Heir Claims in Maine: How to Claim Unclaimed Assets for a Deceased Relative

When a loved one passes away in Maine, they may leave behind unclaimed money or property you did not know about—unused bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance proceeds, utility deposits, and more. These assets are often turned over to the state as unclaimed property, and eligible heirs may be able to claim them.

This guide explains, in plain language, how heir claims in Maine typically work and what steps to take through official state channels. HowToGetAssistance.org is an informational resource only—we are not a government agency, and you cannot file or track claims through this site.

What Is Unclaimed Property in Maine?

In Maine, unclaimed property usually refers to money or financial assets that have had no activity or contact with the owner for a certain period (often 1–3 years, depending on the type of property). Examples include:

• Bank accounts and credit union accounts
• Uncashed checks, including payroll or refund checks
• Insurance policy proceeds or benefits
• Utility or rental deposits
• Stock dividends or brokerage accounts
• Safe deposit box contents (often sold, with proceeds held as cash)

When financial institutions or companies cannot reach the owner, they are required to turn these assets over to the state’s unclaimed property program.

If the owner has died, a legal heir, beneficiary, or estate representative may be able to claim the assets.

Who Can Claim Unclaimed Property for a Deceased Person in Maine?

In Maine, the rules for who can claim depend on the relationship to the deceased and whether there was a probate estate. Typical claimants include:

• Executor or personal representative of the estate
• Court-appointed administrator if there was no will
• Heirs-at-law (such as spouse, children, or other relatives) when the estate is closed or there is no formal estate
• Named beneficiaries of insurance policies or accounts

Eligibility often depends on:

• Whether the estate is open or closed
• Whether a will exists
• The total value of the assets
• How Maine’s inheritance and probate rules apply to your situation

For specific legal rights or disputes among family members, it may help to speak with a Maine probate attorney or ask questions at the Maine Probate Court in the county where your relative lived.

Step 1: Search for Unclaimed Property in Maine

To start, you typically need to search the state’s unclaimed property database. This is usually available on Maine’s official state website.

You can generally:

1. Search using the decedent’s full legal name (try variations, including middle initials).
2. Use the last known address to narrow results.
3. Check under maiden names, former married names, or common misspellings.

If you find a listing that appears to belong to your deceased relative, you can then follow the instructions on the official Maine unclaimed property site to begin a claim as an heir or estate representative.

If you are unsure you are on the official site, look for:

• A “.gov” web address associated with the State of Maine
• Clear contact details for a state agency office (often the state treasurer or unclaimed property division)
• A customer service phone number or email for the program

Step 2: Determine What Type of Heir Claim You Need

Maine usually distinguishes between different types of claims, such as:

• Owner deceased – estate open
• Owner deceased – estate closed
• Owner deceased – no estate (small estate or no probate)
• Beneficiary or joint owner

Here is a simple comparison to help you identify your situation.

*Exact requirements vary. Always follow the specific document list given by the official Maine unclaimed property office for your claim type.

Step 3: Gather Required Documents

When you file an heir claim in Maine, you typically need to provide proof of death, identity, and relationship. Common documents include:

1. Proof the Owner Has Died

Usually:

• Certified death certificate (often required, not just a photocopy)

2. Proof of Your Identity

Usually:

• Government-issued photo ID, such as:
  • State driver’s license
  • State ID card
  • U.S. passport

Sometimes the state may ask for additional proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease).

3. Proof of Relationship or Authority

Depending on your situation, Maine may ask for:

• Will and/or Letters of Authority (if you are the personal representative or executor)
• Letters of Administration (if appointed by the court when there is no will)
• Marriage certificate (for surviving spouses)
• Birth certificate (to prove parent-child relationship)
• Court orders or probate documents (showing who is entitled to the estate)
• Affidavit of Heirship or Small Estate forms, if Maine uses them for smaller estates or non-probate transfers

If multiple heirs are entitled to share the property, the state may:

• Require signatures from all heirs, or
• Require an agreement allowing one person to receive funds on behalf of everyone, or
• Require documentation showing how the estate was distributed

The Maine unclaimed property office usually provides detailed instructions for each claim type, so checking their official guidance is important.

Step 4: Submit Your Heir Claim Through Official Maine Channels

Once you know the correct claim type and have gathered documents, you can typically submit a claim in one of these ways (depending on what Maine currently allows):

• Online claim form through Maine’s official unclaimed property website
• Mail-in claim form printed, filled out, signed, and mailed with copies of documents
• In some cases, in-person assistance may be available at a state office, but the exact procedures can change

Key points to remember:

• You are filing a claim with the State of Maine, not with HowToGetAssistance.org.
• Follow the instructions and mailing address provided on Maine’s official site or by their customer service staff.
• Make copies of everything you send for your own records.
• If you mail original documents like a certified death certificate, check Maine’s instructions to see whether they will return it.

What Happens After You File a Claim in Maine?

After you submit an heir claim, the Maine unclaimed property office typically:

1. Acknowledges receipt of your claim (sometimes by mail or email).
2. Reviews your documents to confirm:
   • The property belongs to the deceased person
   • You have the right to claim as heir, beneficiary, or estate representative
3. May request additional information if something is missing or unclear.
4. If approved:
   • Issues a check made payable to the estate or to you directly (depending on the claim type), or
   • Transfers property as directed by state policy

Processing times can vary based on:

• How many claims are currently being processed
• Whether your documents are complete and legible
• Whether your situation is more complex (multiple heirs, foreign documents, etc.)

If you want an update, you can usually:

• Use any claim status tool provided on the official Maine site, or
• Call the Maine unclaimed property office directly using the phone number listed on the state’s website

Common Reasons Heir Claims in Maine Are Delayed or Denied

Delays or denials most often occur when:

• Required documents are missing
• Names do not match (for example, married vs. maiden names, spelling differences)
• The relationship to the deceased is unclear
• The state has incomplete information about the original account or policy
• The person who filed does not have legal authority to claim the property

To avoid problems:

• Use full legal names that match your ID and the decedent’s records where possible.
• Provide clear, readable copies of documents.
• Follow Maine’s document checklist for your specific claim type.

If your claim is denied, you can usually:

• Request an explanation from the Maine unclaimed property office.
• Submit additional documents if requested.
• Ask whether there is a formal review or appeal process if you believe there has been a mistake.

How Maine Heir Claims Interact With Probate

Unclaimed property is often connected to probate, which is the legal process for handling a deceased person’s estate. In Maine:

• If an estate is already open, the personal representative or executor usually has priority to claim unclaimed property on behalf of the estate.
• If the estate is closed, heirs might need to show how the estate was distributed (for example, through a final probate order).
• If no estate was opened, Maine may allow heirs to claim small amounts using simplified procedures, but documentation is still required.

If you are unsure whether there was a probate case:

• Contact the Probate Court in the Maine county where your relative lived at the time of death.
• Ask if an estate file exists and how to obtain copies of relevant documents.

When estate issues are complicated—such as disputes between heirs or questions about a will—many people find it helpful to consult a Maine probate or estate attorney for legal advice.

Taxes and Other Considerations

Maine’s unclaimed property payments are often treated like receiving money from a bank account or other asset the deceased already owned, not like income from a job. However, tax treatment can vary depending on the type of asset and your personal situation.

Typical considerations:

• Interest or dividends may have tax implications.
• For larger amounts, it may be wise to discuss the payment with a tax professional or financial advisor.

The Maine unclaimed property office does not usually provide individualized tax advice; their role is to return property, not to interpret tax consequences.

How to Confirm You Are Using Official Maine Channels (Scam Avoidance)

Because unclaimed money can attract scams, it is important to verify you are working with legitimate government offices:

✅ Check the web address

• Look for an official “.gov” domain associated with the State of Maine.

✅ Verify contact information

• Official state websites list clearly identified phone numbers and mailing addresses for state agencies.
• You can also call a general Maine state government information line to verify the office.

✅ Be cautious of fees

• Many states, including Maine, allow you to file unclaimed property claims directly for free.
• Some private “finders” or “locators” offer to help for a fee or percentage. This may be legal if done under Maine’s rules, but it is never required to use a paid service.
• If someone contacts you unexpectedly and pressures you to sign a contract or pay to access unclaimed money, proceed carefully and verify with the state unclaimed property office before agreeing.

✅ Guard personal information

• Only provide sensitive information (such as Social Security numbers or full birth dates) through secure, official channels.
• If something feels off, call the official Maine unclaimed property office using a number you find independently (such as from the main State of Maine website), not a number provided in a suspicious email or letter.

If You Don’t Qualify or Can’t Complete a Claim

Sometimes a person may discover unclaimed property that appears to belong to a deceased relative but is not legally able to claim it under Maine’s rules. This can happen when:

• You cannot provide the necessary proof of relationship.
• Another person has legal priority (such as a court-appointed personal representative).
• The property belongs to a more distant relative and Maine’s inheritance laws do not give you rights to it.

In those cases, possible next steps may include:

• Asking the Probate Court whether opening or reopening an estate is appropriate.
• Working with other family members to determine who should file.
• Consulting with an attorney for advice on Maine inheritance laws and your options.

Keep in mind that unclaimed property does not generally disappear right away; many states hold it indefinitely. However, processes and requirements can change, so it is wise to address potential claims sooner rather than later.

Where to Turn Next

To move forward with an heir claim in Maine, your next steps are usually:

1. Search for unclaimed property under your deceased relative’s name using the official State of Maine unclaimed property portal.
2. Review the claim instructions for deceased-owner or heir claims on the state site.
3. Gather proof of death, identity, relationship, and any probate documents.
4. File your claim directly with the Maine unclaimed property office using their online system or mail-in forms.
5. Contact the state office or a local Probate Court if you have questions about your situation or need clarification on documents.

HowToGetAssistance.org can help you understand the process, but all applications, status checks, and decisions are handled by official Maine agencies.