Stephen D. Bither Law Practice Receiver Discharge Order

ME Board of Overseers Decisions

Filed December 2nd, 2025

Detected March 18th, 2026

Summary

The Maine District Court has issued an order discharging Receiver Paula J. House, Esq., for the law practice of the late Stephen D. Bither. The order approves the Receiver's actions, including file retention and client property distribution, and authorizes payment for her services from the practice's and estate's funds.

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What changed

The Maine District Court has issued an order discharging Receiver Paula J. House, Esq., from her role overseeing the law practice of the late Stephen D. Bither. The order, dated December 2, 2025, formally approves the Receiver's fulfillment of all obligations, including the distribution of client property, settlement of trusts, and management of client files as detailed in her Caretaker File Retention Plan. The court also authorized compensation for the Receiver's services and expenses totaling $95,231.39, to be paid from the practice's operating account and the estate.

This order signifies the conclusion of the receivership for Stephen D. Bither's law practice. While the Receiver is discharged, she will remain in her capacity until the final administrative tasks outlined in the order are completed, such as closing the operating and IOLTA accounts. The court has approved the Caretaker File Retention Plan, and the Receiver is to retain unclaimed client files according to this plan. Legal professionals involved in estate administration or receivership matters should note the detailed reporting and administrative requirements demonstrated in this case.

What to do next

Ensure all final administrative tasks related to the discharge order are completed.
Close the Operating Account and IOLTA of Stephen D. Bither.
Retain unclaimed client files according to the approved Caretaker File Retention Plan.

Source document (simplified)

STATE OF MAINEMaine District Courtln re: Stephen D. Bither, Esq. Bar No. 039't1SUPREME JUDICIAL COURTDocket No. BAR-25{4 )))))))ORDER ON PETITIONFOR DISCHARGE OFRECEIVER OFSTEPHEN D. BITHERLAW PRACTICEAfter review of Receive/s Petition for Order Discharging Receiver ofStephen D. Bither Law Practice, the Court finds: 1) Receiver Paula J. House, Esq., has fulfilled all obligations under theMarch 11, 2025 Order Appointing Receiver and also those obligations pursuant2) Report of Receiver for Services Rendered detailed the Receive/s Caretaker File Retention Plan, an lnventory of 1,183 client files, distribution of all funds owed to clients, including IOLTA funds, settlement of nine (9) trusts, retumof dient property and the prudent and timely management of all aspect of thelaw practice of Stephen D. Bither.3) Receiver has submitted statements itemizing hours worked andRECEIVEDFEB O 2l]2Ecdisbursements made.CIe.t<'3 OfficBf,sine Suolt.na Judicial Coudto M. Bar. R. 32 and M.R.Prof.Conduct 1.15(0;I

Receiver is to be paid for her services from resources of the LawPractice of Stephen D. Bither and/or the Estate of Stephen D. Bither and it isrepresented that such finds exist.IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED:1) Paula J. House, Esq., is discharged as Receiver of the law practice ofStephen Bither, deceased, but shall remain in that capacity until theresponsibilities of accomplishing this order are fulfilled;2) The Caretaker File Retention Plan devised by Receiver is approved;3) Paula J. House, Esq., shall retain the unclaimed files of clients of Attorney Bither as primary File Caretaker and follow the Caretake File Retention Plan approved by the Court.4) Paula J. House, Esq., shall close out the Operating Account and I0LTA of Stephen D. Bither.5) Compensation is ordered to Paula J. House, Esq., for services fromFebruary 9,2025t0 December 1,2025 in the amountof $94,040, plusreimbursement of the direct expenses incurred in the amount of $1 ,191 ,39 as ofDecember 1,2A25. \5) Paynent shall be made first from Attorney Bithe/s 0perating Accountin the amount of $4,580.35, and second by the Estate of Stephen D. Bither inthe amount of $90,23'1.39, as it is represented that there are sufftcient funds inthe Estate of Steohen D. Bither to oav this amount. -'- :'il ri ibi' ; +' +7;;; -,'i;;7' iL,i' h.' h"" sa d[.t a"l A ;4y *t ^,f, t iThe Clerk shall enter this, "Order Discharging Receiver of Law Praitice of h'tqwStephen D. Bithef on the docket by reference, at the specific direction of theCourt.The Cle shall enter this Order on the docket.Dated: z'2D-2o2,Judge/JusticeSitting by designation asSingle Justice i

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICEThe undersigned hereby certifies that the foregoing Petition for OrderDischarging Receiver of Law Practice of Stephen D. Bither and Proposed Order have been served by email as follows: Mara King, Esq.SpecialCounselBoard ofOverseers ofthe Bar P.O. Box Augusta, l\rE 04332-0527207523-1121mking@mebaroverseers. orgfhis 3rd day of December,2025.is/ Paula J. House Paula J. House, Esq.I