Probate & Trust Administration in Maine

Supporting Families Through Every Step of Estate Settlement

Clear Guidance for Complex Times

When someone passes away, the legal process can feel overwhelming — especially during a time of grief. Whether a loved one had a will, a trust, or no formal plan at all, we help families navigate Maine’s probate and trust administration processes with professionalism and care.


From court filings to final distributions, we make sure every step is handled thoroughly and thoughtfully.

Smooth, Respectful, and Efficient Estate Handling

Why This Service Matters

Probate and trust administration involve legal steps to settle a person’s estate after death. If there’s no trust in place, the state requires probate — a public, sometimes lengthy process. Even with a trust, there are still responsibilities like valuing assets, paying debts, and notifying beneficiaries.


Working with an experienced estate attorney ensures your loved one’s wishes are honored, their estate is handled properly, and unnecessary delays or disputes are avoided.

Outline of two hands shaking, symbolizing agreement.

How We Help

A justice icon with a scale over three people on a bench.

1. Probate Representation

We represent executors and administrators through supervised or unsupervised probate, handling filings, taxes, notices, and distributions.
Hand holding a document with lines, illustration.

2. Trust Administration Support

We assist successor trustees with the legal and practical responsibilities of managing or distributing trust assets.
Document with a balance scale icon, representing legal or regulatory compliance.

3. Probate Avoidance Planning

We guide clients in using tools like revocable living trusts and beneficiary designations to minimize or bypass the probate process.
Two people with arrows between them, representing interaction or communication.

4. Beneficiary Designations & Account Transfers

We help ensure your TOD/POD designations are structured properly — and that they won’t unintentionally override your estate plan.
Two hands shaking, indicating agreement or partnership.

5. Legal Strategy for Joint Ownership

We explain the risks and benefits of joint tenancy and tenancy by the entirety, and when they may or may not be right for your goals.
Book icon with a check mark.

6. Successor Trustee Education

We advise those named in a trust on what to do, when, and how — whether the trust was drafted by us or another firm.

Our Process

We’re here to listen — Schedule a consult today.

Settling an estate or trust isn’t just paperwork — it’s a legal process filled with questions and responsibilities. We help you move forward with confidence and care.

People
  • We begin by identifying who’s involved — the executor, trustee, beneficiaries, and any others with legal or emotional stakes in the process. Our first step is to understand everyone’s role and what your loved one intended.
Property
  • Next, we review the estate’s assets — including bank accounts, real estate, personal property, and any retirement or investment holdings. We help determine what goes through probate, what’s owned by a trust, and what may transfer by other means.
Plans
  • Then, we walk through the best path forward — whether that’s navigating probate court, supporting a successor trustee, or helping with account transfers and final distributions. We guide each step with clear timelines and ongoing support.
Shield icon with a checkmark, symbolizing security and approval.

FAQs

  • Do all estates in Maine go through probate?

    No. Estates with well-structured trusts or designated beneficiaries may avoid probate entirely.

  • How long does probate take in Maine?

    It can take several months to over a year, depending on the estate complexity and whether disputes arise.

  • Can I handle probate without a lawyer?

    You can, but it’s not recommended. The process is legal-intensive and mistakes can delay distribution or cause tax issues.

  • What does a successor trustee actually do?

    They manage, distribute, and account for trust assets after the trustmaker’s death or incapacity.

  • What happens if someone contests the estate?

    We represent clients in contested matters and help minimize the risk of conflict through proper planning and documentation.

  • Does a trust always avoid probate?

    Only if the trust is properly funded. We help clients ensure assets are titled correctly so the trust can work as intended.

Stay Informed on Estate & Trust Planning

Get monthly updates from Paul with tips on probate, trust responsibilities, and strategies to simplify settlement for your loved ones.

Subscribe Now

Start the Conversation


You don’t have to go through this alone. Whether you’re an executor, trustee, or family member managing a loss, we’re here to help guide every step with clarity and care.