Maine — Tracking and Getting Reimbursed for Estate Property Expenses Before Sale
Detailed Answer Short answer: As a personal representative (executor/administrator) in Maine, you can generally have the estate reimburse reasonable and necessary expenses you incur to preserve, maintain, and prepare estate property for sale. That includes ordinary carrying costs (mortgage, taxes, insurance, utilities), emergency and routine repairs, maintenance (lawn care, winterization, pest control), security, appraisals and […]
Read article →How to Be Appointed Estate Administrator or Co-Administrator in Maine
How to Be Appointed Estate Administrator or Co-Administrator in Maine This FAQ-style guide explains the typical steps someone in Maine should take to be appointed as an estate administrator (also called a personal representative) or as a co-administrator. This is educational information only and not legal advice. Detailed Answer — Step-by-step process under Maine law […]
Read article →Maine — Using Wills and Beneficiary Designations to Avoid Probate
FAQ: Avoiding Probate in Maine — Wills, Beneficiary Designations, and Other Tools This FAQ explains, in plain language, how to use wills and beneficiary designations to try to make sure a spouse and children inherit what you want without going through probate in Maine. This is educational information only and not legal advice. Detailed answer […]
Read article →How to Submit an Original Will to a Maine Probate Court from Out of State
Submitting an Original Will to a Maine Probate Court from Out of State: A Step‑by‑Step FAQ Disclaimer: This is educational information only and is not legal advice. Consult a licensed Maine attorney or the probate court for guidance about your specific situation. Detailed answer — what to do and why If the decedent had an […]
Read article →How to Verify an Original Will in Maine
Detailed Answer Short answer: The probate court needs the original signed will in almost every case. To confirm whether a document is the original will under Maine law, check the document itself (signatures, witness attestations, notarized self-proving affidavit), preserve and document the physical paper, and bring it promptly to the local probate court. If you […]
Read article →How to Buy Out Siblings’ Interests in a Parent’s Property — Maine Guide
Can I buy out my siblings’ interests in our father’s property under Maine law? Short answer: Yes — in Maine you can usually buy out co-owners’ interests instead of forcing a sale, but the process requires clear title information, a fair market valuation, a written buyout agreement, and proper transfer documents. If co-owners won’t agree, […]
Read article →How to Buy Out Siblings’ Shares in a Parent’s Maine House (Avoid Probate Sale)
Buying Out Siblings’ Shares in a Parent’s Maine House: FAQ and Step‑by‑Step Guide Short answer: Yes — in many cases you can buy your siblings’ shares so the house stays in the family instead of selling it through probate. The exact steps depend on how the parent owned the house, whether the parent has passed […]
Read article →Can an Estate Recover Money Withdrawn by an Heir After a Parent’s Death? — Maine
Answer Short answer: Yes — an estate usually can try to recover money withdrawn from a deceased parent's bank account or charged to the parent's credit cards after death. The exact options depend on how the accounts were titled, whether the person who withdrew was an appointed personal representative (executor/administrator), whether the withdrawals were authorized, […]
Read article →How to File a Partition or Petition for Sale of Inherited Real Estate in Maine When Some Heirs Are Minors
Can I force a sale or file a partition of inherited property in Maine when some heirs are minors? Short answer: Yes — co-owners (including heirs) can ask a court to partition or sell real estate in Maine, but when one or more heirs are minors the court will take extra steps to protect the […]
Read article →Maine: Asking the Court to Appoint a Guardian ad Litem for Minor Heirs Before Selling Inherited Land
Protecting Minor Heirs’ Interests When Inherited Land Is Sold Not legal advice. This article explains general Maine law and steps you may expect; consult a Maine probate attorney for advice about your situation. Detailed Answer — How the Court Can Protect Minor Heirs Before Real Property Is Sold If heirs to real property are minors, […]
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