{"id":373765,"date":"2016-04-11T01:22:49","date_gmt":"2016-04-11T06:22:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/maine-law\/maine-probate-and-estate-tax-laws.html"},"modified":"2016-06-20T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"2016-06-20T05:00:00","slug":"maine-probate-and-estate-tax-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/maine-law\/maine-probate-and-estate-tax-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Maine Probate and Estate Tax Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Maine Probate and Estate Tax Laws<\/h1>\n
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Created by FindLaw’s team<\/a> of legal writers and editors<\/i><\/p>\n\n | Last updated\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

What happens to a person’s property after they die? Generally, the property is distributed according to the applicable state’s probate laws<\/a>. The probate process dictates how the collection, management, and distribution of a deceased person’s estate will be carried out. During probate, all debts and taxes owed by the estate will be paid, and any applicable estate taxes<\/a> will be levied. This article provides a brief overview of Maine’s probate and estate tax laws.<\/p>\r\n

Probate Basics<\/h2>\r\n

In Maine, if the deceased dies testate<\/a> (or with a valid will) then the estate will be distributed according to the terms of the will. However, if the deceased dies intestate<\/a> (without a valid will) then the estate will pass to the deceased’s heirs according to Maine’s intestate succession laws.<\/p>\r\n

It must also be noted that not all property passes through the probate process. Probate can be very time consuming and expensive, and therefore people try to avoid it when possible. There are four main ways to pass on property outside of the probate system:<\/p>\r\n