On Tuesday, March 11, 2025, Maine Superior Court Judge James Martemucci gave Hancock County probate Judge William Blaisdell a deadline to address his tax obligations or face potential suspension from practicing law. Blaisdell has been under scrutiny for failing to pay his taxes and for noncompliance with court-ordered child support payments.

The case is entitled “In the Matter of William Blaisdell,” with case number BAR 24-07.

The Maine Board of Overseers of the Bar sanctioned Blaisdell last year for not filing several years’ worth of tax returns. Additionally, he was held in contempt of court for neglecting to make mandated child support payments. Court documents reveal that Blaisdell also acknowledged a significant lack of diligence in representing a client facing criminal charges, resulting in the client spending months in custody while waiting for Blaisdell to advocate for new bail conditions.

In August, Blaisdell entered into an agreement with the Bar, in which he committed to rectifying his tax issues and complying with legal requirements. As part of this arrangement, he agreed to be monitored by another attorney for one year and was warned that any violation could result in a one-year suspension from practicing law.

However, Blaisdell admitted to Judge Martemucci that he had not adhered to the terms of the agreement. In response, Martemucci has granted Blaisdell until April 1 to become current with all tax filings and payments, as well as to provide proof of compliance to Bar Counsel.

Notably, the order does not reference his role as a probate judge. Blaisdell had previously been suspended from overseeing cases for three months but was allowed to return to his position in January.

In addition to the tax issues, Blaisdell faces ongoing concerns regarding child support payments. Reports indicate that he has been ordered to pay over $17,000 in overdue child support and associated attorney fees. The Ellsworth American reported this information on Wednesday, highlighting the complexities surrounding Blaisdell’s legal and financial responsibilities.

A copy of the original filing can be found here.