When someone dies in Maine and leaves behind property or money, the court needs a clear, accurate list of what’s in the estate before it can be distributed. That list the Maine estate inventory list for court filing isn’t just paperwork. It’s the foundation for everything that follows: paying debts, settling taxes, and giving assets to heirs. If it’s incomplete or inaccurate, the probate process slows down, questions come up, and personal representatives can face liability.

What exactly is a Maine estate inventory list for court filing?

It’s a sworn document filed with the Maine Probate Court listing all assets owned solely by the deceased person at the time of death along with their fair market value as of that date. Jointly held accounts, life insurance proceeds with named beneficiaries, and retirement accounts with payable-on-death designations usually don’t go on this list, because they pass outside of probate. But things like bank accounts in the decedent’s name alone, real estate titled only in their name, vehicles, stocks, and personal property (e.g., jewelry, furniture, collectibles) do belong on it.

When do you need to file it and how soon?

Maine law requires the personal representative to file the inventory within 90 days after being appointed by the court. The clock starts when the Letters of Appointment are issued not when the person died or when you first started handling things. Missing that deadline doesn’t automatically penalize you, but it can delay creditor notices, distributions, and final accounting. Courts may grant extensions if you show good cause, like waiting for an appraisal or locating missing documents.

What goes into valuing each asset?

You don’t need professional appraisals for every item but you do need reasonable, supportable values. For bank accounts, use the balance on the date of death. For real estate, a recent tax assessment or comparable sales data often works for the initial filing; formal appraisals are usually reserved for contested estates or high-value properties. Vehicles can be valued using Kelley Blue Book (private party value), and household goods can be listed as “$X,000–$Y,000” if they’re modest and not individually valuable. Avoid vague terms like “miscellaneous” or “various” be specific enough that another person could understand what’s being described.

What’s the most common mistake people make?

Leaving out assets especially small or easy-to-overlook ones. Things like old savings bonds, forgotten checking accounts, digital assets (e.g., cryptocurrency wallets or domain names), or even refunds due from utility companies count. Another frequent error is listing assets at current value instead of value on the date of death. A stock portfolio worth $120,000 today might have been worth $98,000 on the day the person died and the court needs that earlier number.

How do you organize and format the list correctly?

Maine doesn’t prescribe one official form, but the court expects consistency and clarity. Group assets by type: cash and bank accounts, real estate, vehicles, investments, personal property, and debts owed to the estate (like unpaid wages or loans). Include account numbers (redacted to last four digits), descriptions, dates of acquisition if relevant, and sources of valuation. You’ll sign the list under oath, so accuracy matters. If you’re unsure how to structure it, the Maine estate inventory list for court filing checklist walks through each required field with plain-language examples.

Do you need help tracking or documenting assets before filing?

Yes especially if the estate includes multiple property types or scattered records. Many personal representatives start with a working version of the list long before the 90-day deadline. Using a structured tool like the asset tracking form for legal proceedings helps avoid duplication and keeps notes on where documents live. For real estate, the property documentation template prompts you to gather deeds, tax bills, and mortgage statements. And if you’re preparing for eventual settlement, the asset declaration form for settlement lines up well with what the court will later review.

Where can you find official guidance?

The Maine Judicial Branch publishes a plain-language list of probate forms, including instructions for the inventory. While there’s no fillable PDF labeled “Maine estate inventory list for court filing,” Form PR-103 (“Inventory and Appraisal”) is the standard document used. It’s available online, and many counties accept typed or handwritten submissions as long as they’re legible and complete.

Before filing, double-check that every asset is accounted for, values reflect the date of death, and descriptions are clear enough for a judge or creditor to recognize what’s being reported. If something feels uncertain like whether a particular account belongs on the list or how to value a piece of artwork it’s better to note that uncertainty honestly than to guess. You can always amend the inventory later if new information comes to light.