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Part 2

1. (a)Me. Rev. Stat. tit.18-A ss. 2-102 (3),(4) (2015).  If the decedent is survived by spouse and issue and the issue is the issue of the surviving spouse as well then the surviving spouse gets the first $50,000 and 1/2 of the intestate estate.  The issue get the rest of the intestate estate to be distributed per capita.  If the issue is not the issue of the surviving spouse then the surviving issue gets half of the intestate estate and the issue gets the other half to be distributed per capita, or equally.  This is different than New York State law where the surviving spouse would still receive the first $50,000 and then 1/2 of the remaining estate.  However, the surviving issue would inherit the remaining estate but it would be distributed among the issue by representation meaning by generation instead of per capita.  Also in New York it does not matter if the issue is the surviving spouse, only that that issue is the issue of the decedent.                                                                                                                           (b) Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 18-A ss. 2-102 (1) (2015).  If the decedent is survived only by a spouse and no issue or parent then the surviving spouse inherits the entire intestate estate.    This is the same as New York State law.                                                                                                       (c) Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 18-A ss. 2-103 (2) (2015).  If the decedent has no surviving spouse or issue then the intestate estate passes to the decedents parents pre capita or equally.  This is the same as New York State Law.
2. Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 18-A ss. 2-501 (2015).  Testamentary capacity in Maine is being 18 years of age at least and being of sound mind.   This is the same in New York State.
3. Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 18-A ss. 2-502 (2015).  In Maine for a will to be properly executed there must be at least two witnesses who witnessed the testator signing the will or witnessed the testator acknowledging that the signature on the will is the testator’s.  This is the same in New York State.

Part 3: In Maine, Portland is the city with the largest population.

4. I found the law firm Casco Bay Law firm that specializes in probate law in Portland, Maine.  This is the link http://www.cascobaylaw.com/practice-areas/probate .  I found that the website was very helpful.  They have an about us section that tells you not only who the lawyers are that work in the firm but provides an opportunity for the viewer to learn more about the types of law that the firm specializes in.This is the link http://www.cascobaylaw.com/practice-areas/probate .

5. I found an appraiser in Portland, Maine by the name of Northstar Appraisal.  This website gives a wealth of information.  It tells, what they do appraisals for, why they do appraisals, and how this company even does their sales commission.  So for someone who has no idea how appraisals work and why someone would do it, this is very helpful. Also it is a very user, friendly website.  This is the link to website http://www.northstarappraisal.com/content.aspx .

6. Cumberland County, Probate Court located at 142 Federal Street, Portland, Maine, 04101.

7. A student may attend Kaplan University in South Portland, Maine to get their Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Paralegal studies.  This is the link to their website http://www.kaplanuniversity.edu/south-portland-maine.aspx

This program is ABA approved and it costs $66,780 total for the bachelors degree (thats the cost after four years).  For the associates program you will have payed$33,390 after two years.  This is much more than it costs at City Tech for these programs.