What Are My Duties as Executor in Maine?
Step-by-step guide for executors navigating probate, from filing the will to closing the estate.
Frequently Asked Questions
An executor (or personal representative) in Maine is responsible for filing the will with the probate court, inventorying and appraising assets, notifying creditors, paying debts and taxes, and distributing remaining property to beneficiaries. The executor has a fiduciary duty to act in the best interest of the estate and its beneficiaries.
The probate petition filing fee in Maine is approximately $625 for a $500,000 estate.18-C M.R.S. § 3-719 (reasonable fees), § 3-603 (bond), § 3-801 (notice to creditors; 4 months from first publication), § 3-803 (creditor claim limitations; 9-month absolute bar from death), § 3-1201 (small estate affidavit; $40K base CPI-indexed), § 1-108 (CPI adjustment), § 1-602 (graduated probate filing fees: $40 to $1,200+); Maine Probate Courts COLA table at maineprobate.net (2026 § 3-1201 adjusted amount: $52,500); PL 2025 c. 76 (2025 amendment adding § 1-108 cross-reference to § 3-1201)Verified May 7, 2026 Additional fees may apply for certified copies, recording fees, and publication of notice to creditors.
Maine requires the executor to publish notice to creditors in a local newspaper. Known creditors should also receive direct written notice. Creditors have 4 months to file claims.18-C M.R.S. § 3-719 (reasonable fees), § 3-603 (bond), § 3-801 (notice to creditors; 4 months from first publication), § 3-803 (creditor claim limitations; 9-month absolute bar from death), § 3-1201 (small estate affidavit; $40K base CPI-indexed), § 1-108 (CPI adjustment), § 1-602 (graduated probate filing fees: $40 to $1,200+); Maine Probate Courts COLA table at maineprobate.net (2026 § 3-1201 adjusted amount: $52,500); PL 2025 c. 76 (2025 amendment adding § 1-108 cross-reference to § 3-1201)Verified May 7, 2026 The executor is personally liable for distributions made before the claim period expires if valid claims go unpaid.
Maine allows estates valued at $52,500 or less to use a Small Estate Affidavit.18-C M.R.S. § 3-719 (reasonable fees), § 3-603 (bond), § 3-801 (notice to creditors; 4 months from first publication), § 3-803 (creditor claim limitations; 9-month absolute bar from death), § 3-1201 (small estate affidavit; $40K base CPI-indexed), § 1-108 (CPI adjustment), § 1-602 (graduated probate filing fees: $40 to $1,200+); Maine Probate Courts COLA table at maineprobate.net (2026 § 3-1201 adjusted amount: $52,500); PL 2025 c. 76 (2025 amendment adding § 1-108 cross-reference to § 3-1201)Verified May 7, 2026 The waiting period is 30 days after death. This avoids the need for formal probate and significantly reduces time and cost.
Maine allows executors to receive reasonable compensation.18-C M.R.S. § 3-719 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified May 7, 2026 Typical executor fees range from 2% to 4% of estate value. Executors can waive their fee entirely or accept a reduced amount. See a detailed breakdown with the Maine executor fee calculator.
Probate costs in Maine include court filing fees, attorney fees, executor compensation, publication costs, and potentially a surety bond. Total costs generally range from 3-8% of the estate value depending on complexity. The Maine probate calculator provides a detailed cost estimate based on estate value.
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Maine Estate Planning Resources
In-depth guides covering Maine probate laws, trust requirements, and estate planning strategies.
