18-C M.R.S. §3-104: Claims against decedent; necessity of administration

A proceeding to enforce a claim against the estate of a decedent or the decedent's successors may not be revived or commenced before the appointment of a personal representative. After the appointment and until distribution, all proceedings and actions to enforce a claim against the estate are governed by the procedure prescribed by this Article. After distribution, a creditor whose claim has not been barred may recover from the distributees as provided in section 3‑1004 or from a former personal representative individually liable as provided in section 3‑1005. This section has no application to a proceeding by a secured creditor of the decedent to enforce the creditor's right to the security except as to any deficiency judgment that might be sought.