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What to Do When Someone Dies in Maine

Step-by-step guide for the first days and weeks after a death in Maine. This guide helps you work through immediate tasks, legal requirements, and important decisions under Title 18-C, the Maine Uniform Probate Code.

Get Death Certificates
Sources

If You Are the Named Executor in Maine

If you are the named executor, personal representative, or the family member organizing a Maine estate, start with the records and court tasks below at a steady pace. Each step links to its full instructions in the timeline.

  1. Order Death Certificates

    Maine death certificates guide →

  2. Secure Property and Assets
  3. Notify the Social Security Administration
  4. Determine if Probate is Needed

    Maine probate guide guide →

  5. Deliver the Will to the Register of Probate

    Statute: 18-C M.R.S. § 2-515

We're sorry for your loss. Take time to grieve and ask for help when you need it. This guide will be here when you're ready.

Timeline of Tasks

Start with the immediate tasks. Open each later phase as you reach it.

First 24 to 48 Hours

Get Official Pronouncement of Death
A medical professional must officially pronounce death before anything else can happen.
Contact a Funeral Home
The funeral home transports the body and helps with many initial tasks.
Notify Close Family and Friends
Reach out to those who need to know right away.

First Week

Order Death Certificates
You will need multiple certified copies for legal and financial matters.
Locate Important Documents
Find the will, insurance policies, financial records, and other key documents.
Secure Property and Assets
Protect the deceased's home and belongings.
Notify the Social Security Administration
Report the death to stop benefit payments.
Plan the Funeral or Memorial Service
Make arrangements to honor your loved one.

First Month

Determine if Probate is Needed
Figure out whether you need to open an estate in the county probate court.
Deliver the Will to the Register of Probate
Deliver the original will to a person able to secure its probate, or to the county register of probate.
Notify Financial Institutions
Contact banks, investment firms, and credit card companies.
Contact Life Insurance Companies
File claims for any life insurance policies.
Notify Employers and Retirement Plans
Contact the employer and any pension or retirement plans.

Ongoing Tasks (3+ Months)

Pay Estate Debts and Expenses
Pay valid creditor claims and ongoing expenses.
File Tax Returns
File final income tax and, if required, estate tax returns.
Distribute Assets
Transfer assets to those entitled after debts are paid.
Close the Estate
File a closing statement to close the informal estate.

Who to Notify

Social Security Administration
Call 1-800-772-1213
Employer / HR Department
Phone call or email
Banks & Credit Unions
Visit branch with death certificate
Insurance Companies
Call policy customer service
Credit Card Companies
Call number on card
Utility Companies
Call to transfer or cancel
DMV / Vehicle Registration
Visit in person or online
Post Office
Submit change of address form

Documents to Gather

Death Certificates

Many estates start with 10-15 certified copies because banks, insurers, property-transfer contacts, and agencies may ask for them.

How to get death certificates →

Will & Trust Documents

Look in safe deposit boxes, home safes, attorney files, and records folders.

Probate guide →

Financial Statements

Bank statements, investment accounts, retirement accounts, and recent tax returns.

Asset transfer guide →

There is no rush on this. When you are ready, a short assessment can help you see whether probate is needed.

What Comes Next?

After the first 30 days, you may need to start probate or transfer assets. The Maine probate guide walks through what usually comes next.

Read the Maine Probate Guide

More Maine Resources

Explore the rest of the Maine probate hub.

Do I need probate?4 pages
Costs and money5 pages
File for probate2 pages
Transfer assets4 pages
Learn and reference5 pages