When someone close to you dies, it can be a very emotional and difficult time. To make it easier to manage things when someone dies, this chapter will:

1. Provide a simple overview of the probate process;
2. Help surviving spouses handle situations that commonly arise after the death of a spouse.

The word “decedent” means the person who died.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Do not pay for any of the decedent’s debts until you speak with an attorney. Do not transfer any property to family or friends until the probate process is completed. If you are a Maine resident who is 60 or older, call the Legal Services for Maine Elders Helpline at 1-800-750-5353 to talk to an attorney for free.