Executor Duties in Maine

Within 30 days after appointment, the personal representative must inform the heirs and devisees of the appointment, including the representative's name and address, whether bond was filed and which court holds the file. Within 3 months after appointment, the representative must file with the court or mail to interested persons who request it an inventory listing property at fair market value as of the date of death, with encumbrances. The representative publishes notice to creditors, pays valid claims, and may close the estate with a verified closing statement filed no earlier than 6 months after appointment, once the creditor claim period has expired.

To act for an estate, a personal representative must be appointed by order of the Probate Court or the register of probate (informal appointment), qualify, and be issued letters; administration begins when letters are issued. Before receiving letters, the representative files any required bond and a statement accepting the duties of the office. No bond is required in informal proceedings unless the will requires it or an interested person demands it.

Creditors must present claims within 4 months after the first publication of the notice to creditors (published once a week for 2 weeks). A creditor mailed notice has until the later of 4 months after publication or 60 days after the mailing. In any case, claims arising before death are barred if not presented within 9 months after death.