For the past 24 years, Thomas A. Berry Esq. has been the Judge of Probate for Lincoln County, and like this year, has often run unopposed. So why should voters fill in the little oval next to his name on election night and not just write-in “Mickey Mouse” for the heck of it?  What exactly is a Judge of Probate and why it is important?

A Judge of Probate is an official who deals with issues of trusts, estates, adoptions and guardianship of minors and adults. Berry said he feels that the guardianship of adults is especially important, as Lincoln County is the “oldest county in the oldest state in the nation.” He said that full adult guardianships are a last resort and he prefers to find alternatives, such as limited guardianships or in-home care.  

In Maine, 90 percent of wills and estates get processed informally; he doesn’t even get involved. It’s only with estates where there are disagreements or lawsuits where he is needed. “You deal with very personal situations,” Berry said. “Maintaining a caring viewpoint while upholding the law is important.”

Berry said his favorite part of being Judge of Probate is finalizing adoptions. “It’s a charming thing, seeing a family come together,” he said. “It’s my favorite part of this work.” 

Since being Judge of Probate is a part-time position, Berry, 65, also maintains a law practice in Boothbay Harbor. He grew up near Portland and attended Syracuse University in New York and the University of Maine. He is a former member of the Board of St. Andrews, and is very involved with the current St. Andrews Task Force project. 

Berry truly enjoys his work as Judge of Probate. “It’s just fun,” he said. “When it stops being fun, I guess it’s time to look for another job. I don’t think that will happen.”