In Maine, the first certified copy costs $15Maine Department of Health and Human Services - Data, Research, and Vital StatisticsVerified Oct 15, 2026View source, and each additional copy ordered at the same time $6Maine Department of Health and Human Services - Data, Research, and Vital StatisticsVerified Oct 15, 2026View source. Copies ordered together cost less than separate orders placed later. The Maine estate settlement plan lists the accounts and institutions that each want a certified copy.
Standard processing in Maine takes 5-7 business days for mail ordersMaine Department of Health and Human Services - Data, Research, and Vital StatisticsVerified Oct 15, 2026View source. A funeral home's order at the time of death usually arrives first.
Maine sets a statutory order for who controls the disposition of remains: surviving spouse, then surviving domestic partner, then surviving adult childMe. Rev. Stat. tit. 22, § 2843-AVerified Jul 13, 2026View source. The state allows you to name your own agent in a signed, written documentMe. Rev. Stat. tit. 22, § 2843-A(2)(A)Verified Jul 13, 2026View source, and that designation takes priority over the default order. Those wishes can be recorded alongside the rest of an estate plan when you create a revocable living trust.
Maine imposes a 48-hour minimum waiting periodMe. Rev. Stat. tit. 32, § 1405Verified Jul 13, 2026View source before cremation. A medical examiner or coroner authorizes the cremation before it proceeds. Person with custody and control per § 2843-A; medical examiner or medicolegal death investigator certificate required before cremation (tit. 32, § 1405).
Maine allows estates with personal property of $52,50018-C M.R.S. § 3-1201Verified Sep 8, 2026View source or less to use the Small Estate Affidavit18-C M.R.S. § 3-1201Verified Sep 8, 2026View source, which avoids full probate administration. 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 waiting period is 30 days18-C M.R.S. § 3-1201Verified Sep 8, 2026View source after death.