Maine Estate Planning
Get your own affairs in order in Maine, for yourself or an aging parent. Compare the documents most adults need (a will, a power of attorney, and a healthcare directive), decide whether you need a trust, and see how to keep your estate out of probate.
Which document do I need?
The core documents at a glance. Each row links to its Maine guide.
- Will
- Maine will requirements under Title 18-C: age 18 or an emancipated minor of sound mind, a signed writing, two witnesses, holographic and self-proved wills. Read the guide
- Living trust
- Maine revocable living trust guide: how it avoids probate under the Maine Uniform Trust Code (18-B), funding steps, the successor trustee, and pour-over wills. Read the guide
- Power of attorney
- Maine power of attorney rules under 18-C M.R.S. Article 5, Part 9: durable by default, signed and notarized, with agent notices and hot powers you must grant. Read the guide
- Healthcare directive
- A Maine healthcare directive combines a health care power of attorney and your own care instructions in one document, signed in person before two witnesses. Read the guide
Planning to prepare the will with an online service? See what Maine requires from an online will before you sign anything.
Maine estate planning guides
Maine Estate Planning Basics
Maine estate planning basics under Title 18-C: how a will, a revocable trust, a durable power of attorney, and an advance health care directive work together.
Maine Will Requirements
Maine will requirements under Title 18-C: age 18 or an emancipated minor of sound mind, a signed writing, two witnesses, holographic and self-proved wills.
Maine Power of Attorney
Maine power of attorney rules under 18-C M.R.S. Article 5, Part 9: durable by default, signed and notarized, with agent notices and hot powers you must grant.
Maine Healthcare Directive
A Maine healthcare directive combines a health care power of attorney and your own care instructions in one document, signed in person before two witnesses.
Maine Guardianship Planning
How guardianship and conservatorship of adults work in Maine under 18-C M.R.S. Article 5: the court process, the least-restrictive rule, and how to plan ahead.
Maine Revocable Living Trust
Maine revocable living trust guide: how it avoids probate under the Maine Uniform Trust Code (18-B), funding steps, the successor trustee, and pour-over wills.
Maine Trust Administration
Maine trust administration: the 60-day beneficiary notices, trustee accounting, and distribution a successor trustee owes under the Maine Uniform Trust Code.
Maine Transfer on Death Deed
A Maine transfer on death deed passes real estate to a beneficiary outside probate under 18-C M.R.S. 6-405, stays revocable, and must record before death.
Maine Pet Trusts
How a Maine pet trust works under the Maine Uniform Trust Code (18-B M.R.S. 408): funding an animal's care, naming a trustee, and who enforces it.
Maine Digital Assets Planning
How Maine's Revised Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act (18-C, Article 10) lets a fiduciary reach online accounts, crypto, and email.
Not sure what you need in Maine?
Answer a few questions and we'll tell you which estate planning documents to set up first.
Information current as of 2026-06-18
Settled Estate is not a law firm, and this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Probate laws and procedures in your state can change. Consult with a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation. Full disclaimer.
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