ME estate risk
Complexity triggers in Maine
Scenarios that increase estate risk, such as blended families or multi-state property.
Maine grants a surviving spouse an elective share tied to the augmented estate, and statutory allowances stack on top of that share.
At a glance
Key takeaways
- A surviving spouse may elect to take 50% of the marital-property portion of the augmented estate.
- Homestead, exempt property, and family allowances are in addition to the elective share.
Questions to consider
Questions to consider in Maine
- Which situations create the most risk here?
- What types of families face higher default exposure?
- Where do disputes most often arise?
State overview
Maine grants a surviving spouse an elective share tied to the augmented estate, and statutory allowances stack on top of that share.
- A surviving spouse may elect to take 50% of the marital-property portion of the augmented estate.
- Homestead, exempt property, and family allowances are in addition to the elective share.
Sources
Background sources
- Uniform Probate Code (2019) - Foreign personal representatives
Article IV addresses ancillary administration and multi-state estates.
- Uniform Adult Guardianship and Protective Proceedings Jurisdiction Act (UAGPPJA)
Jurisdiction conflicts for multi-state guardianship matters.
- Uniform Partition of Heirs Property Act (UPHPA)
Heirs property disputes and forced-sale protections.
National sources provide baseline context; state statutes and court rules control in Maine.
Optional next steps
Continue with related estate-risk context
Educational resources only. No forms and no legal advice.
Understand death-risk context for Maine
LifeRiskIQ gives broader mortality context that can help frame when estate planning becomes more urgent.
Understand retirement-risk context for Maine
RetirementRiskIQ explains how asset growth and longevity can increase estate complexity over time.
Review federal estate tax basics
IRS guidance on federal estate tax thresholds, filings, and definitions.