Maine Will Signing Day Kit: Maine's Witness and Notary Rules, Signing-Day Checklist, Witness Sheet and Original-Will Record

Who it is for

Anyone signing a will in Maine, and the family member, friend or office helping set up the signing. Who can make a will, per the official page: 18 or older and of sound mind, or a legally emancipated minor.

Not the right fit if

The person signing isn't in Maine, you still need the will written (that's a lawyer's job), or someone may contest it. Not a will form or a legal service.

Why it is different

• Built only from our Maine will signing data file, checked November 2026 against 18-C M.R.S. 2-502, Execution; witnessed wills; holographic wills (Maine Legislature); 18-C M.R.S. 2-503, Self-proved will (Maine Legislature); 18-C M.R.S. 2-504, Who may witness a will (Maine Legislature); 18-C M.R.S. 2-501, Who may make a will (Maine Legislature); Nolo (secondary source): How to Make a Will in Maine (Nolo, updated October 2022); 18-C M.R.S. 2-514, Disposition of will deposited with court (Maine Legislature).
• 1 fact isn't stated on those pages, so the kit leaves it out and lists it once to look up, instead of guessing.
• Also from the file: Maine replaced its probate code with Title 18-C, in effect since July 1, 2019. Nolo notes that, beginning July 2, 2019, witnesses no longer have to sign at the same moment as the testator, as long as each signs within a reasonable time after seeing the signing or acknowledgment. The probate courts no longer take wills for safekeeping: none has been accepted since September 19, 1997. A will deposited before then can be released only to the testator or to someone the testator authorized in writing, and after the death the court notifies the person designated to receive it (18-C M.R.S. 2-514).
• For the estate side in Maine, the Maine Executor and Estate Kit: 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.

What is inside

• Start here. The 6 confirmed Maine facts at a glance; to look up on the official page: remote witnessing.
• Maine signing-day checklist. Bring 2 witnesses. The rule: At least two witnesses. Each one watches the testator sign, or hears the testator acknowledge the signature or the will, and then signs within a reasonable time (18-C M.R.S. 2-502). Pick witnesses who get nothing under the will and aren't married to someone who does. Have a notary or another officer who can administer oaths there for the self-proving affidavit. The statute names that officer rather than notaries by name. Allowed at signing or any time later. The testator and witnesses sign before an officer authorized to administer oaths where the will is signed. If no notary is available on the day, the affidavit can be added later, while the witnesses can still be reached. The rule here: No effect on validity: a witness who takes under the will doesn't make the will, or any portion of it, invalid (18-C M.R.S. 2-504).
• Witness information sheet. One block per Maine witness (2 required, plus a spare).
• Original-will storage and location record. Where the original is and who has copies. Handwritten wills in Maine: Recognized if the signature and material parts are in the testator's handwriting.
• Maine will signing tracker (Excel). Steps, ID, copies and review dates. Electronic wills: Not authorized, per Nolo's Maine page (updated October 2022); the will has to be on paper.