Maine Revised Statutes

(a).    Upon receipt of an application for informal appointment of a personal representative other than a special administrator as provided in section 3-614, if at least 120 hours have elapsed since the decedent's death, the register, after making the findings required by section 3-308, shall appoint the applicant subject to qualification and acceptance; provided, that if the decedent was a nonresident, the register shall delay the order of appointment until 30 days have elapsed since death unless the personal representative appointed at the decedent's domicile is the applicant, or unless the decedent's will directs that his estate be subject to the laws of this State.

(b).    The status of personal representative and the powers and duties pertaining to the office are fully established by informal appointment. An appointment, and the office of personal representative created thereby, is subject to termination as provided in sections 3-608 through 3-612, but is not subject to retroactive vacation.