Jones

Jones, Kuriloff & Sargent, LLC

Ellsworth · 45 mi

Asset ProtectionElder Law+4

Nathaniel (Nat) Putnam

Eaton Peabody

Bangor · 51 mi

Martha (Meg) Greene

Brann & Isaacson

Lewiston · 55 mi

Justin LeBlanc

LeBlanc Diggins

Falmouth · 62 mi

Matie Little

LeBlanc & Young, P.A.

Portland · 65 mi

See more attorneys near Knox County →

Related Resources

Maine Probate Guide →All Maine Courts →Financial Institutions →