Lawyers e-Journal
Thursday, Jan. 5, 2012
Legislative News
MUPC implementation date extended to March 31, 2012
Gov. Deval L. Patrick signed into law an extension on the
effective date of the Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code on Dec.
30. The MUPC will now go into effect on March 31, 2012. It was
previously set to go into effect on Jan. 2, 2012.
Still under consideration by the Legislature is a bill
establishing a uniform trust code, containing certain technical
corrections to the MUPC, and granting the Probate and Family Court
statutory authority to collect fees under the MUPC.
"The significant benefits to clients and the probate system as a
whole far outweigh this slight delay in implementation," said
Massachusetts Bar Association President Richard P. Campbell.
"Advocating for these necessary changes for two decades, the MBA is
confident that the broad-sweeping improvements gained from the MUPC
will be well worth the wait."
The MBA looks forward to continued work with the Legislature and
the court to ensure the technical corrections bill becomes
law.
The Probate and Family
Court's statement on the delay, including
amended Standing Order 5-11 and revised forms and instructions,
can be found here.