Yes, a notary is required.
The probate courts' form is sworn before a notary public or an attorney-at-law.
In the source's wording
"Notary Public/Attorney-at-Law"
From the sources listed below, checked November 2026.
What else the signing needs
- Value limit
- The whole estate, less liens and encumbrances, can't exceed $40,000 adjusted for inflation. Each county probate court must publish the current adjusted figure on its website every year (PL 2025, c. 76); ask the court for it. The section covers personal property, debts and securities only; it doesn't transfer real estate.
"does not exceed $40,000, adjusted for inflation pursuant to section 1-108"
- Waiting period
- Thirty days after the death.
"Thirty days after the death of a decedent"
- Where it goes
- Presented to the person who owes the debt or holds the property; the statute doesn't call for a court filing.
- Official form
- AF-102, Small Estate Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property. The probate courts' form, revised September 1, 2019. Open the official form
- Other simplified route
- Summary administration (18-C M.R.S. 3-1203). As Nolo's summary describes it: when the estate's net value is no more than the homestead allowance, exempt property, family allowance, administration costs and funeral and last-illness expenses, the personal representative distributes right away without notifying creditors, then files a closing statement with the probate court.
Next step
Sign by video with our New Jersey notary while you're in Maine, 7 AM to 9 PM Eastern, seven days a week, by appointment. New Jersey law lets a New Jersey notary notarize for a signer located in another state (N.J.S.A. 52:7-10.10). How Maine treats it: Maine recognizes notarial acts performed in other states: an act performed by a notary public of another state has the same effect as if a Maine notarial officer performed it. More on Maine signers.
Handling an estate from far away? Estate paperwork help near where the estate is.
Ask the bank, holder or court that will receive the affidavit whether it accepts an electronically notarized one.
Notarize it online ($50 per session) Request a mobile notary in Maine
Booking sends a request; we confirm the time and the price before you pay.
In person, we look for a notary commissioned in Maine near you; you approve the price first.
If a local notary in Maine does it: No statutory maximum; any fee must be disclosed in writing and agreed before the act, under the state's fee rules (Maine notary fees).
Get it notarized online today
Online notary: open now until 9 PM ET · sessions by appointment · times confirmed by email
A New Jersey notary can notarize this with you on a video call, wherever you are in the U.S. $50 for the session, $10 for each extra signer. Any other fee shows in the booking form before you confirm. Open 7 am to 9 pm ET, every day, by appointment.
What you need
- A valid government photo ID
- A computer or phone with a camera
- The unsigned document
Our certificate states the act was performed using communication technology, as New Jersey law requires. What it must say
Most U.S. recipients accept a remotely notarized document; check with whoever will receive it. What to ask them · Several signers
Sources
- 18-C M.R.S. 3-1201, Collection of personal property by affidavit (Maine Legislature) (checked November 2026)
- Maine Probate Courts form AF-102, Small Estate Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property (rev. 09/01/19) (checked November 2026)
- LD 1545 (132nd Legislature), An Act to Clarify the Maximum Value That a Small Estate May Be (Maine Legislature) (checked November 2026)
- Nolo (secondary source): Probate Shortcuts in Maine (Nolo, updated 10/17/2024) (checked November 2026)
Sourced from official pages; a few facts from vetted secondary sources, marked "(secondary source)".
We are not lawyers, and this is general information, not legal advice. Checked November 2026. Rules change, and whoever receives the document decides what it accepts; we can't guarantee acceptance.
Common questions
Is a notary required for a Maine small estate affidavit?
Yes, a notary is required. The probate courts' form is sworn before a notary public or an attorney-at-law.
What is the small estate limit in Maine?
The whole estate, less liens and encumbrances, can't exceed $40,000 adjusted for inflation. Each county probate court must publish the current adjusted figure on its website every year (PL 2025, c. 76); ask the court for it. The section covers personal property, debts and securities only; it doesn't transfer real estate.
How long after a death can the Maine affidavit be used?
Thirty days after the death.
Is the Maine affidavit filed with a court?
Presented to the person who owes the debt or holds the property; the statute doesn't call for a court filing.
Can I sign the Maine affidavit with an online notary?
Our New Jersey notary can notarize it by video while you're in Maine. Maine recognizes notarial acts performed in other states: an act performed by a notary public of another state has the same effect as if a Maine notarial officer performed it. Ask the bank, holder or court that will receive it whether it accepts an electronically notarized affidavit.
What does a notary charge in Maine?
No statutory maximum; any fee must be disclosed in writing and agreed before the act, under the state's fee rules. A mobile notary may add a travel fee; ask for the total first.
Keep going
A small estate affidavit in another state: Kentucky · Massachusetts · every state