Maine Association of Registers of Probate

     Maine Probate Courts were established to determine the legitimacy of Last Wills and Testaments, as well as the distribution of estates.  Over the years, the role of the county probate court has expanded  to include the following legal procedures:

 Adoptions of Minors and Adults
 Guardianships /Conservatorships of Minors and Adults
 Name Changes
 Estates
 Trusts

     The County Probate Courts are staffed by part-time Judges who preside over hearings without a jury, full-time Registers, Deputy Registers, and sometimes Clerks/Secretaries.  The Judges and Registers are elected every four years.  The staff is appointed by the Register.
 Probate offices function as Courts and Registries.   For the Courts, the staff is responsible for ensuring smooth and efficient hearings, which includes such tasks as scheduling and checking that the appropriate notices are served.  As Registries they accept, docket, scan, preserve and provide access to filings.  In both capacities they work with judges, lawyers, and the general public.  Most of the interactions are with average citizens in times of family difficulties.   In addition, the Registers and Deputies make decisions and appointments of Personal Representatives in non-contested deceased matters.

     In 2006, after two years of investigation, the Maine Association of Registers of Probate chose ICON for their state-wide docketing system.  The public can access probate records through one convenient website – www.maineprobate.net.  By 2013, without additional expense, ICON had been enhanced and is now offering electronic filing statewide.


Carlene M. Holmes, Register of Probate
Washington County