Common Maine Probate Mistakes to Avoid

Holding onto the will or delaying delivery to the register of probate after learning of the death.

Failing to prepare and file (or provide) the inventory within 3 months of appointment.

Giving assets to heirs or beneficiaries before the creditor claim period has run.

Believing the small-estate affidavit (Form AF-102) can transfer real estate, or that it avoids probate for a home.

Waiting too long to elect against the will, missing the elective-share window.

Failing to publish the required notice to creditors, leaving the estate exposed to later claims.

Using estate assets for personal benefit, buying estate property on favorable terms, or making decisions that benefit the representative over the estate.

Assuming there is no Maine estate tax because the federal estate tax does not apply, or forgetting Maine income tax filings.