Maine Revised Statutes Title 18-C. Probate Code § 3-804. Manner of presentation of claims

1. Written statement of claim. The claimant may deliver or mail to the personal representative a written statement of the claim indicating its basis, the name and address of the claimant and the amount claimed, or may file a written statement of the claim, in the form prescribed by rule, with the register. The claim is deemed presented on the first to occur of receipt of the written statement of claim by the personal representative or the filing of the claim with the court. If a claim is not yet due, the date when it will become due must be stated. If the claim is contingent or unliquidated, the nature of the uncertainty must be stated. If the claim is secured, the security must be described. Failure to describe correctly the security, the nature of any uncertainty and the due date of a claim not yet due does not invalidate the presentation made.

2. Proceeding on claim. The claimant may commence a proceeding against the personal representative in any court where the personal representative may be subjected to jurisdiction to obtain payment of the claimant's claim against the estate, but the commencement of the proceeding must occur within the time limited for presenting the claim. No presentation of claim is required in regard to matters claimed in proceedings against the decedent that were pending at the time of death.

3. Time limit for proceeding after disallowance. If a claim is presented under subsection 1, no proceeding on the claim may be commenced more than 60 days after the personal representative has mailed a notice of disallowance; but, in the case of a claim that is not presently due or that is contingent or unliquidated, the personal representative may consent to an extension of the 60-day period or, to avoid injustice, the court on petition may order an extension of the 60-day period, but in no event may the extension run beyond the applicable statute of limitations.

4. Presenting claims before administration. When a decedent's estate has not been commenced at the time a claimant wishes to present a claim, a claim is deemed presented when the claimant files with the register a written statement of claim meeting the requirements of subsection 1 and a demand for notice pursuant to section 3-204. The provisions of subsection 3 apply upon the appointment of a personal representative.