Yes, a notary is required.
The probate courts' form is sworn before a notary public or an attorney-at-law.
In the official wording
"Notary Public/Attorney-at-Law"
From the official pages listed below, checked November 2026.
What else the signing needs
- Value limit
- The whole estate, less liens and encumbrances, can't exceed $40,000 adjusted for inflation. Each county probate court must publish the current adjusted figure on its website every year (PL 2025, c. 76); ask the court for it.
"does not exceed $40,000, adjusted for inflation pursuant to section 1-108"
- Waiting period
- Thirty days after the death.
"Thirty days after the death of a decedent"
- Where it goes
- Presented to the person who owes the debt or holds the property; the statute doesn't call for a court filing.
- Official form
- AF-102, Small Estate Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property. The probate courts' form, revised September 1, 2019. Open the official form
Next step
Sign by video with our New Jersey notary while you're in Maine, 7 AM to 9 PM Eastern, seven days a week, by appointment. New Jersey law lets a New Jersey notary notarize for a signer located in another state (N.J.S.A. 52:7-10.10). How Maine treats it: Maine recognizes notarial acts performed in other states: an act performed by a notary public of another state has the same effect as if a Maine notarial officer performed it. More on Maine signers.
Ask the bank, holder or court that will receive the affidavit whether it accepts an electronically notarized one.
Book an online notarization Request a mobile notary in Maine
In person, we look for a notary commissioned in Maine near you; you approve the price first.
If a local notary in Maine does it: No statutory maximum; any fee must be disclosed in writing and agreed before the act, under the state's fee rules (Maine notary fees).
Official sources
- 18-C M.R.S. 3-1201, Collection of personal property by affidavit (Maine Legislature) (checked November 2026)
- Maine Probate Courts form AF-102, Small Estate Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property (rev. 09/01/19) (checked November 2026)
- LD 1545 (132nd Legislature), An Act to Clarify the Maximum Value That a Small Estate May Be (Maine Legislature) (checked November 2026)
We are not lawyers, and this is general information, not legal advice. Checked November 2026. Rules change, and whoever receives the document decides what it accepts; we can't guarantee acceptance.
Common questions
Is a notary required for a Maine small estate affidavit?
Yes, a notary is required. The probate courts' form is sworn before a notary public or an attorney-at-law.
What is the small estate limit in Maine?
The whole estate, less liens and encumbrances, can't exceed $40,000 adjusted for inflation. Each county probate court must publish the current adjusted figure on its website every year (PL 2025, c. 76); ask the court for it.
How long after a death can the Maine affidavit be used?
Thirty days after the death.
Is the Maine affidavit filed with a court?
Presented to the person who owes the debt or holds the property; the statute doesn't call for a court filing.
Can I sign the Maine affidavit with an online notary?
Our New Jersey notary can notarize it by video while you're in Maine. Maine recognizes notarial acts performed in other states: an act performed by a notary public of another state has the same effect as if a Maine notarial officer performed it. Ask the bank, holder or court that will receive it whether it accepts an electronically notarized affidavit.
What does a notary charge in Maine?
No statutory maximum; any fee must be disclosed in writing and agreed before the act, under the state's fee rules. A mobile notary may add a travel fee; ask for the total first.
Keep going
A small estate affidavit in another state: Kentucky · Michigan · every state