Me. R. Prob. P. 2 (2026)

RULE 2. FORM OF PROCEEDINGS

There shall be two forms of proceedings to be known as “probate proceedings” and “civil proceedings.”

(a) Probate Proceedings. “Probate proceedings” are all proceedings within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Probate Courts.

(1) Informal Probate Proceedings. “Informal probate proceedings” are proceedings for the informal probate of a will or the informal appointment of a personal representative brought under the authority of Article III of the Probate Code.

(2) Formal Probate Proceedings. “Formal probate proceedings” are all other probate proceedings.

(b) Civil Proceedings. “Civil proceedings” are all proceedings within the concurrent jurisdiction of the Probate Courts.

II. COMMENCEMENT OF PROCEEDINGS: SERVICE OF NOTICE, PROCESS, PLEADINGS, MOTIONS, AND ORDERS; TIME