Maine: Accessing a Minor’s Settlement Funds Early for College or Medical Expenses
Detailed Answer Short answer: In Maine, you generally cannot simply take a child’s settlement money and spend it without court involvement. If you want funds used before the child turns 18 for college, medical bills, or other needs, you normally must get the court’s permission or put the money in a court‑approved arrangement that allows […]
Read article →If Mediation Fails in a Maine Partition or Probate Dispute — Do You Still Need Court?
Detailed Answer When mediation does not produce a settlement in a dispute over splitting real property or resolving probate-related disagreements in Maine, you generally still have options — and in most cases you will need to involve a court to get a final, enforceable outcome. Which court depends on the legal issue Partition of real […]
Read article →How to Open Probate in Maine for an Out‑of‑State Sibling’s Estate
Detailed answer If you are trying to open probate in Maine for a sibling who died while living in Maine, and you live out of state, the basic steps are the same as for an in‑state petitioner. The probate court that has authority is the Maine Probate Court in the county where the decedent was […]
Read article →How to Handle an Out‑of‑State Parent’s Estate When Maine Property Is Involved — Maine Guide
Detailed Answer Short overview: When a person dies in one state but owns real estate or other property in Maine, the main (or domiciliary) probate ordinarily happens where the decedent lived (in your example, North Carolina). To transfer or sell property that sits in Maine you generally must also open a limited, local (ancillary) probate […]
Read article →Maine — How to File and Record a Deed After a Spouse’s Death So a Child Becomes Owner
Frequently Asked Question — How to transfer real property to a child after a spouse dies in Maine Disclaimer: This is educational information, not legal advice. I am not a lawyer. For decisions that affect ownership, taxes, or family rights, consult a licensed Maine attorney or the probate court for specific guidance. Detailed answer — […]
Read article →Maine: How to Ensure a Wrongful Death Settlement Is Filed and Split Correctly
Ensure a Wrongful Death Settlement Is Filed and Distributed Correctly This FAQ-style guide explains practical steps for making sure a wrongful death settlement in Maine is filed with the court and distributed according to your agreement. This is educational information only and not legal advice. Detailed answer: Step-by-step process to file and split a wrongful […]
Read article →Maine — Requiring a Co‑Heir to Reimburse an Appraisal Before an Estate Buyout
Can a co‑heir be required to reimburse appraisal costs before an estate buyout? What you need to know under Maine law Short answer: Usually not automatically. Whether a co‑heir must reimburse appraisal costs depends on who ordered the appraisal, whether it was an estate administration expense, whether the heirs agreed in writing, or whether a […]
Read article →Maine Estate Planning: Will vs. Transfer‑On‑Death Deeds and Payable‑On‑Death Designations
Maine Estate Planning: Will vs. Transfer‑On‑Death Deeds and Payable‑On‑Death Designations Short answer: Yes — if you want certain assets to pass to your daughter without going through probate, a transfer‑on‑death (TOD) deed (for real estate) or a payable‑on‑death (POD) / beneficiary designation (for bank, brokerage, retirement, or insurance accounts) can be useful and, in many […]
Read article →How to Transfer a Deceased Parent's House to You and Siblings in Maine
Detailed Answer Short answer: If your parent died without a will (intestate) in Maine, the property usually must pass through probate. The probate court will appoint an administrator, the estate’s debts will be handled, and the remaining real property will be transferred to the heirs according to Maine’s intestacy rules. You and your siblings cannot […]
Read article →How to Take Over a Deceased Parent’s Mortgage in Maine: Steps, Probate, and Lender Options
Taking Over a Deceased Parent's Mortgage in Maine: Key Steps and Legal Points Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. It does not create an attorney-client relationship. For advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed Maine attorney or the Maine probate court. Detailed answer — what actually happens […]
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