Maine Probate Form DE-503

Claim Against Estate

This page is for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Forms and requirements change frequently — verify the current version with your local probate court or an attorney.

Last updated: June 1, 2026
First page of Claim Against Estate

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About Claim Against Estate

Allows a creditor or claimant to file a formal claim against a decedent's estate for payment of a debt or obligation.

When you'd use it: When a creditor has a claim against a deceased person's estate and must file it with the probate court within the statutory deadline under Maine law.

Where to get the official form

The official version of Claim Against Estate is published as a PDF by the Maine courts. We checked this link and it resolved to a form on an official court or government website — always download the current version directly from the source rather than a third-party copy:

Verified official PDF

Download Claim Against Estate (PDF) →

Source: maineprobate.net

Link last checked: May 31, 2026

How to file Claim Against Estate in Maine

  1. Step 1 — Confirm you have the correct formUse Claim Against Estate (DE-503) when when a creditor has a claim against a deceased person's estate and must file it with the probate court within the statutory deadline under Maine law. Double-check it's the right form for your situation — Maine probate forms are revised periodically, so verify the name and number against your court's current form list before you start.
  2. Step 2 — Complete every required fieldFill out Claim Against Estate carefully and review it for errors before filing. Probate cases can already take months — a small mistake on the form can set your timeline back further.
  3. Step 3 — Get it notarized or witnessed if requiredSome probate forms must be signed in front of a notary or witnesses. Check the instructions on the form itself, and arrange notarization before you file if it's required.
  4. Step 4 — File it with the correct courtSubmit Claim Against Estate to the probate court or county clerk handling the estate — usually in the Maine county where the deceased lived. Ask the clerk how they prefer to receive filings (in person, by mail, or e-filing).

Working through the Claim Against Estate? SwiftProbate builds a personalized, step-by-step checklist for settling the estate — so you know which forms to file, in what order, and by when.

Get help with this form

Probate in Maine

See the full Maine probate guide for filing deadlines, small-estate options, timelines, costs, and county courthouse details.

Read the Maine probate guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Claim Against Estate (DE-503)?
Allows a creditor or claimant to file a formal claim against a decedent's estate for payment of a debt or obligation. You'd typically use it when when a creditor has a claim against a deceased person's estate and must file it with the probate court within the statutory deadline under Maine law.
Where do I file Claim Against Estate in Maine?
Probate forms are filed with the probate court or county clerk in the Maine county where the deceased person lived. Our Maine probate guide can help you find the right courthouse, filing fees, and local requirements.
Do I need a lawyer to complete Claim Against Estate?
Many people complete probate forms themselves, especially for smaller or uncontested estates. Complex estates may benefit from professional advice. SwiftProbate is an informational tool that helps you understand and organize the process — it is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.
Is Claim Against Estate available online?
Most Maine probate forms are published as PDFs by the state courts or the county clerk. You can find the official source linked above.

Other Maine Probate Forms

Petition for Formal Probate of Will or Appointment of Personal Representative or BothDE-201Waiver of NoticeN-107Application for Informal Probate of Will or Appointment of Personal Representative Under Will or BothDE-201(I)Probate InventoryDE-405

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Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Probate forms and requirements vary by state, county, and individual circumstances, and change over time. Always verify the current form and instructions with your local probate court, and consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation. SwiftProbate is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation.