What steps can be taken to verify or contest a creditor’s payoff quote on an estate debt? (Maine, ME)
Detailed answer — How to verify or contest a creditor’s payoff quote on an estate debt in Maine When someone dies, creditors often send payoff quotes or demands to the personal representative (executor or administrator). A payoff quote is a statement from a creditor saying how much they will accept to satisfy a debt. In […]
Read article →How can a personal representative confirm a probate proceeding has concluded and a trust has been properly funded? (ME)
Detailed Answer — How a personal representative confirms probate is closed and a trust is funded under Maine law Short answer: A personal representative (executor/administrator) in Maine confirms a probate proceeding has concluded by obtaining the court’s final order or discharge, checking the probate docket for closing filings, and securing certified copies of those documents. […]
Read article →How to submit an affidavit accounting for personal property in a small estate case — ME
Detailed Answer — How to submit an affidavit accounting for personal property in a Maine small estate case In Maine, a small estate affidavit is a short, sworn statement used to collect personal property (bank accounts, vehicle title, household goods, etc.) of a person who has died without opening a full probate estate. This process […]
Read article →What records are needed to show asset transfers under small estate procedures – ME
Detailed Answer — What records establish asset transfers under Maine small‑estate procedures This section explains, in plain language, the kinds of documents you will typically need to show that assets transferred from a decedent’s estate under Maine small‑estate procedures. Small‑estate procedures allow heirs or entitled persons to collect certain property without a full probate administration. […]
Read article →How do I value collectibles like Pokémon cards when preparing estate paperwork in ME?
Detailed Answer — How to value Pokémon cards and other collectibles for Maine estate paperwork This guide explains, in plain language, what to do when you need to list and value a collection of Pokémon cards (or similar collectibles) as part of estate administration in Maine. It assumes no prior legal knowledge and focuses on […]
Read article →What are the legal requirements and process for transferring a decedent’s firearms during probate in Maine (ME)?
How to transfer a decedent’s firearms during probate in Maine Quick answer: In Maine, firearms that belong to someone who died are estate assets. The personal representative (executor/administrator) appointed by the probate court controls those assets during probate and must follow the probate process to distribute them to beneficiaries or sell them. Federal law also […]
Read article →What documentation is needed to prove ownership when filing a surplus funds claim in ME?
How to prove ownership when claiming surplus funds after a foreclosure in Maine Detailed Answer When a foreclosure sale produces money above the amounts owed ("surplus funds" or "excess proceeds"), the person who legally owned the property at the time of sale or who holds a valid, recorded interest in the property must prove that […]
Read article →How to protect life insurance proceeds when no beneficiary is named from creditor claims — Maine (ME)
Detailed Answer Short answer: In Maine, if a life insurance policy has no valid named beneficiary (or the beneficiary predeceased the insured and no contingent beneficiary exists), the policy proceeds generally become part of the decedent’s probate estate and are therefore potentially reachable by the decedent’s creditors during estate administration. To protect proceeds from creditor […]
Read article →What should I do if an heir refuses to return estate property and the estate is still open – ME
Detailed Answer: What to do if an heir refuses to return estate property while the estate is still open (Maine) This answer explains practical and legal steps you can take in Maine when an heir or beneficiary refuses to return estate property while the estate administration is still open. This information does not replace an […]
Read article →Can I become the personal representative of my sister's estate? (ME)
Detailed Answer — How Maine law treats appointment of a personal representative Short answer: Yes — you can become the personal representative (sometimes called executor or administrator) of your sister’s estate in Maine if the court appoints you. Whether the court will appoint you depends on whether your sister left a valid will, whether the […]
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