Intestate Succession in Maine
State-specific overview · Estate & Probate
Maine distributes intestate estates to the surviving spouse first, then to children and more distant relatives in a statutory order.
How Maine treats Intestate Succession
If the deceased leaves a spouse and children, the spouse receives the first $300,000 plus one-half of the remaining estate, with children sharing the other half. If only a spouse survives, the spouse inherits the entire estate. Maine follows per stirpes distribution for descendants and continues down the family tree to parents, siblings, and cousins if no spouse or children exist.
The general definition of Intestate Succession
The legal process of distributing a deceased person's property when they leave no valid will.
If someone dies without a will (or with an invalid will), state law determines who inherits their property. Each state has a set order of priority—usually spouse first, then children, then parents, then siblings. The court appoints an administrator to manage the estate and follow these statutory rules, even if the deceased person's wishes were different.
Read the full Intestate Succession entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Maine.