What to do after a death in Maine

Quick facts

• Good to know: Families can care for their own loved ones without a funeral director.

• Tip: Register a family burying ground with the county registry of deeds (up to 1/4 acre).

Getting started in Maine

• Maine doesn’t require a funeral director. Families can handle arrangements themselves.

• The State Board of Funeral Services regulates all funeral establishments and accepts complaints.

• Death must be registered with the local clerk within 3 days.

Good to know: Maine offers flexibility for families who want to be hands-on in caring for their loved one.

First 24–72 hours

If the death occurred at home

• Contact the attending physician or hospice nurse if one was involved.

• For unexpected deaths, call 911. They’ll guide you through next steps.

• You can keep the body at home while making arrangements.

Hospice was involved

• The hospice nurse will come to pronounce death and complete necessary paperwork.

• Hospice can help coordinate with your chosen funeral home.

• Take the time you need before your loved one is moved.

No hospice involvement

• Call 911 if the death was unexpected. This is required for unattended deaths.

• The medical examiner may need to be involved depending on circumstances.

• Once death is pronounced, contact a funeral home or begin making arrangements yourself.

If the death occurred at a hospital

• Hospital staff will guide you through immediate paperwork.

• You can usually spend time with your loved one before leaving.

• The hospital will ask which funeral home you’d like to use. You don’t have to decide immediately.

Cremation in Maine

• Maine requires a 48-hour waiting period after death before cremation can occur.

• The medical examiner must certify they are satisfied no further inquiry is needed.

• The legal next of kin must sign a cremation authorization form.

• A burial transit permit and certified death certificate are required before cremation.

• A casket isn’t required. Alternative containers are acceptable.

Burial in Maine

• Home burial on private property is allowed by registering a family burying ground (up to 1/4 acre).

• The burial ground must be at least 100 feet from any house and 200 feet from water wells.

• Register with the county registry of deeds and the town clerk.

• You must create an easement to a public way so family members can always access the site.

• No casket is required by state law, though cemeteries may have their own rules.

Paperwork in Maine

• Death must be registered with the local clerk within 3 days.

• The body may not be removed from the state until the death certificate is filed.

• Certified copies cost $15 for the first, $6 for additional copies ordered at the same time.

• Plan to order 8–10 certified copies for insurance, banks, and legal matters.

• Death certificates are typically available 5–7 business days after filing.

Consumer rights in Maine

• You have the right to an itemized General Price List before making decisions.

• Funeral homes must accept caskets and urns purchased elsewhere.

• No law requires embalming. It’s your choice.

• File complaints with the Maine Board of Funeral Services at (207) 624-8624.

• The Funeral Consumers Alliance of Maine offers free guidance since 1973.