Probate Court

Welcome

The Probate Court assists in the legal and social welfare needs for families and individuals in Cumberland County; and processes approximately 25% of the total probate filings within the State of Maine.  

Case Filings

Cumberland County Probate Court filings and the filings made in all of Maine's 16 counties, are available at www.maineprobate.net.  The Probate Court docket can be viewed at no charge, and copies of Probate Court filings can be purchased at a cost of $2 per page.  An online account may be created at a cost of $25 per month.  This account will permit online viewing of documents and copies at $1 per page.

Services
The Probate Court determines the legitimacy of Last Wills and Testaments, the distribution of estates; and also processes:

  • name changes;
  • minor and adult adoptions;
  • minor and adult guardianships;
  • minor and adult conservatorships.

The Cumberland County Probate Office maintains the records of the Probate Court described above from 1908 to the present.  Probate records are open to the public with the exception of adoption records dated after August 8, 1953.

All vital record requests, such as birth, death or marriage records, should be addressed to the Maine State Office of Vital Records by calling 207-287-3771.

Additional Search Tips

  • The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons) have microfilmed most of Maine town records of birth, marriage and death from before 1892.  They have research facilities throughout the world where these records can be obtained.
  • Call, write or visit the town or city clerks' offices holding vital records you need.
  • Catholic records of baptism, marriage, and death can often be found at the local parishes.
  • Call, write or visit county Registries of Deeds for records of land transactions.
  • The regional office of the National Archives Northeast Region (380 Trapelo Road, Waltham, Massachusetts 02154; (617)647-8745) has material useful to the genealogist, such as census listings.

**NOTICE**

Due to high demand passports will remain APPOINTMENT ONLY .Please contact Rebekah Thompson at (207) 871-8382 to schedule your appointment.

Elected Officials and Staff

The Probate Judge and Register of Probate are officials of the court, elected to serve a four-year term.  The Probate Judge performs the judicial business of the court and the Register of Probate is responsible for the administrative work of the registry.  The Register has quasi-judicial powers and is authorized to conduct Informal Probate proceedings.

The Probate Court staff consists of a Deputy Register, legal secretary and three probate clerks who support all functions of the Registry and Probate Court, and who maintain and record all probate document filings.  While we are proud of the excellent customer service provided by our staff, the probate clerks cannot give legal advice.  If you require legal assistance or advice, please contact an attorney.

Forms

Forms are available on the Maine Probate website.