Quick answer: the deadline that shapes the whole schedule is the creditor claim bar under § 3-803 — barred at whichever comes earlier between 9 months after death or the notice-based deadline. See the full Maine probate timeline calculator for your specific estimate.
The core deadlines, in order
| Deadline | Maine rule | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Heirs and devisees notified | Within 30 days of appointment | 18-C probate practice |
| Notice to creditors published | Once a week, 2 successive weeks | § 3-801(1) |
| Known creditor, mailed notice | Later of the publication deadline or 60 days from mailing | § 3-801(2) |
| Inventory filed | Within 3 months of appointment | 18-C probate practice |
| Creditor claim bar | Earlier of 9 months after death, or the notice-based deadline | § 3-803(1) |
| Disallowed claim, creditor's window to sue | 60 days from mailed notice of disallowance | 18-C § 3-806 |
Notice can only shorten the clock, never extend it
Worth understanding clearly: in many Uniform Probate Code states, skipping formal notice to creditors gives creditors a much longer outer window — sometimes a year or more. Maine works the other way: § 3-803(1) bars claims at whichever comes earlier between 9 months after death or the notice-based deadline. Publishing notice promptly can shorten the window down to 4 months from first publication — but skipping notice never buys the estate more than 9 months total.
Why this matters for planning
Because the outer bar tops out at 9 months regardless, a Maine estate has real incentive to publish notice as early as possible if there's any chance of unknown creditors — doing so can cut the exposure window by more than half, from 9 months down to 4 months from first publication.
Facing probate in Maine?
Talk to a Maine attorneyA local probate attorney can review your estate — many offer a free consultation.