In Maine, estates with personal property of $52,50018-C M.R.S. § 3-1201Verified Sep 8, 2026View source or less skip probate with the Small Estate Affidavit18-C M.R.S. § 3-1201Verified Sep 8, 2026View source, 30 days18-C M.R.S. § 3-1201Verified Sep 8, 2026View source after death. Real property cannot pass through the affidavit18-C M.R.S. § 3-1201Verified Sep 8, 2026View source; an estate that includes real estate uses a separate process. Maine sets the limit by the decedent's date of death18-C M.R.S. § 3-1201Verified Sep 8, 2026View source; an earlier death may be measured against a lower figure. An estate over the limit does not qualify, and no affidavit is prepared for it.

Within 90 days18-C MRSA §§ 3-706, 3-707, 3-708Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of the personal representative's appointment.

The personal representative closes an informal estate by filing a verified Sworn Statement of Personal Representative Closing Estate (Form DE-602) under 18-C M.R.S. § 3-1003, certifying that the creditor-claim period has expired, the estate is fully administered and distributed (allowances, claims, expenses, and death taxes provided for), and a full written account was furnished to the affected distributees; no hearing or court order is required18-C M.R.S. §§ 3-1001, 3-1002, 3-1003, 3-1005, 3-1006Verified Sep 15, 2026View source.

Yes. Maine requires an account of the administration to close on this route18-C M.R.S. § 3-1003(1)(C)Verified Sep 15, 2026View source. Most estates close informally: no earlier than six months after appointment the personal representative files a verified closing statement that the claims period has expired, the estate is fully administered, and the assets are distributed, and furnishes a full written account to the affected distributees; a formal order of complete settlement is voluntary and may be compelled by any interested person after one year18-C M.R.S. §§ 3-1001, 3-1003Verified Jul 11, 2026View source.

The letters to banks and online services can go out as soon as there is a death certificate. Whether the estate needs the court forms depends on its size: an estate under the state's small estate limit is collected with the small estate affidavit after the waiting period, and a larger one opens with the petition for probate and letters. The Probate Decision Tool answers the size question for each state.