Maine Informal vs Formal vs Supervised Probate

Quick answer: most Maine estates use informal probate, handled by the registrar with minimal court involvement. Formal probate goes before a judge to resolve a genuine dispute. Supervised administration keeps the case in front of the court throughout. See how this affects your own estimate in the Maine probate timeline calculator.

The three tracks

Track	Who handles it	Typical timeline
Informal probate	Registrar, minimal court involvement	9–18 months
Formal probate (unsupervised)	Judge resolves a specific dispute, then administration proceeds like informal	12–18 months
Supervised administration	Judge oversees the entire administration	18–24 months or more

Informal is the default, by design

Why this matters: Maine adopted the Uniform Probate Code as Title 18-C, effective July 1, 2019, specifically to let most uncontested estates move through registrar-handled informal probate with minimal court involvement. A personal representative appointed informally exercises broad authority — selling assets, paying claims, distributing property — without returning to court for approval at each step.

Formal probate resolves a dispute, then usually reverts

Formal probate is typically requested to resolve a specific issue — a will contest, a question about who should be appointed, or a determination of heirs. Once the judge resolves that issue, administration commonly proceeds much like an informal case, unless the court also orders supervision.

Supervised administration keeps the court involved throughout

Supervised administration is the most court-intensive track: the personal representative must return to court for authority — such as approval before distributing assets — that an informally appointed representative would exercise alone. This is ordered when the court, or an interested person, determines ongoing oversight is warranted.

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Informal vs formal vs supervised — frequently asked questions

What's the difference between informal and formal probate in Maine?

Informal probate is registrar-handled, for uncontested estates with a clear will or clear heirs, and is the default track most Maine estates use. Formal probate goes before a judge, who resolves the validity of the will and priority for appointment when there's a genuine dispute.

What does supervised administration add in Maine?

Supervised administration requires the personal representative to return to court for authority — such as approval before distributing assets — that an informally appointed representative would otherwise exercise without court involvement.

Which track do most Maine estates use?

Informal probate. Maine adopted the Uniform Probate Code specifically to let most uncontested estates move through a registrar-handled process with minimal court involvement.

Can a Maine estate move from informal to formal or supervised administration?

Yes — a will contest, a dispute over appointment, or an interested person's request for supervision can move a case that started informally into formal or supervised proceedings before a judge.

Estimate for general guidance only, not legal advice. Based on Maine's Uniform Probate Code (18-C M.R.S.). Which track applies to a specific estate depends on its own facts. Consult a licensed Maine attorney before proceeding.