Free Maine Small Estate Affidavit

In Maine, the Small Estate Affidavit covers estates with personal property of $52,500 or less, 30 days after death, presented directly to the bank or other holder, not filed with a court.

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Your Information

The Maine affidavit identifies the claiming successor and the basis of entitlement.

State Where the Property Is Collected*

The decedent's state. Only states where this tool prepares the affidavit are listed.

Your Full Legal Name*

The successor signing the affidavit.

Your Entitlement to the Property*

Street Address*

City*

State

ZIP Code*

Telephone

Email Address*

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Maine publishes AF-102 Small Estate Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property; the affidavit reproduces the state's form.

In Maine, estates with personal property of $52,500 or less skip probate with the Small Estate Affidavit, 30 days after death. Real property cannot pass through the affidavit; an estate that includes real estate uses a separate process. Maine sets the limit by the decedent's date of death; 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.

30 days after the death. The affidavit states that the period has passed, so it cannot be signed earlier.

The Small Estate Affidavit is presented directly to the bank, employer, or other holder of the property — it is not filed with a court. The person indebted to the decedent or having possession of the decedent's personal property — including proceeds of bank and investment accounts and instruments evidencing a debt, obligation, stock, or chose in action. A transfer agent of a security must change registered ownership on presentation of the affidavit (§ 3-1201(2)).

The Maine affidavit is signed before a notary.

Small Estate Collection in Maine

The Maine procedure is “Small Estate Affidavit”, and it collects the decedent's property from whoever holds it without a probate case being opened. The state publishes AF-102 Small Estate Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property; the affidavit reproduces the state's form.

Eligibility turns on the figures: the estate qualifies when its value does not exceed $52,500. Real estate cannot pass through it. The ceiling is set by the decedent's date of death, so an earlier death may be measured against a lower figure. The affidavit may be signed 30 days after the death.

Maine says who may sign: A person claiming to be the successor of the decedent (the affidavit is made by or on behalf of the successor, stating the claimant's entitlement to payment or delivery of the property). The affiant signs it before a notary.

Who receives it: The person indebted to the decedent or having possession of the decedent's personal property — including proceeds of bank and investment accounts and instruments evidencing a debt, obligation, stock, or chose in action. A transfer agent of a security must change registered ownership on presentation of the affidavit (§ 3-1201(2)).

The effect on the holder and on the successor: The person paying, delivering, transferring, or issuing personal property pursuant to the affidavit is discharged and released to the same extent as if the person dealt with a personal representative, with no duty to see to the application of the property or inquire into the truth of any statement in the affidavit (§ 3-1202). Recipients remain accountable to any personal representative or person with a superior claim.

SimplyTrust Editorial·Updated September 8, 2026

Legal Sources

Data sourced from Maine statutes and official state code. How we research.

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Free Maine Small Estate Affidavit

In Maine, the Small Estate Affidavit covers estates with personal property of $52,500 or less, 30 days after death, presented directly to the bank or other holder, not filed with a court.

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Small Estate Collection in Maine

Free Maine Small Estate Affidavit

Your Information

Is this your situation?

Named as Executor

Death of a Parent

Loss of a Spouse

Forms for Settling an Estate in Maine

Estate Inventory

Estate Closing

Letter of Instruction

Digital Assets Recovery Letter

Tools for Settling an Estate in Maine

How Much Can an Executor Charge?

Can I Self-File Probate?

How Do I Get Appointed as Executor?

What Are the Creditor Claim Deadlines?

What Happens When an Estate Is Insolvent?

How Do I Open an Estate Account When Someone Dies?

What Is the Estate's Personal Property Worth for Probate?

Hire a Maine Probate Attorney

Your kids shouldn't have to do this.

Maine Estate Settlement Resources

Free Maine Small Estate Affidavit

Your Information