Maine Executor and Estate Kit: First Month Checklist, Will Signing Facts and Estate Ledger

Who it is for

Whoever is settling the estate of someone who lived in Maine. Handed to the bank or other holder. Presented to the person who owes the debt or holds the property; the statute doesn't call for a court filing.

Not the right fit if

The person didn't live in or own property in Maine, or a will contest or family dispute means you need an estate attorney. Not a form preparation or legal service.

Why it is different

• Sources, checked November 2026: 18-C M.R.S. 3-1201, Collection of personal property by affidavit (Maine Legislature); Maine Probate Courts form AF-102, Small Estate Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property (rev. 09/01/19); 18-C M.R.S. 2-502, Execution; witnessed wills; holographic wills (Maine Legislature).
• 2 facts aren't stated on those pages, so the kit says so and links where to check.

What is inside

• How a Maine will had to be signed. Two witnesses, each signing within a reasonable time after seeing the signing or the acknowledgment. Allowed at signing or any time later. The testator and witnesses sign before an officer authorized to administer oaths where the will is signed. Recognized if the signature and material parts are in the testator's handwriting. A will, or any part of it, isn't invalid because an interested witness signed it.
• Maine small estate route. 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. 30 days. Thirty days after the death. Signed before a notary. The probate courts' form is sworn before a notary public or an attorney-at-law. Handed to the bank or other holder. Presented to the person who owes the debt or holds the property; the statute doesn't call for a court filing. AF-102, Small Estate Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property. The probate courts' form, revised September 1, 2019.
• Maine estate ledger (Excel). Assets, debts, payments and distributions; it takes the small estate figure once you've confirmed it, dates day 30 after the death and marks real estate to ask the court about.
• First 30 days, tracker and letters. The first month in order with day 30 marked, a documents and accounts tracker, and plain letters to a bank, a utility and Social Security.
• Still to confirm in Maine. real estate, simplified court procedure: check 18-C M.R.S. 3-1201, Collection of personal property by affidavit (Maine Legislature).