Rule 3 - Commencement of Proceedings(a) Probate Proceedings. An informal probate proceeding is commenced by filing with the court an application directed to the register Except as otherwise provided by statute or these rules, a formal probate proceeding is commenced by filing with the court a petition directed to the judge. (b) Civil Proceedings. Except as otherwise provided by statute or these rules, a civil proceeding is commenced in the manner provided for civil actions by Rule 3 of the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure.