Maine Small Estate Affidavit Checker

A threshold that actually grows every year with inflation — and the exact current figure is published on the county's own website.

18-C §3-1201, §1-108 FigureMyTax Editorial Team Free · no sign-up

By the FigureMyTax Editorial Team · Reviewed 2026 · How we calculate

Does this Maine estate qualify?

Enter the personal property value to see whether the affidavit likely fits.

Does the estate include real property?

Personal property value (less liens)

Has 30 days passed since the date of death?

Likely path for this Maine estate

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How do I actually file? →

Facing probate in Maine?

A local probate attorney can review your estate — many offer a free consultation.

Talk to a Maine attorney

A threshold that rises every year, by statute

Genuinely distinctive: the affidavit procedure is available when the entire estate, after subtracting liens, does not exceed a base statutory figure of $40,000, which is inflation-adjusted annually under 18-C §1-108 and tied to the CPI-U, with each county probate court required to publish the current adjusted figure on its website — multiple current sources place the 2026 adjusted figure at roughly $52,500.

Real property is never on the table

This mechanism covers personal property only; it cannot be used to transfer any Maine real estate, no matter how small the parcel — a house always needs a different path.

The same core conditions as most UPC states

At least 30 days must have passed since death, no personal representative appointment can be pending or already granted anywhere, and the claimant must be entitled to the property.

No court filing, presented directly

The affidavit is presented directly to the holder of the property — a bank, for instance — with no court filing required.

Maine small estate — frequently asked questions

What is Maine's small estate affidavit threshold?

A base statutory figure of $40,000, inflation-adjusted annually under 18-C §1-108 tied to the CPI-U — the adjusted figure lands around $52,500 for 2026.

Where can the current adjusted figure be confirmed?

Each county probate court is required to publish the current adjusted amount on its own website, since the figure changes every year.

Does the affidavit ever reach real property?

No — it cannot be used to transfer any Maine real estate, no matter how small the parcel; the affidavit covers personal property only.

What conditions must be met to use the affidavit?

At least 30 days must have passed since death, no personal representative appointment can be pending or already granted anywhere, and the claimant must be entitled to the property.

Is court filing required for the affidavit?

No — it's presented directly to the holder of the property, with no court filing required.

This calculator provides an estimate for general guidance only and is not legal advice. Figures are based on 18-C §3-1201, §1-108. Actual eligibility depends on the estate's full facts and the current year's inflation-adjusted figure. Confirm with the Probate Court or a licensed Maine attorney before acting.