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Maine Estate Planning Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Maine on
Q: How can I transfer the house we live in from my husband to myself due to his terminal illness?

My husband is terminally ill with not very much time unfortunately. The house we live in is in his name only regarding mortgage and deed. He is also on Mainecare. He left me everything in his will but can Mainecare still come after the house?

Daniel J. Eccher
Daniel J. Eccher
answered on May 28, 2024

You need to consult with a lawyer who knows MaineCare rules. You may be able to transfer your husband's interest in your home to yourself if you have specific "gifting" authority in his Power of Attorney. Generally, gifts from a MaineCare member to their spouse are allowed under the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Maine on
Q: My husband passed away and medical bills are coming in. Am I responsible for paying for them? I live in Maine

Our home is paid for, vehicles also.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 7, 2024

In Maine, whether you are responsible for your deceased husband's medical bills largely depends on various factors, including the nature of the debts, your husband's estate, and whether you were a joint account holder or co-signer on any of his debts. Generally, the estate of the deceased... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law, Real Estate Law and Probate for Maine on
Q: If a Parent dies after remarrying and then dies with no will before the stepparent does, do the children get any inherit

State Maine. Dad remarried. If he dies with no will before her will my siblings and I still be entitled to an inheritance or will she get everything and be able to pass it all on to her children instead since she lived longer?

This also is the situation that my mother was in when her... View More

Daniel J. Eccher
Daniel J. Eccher
answered on Sep 29, 2023

The answer to this question requires a close analysis of the facts and the law. Generally speaking, if someone remarries and then dies without a will, the new spouse would be entitled to at least part of the estate of the person who died, and his or her children by a previous relationship would... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Landlord - Tenant, Probate and Real Estate Law for Maine on
Q: What is the eviction process like in a probate related case?
Daniel J. Eccher
Daniel J. Eccher
answered on Jan 19, 2023

The eviction process in a probate case is very much like the usual eviction process, with a couple of key differences. Usually, it is the Personal Representative of the estate who stands in the shoes of the landlord. The Personal Representative gives the tenants facing eviction proper notice, and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Probate and Civil Litigation for Maine on
Q: Do I have a right to move into a vacant home that I’m half owner of to protect it while waiting for probate to end?

I inherited a house 50/50 with my sister. She’s agreed to sell me her share but won’t allow me to move in even though I own half of it and the house is empty. She has her own house. It’s doubtful the case will go to probate and someone needs to watch the house and protect it from break ins as... View More

Daniel J. Eccher
Daniel J. Eccher
answered on Oct 20, 2022

You should hire a lawyer to advise you about this situation.

Based on what you have said, it appears as if title to the house rests with the estate. Therefore, no one has a right to occupy the property until and unless it is deeded to them.

You should be able to negotiate a lease...
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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Real Estate Law for Maine on
Q: Hello can you tell me what typical commission fees would be on the sale of a 170 acre farm estate?

The property is in central Maine and has easement with Maine Farmland Trust.

Fred Bopp III
Fred Bopp III
answered on Dec 6, 2023

Typically, the commission fees would be in the range of 5-6%, but they may be negotiable. You should contact multiple brokers and ask what their commission fees would be.

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Real Estate Law for Maine on
Q: How do I get beneficiary of estate to vacate the property?

I am legal representative and other beneficiary. It was stated in the will that the property would be sold upon death. I am starting the sale of the property and need her out in 30-45 days. How do I get her out.

Fred Bopp III
Fred Bopp III
answered on Jul 7, 2022

To properly answer your question, I would need to review the terms of the will. You may need to pursue an eviction action, which can be complicated. You should consult with an experienced attorney.

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Gov & Administrative Law for Maine on
Q: How do you set up a trust for your house so the state doesn’t take it?

My dad had a heart attack and found he has cancer but only has mainecare. The stare will take the house when he passed and I’m trying to help him so it will be put in his children’s names as a trust.

Fred Bopp III
Fred Bopp III
answered on Jul 13, 2021

This is a specialized area of the law and you would be best served by contacting and discussing your situation with a Maine attorney who has experience in this area.

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Maine on
Q: My partner died after 34 years living together I wasn't on the will.

My partner has two properties one in Maine and one in Florida

Fred Bopp III
Fred Bopp III
answered on Jun 28, 2021

If you and your partner were either married or registered domestic partners under Maine law, then you likely have certain rights under Maine law, despite the terms of the will. If not, then unfortunately you likely do not have any such rights. You should consult with an experienced estate planning... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for Maine on
Q: My Mother lives in Maine, in her will she is going to sell her house to a "friend" for a very reduced rate.

He is now saying every improvement he did on the house while she has been living there he wants taken off the sale price that is in the will is that legal?

Fred Bopp III
Fred Bopp III
answered on Jun 28, 2021

He cannot dictate the sale price for her house in the will; your mother provides the sale price. That said, he may be able to argue successfully that he is entitled to an offset or credit for the improvements he made to her house against the sale price, but if your mother knows how much of an... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Estate Planning for Maine on
Q: How can I protect my home and only be able to leave it to my son in my will and not his wife in case they divorce?

My son and wife are in a rocky relationship. I am leaving him my home (my spouse has died) but I don’t want his wife to get any of it if they divorce.

Nina Whitehurst
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answered on May 18, 2021

You can leave the house to him in a continuing trust with an independent trustee. There are a lot of issues to consider so you should hire an experienced estate planning attorney to help you.

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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning for Maine on
Q: I have no heirs and would like ideas as to how I might plan for my house and property and savings once I am gone.

I'm not interested in donating to huge charities whose CEOs earn 6-figure salaries.

Fred Bopp III
Fred Bopp III
answered on Feb 23, 2021

This is a pretty open-ended question, the answer to which will depend on, among other things, your priorities, values, and goals. I would suggest you start a conversation with someone who can help you achieve what you want to accomplish. That person could be a financial adviser or an attorney who... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Estate Planning and Probate for Maine on
Q: My dad passed away two years ago and my stepmom passed a year ago,my step brother has taken over the house ,

We know of nothing will wise and he has taken over everything do I have any right to the house,as of this year the house is still in my dad's name even at the town,his name hasn't been removed from the tax title and no other name is on it

Fred Bopp III
Fred Bopp III
answered on Feb 22, 2021

More facts are needed to answer this question, but assuming upon your dad’s death, title to the house passed to your stepmom and, upon your stepmom’s death, title to the house passed to your stepbrother, then you would need to have an enforceable agreement or right with respect to the house... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Elder Law and Estate Planning for Maine on
Q: My wife and I live in Maine. My name is not on the deed to our home only hers. Can her family have me removed if she die

My wife and I live in Maine. My name is not on the deed to our home only hers. Can her family have me removed if she died?

Fred Bopp III
Fred Bopp III
answered on Feb 22, 2021

More facts are needed to answer this question, but assuming upon your wife’s death, title to the home will pass to someone other than you, then yes, that person would typically have the right to exclusive possession of the property, which means you could be removed, assuming you do not have an... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Maine on
Q: My brothers and siblings took everything jewlery,trains,etc that was of value without reporting it to the probate court.

What can I do? I have a lawyer, he hasn't petitioned the court. My Brother's lawyer keeps telling me its going to take away my part of the Estate if I pursue this.

Fred Bopp III
Fred Bopp III
answered on Jan 3, 2021

You should talk with your attorney about your available rights and remedies under the circumstances.

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for Maine on
Q: How can I be granted Power of Attorney by my mother who lives in a different state? I live in Maine and she is in NYC.

Can a Maine lawyer get the proper POA paperwork or do I have to go to NYC to take care of this?

Fred Bopp III
Fred Bopp III
answered on Jan 3, 2021

Generally, yes, a Maine lawyer can create a valid power of attorney for your use with respect to transactions that will occur in Maine. For transactions that will occur in NY, a separate power of attorney should be prepared by a NY attorney, which will be valid in NY. You should also keep in mind... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning for Maine on
Q: Living Trust to protect house and property.

I submitted previous question regarding Living Trust question but wanted to try to clarify better.

Wondering about a Living Trust for home and property upon my death (with money from sale of property designated to non-profits and charities), with my brother as trustee, ,,,,,,,(,I did... View More

Nina Whitehurst
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answered on Jan 1, 2021

A properly drafted trust will cover the possibility of your brother predeceasing you. You should raise this issue with the attorney that is drafting this trust for you. If you don’t have an attorney drafting this trust for you, then you should because, as it should be evident to you, you do not... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning for Maine on
Q: Is a Living Trust good for me.

I am single, age 70, no children or partner. I have 1 brother and no close relatives but 1 nephew who I do not want to inherit from me. I own a home and property. I wanted to leave my house and property to charity but if I die before my brother I did want him to benefit from proceeds of the... View More

Steven Basche
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Steven Basche
answered on Dec 29, 2020

A living trust would be a good option. For one thing, a trust is a private document, and is generally harder to challenge than a will. By avoiding probate with a trust, you make it more difficult for your nephew challenge your plan or have money go to him through your brother. Your brother could... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for Maine on
Q: In the state of Maine does a paramour have any legal right to remain in the residence after the boyfriend dies.

The 96 y/o lives in property he once owned but it has been his daughters for the past seven years. He has no interest in the real property not even a life estate. He has a live in gf and he drafted a will giving her everything. Can she stay In the residence for any amount of time ?? I know the... View More

Fred Bopp III
Fred Bopp III
answered on Nov 15, 2020

To start to analyze your question, I would need to know on what basis the 96 y/o is currently occupying the property. For example, is it pursuant to a lease with his daughter/the property owner? If there is a lease, the likely answer is its terms will govern.

2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning for Maine on
Q: I want to establish a living trust. I have a home in NH and a home in ME. Do I need to record the trust in both states?
Fred Bopp III
Fred Bopp III
answered on Apr 29, 2020

The short answer is yes. Whether you should use a living trust or some other form of ownership to hold the property is a separate question, the answer to which will depend on your circumstances and what you are trying to accomplish.

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