On Friday, February 20, 2026, the Maine Supreme Judicial Court issued an order discharging Paula J. House, Esq., as the receiver of the law practice of the late Stephen D. Bither. The order acknowledges that House has fulfilled all obligations under the March 11, 2025, order appointing her as receiver, as well as obligations pursuant to M. Bar. R. 32 and M.R.Prof.Conduct 1.15(f).
House’s report detailed a Caretaker File Retention Plan, an inventory of 1,183 client files, distribution of client funds, including IOLTA funds, settlement of nine trusts, and management of Bither’s law practice. The court approved the Caretaker File Retention Plan devised by House, and she will retain unclaimed client files as the primary File Caretaker. She is also directed to close out the Operating Account and IOLTA of Stephen D. Bither.
The court has ordered compensation to Paula J. House, Esq., for services rendered between February 9, 2025, and December 1, 2025, totaling $94,040, along with reimbursement of $1,191.39 for direct expenses as of December 1, 2025. Payment will be made first from Attorney Bither’s Operating Account in the amount of $4,580.35, and then from the Estate of Stephen D. Bither for the remaining $90,231.39.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
