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Spousal Elective Share Law in Maine

In Maine, a surviving spouse can elect 50% of the marital-property portion of the augmented estate by filing within 9 months after death or 6 months after probate of the will, whichever is later.

Last checked . General information, not legal advice.

Maine at a glance

Elective share
50% of marital-property portion of augmented estate
Homestead allowance, exempt property and family allowance are added on top of the elective share.
Deadline to elect
9 months after death or 6 months after will probate, if later
The court can extend the time if a petition is filed within 9 months after death.
Community property state
No
Not on the IRS list of community property states.

Sources

Last checked

The rules in Maine

How much can a surviving spouse claim in Maine if left out of the will?

Elective share in Maine: 50% of marital-property portion of augmented estate. Homestead allowance, exempt property and family allowance are added on top of the elective share.

What is the deadline to claim the elective share in Maine?

Deadline to elect in Maine: 9 months after death or 6 months after will probate, if later. The court can extend the time if a petition is filed within 9 months after death.

Is Maine a community property state?

No. Community property state in Maine: no. Not on the IRS list of community property states.

Where do the Maine spousal elective share laws come from?

The rules above come from Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 18-C, 2-202 and Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 18-C, 2-211. Each source is linked on this page. We last checked them in October 2026.

What this means in practice

The election is not automatic. A surviving spouse who wants the elective share usually must file a written election with the probate court, and serve notice on the personal representative, before a deadline. Missing the deadline can mean losing the right to elect.

Taking the elective share often means giving up gifts under the will and sometimes other benefits. Comparing what the will provides against the statutory share, including any trusts, life insurance or joint accounts that may count toward the share, helps show whether an election makes sense.

Spouses can often waive elective share rights in a written prenuptial or postnuptial agreement signed with full disclosure. If a waiver is part of an estate plan, the will, trust and marital agreement should be drafted to work together, and a local attorney can confirm the formal requirements.

General information, not legal advice. Laws change, and cities can add their own rules, so check the current statute before you rely on it.