LastreviewedandeditedApril11,2019IncludesamendmentseffectiveJuly1,2019

MaineRulesofProbateProcedureTABLEOFCONTENTS I.SCOPEOFRULES–FORMOFPROCEEDINGS RULE1.SCOPEOFRULES RULE2.FORMOFPROCEEDINGS II.COMMENCEMENTOFPROCEEDINGS:SERVICEOFNOTICE, PROCESS,PLEADINGS,MOTIONS,ANDORDERS;TIME RULE3.COMMENCEMENTOFPROCEEDINGS RULE4.NOTICE;PROCESS RULE4A.ATTACHMENT RULE4B.TRUSTEEPROCESS RULE4C.ARREST[ABROGATED]RULE4D.DEMANDANDWAIVEROFNOTICE RULE5.SERVICEANDFILINGOFPLEADINGSANDOTHERPAPERS RULE6.TIME III.PLEADINGSANDMOTIONS RULE7.PLEADINGSALLOWED;FORMOFMOTIONS RULE8.GENERALRULESOFPLEADING RULE9.PLEADINGSPECIALMATTERS

RULE10.FORMOFPLEADINGS RULE11.SIGNINGOFPLEADINGS RULE12.DEFENSESANDOBJECTIONS:WHENANDHOW PRESENTEDBYPLEADINGORMOTION;MOTION FORJUDGMENTONTHEPLEADINGS RULE13.COUNTERCLAIMANDCROSS-CLAIM RULE14.THIRD-PARTYPRACTICE RULE15.AMENDEDANDSUPPLEMENTALPLEADINGS RULE16.PRETRIALPROCEDURE IV.PARTIES RULE17.PARTIESPLAINTIFFANDDEFENDANT;CAPACITY RULE17A.SETTLEMENTOFCLAIMSOFINFANTPLAINTIFFS RULE18.JOINDEROFCLAIMSANDREMEDIES RULE19.JOINDEROFPERSONSNEEDEDFORJUSTADJUDICATION RULE20.PERMISSIVEJOINDEROFPARTIES RULE21.MISJOINDERANDNONJOINDEROFPARTIES RULE22.INTERPLEADER RULE23.[RESERVED] RULE24.INTERVENTION RULE25.SUBSTITUTIONOFPARTIES V.DEPOSITIONSANDDISCOVERY

RULE26.GENERALPROVISIONSGOVERNINGDISCOVERY RULE27.DISCOVERYBEFOREACTIONORPENDINGAPPEAL RULE28.PERSONSBEFOREWHOMDEPOSITIONSMAYBETAKEN RULE29.STIPULATIONSREGARDINGDISCOVERYPROCEDURE RULE30.DEPOSITIONSUPONORALEXAMINATION RULE31.DEPOSITIONSUPONWRITTENQUESTIONS RULE32.USEOFDEPOSITIONSINCOURTPROCEEDINGS RULE33.INTERROGATORIESTOPARTIES RULE34.PRODUCTIONOFDOCUMENTSANDTHINGSAND ENTRYUPONLANDFORINSPECTIONAND OTHERPURPOSES RULE35.PHYSICALANDMENTALEXAMINATIONOFPERSONS RULE36.REQUESTSFORADMISSION RULE37.FAILURETOMAKEDISCOVERY;SANCTIONS VI.HEARINGS RULE38AND39.[RESERVED] RULE40.ASSIGNMENTOFCASESFORHEARING;CONTINUANCES RULE41.DISMISSALOFPROCEEDINGS RULE42.CONSOLIDATION;SEPARATEHEARINGS RULE43.TAKINGOFTESTIMONY RULE44.PROOFOFOFFICIALRECORD

RULE44A.DETERMINATIONOFFOREIGNLAW RULE45.SUBPOENA RULE46.EXCEPTIONSUNNECESSARY RULE47TO49.[RESERVED] RULE50.MOTIONFORJUDGMENT RULE51.ARGUMENTOFCOUNSEL RULE52.FINDINGSBYTHECOURT RULE53.REFEREES VII.JUDGMENT RULE54.JUDGMENTS;COSTS RULE54A.FEES RULE55.DEFAULT RULE56.SUMMARYJUDGMENT RULE57.DECLARATORYJUDGMENTS RULE58.ENTRYOFJUDGMENTORINFORMALSTATEMENTORORDER RULE59.NEWTRIALS;AMENDMENTSOFJUDGMENTS RULE60.RELIEFFROMJUDGMENTORORDER RULE61.HARMLESSERROR RULE62.STAYOFPROCEEDINGSTOENFORCEAJUDGMENT RULE63.DISABILITYORRECUSALOFAJUDGE

VIII.PROVISIONALANDFINALREMEDIESANDSPECIAL PROCEEDINGS RULE64.REPLEVIN RULE65.INJUNCTIONS RULE66.RECEIVERSHIPS RULE67.DEPOSITINCOURT RULE68.OFFEROFJUDGMENT RULE69.EXECUTION RULE70.JUDGMENTFORSPECIFICACTS RULE71.PROCESSINBEHALFOFANDAGAINSTPERSONS NOTPARTIES VIIIA.REMOVALRULE71A.REMOVALTOTHESUPERIORCOURTIX.APPEALS RULE72TO74C.[ABROGATED] RULE74D.[REDESIGNATED]RULE75TO76A.[ABROGATED] X.PROBATECOURTSANDREGISTERS RULE76H.ELECTRONICSOUNDRECORDINGRULE77.PROBATECOURTSANDREGISTERS RULE78.[RESERVED]

RULE79.BOOKSANDRECORDSKEPTBYTHEREGISTER ANDENTRIESTHEREIN XI.SPECIALRULESFORCERTAINPROCEEDINGS RULE80.[RESERVED] RULE80A.REALACTIONS RULE80B.CREDITORS’CLAIMSAGAINSTDECEDENTS’ESTATES XII.GENERALPROVISIONS RULE81.APPLICABILITY RULE82.JURISDICTIONANDVENUEUNAFFECTED RULE83.DEFINITIONS RULE84.FORMS RULE85.TITLE RULE86.EFFECTIVEDATE RULE87AND88.[RESERVED] RULE89.WITHDRAWALOFATTORNEYS;VISITINGLAWYERS RULE90.LEGALASSISTANCEBYLAWSTUDENTS RULE91.PROCEEDINGSINFORMAPAUPERISRULES92.1–92.12ELECTRONICFILING

MAINERULESOFPROBATEPROCEDURE

(IncludingamendmentsthroughthoseeffectiveDecember20,2013)

I.SCOPEOFRULES--FORMOFPROCEEDINGS.

RULE1.SCOPEOFRULESTheserulesgoverntheprocedureinallproceedingsintheProbateCourts,withthe limitations stated in Rule 81. These rules also govern the procedure onremovalortransferfromtheProbateCourtstotheDistrictandSuperiorCourtsandinappealsfromtheProbateCourtstotheSupremeJudicialCourtsittingasthe Law Court. The rules shall be construed to secure the just, speedy, andinexpensivedeterminationofeveryproceeding.

RULE2.FORMOFPROCEEDINGSThereshallbetwoformsofproceedingstobeknownas“probateproceedings”and“civilproceedings.”(a) ProbateProceedings. “Probate proceedings” are all proceedingswithintheexclusivejurisdictionoftheProbateCourts.(1) Informal Probate Proceedings. “Informal probate proceedings” areproceedingsfortheinformalprobateofawillortheinformalappointmentofapersonalrepresentativebroughtundertheauthorityofArticleIIIoftheProbateCode.(2) Formal Probate Proceedings. “Formal probate proceedings” are all otherprobateproceedings.(b) Civil Proceedings. “Civil proceedings” are all proceedings within theconcurrentjurisdictionoftheProbateCourts.

II.COMMENCEMENTOFPROCEEDINGS:SERVICEOFNOTICE,PROCESS,PLEADINGS,MOTIONS,ANDORDERS;TIME

RULE3.COMMENCEMENTOFPROCEEDINGS

(a)ProbateProceedings. Aninformalprobateproceedingiscommencedbyfilingwiththecourtanapplicationdirectedtotheregister.Exceptasotherwiseprovidedbystatuteortheserules,aformalprobateproceedingiscommencedbyfilingwiththecourtapetitiondirectedtothejudge.(b)CivilProceedings.Exceptasotherwiseprovidedbystatuteortheserules,acivilproceedingiscommencedinthemannerprovidedforcivilactionsbyRule3oftheMaineRulesofCivilProcedure.

RULE4.NOTICE;PROCESS(a)FormofNoticeandSummons.(1)NoticeinProbateProceedings.(A) In informal probate proceedings the notice shall bear the signature orfacsimilesignatureoftheregister,containthenameofthecourtandthenameofthe decedent, be directed to the recipient by name if known, state the actionsought,includingthenameandaddressofanypersonalrepresentativeproposed,state the name and address of the applicant, and advise the recipient that theapplicationhasbeenorwillbegranted if inproperformandthattherecipientmaybeginaformalproceedingiftherecipientdisagreeswiththegrantingoftheapplication.(B) In formal probate proceedings, the notice shall bear the signature orfacsimilesignatureoftheregister,containthenameofthecourtandthenameofthe decedent orminor or incapacitated or disabled person, be directed to therecipientbynameifknown,statethenameandaddressandtelephonenumberof the petitioner or of the petitioner’s attorney, state the date and place ofhearingorreplyifeitherisrequired,andadvisetherecipientthattheactionorordersoughtmaybegrantedifnointerestedpersonappearstoobject.(2) Summons in Civil Proceedings. In civil proceedings the form of summonsshall be similar to that provided in Rule 4(a) of the Maine Rules of CivilProcedure.

(b)IssuanceofNoticeandSummons.(1)ProbateProceedings.(A) In informal probate proceedings, the notice shall be filled out by theregisterasprovidedinsubparagraph(a)(1)(A)ofthisrule.(B) In formalprobateproceedings, thenoticemaybeprocured inblank fromthe register and filled out by the petitioner or the petitioner’s attorney asprovidedinsubparagraph(a)(1)(B)ofthisrule. Alternatively,ifthenoticeistobe served by the register as provided in subparagraph (c)(1) of this rule, thenoticeshallbefilledoutbytheregister.Ifthenoticeistobeservedpersonally,theattorneyshalldelivertothepersonservingittheoriginalnoticeuponwhichtomakehisreturnofserviceandacopyofthenoticeandpetitionforservice.Ifthewillisannexedtothepetition,thecopyofthepetitiontobeservedneednotincludethewill.(2)CivilProceedings. Incivilproceedings,thesummonsshallbefilledoutanddelivered in the manner provided by Rule 4(b) of the Maine Rules of CivilProcedure.(c)ByWhomServed.(1)ProbateProceedings.In all probateproceedings, servicebymailmaybemadeby thepetitionerorthepetitioner’s attorneyorby theregisteron thepetitioner’sbehalf. Personalserviceshallbemadebyasherifforadeputywithinthesheriff’scounty,orbyaconstable or other person authorized by law, or by some person speciallyappointed by the court, except that a subpoenamay be served as provided inRule 45. Special appointments to serve process shall be made freely whensubstantialsavingsintravelfeeswillresult.Servicebypublicationshallbemadebytheregisteronbehalfofthepetitionerunlessotherwiseorderedbythecourt.When service by anymethod is to be made by the register, the petition shallcontainawrittenrequestforsuchservice,accompaniedbyatenderoffeesandalistofpersonstobeservedandtheiraddressesifknown.(2)CivilProceedings.Incivilproceedings,serviceshallbemadeasprovidedinRule4(c)oftheMaineRulesofCivilProcedure.

(d)ServiceofNoticeandSummons.(1) Probate Proceedings. In probate proceedings, the notice and, whereappropriate, the petition shall be served together by one of the followingmethods:(A)Ininformalprobateproceedings,thenoticeshallbeserveduponallpersonsspecified in sections 3-306 and 3-310 of the Probate Code by ordinary mailaddressed to the recipient at the post office address given in the recipient’sdemand for notice, if any, or at the recipient’s office or place of residence.Service by mail is complete upon mailing. Service shall also be made bypublicationasprovided insubdivision(e)ofthisruleuponanyofthespecifiedpersons whose address or present whereabouts is unknown and cannot beascertainedbyduediligenceor, on requestof theapplicant,uponallunknownpersons.(B)Informalprobateproceedings,exceptasotherwiseprovidedbystatute,thenoticeandpetitionshallbeservedbycertifiedmail,withrestricteddeliveryandreturn receipt requested, upon all persons upon whom service is required bystatute, includinganypersonwhohasmadeademandfornoticeasprovidedinRule 4D. The mailing shall be addressed to the recipient at the post officeaddress given in the recipient’s demand for notice, if any, or at the recipient’sofficeorplaceofresidence.Servicebycertifiedmailiscompletewhenthemailisdelivered and the receipt signed or when acceptance is refused or unclaimed,provided that thepetitioneror registershall fileeither thereturnreceiptor, ifacceptance was refused or unclaimed, an affidavit that upon notice of suchrefusalorfailuretoclaimacopyofthenoticeandpetitionwassenttothepartybeing served by ordinary mail. Under this specific provision, regular mail iscompleteasofthedateofthepostmarkedenvelopeandshallbeincludedintheaffidavit of service. Alternatively, the notice and petitionmay be served uponanyofsuchpersonspersonally,andshallbesoservedifstatuterequires,byanymethodprovidedinsubdivisions(d)or(e)ofRule4oftheMaineRulesofCivilProcedure for serviceofprocess incivilactions. Serviceshallalsobemadebypublication as provided in subdivision (e) of this rule upon any such personswhose address or presentwhereabouts isunknownand cannotbe ascertainedbyduediligenceand,inanyotherproceedingonrequestofthepetitioner,uponallunknownpersons.

(C)Ifapartytobeservedisaninfant,copiesofthenoticeandthepetitionshallalsobeservedbytheappropriatemethodupontheinfant’sguardian,iftheinfanthasonewithinthestateknowntothepartymakingserviceand,ifnot,thenupontheinfant’sfatherormotherorotherpersonhavingtheinfant’scareorcontrolorwithwhomthe infantresides. If servicecannotbemadeuponanyof them,thenitshallbemadeasprovidedbyorderofthecourt.(D) If aparty tobe served is an incompetentperson copiesof thenoticeandpetitionshallalsobeservedbytheappropriatemethodupontheguardianoftheincompetentpersonoracompetentadultmemberof the incompetentperson’sfamilywithwhomtheincompetentpersonresidesor,iftheincompetentpersonislivinginaninstitution,thenuponthedirectororchiefexecutiveofficeroftheinstitution.Ifservicecannotbemadeuponanyofthem,thenitshallbemadeasprovidedbyorderof thecourt. Thecourtmayorder thatservicenotbemadeupontheincompetentperson.(E)The courton its ownmotionor for causeshownmayorderservice tobemadeuponanypartybyamethodotherthanthosespecifiedinthisparagraph,solongasthemethodorderedisascalculatedtogivenoticetothepartyasanyothermethodreasonablyavailableinallthecircumstances.(2)CivilProceedings.Inacivilproceedingthesummonsandcomplaintshallbeservedasprovidedinsubdivisions(d),(e),and(f)ofRule4oftheMaineRulesofCivilProcedure.(e)ServicebyPublication.(1)ProbateProceedings. Inprobateproceedings,whenservicebypublicationis required by this rule or by order of the court, the register, on behalf of theapplicant or petitioner, shall cause the substance of the notice prescribed byparagraph(1)ofsubdivision(a)ofthisrule,andinformalprobateproceedingsabriefstatementoftheobjectofthepetition,tobepublishedonceaweekfortwosuccessiveweeksinadesignatednewspaperofgeneralcirculationinthecountywhere the application or petitionwas filed. The firstpublicationof thenoticeshallbemadewithin35daysaftertheapplicationorpetitionisfiledortheorderis granted. Service by publication is complete on the fourteenth day after thefirstpublication.(2)CivilProceedings.Incivilproceedings,servicebypublicationshallbemadeasprovidedinRule4(g)oftheMaineRulesofCivilProcedure.

(f)ProofofNotice;ReturnofService.(1)Probate Proceedings. In informal probate proceedings, the findingsmadeand signed by the register representing that notice has been given shallconstituteanaffidavitofnotice.Informalprobateproceedings,wherethenoticeisservedbymailorpublication,thestatementoftheregisterorthepetitionerorthepetitioner’sattorney,appended toorfiledwithacopyofthenotice,settingforth the means by which service was made upon each person served, andaccompanied by any documentary evidence that service was completed, shallconstituteanaffidavitofnotice. Wherethenoticeisservedpersonally,proofofserviceshallbemadeasprovided forcivilproceedingsinparagraph(2)ofthissubdivision.(2)CivilProceedings.Incivilproceedings,proofofserviceshallbebyreturnoraffidavitasprovidedinRule4(h)oftheMaineRulesofCivilProcedure.(g)Amendment.Atanytimeinitsdiscretionanduponsuchtermsasitdeemsjust, the courtmay allow any notice, process, orproofof service thereof tobeamended, unless it clearly appears thatmaterial prejudicewould result to thesubstantialrightsofthepartyagainstwhomthenoticeorprocessissued.(h)AlternativeProvisionsforServiceinaForeignCountry.(1)Manner.Whenserviceistobeeffecteduponapartyinaforeigncountry,itis also sufficient if service of the notice and petition, if appropriate, or thesummonsandcomplaintismade:(A) In themannerprescribedby the lawof the foreigncountry forservice inthatcountryinanactioninanyofitscourtsofgeneraljurisdiction;or(B)Asdirectedbytheforeignauthorityinresponsetoaletterrogatory,whenserviceineithercaseisreasonablycalculatedtogiveactualnotice;or(C) Upon an individual, by delivery to the individual personally, and upon acorporationorpartnershiporassociation,bydelivery toanofficer,amanagingorgeneralagent;or(D) By any form of mail requiring a signed receipt, to be addressed anddispatchedbytheregistertothepartytobeserved;or

(E)Asdirectedbyorderofthecourt.Serviceunder(C)or(E)abovemaybemadebyanypersonwhoisnotapartyandisnotlessthan18yearsofageorwhoisdesignatedbyorderofthecourtorbytheforeigncourt.Onrequest,theregistershalldeliverthenoticeorsummonstothepartymakingservicefortransmissiontothepersonortheforeigncourtorofficerwhowillmaketheservice.(2)Return. Proofof servicemaybemadeasprescribedbysubdivision(f)ofthis rule, orby the lawof the foreign country, orbyorderof thecourt. Whenserviceismadepursuanttosubparagraph(1)(D)ofthissubdivision(h),proofofservice shall include a receipt signed by the addressee or other evidence ofdeliverytotheaddresseesatisfactorytothecourt.

RULE4A.ATTACHMENTRule 4A of the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure governs procedure in civilproceedingsintheProbateCourts.

RULE4B.TRUSTEEPROCESSRule 4B of the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure governs procedure in civilproceedingsintheProbateCourts.

RULE4C.ARREST[ABROGATED]

RULE4D.DEMANDANDWAIVEROFNOTICE(a)Demand forNotice. Any interested person desiring notice of any filing,hearing, or order in a proceeding concerning a decedent’s estate or in aprotectiveproceedingmayfileademandfornoticewiththeregisterofanycourtatanytimeafterthedeathofthedecedentoratanytimeduringtheminorityordisability of a personwhomaybe the subjectof aprotectiveproceeding. Thedemand shall state the name of the decedentorminorordisabledperson, thenature of the demandant’s interest in the estate, and the address towhich thenoticeshallbesent.Theregistershallmailacopyofthedemandtoanypersonalrepresentative or conservator who has been or shall thereafter be appointed.Thereafter,anyfiling,noticeofhearing,ororderenteredinthatcourtconcerningtheestateofthedecedentorminorordisabledpersonshallbeserveduponthe

demandant as provided in Rule 4(d) or 5 by the person making the filing orseekingthehearingorbytheregisterofthecourtwheretheorderisentered,asappropriate. The demandant shall pay to the register the statutory fee for allcopiesreceivedfromtheregister.(b)WaiverofNotice.Anyperson,includingaguardianadlitem,conservator,orotherfiduciary,whetherornotthepersonhaspreviouslyfiledademandfornotice, may at any time after the commencement of a proceeding waive allfurthernoticeofanyfiling,hearing,ororderbyfilingwiththeregisterawrittenwaiver signed by the person or the person’s attorney; except that an allegedincapacitated personmaywaivenotice in aproceeding for the appointmentorremovalofaguardianonlyasprovidedinsection5-309(b)oftheProbateCode.

RULE5.SERVICEANDFILINGOFPLEADINGSANDOTHERPAPERS(a) Probate Proceedings. Rule 5(a)-(g) & (j) of the Maine Rules of CivilProcedure governs procedure in theProbateCourts so far as applicable for allpapers filed in probate proceedings, except applications or petitions requiringnoticetobeservedunderRule4.TheRegisterofProbateistheclerkforfilingsinprobateproceedings. Serviceunderthisruleshallbemadeuponanypersonwhohas filedademand fornoticeconcerning theestate inquestion,anduponanyotherpersonasrequiredbystatuteortheserulesororderofthecourt.(b)CivilProceedings.Rule5(a)-(g)&(j)oftheMaineRulesofCivilProceduregovernsprocedureincivilproceedingsintheProbateCourts.Serviceunderthisrule shall be made upon any person who has filed a demand for noticeconcerningtheestateinquestion.

RULE6.TIMERule 6 of the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure governs procedure in allproceedings in the Probate Courts, so far as applicable, substituting the ChiefJusticeoftheSupremeJudicialCourtfortheChiefJusticeoftheSuperiorCourt.

III.PLEADINGSANDMOTIONS

RULE7.PLEADINGSALLOWED;FORMOFMOTIONS(a)Pleadings.(1)ProbateProceedings. Inprobateproceedings,thereshallbeanapplicationininformalprobateproceedingsandapetitioninallformalprobateproceedingswhereprovidedbystatute.Informalprobateproceedings,thereshallbeareplytoapetitionwhenrequiredorpermittedbytheserulesorbyorderofcourt.Nootherpleadingshallbeallowedexceptwhenrequiredorpermittedbyorderofcourt.(2)CivilProceedings. Rule7(a)oftheMaineRulesofCivilProceduregovernsprocedureincivilproceedingsintheProbateCourts.(b) Motions and Other Papers. Rule 7(b) of the Maine Rules of CivilProceduregovernstheprocedureinallproceedingsintheProbateCourts,exceptthat inprobateproceedingsanordershallbesoughtbyapplicationorpetitionwheresoprovidedbylaworbytheserules.(c)Demurrers,Pleas, etc.,Abolished. Rule7(c)of theMaineRulesofCivilProceduregovernsprocedureinallproceedingsintheProbateCourts.

RULE8.GENERALRULESOFPLEADING

(a)ProbateProceedings.(1)ContentofPleadings.Everyapplicationandpetitioninaprobateproceedingshallsetforthinshortandplaintermsallofthemattersrequiredbystatutetobepleadedtoobtaintheactionorordersoughtandaspecificrequestforthatactionor order. In formal probate proceedings, the interests to be affected shall bedescribed in terms which give reasonable information to owners by name orclass, by reference to the instrumentorstatutecreating the interestsor toanyothersourceofsuchinterests,orinotherappropriatemanner.(2) Objections; Denials Not Required; Effect. When a reply is required orpermitted by these rules or by order of court, objections or other affirmativemattershallbeset forth inshortandplain terms. Denialsof theallegationsof

the petition shall not be made. Such allegations, and any affirmative matterpleadedinareply,shallbetakenasdeniedoravoided.(3) Construction of Pleadings. All pleadings shall be so construed as to dosubstantialjustice.(4)Certificate of Value. Upon the filingof anyapplicationorpetition for thedeterminationoftestacystatusorappointmentofapersonalrepresentative,theregisterofprobateshallrequiretheapplicantorpetitionertosubmitastatementorcertificateofvalueforthepurposesofdeterminingtheappropriatefilingfees,theneed for the filingofany inheritance taxbond,ortheamountsofanybondthat is required. Except in thecaseofpublicadministrationunder18-AM.R.S.§3-619,upon completionof thedeterminationof theamountof filing feesandthe need for and amount of the inheritance tax or other bond, and upon therequestoftheapplicantorpetitioner,theregistershallreturnthestatementorcertificateofvalueandanycopiestotheapplicantorpetitioner.Thestatementor certificate of value shall not be a public record, except that in the case ofpublic administrationunder18-AM.R.S. §3-619 thestatementorcertificateofvalueshallbetreatedasanyotherrecordisordinarilytreatedintheregistryofprobate.(b)CivilProceedings. Rule8of theMaineRulesofCivilProceduregovernsprocedureincivilproceedingsintheProbateCourts.

RULE9.PLEADINGSPECIALMATTERS(a) Matters involving children. Before filing any action concerningguardianship,adoption,changeofnameorothermattersimplicatingcustodyorother parental rights of a minor child or children, the petitioner must file anaffidavitwiththeProbateCourtthroughwhichthepetitionerstates,underoath:

(1)Therearenofamilymatters,divorce,guardianship,protectionfromabuse,1grandparentvisitation,guardianship,adoption,ornamechangecasesconcerningtheminorchild(ren)beinglitigatedinorawaitingdecisioninanyDistrictCourt;and

1Although4M.R.S.§152(5-A)mentionsprotectionfromharassmentcasesasoneofthepossible“proceedings involvingcustodyorotherparental rights,”acourthasnoauthority toorderparentalrightsandresponsibilitiesundertheprotectionfromharassmentstatute.See5M.R.S.§4655.

(2)Noproceeding involvingguardianship,adoption,changeofnameorothermatters concerning custody or other parental rights of the minor child(ren)brought in the Probate Court has previously been transferred to the DistrictCourt.

If,basedontheinformationintheaffidavit,theRegisteroftheProbateCourtissatisfiedthatithasjurisdictiontohearthecasepursuantto4M.R.S.§251-A,thepetitionmaybefiledanddocketed.If,basedontheinformationintheaffidavit,theRegisteroftheProbateCourtisnotsatisfiedthatithasjurisdictionpursuantto4M.R.S.§251-A, thepetitionshallnotbeaccepted for filing. If theRegistercannotacceptthepetitionforfiling,theRegistershalltellthepersonattemptingto file the petition that he or she should contact the local District Court forfurtherassistance.(b)Inallothermatters,Rule9oftheMaineRulesofCivilProceduregovernsprocedureintheProbateCourtssofarasapplicable.

RULE10.FORMOFPLEADINGS(a) Caption; Title. Every pleading shall contain a caption setting forth thenameofthecourtandthecounty,thetitleoftheproceeding,thedocketnumber,andadesignationasinRule7(a).(1) In an application, petition or other pleading in a probate proceeding, thetitle of the proceeding shall include the name of the decedent, minor, orincapacitatedordisabledpersoninvolvedandanappropriatephrasedescribingthe type of proceeding. An application shall be directed to the register and apetitionshallbedirectedtothejudge.(2)Inacomplaintinacivilproceedingthetitleoftheproceedingshallincludethe names of all the parties, but in other pleadings in a civil proceeding it issufficient to state thenameof the firstpartyoneach sidewith anappropriateindicationofotherparties.(3)Anapplication,petition,orcomplaintshallbedated.(b)Paragraphs;SeparateStatements.Rule10(b)oftheMaineRulesofCivilProceduregovernsprocedureinproceedingsintheProbateCourts.

(c)AdoptionbyReference;Exhibits. Rule10(c)of theMaineRulesofCivilProceduregovernsprocedureinproceedingsintheProbateCourts.

RULE11.SIGNINGOFPLEADINGS(a)ProbateProceedings.(1) Informal Probate Proceedings. In informal probate proceedings, theapplication shall be verified by the applicant and shall state the applicant’saddressandthenameandaddressoftheapplicant’sattorney,ifany.(2)FormalProbateProceedings.Rule11oftheMaineRulesofCivilProceduregovernsprocedureinformalprobateproceedingsintheProbateCourts.(b)CivilProceedings. Rule11oftheMaineRulesofCivilProceduregovernsprocedureincivilproceedingsintheProbateCourts.RULE12.DEFENSESANDOBJECTIONS:WHENANDHOWPRESENTEDBYPLEADINGORMOTION;MOTIONFORJUDGMENTONTHEPLEADINGS

(a)ProbateProceedings.(1)InformalProbateProceedings.Ininformalprobateproceedings,nopleadingaftertheapplicationshallberequiredorpermitted.(2)FormalTestacy,AppointmentProceedingsandChangeofNameProceedings.Informalprobateproceedingsforthedeterminationoftestacy,theappointmentofapersonalrepresentative,guardianorconservator,orachangeofname,thenoticeofhearingshall setadateforhearingthatshallbeat least14daysafterthe first publication of notice under Rule 4(e)(1) or at least 14 days after thecompletionofserviceuponallpersonstobeservedbyothermeans,whicheverislater.Anyinterestedpersontoaformalproceedingwhoopposestheprobateofa will for any reason shall state in that person’s pleadings that person’sobjectionstotheprobateofthewill.Ifapartywhoopposestheprobateofawillfor any reason makes an oral reply stating the party’s objections thereto, theparty shall file awritten reply setting forth those objectionswithin such timeafterthehearingasthecourtshallorder.Ifapartystatesanyotherobjectionsormatter in an oral reply, the court may order the party to file a written replyspecificallystatingsuchobjectionsormatterwithinsuchtimeafterthehearingas may be just. If a written reply is filed at any time, the hearing may be

continuedastoallissuesinvolvedintheobjectionsorothermattertherestatedforaperiodsufficienttoallowallpartiesfairlytobeheardonthoseissues.(3)OtherFormalProbateProceedings.Inallotherformalprobateproceedings,aninterestedpersonwhowishestostateobjectionstotheactionorordersoughtinthepetitionorraiseanyothermattershallserveareplywithin20daysaftertheserviceofthenoticeandpetitionuponthepersonunlessthecourtotherwiseorders, and provided that any person served outside the continental UnitedStatesorCanadamayserveareplywithin50daysaftersuchservice.(4) Preliminary Motion. In formal probate proceedings, at the option of thepleader, the objections of lack of jurisdiction of the subject matter, lack ofjurisdictionoftheperson,impropervenue,andlegalinsufficiencyofthepetitionmayberaisedbymotionatanytimebeforeahearingsetunderparagraph(2)ofthissubdivision,orbefore the filingofareplyrequiredunderparagraph(3)ofthis subdivision, or before hearing if no reply is required. The court maydeterminetheissuesraisedbeforehearingormaypostponedeterminationuntilthehearing. Anyfurtherpleadingrequiredshallbeservedwithin10daysafternoticeofthecourt’saction.(5)Waiver. If amotion ismade under paragraph (4) of this subdivision, allobjectionsmentionedinthatparagraphthatwerethenknowntothemovantarewaived ifnot joined in themotion,andifnomotionismadeeveryobjectionorother matter that could reasonably have been known to and presented by aninterested person shall be deemed waived if not presented as provided inparagraph (2)or (3)of this subdivision;provided that (A) anobjectionraisingthe legal insufficiency of the petitionmay be presented bymotion at any timeprior to final disposition of the petition, and (B) whenever it appears bysuggestion of the parties or otherwise that the court lacks jurisdiction of thesubjectmatter,thecourtshalldismissthepetition.(b)CivilProceedings. Rule12oftheMaineRulesofCivilProceduregovernsprocedureincivilproceedingsintheProbateCourts.

RULE13.COUNTERCLAIMANDCROSS-CLAIMRules13(b)through(i)oftheMaineRulesofCivilProceduregovernprocedurein formalprobateproceedings for the allowanceof claimsagainstadecedent’sestateandincivilproceedingsintheProbateCourts.

RULE14.THIRD-PARTYPRACTICERule 14 of the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure governs procedure in civilproceedingsintheProbateCourts.

RULE15.AMENDEDANDSUPPLEMENTALPLEADINGSRule 15 of the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure governs procedure in allproceedingsintheProbateCourts,sofarasapplicable.

RULE16.PRETRIALPROCEDURE(a) Pretrial Conference. In formal probate and civil proceedings, the courtmay, in its discretion, order the parties to appear before it for a pretrialconferencetoconsiderthefollowingmatters:(1)Thecourt’sactionindisposingofallmotionspendingatthetimeofpretrialconference.(2)Thecourt’sactioninrespecttothefilingbycounseloffurthermotionsandthedatebywhichsuchfilingsshallbeaccomplished.(3)Anyinstructionofthecourttocounselinrespecttofurtheramendmentofthepleadingsinthecaseandthedatebywhichsuchfurtheramendmentofthepleadingsshallbecompleted.(4)Adetailedandconcisespecificationoftheissuestobetriedandalistingofthelegaltheoriesofeachofthepartiesoneachsuchissue.(5)Theactionof thecourtandcounselconcerningadmissionsorstipulationsoffactandagreementstoauthenticityoradmissibilityofexhibitsattrial. Inthealternative,thecourtmayordercounseltofilewiththecourtbyadatespecifiedin thePretrialOrderstipulationsof factandtotheauthenticityoradmissibilityofexhibitstobeofferedattrial.(6)Alistingofallexpertwitnessestobecalledattrialbythepartiesandanylimitationsimposedbythecourtonthenumberofexpertwitnessestotestifyattrial.

(7)Theactionofthecourtonfurtherdiscoverytobepermittedandthedatebywhichsuchdiscoveryistobecompleted.(8) Any requirements imposed by the court in respect to filing in advanceoftrialoflegalmemoranda,trialbriefsorbriefsonspecificquestionsandthedatebywhichsuchfilingsshallbeaccomplished.(9) A date established by the court by which all counsel shall have met,exchangedandpremarkedforidentificationallexhibitstobeofferedattrial.(10)Adate,establishedbythecourt,bywhichthepartiesandcounselshallbereadyfortrialofthecase.(11)Anyactionofthecourtwithrespecttotheorderofprooforwitnessesattrial.(12)A listofallwitnesses tobecalledbythepartiesattrialofthecase. Thecourt shall specify a date by which notice shall be given to the court andopposingcounselofanyadditiontothislistofwitnessesbyanyparty.(13)Anyactionbythecourtrequiringanypartyorcounseltoprovidefurtherevidenceorinformationinrespecttothecasetoopposingcounselandthedatebywhichthatistobeaccomplished.(14)Afindingastowhethereachcounselhasexploredsettlementnegotiationstowardafairdispositionofthecasebysettlement.(15) Other action by the court to aid in the disposition of the matter bysettlementortrial.The courtmay direct counsel toprepare and submit to the court aproposedpretrialorderandshall,whereappropriate,givecounseldetailedinstructionsastothecontentsoftheproposedpretrialorder,withwhichcounselshallspeedilycomply.Otherwise,uponcompletionoftheconference,thecourtshallmakeanorderwhichmayrecitetheabovespecifiedmatters.(b) Effect of Pretrial Order. Such order when entered controls thesubsequent course of the proceeding, unless modified at the trial to preventmanifestinjustice.

(c)Sanctions.Ifapartyfailstocomplywithanyorderissuedunderthisrule,thecourtmayimposeuponthepartyorhisattorneyorbothsuchpenaltiesandsanctionsasthecircumstanceswarrant,whichmayincludethedismissaloftheactionoranypart thereofwithorwithoutprejudice, thedefaultofaparty,theexclusionofevidenceatthetrial,andtheimpositionofcostsincludingattorney’sfees and travel. The court may expressly order, where appropriate in itsdiscretion, that the costs of such sanctions be borne by counsel and that theyshallnotbepassedontocounsel’sclient.

IV.PARTIES

RULE17.PARTIESPLAINTIFFANDDEFENDANT;CAPACITY(a)RealParty in Interest. Rule17(a)of theMaineRulesofCivilProceduregovernsprocedureincivilproceedingsintheProbateCourts.(b)GuardiansandOtherRepresentatives.Rule17(b)oftheMaineRulesofCivilProceduregovernsprocedureinallproceedingsintheProbateCourts.(c) Subrogated Insurance Claims. Rule 17(c) of the Maine Rules of CivilProceduregovernsprocedureincivilproceedingsintheProbateCourts.

RULE17A.SETTLEMENTOFCLAIMSOFINFANTPLAINTIFFSRule17AoftheMaineRulesofCivilProceduregovernsprocedureinallformalprobateandcivilproceedingsintheProbateCourts,exceptthosebroughtundersections3-1101and3-1102oftheProbateCode.

RULE18.JOINDEROFCLAIMSANDREMEDIES(a)JoinderofClaims.(1)ProbateProceedings. Informalprobateproceedings,apetitionermayjoinasmany requests for reliefwithin the exclusive jurisdictionof thecourtas thepetitionerhasconcerningtheestatewhich,orminororincapacitatedordisabledpersonwho, is the subject of the proceeding. Requests for the appointment ofguardians or conservators or other protective orders may be joined withrequests for formal orders concerning decedents’ estates if the minor orincapacitatedordisabledpersoninvolvedisapersoninterestedintheestate.An

applicationfor informalprobatemaybejoinedwithanapplicationforinformalappointmentofapersonalrepresentative.Nootherjoinderofrequestsorclaimsforreliefshallbeallowedinprobateproceedings.(2)CivilProceedings. Incivilproceedings,apartyassertingaclaimtoreliefasanoriginalclaim,counterclaim,cross-claim,orthird-partyclaim,mayjoineitherasindependentorasalternateclaimsasmanyclaimseitherlegalorequitableorboth as the party has against an opposing party, provided that each of suchclaimsisindependentlywithintheconcurrentjurisdictionofthecourt.(b)JoinderofRemedies;FraudulentConveyances.Rule18(b)oftheMaineRulesofCivilProceduregovernscivilproceedingsintheProbateCourts.

RULE19.JOINDEROFPERSONSNEEDEDFORJUSTADJUDICATIONRule 19 of the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure governs procedure in civilproceedingsintheProbateCourts.

RULE20.PERMISSIVEJOINDEROFPARTIES(a)PermissiveJoinder.(1)Probate Proceedings. In probate proceedings, all interested personswhoseek the same action or relief may join in any application or petition for aninformal or formal order for such action or relief. It shall not be necessary toserve notice of the proceedings upon any person joined as an applicant orpetitioner. All interestedpersonsappearing inaprobateproceedingwhohavethesamegroundofobjectionmayjoininstatingthatobjectionorfilingawrittenreplyasprovidedinRule12(a)(2)oftheserules.(2)CivilProceedings.Rule20(a)oftheMaineRulesofCivilProceduregovernsprocedureincivilproceedingsintheProbateCourts.(b) Separate Hearings. Rule 20(b) of the Maine Rules of Civil Proceduregoverns procedure in all formal probate and civil proceedings in the ProbateCourts.

RULE21.MISJOINDERANDNONJOINDEROFPARTIESRule 21 of the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure governs procedure in allproceedingsintheProbateCourts.

RULE22.INTERPLEADERRule 22 of the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure governs procedure in civilproceedingsintheProbateCourts.

RULE23.[RESERVED]

RULE24.INTERVENTIONRule 24 of the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure governs procedure in civilproceedingsintheProbateCourts.

RULE25.SUBSTITUTIONOFPARTIESRule 25 of the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure governs procedure in allproceedingsintheProbateCourts.

V.DEPOSITIONSANDDISCOVERY

RULE26.GENERALPROVISIONSGOVERNINGDISCOVERYRule26oftheMaineRulesofCivilProceduregovernsprocedureinallformalprobateandcivilproceedingsintheProbateCourts.

RULE27.DISCOVERYBEFOREACTIONORPENDINGAPPEALRule27oftheMaineRulesofCivilProceduregovernsprocedureinallformalprobateandcivilproceedingsintheProbateCourts.

RULE28.PERSONSBEFOREWHOMDEPOSITIONSMAYBETAKENRule28oftheMaineRulesofCivilProceduregovernsprocedureinallformalprobateandcivilproceedingsintheProbateCourts.

RULE29.STIPULATIONSREGARDINGDISCOVERYPROCEDURERule29oftheMaineRulesofCivilProceduregovernsprocedureinallformalprobateandcivilproceedingsintheProbateCourts.

RULE30.DEPOSITIONSUPONORALEXAMINATIONRule30oftheMaineRulesofCivilProceduregovernsprocedureinallformalprobateandcivilproceedingsintheProbateCourts.

RULE31.DEPOSITIONSUPONWRITTENQUESTIONSRule31oftheMaineRulesofCivilProceduregovernsprocedureinallformalprobateandcivilproceedingsintheProbateCourts.

RULE32.USEOFDEPOSITIONSINCOURTPROCEEDINGSRule32oftheMaineRulesofCivilProceduregovernsprocedureinallformalprobateandcivilproceedingsintheProbateCourts.

RULE33.INTERROGATORIESTOPARTIES Rule33oftheMaineRulesofCivilProceduregovernsprocedureinallformalprobateandcivilproceedingsintheProbateCourts.RULE34.PRODUCTIONOFDOCUMENTSANDTHINGSANDENTRYUPON

LANDFORINSPECTIONANDOTHERPURPOSESRule34oftheMaineRulesofCivilProceduregovernsprocedureinallformalprobateandcivilproceedingsintheProbateCourts.

RULE35.PHYSICALANDMENTALEXAMINATIONOFPERSONSRule35oftheMaineRulesofCivilProceduregovernsprocedureinallformalprobateandcivilproceedingsintheProbateCourts.

RULE36.REQUESTSFORADMISSIONRule36oftheMaineRulesofCivilProceduregovernsprocedureinallformalprobateandcivilproceedingsintheProbateCourts.

RULE37.FAILURETOMAKEDISCOVERY;SANCTIONS

Rule37oftheMaineRulesofCivilProceduregovernsprocedureinallformalprobateandcivilproceedingsintheProbateCourts.

VI.HEARINGS

RULES38AND39.[RESERVED]

RULE40.ASSIGNMENTOFCASESFORHEARING;CONTINUANCES(a)HearingCalendarandNoticeofHearing.(1)Calendar.TheChiefJusticemayestablishbyadministrativeorderauniformprocedureunderwhichtheregistershallscheduleprobateandcivilproceedingsforhearing.IftheChiefJusticedoesnotestablishsuchaprocedure,eachjudgeofprobateshallprovidebyorderforsuchschedulingbytheregisteruponasinglecalendar or separate probate and civil calendars. Such orders of the judges ofprobate shall be collected and published annually by the State CourtAdministrator.(2)Date ofHearing. In formal probate proceedings for the determination oftestacy or the appointment of a personal representative, guardian, orconservator, the register shall, upon the filing of the petition, set a date forhearinginaccordancewithRule12(a)(2).ThepetitionershallincludethatdateinthenoticetobeservedunderRule4.Inallotherformalprobateproceedings,and in all civil proceedings, the register shall, upon the filing of the reply oranswer,setadateforhearing.Atleast14dayspriortothedateset,theregistershallservenoticeofthehearingdatebyordinarymailupontheattorneysforthepetitionerorplaintiffandallpartieswhoreceivedserviceofnoticeorsummonsunderRule4,oruponanysuchpartywhohasnoattorney.(b)Continuances. Rule40(b)of theMaineRulesofCivilProceduregovernsprocedureinallformalprobateandcivilproceedingsintheProbateCourts.(c) Affidavit in Support of Motion. Rule 40(c) of the Maine Rules of CivilProceduregovernsprocedure inall formalprobateandcivilproceedingsintheProbateCourts.

RULE41.DISMISSALOFPROCEEDINGS

(a)VoluntaryDismissal;EffectThereof.(1) Probate Proceedings. No probate proceeding may be dismissed at theinstanceoftheapplicantorpetitionersaveupontheorderofthecourtanduponsuch terms or conditions, including notice of a proposed dismissal to allinterestedpersons,asthecourtdeemsproper.Unlessotherwisespecifiedintheorder,adismissalunderthisparagraphiswithoutprejudice.(2)CivilProceedings.Rule41(a)oftheMaineRulesofCivilProceduregovernsprocedureincivilproceedingsintheProbateCourts.(b)InvoluntaryDismissal;EffectThereof.(1)ProbateProceedings.(A)OnCourt’sOwnMotion. TheCourt,onitsownmotion,afternoticetotheparties, and in the absence of a showing of good cause to the contrary, shalldismiss any petition forwant of prosecution at any timemore than two yearsafter the last docket entry showing any action taken therein by the petitioner,otherthanamotionforcontinuance.(B) In Formal Proceedings. In formal probate proceedings, any interestedpersonmaymovefordismissalofthepetitionforfailureofthepetitionertotakeanynecessarystep for twoyearsor tocomplywiththeserulesoranyorderofCourt.UnlesstheCourtinitsorderfordismissalotherwisespecifies,adismissalunderthisparagraphandanydismissalnotprovidedforinthisrule,otherthanadismissal from lack of jurisdiction or for improper venue, operates as anadjudicationuponthemerits.(2)CivilProceedings.Rule41(b)oftheMaineRulesofCivilProceduregovernsprocedureinallcivilproceedingsintheProbateCourts.(c) Dismissal of Counterclaim, Cross-Claim, or Third-Party Claim. Theprovisionsofthisruleapplytothedismissalofanycounterclaim,cross-claim,orthird-partyclaim.

(d) Costs of Previously Dismissed Proceeding. Rule 41(d) of the MaineRules of Civil Procedure governs procedure in all formal probate and civilproceedingsintheProbateCourts.

RULE42.CONSOLIDATION;SEPARATEHEARINGS(a)Consolidation. Whenproceedingsinvolvingacommonquestionoflaworfact arependingbefore aprobatecourt, thecourtmayordera jointhearingofany or all of the matters in issue in the proceedings, if those proceedings areformalprobateorcivilorboth.Thecourtmayorderproceedingsconsolidatedifthey are all formal probate or all civil. The court may make such ordersconcerning the procedure therein as may tend to avoid unnecessary costs ordelay.(b) Separate Hearings. Rule 42(b) of the Maine Rules of Civil ProceduregovernsprocedureinallproceedingsintheProbateCourts.(c)ConvenienceandJustice. Inmakinganyorderunderthisrule,thecourtshall give due regard to the convenience of parties and witnesses and theinterestsofjustice.

RULE43.TAKINGOFTESTIMONYRule43oftheMaineRulesofCivilProceduregovernsprocedureinallformalprobateandcivilproceedingsintheProbateCourts.

RULE44.PROOFOFOFFICIALRECORDRule44oftheMaineRulesofCivilProceduregovernsprocedureinallformalprobateandcivilproceedingsintheProbateCourts.

RULE44A.DETERMINATIONOFFOREIGNLAWRule44AoftheMaineRulesofCivilProceduregovernsprocedureinallformalprobateandcivilproceedingsintheProbateCourts.

RULE45.SUBPOENARule45oftheMaineRulesofCivilProceduregovernsprocedureinallformalprobateandcivilproceedingsintheProbateCourts.

RULE46.EXCEPTIONSUNNECESSARY

Rule46oftheMaineRulesofCivilProceduregovernsprocedureinallformalprobateandcivilproceedingsintheProbateCourts.

RULES47TO49.[RESERVED]

RULE50.MOTIONFORJUDGMENTRule 50(d) of the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure governs procedure in allformalprobateandcivilproceedingsintheProbateCourts,sofarasapplicable.

RULE51.ARGUMENTOFCOUNSELRule 51(a) of the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure governs procedure in allformalprobateandcivilproceedingsintheProbateCourts,sofarasapplicable.

RULE52.FINDINGSBYTHECOURTRule52oftheMaineRulesofCivilProceduregovernsprocedureinallformalprobateandcivilproceedingsintheProbateCourts,sofarasapplicable.

RULE53.REFEREESRule53oftheMaineRulesofCivilProceduregovernsprocedureinallformalprobate and civil proceedings in the Probate Courts, so far as applicable;provided that the compensation and necessary expenses of a referee shall bepaidbythecountyinallcasesinwhichtheyarenottobepaidinwholeorinpartbythepartiesoroutofafundorothersubjectmatteroftheaction.

VII.JUDGMENT

RULE54.JUDGMENT;COSTS(a)Definition;Form.“Judgment”asusedintheserulesincludesadecreeandanyorder fromwhichanappeal lies. A judgment shall not containarecitalofpleadingsortherecordofpriorproceedings.

(b) Judgment UponMultiple Claims or InvolvingMultiple Parties. Rule54(b) of the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure governs procedure in all formalprobateandcivilproceedingsintheProbateCourts.(c)Demandfor Judgment. Rule54(c)oftheMaineRulesofCivilProceduregoverns procedure in all formal probate and civil proceedings in the ProbateCourts.(d)AllowanceofCosts.(1) Probate Proceedings. In all contested formal probate proceedings, costsmaybeallowed to eitherpartyoutof theestate incontroversyasprovidedbystatuteandtheserules,orinthediscretionofthecourtmaybeallowedagainstalosingpartyintheeventofafrivolousormaliciousclaimorobjection.(2) Civil Proceedings. In all civil proceedings, costs shall be allowed to theprevailingpartyasprovidedforcivilactionsinRule54(d)oftheMaineRulesofCivilProcedure.(e)TaxationofCosts.(1)ProbateProceedings.Informalprobateproceedings,costsshallbetaxedbythecourtuponastatementpresentedbyeachpartyclaimingthem.Taxationofcostsshallbeconductedatahearinginopencourtuponnoticetoallpartieswhohaveappearedintheproceeding.(2)CivilProceedings.Rule54(e)oftheMaineRulesofCivilProceduregovernsprocedureincivilproceedingsintheProbateCourts.(f)ScheduleofFees.(1) Probate Proceedings. The following schedule of fees shall be taxable ascosts:(A)AttorneysandWitnesses.Asprovidedbystatute.(B)RegisterfortheUseofCounties.Asprovidedbystatute.(C)Miscellaneous.

Serviceastaxedbytheofficer,subjecttocorrection.Surveyors, commissioners, and other officers appointed by the court, fees aschargedbythemsubjecttocorrection.Costs of reference as reported by the referee and allowed by the court,providedthatwheninhearingsondefaulttheregisterservesasreferee,heshallnotbecompensated.(2)CivilProceedings. Rule54(f)oftheMaineRulesofCivilProceduregovernsprocedure in civil proceedings in theProbateCourts,provided that inhearingsondefault,whentheregisterservesasreferee,heshallnotbecompensated.(g) Costs onDepositions. Rule 54(g) of theMaineRulesofCivilProceduregoverns procedure in all formal probate and civil proceedings in the ProbateCourts.

RULE54A.FEESIn addition to any filingor entry fees requiredby lawor rule, the feesof theProbateCourtsshallbeasfollows:N-109,N-110,$2.00each;N-101,N-102,N-103,N-104,A-10,A-15andA-15(a),$5.00each;Issuanceofsubpoenaorsummons,$5.00each;Certificationandattestationofcopies,$5.00each;Certificate,undersealofcourt,$5.00each;Filing of notice of removal of a proceeding to the Superior Court, $100.00,exclusiveofentryfeepaidtotheSuperiorCourt;FilingajurisdictionalaffidavitpursuanttoRule9,$0;FilingarequestfortransfertotheDistrictCourtpursuanttoRule71-B,$0;Filinganoticeofdomiciliaryforeignconservator’sappointment,$25.00;

Demandfornotice,$25.00;FilingofnoticeofappealtotheLawCourt,$100.00,exclusiveofentryfeepaidtotheLawCourt;Statutorywillform,$5.00;WritsandRenewalofWrits,$25.00;PetitionforTerminationofParentalRights,$65.00;SurrenderandReleaseofChildforAdoption,$25.00;Consentofnon-petitioningParentforAdoption,$25.00;Claimagainstestate,$25.00;andFilingofpetitionorcomplaintinacivilproceeding,$120.00.FeesforofficialprobatecourtformsareaddressedinRule84.

RULE55.DEFAULT(a) Entry. When a party who has been served with notice of a petition informalprobateproceedingsforthedeterminationoftestacyortheappointmentofapersonalrepresentative,guardianorconservatordoesnotmakewrittenororal reply as provided in Rule 12(a)(2), and that fact is made to appear byaffidavitorotherwise,theregistershallentertheparty’sdefault. Whenapartywhohasbeen servedwithnoticeof suchapetition, orofanypetition inotherformalprobateproceedings,oragainstwhomajudgmentforaffirmativereliefissought in civil proceedings, has otherwise failed to plead or otherwise act ordefendasprovidedbytheserulesandthatfactismadetoappearbyaffidavitorotherwise, the register shall enter theparty’sdefault,except thatnodefaultordefault judgment shall be entered by the clerk in any action involvingguardianship,adoption,changeofname,orothermattersconcerningcustodyorother parental rights of a minor child. In any action involving guardianship,adoption,changeofname,orothermattersconcerningcustodyorotherparentalrightsofaminorchild,M.R.Civ.P.117governsdefaultprocedure.

(b) Judgment; Setting AsideDefault; Plaintiffs, Counterclaimants, Cross-Claimants. Rule 55(b)-(d) of the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure governsprocedureinallformalprobateproceedingsandRules55(b)-(d)and117oftheMaineRulesofCivilProceduregoverncivilproceedingsintheProbateCourts,sofar as applicable, except that the appointment of a guardian ad litemor othersuch representative to appear on behalf of an infant or incompetentperson informal probate proceedings under paragraph (2) of subdivision (b) of Rule55shallberequiredonlyuponanorderofthejudge.

RULE56.SUMMARYJUDGMENTRule56oftheMaineRulesofCivilProceduregovernsprocedureinallformalprobateandcivilproceedingsintheProbateCourts.

RULE57.DECLARATORYJUDGMENTSRule57oftheMaineRulesofCivilProceduregovernsprocedureinallformalprobateandcivilproceedingsintheProbateCourts,sofarasapplicable.RULE58.ENTRYOFJUDGMENTORINFORMALSTATEMENTORORDER

In a formal probate or civil proceeding, when the judge directs that a partyrecover only money or costs or that all action or relief sought be denied, theregister shall enter judgment forthwith upon receipt by the register of thedirection;butwhenthejudgedirectsentryofjudgmentforotheractionorrelief,thejudgeshallpromptlysettleorapprovetheformofjudgmentanddirectthatitbe entered by the register. The notation of a judgment in the docket inaccordancewithRule79(a)constitutestheentryofjudgment;andthejudgmentisnoteffectivebeforesuchentry.Theentryofthejudgmentshallnotbedelayedfor the taxing of costs. In an informal probate proceeding, the register shallforthwith note a written statement of informal probate or order of informalappointment in the docket as provided in Rule 79(a). Informal probate orappointmentisnoteffectivebeforesuchnotation.

RULE59.NEWTRIALS;AMENDMENTSOFJUDGMENTSRule59oftheMaineRulesofCivilProceduregovernsprocedureinallformalprobateandcivilproceedingsintheProbateCourts.

RULE60.RELIEFFROMJUDGMENTORORDER(a) Clerical Mistakes. Rule 60(a) of the Maine Rules of Civil ProceduregovernsprocedureinallproceedingsintheProbateCourts.(b) Mistakes; Inadvertence; Excusable Neglect; Newly DiscoveredEvidence;Fraud,etc.Rule60(b)oftheMaineRulesofCivilProceduregovernsprocedureinallformalprobateandcivilproceedingsintheProbateCourts.

RULE61.HARMLESSERRORRule61oftheMaineRulesofCivilProceduregovernsprocedureinallformalprobateandcivilproceedingsintheProbateCourts.

RULE62.STAYOFPROCEEDINGSTOENFORCEAJUDGMENT(a)ProbateProceedings.Unlessotherwiseorderedbythecourt,ajudgmentin a formal probate proceeding shall not be stayed during the period after itsentry and until an appeal is taken or during the pendency of an appeal. Onmotionandashowing,subjecttotheobligationssetforthinRule11,thatapartyintendstomakeamotionpursuanttoRule52(b),59or60,ortotakeanappeal,thecourtmaygrantastayofajudgmentpendingthedispositionofsuchmotionor the taking of such appeal or during the pendency of an appeal. Any staygranted pursuant to this subdivision shall be on such terms as to bond orotherwiseasthecourtconsidersproperforthesecurityoftherightsofallotherparties. Rule 62(d), (g) and (h) of theMaine Rules of Civil Procedure governsprocedureinallformalprobateproceedings,sofarasapplicable.(b)CivilProceedings.Rule62oftheMaineRulesofCivilProceduregovernsprocedure in all civil proceedings in the Probate Courts, so far as applicable,substitutingProbateCourtforSuperiorCourtinsubdivision(a)ofthatrule.

RULE63.DISABILITYORRECUSALOFAJUDGERule63oftheMaineRulesofCivilProceduregovernsprocedureinallformalprobateandcivilproceedingsintheProbateCourts.

VIII.PROVISIONALANDFINALREMEDIESANDSPECIALPROCEEDINGS

RULE64.REPLEVINRule 64 of the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure governs procedure in civilproceedingsintheProbateCourts.

RULE65.INJUNCTIONS(a) Probate Proceedings. Proceedings for discovery of property undersection 3-110 of the Probate Code and proceedings to restrain a personalrepresentativeundersection3-607andaconservatorundersection5-416oftheProbateCodeareformalprobateproceedings,andRule65oftheMaineRulesofCivilProceduregovernsprocedure insuchproceedingsso farasapplicable. Inother formalprobateproceedings,ancillaryinjunctivereliefasprovidedinthatrulemaybesoughtbyanypartyonmotionandnoticepursuanttoRule5.(b)CivilProceedings. Rule65oftheMaineRulesofCivilProceduregovernsprocedureincivilproceedingsintheProbateCourts.

RULE66.RECEIVERSHIPSA proceeding wherein a receiver has been appointed shall not be dismissedexcept by order of the court. Except as otherwise provided by statute, thepracticeinproceedingsforreceivershipsandinactionsbroughtbyoragainstareceivershallbegovernedbytheserulesandtheMaineRulesofCivilProcedure.

RULE67.DEPOSITINCOURTRule67oftheMaineRulesofCivilProceduregovernsprocedureinallformalprobateandcivilproceedingsintheProbateCourts,substitutingProbateCourtforDistrictCourtandregisterforclerk.

RULE68.OFFEROFJUDGMENTRule68oftheMaineRulesofCivilProceduregovernsprocedureinallformalprobateandcivilproceedingsintheProbateCourts.

RULE69.EXECUTIONRule 69 of the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure governs procedure in civilproceedingsintheProbateCourts.

RULE70.JUDGMENTFORSPECIFICACTSRule70oftheMaineRulesofCivilProceduregovernsprocedureinallformalprobateandcivilproceedingsintheProbateCourts.RULE71.PROCESSINBEHALFOFANDAGAINSTPERSONSNOTPARTIES

Rule71oftheMaineRulesofCivilProceduregovernsprocedureinallformalprobateandcivilproceedingsintheProbateCourts.

VIIIA.REMOVAL

RULE71A.REMOVALTOTHESUPERIORCOURT(a)WhoMayRemove;Time. Anypartytoacivilproceedingmay,within20daysafterserviceofthelastrequiredpleadingorwithin10daysafterserviceofanyamendment to thepleadingsoranyresponsivepleadingpermittedthereto,removetheproceedingtotheSuperiorCourtinthecountyinwhichtheProbateCourtwheretheproceedingwascommencedsits.(b)ProcedureforRemoval.Removalshallbeeffectedbyfilingnoticethereof,serving a copy thereof upon all other parties, and paying to the register therequired fees, including the entry fee in and the cost of forwarding theproceeding to the Superior Court. The register shall thereupon file in theSuperiorCourtacopyoftheoriginalpapersandexhibitsandtranscript,ifany,inthe proceeding, together with a certified copy of all docket entries under themaster docket number for the estate, guardianship, or trust under which theproceedingtoberemovedisdocketed;providedthattheProbateCourtshallfirstdetermine anymotion for approval of attachment, trustee process, or replevinpendingat the timeof removal. If prior to removal apleading requiredof theremoving party has not been filed, it shall be filed forthwith in the SuperiorCourt. Thereafter, the action shall be prosecuted in the Superior Court as iforiginally commenced therein. If the party giving notice of removal does not

complywiththerequirementsofthissubdivision,theproceedingshallbeheardanddeterminedintheProbateCourtasifnonoticeofremovalhadbeengiven.(c)EffectofOrders.AnyorderoftheProbateCourtenteredpriortoremovalshallremaininforceuntilmodifiedbytheSuperiorCourt.(d) Joint or Several Removal. Parties interested jointly, severally, orotherwise in any civil proceeding may join in removal thereof; or any one ormore of themmay remove separatelyor any twoormoreof themmay join inremoval.(e)Removal for Consolidation. Anyparty to a civil proceedingmayat anytime before the hearing on the merits remove the proceeding to the SuperiorCourtinanycountyforpurposesofjointhearingortrialorconsolidationwithacivilaction therepending,asprovided inRule42(a)oftheMaineRulesofCivilProcedure.ThepartyseekingremovalshallfirstmoveintheSuperiorCourtforan order granting joint hearing or trial or consolidation, conditional oncompletionoftheremoval.Ifthatmotionisgranted,thepartymayfileandservenoticeofremovalasprovidedinsubdivision(b)ofthisrule,appendingtheretoacertifiedcopyoftheSuperiorCourt’sorder.Allsubsequentproceedingsshallbeinaccordancewithsubdivisions(b)-(d)ofthisrule.

VIIIB.TRANSFER

RULE71B.TRANSFEROFPROCEEDINGSINMATTERSINVOLVINGGUARDIANSHIP,ADOPTION,CHANGEOFNAMEOROTHERMATTERS

CONCERNINGCUSTODYOROTHERPARENTALRIGHTSOFAMINORCHILD(a)NoticeofTransfer;TransferRequest.(1) If the Probate Court presiding over a guardianship, adoption, change ofname, or othermatter concerning custody or other parental rights of aminorchildbecomesawarethatproceedingsregardingcustodyorotherparentalrightsconcerning the child are pending in theDistrict Court, the Probate Court shallimmediately notify the parties and, within the next 7 days, shall conduct atelephone conference with the District Courtwhere the proceedings involvingthe child are pending, to determine whether the child is under the exclusive,continuing jurisdictionof theDistrictCourtpursuant to4M.R.S.§152(5-A). Ifthe District Court has such jurisdiction, the courts shall consult so that the

DistrictCourtmaydeterminetheappropriateactiontofacilitateatransferofthematterfromtheProbateCourt.

(2) Any party involved in a guardianship, adoption, change of name or othermatter concerning custody or other parental rights of a minor child, whobecomes aware that proceedings regarding custody or other parental rightsconcerning the child arepending in theDistrictCourt, shall immediatelynotifytheProbateCourtbyfilingarequestfortransfer.TheProbateCourtshall,withinsevendaysafterreceiptoftherequest,conductatelephoneconferencewiththeDistrict Court where the proceedings involving the child are pending, todeterminewhetherthechildisundertheexclusive,continuingjurisdictionoftheDistrict Court pursuant to 4 M.R.S. §152(5-A). If the District Court has suchjurisdiction,thecourtsshallconsultsothattheDistrictCourtmaydeterminetheappropriateactiontofacilitateatransferofthematterfromtheProbateCourt.(b) Transfer Orders. After consulting with the Probate Court, the DistrictCourt shall issue an order that immediately transfers the Probate CourtproceedingtotheDistrictCourtwherethereisapendingcase,unlesstheDistrictCourtdeterminesthatimmediatetransferwouldresultinunduedelayorwasteof judicialresources. If theDistrictCourtdoesnotorderimmediatetransfer, itshallissueanorderthattransferstheproceedingfromProbateCourttoDistrictCourt:(1)AssoonasaspecifiedeventintheProbateCourthasoccurred;(2)AssoonastheProbateCourthasissuedanorderrulingonamatterithasunderadvisement;or(3)Onadatecertain.TheDistrictCourtshallprovidecopiesofthetransferordertoallpartiesandtotheProbateCourt.(c)ProcedureforTransfer.Within7daysafterthedateoftransferspecifiedinthetransferorder,theRegisteroftheProbateCourtshallfilewiththeDistrictCourt that issued theorderof transfer theoriginal filings,orders,exhibits,andtranscripts,ifany,oftheproceeding,togetherwithacertifiedcopyofalldocketentriesfortheproceedingbeingtransferred.

(d)EffectofTransfer. ThetransferredactionshallbelitigatedintheDistrictCourt as if originally begun there, and the District Court shall have exclusive,continuing jurisdiction of allmatters concerning the child(ren) involved in thetransferred action, pursuant to 4 M.R.S. § 152(5-A). Thereafter, any familymatter,guardianship,adoption,namechange,orothermatterinvolvingcustodyorotherparentalrightswithrespecttothatminorchildorchildrenmustbefiledintheDistrictCourt.e)EffectofPreviousOrders. AnyorderoftheProbateCourtenteredbeforetransfershallremaininforceuntilmodifiedbytheDistrictCourt.

IX.APPEALS[AppealsaregovernedbytheMaineRulesofAppellateProcedure]

RULES72to74C.[ABROGATED]

RULE74D.[REDESIGNATED]

Rule74DisredesignatedasRule40,subsection(d),effectiveJanuary1,2001.

RULES75to76A.[ABROGATED]

X.PROBATECOURTSANDREGISTERS

RULE76H.ELECTRONICSOUNDRECORDING Rule 76H of theMaineRules of CivilProceduregovernsprocedure in allformalprobateandcivilproceedingsintheProbateCourts,exceptthatthecostsandfeesaddressedinRule76H(e)(2)oftheMaineRulesofCivilProcedureshallbethecostsandfeesestablishedbytheindividualProbateCourts.

RULE77.PROBATECOURTSANDREGISTERS(a)ProbateCourtsAlwaysOpen.TheProbateCourtsshallbedeemedalwaysopenforthepurposeoffilinganypleadingorotherproperpaper,ofissuingandreturningmesneandfinalprocess,andofmakinganddirectingallinterlocutorymotions, orders, and rules. Filings outside of normal business hours and at

placesother thanappropriate for thevenueof theproceedingaregovernedbyRule5.(b)TrialsandHearings;OrdersinChambers.Rule77(b)oftheMaineRulesofCivilProceduregovernsprocedureintheProbateCourts.(c) Register’s Office. The register’s office with the register or a deputy inattendanceshallbeopenduringsuchhoursastheChief JusticeoftheSupremeJudicial Court may designate, on all days except Saturdays, Sundays, and legalholidays,andexceptsuchotherdaysastheChiefJusticemaydesignate.(d)Notice ofOrders or Judgments. Rule 77(d) of theMaineRules ofCivilProceduregovernsprocedureintheProbateCourts.(e)FacsimileSignatureoftheRegister.Afacsimilesignatureoftheregisterimprinted at the register’s direction upon any summons, writ, subpoena,judgment,order,ornotice,exceptexecutions,shallhavethesamevalidityastheregister’ssignature.

RULE78.[RESERVED]RULE79.BOOKSANDRECORDSKEPTBYTHEREGISTERANDENTRIES

THEREIN(a) TheDocket. The register shall keep the docket, and shall enter thereinevery proceeding to which these rules are fully applicable or which isenumerated inRule 81(b). Each estate of a decedent, eachguardianship, eachestate of a minor or incapacitated or disabled person, and each trust shall beassigned a master docket number when the first proceeding concerning it iscommencedinthecourt. Thefirstandeachsubsequentproceedingconcerningthatestate,guardianship,ortrustshallbeassignedasubsidiarydocketnumberconsistingof themasterdocketnumberandanumerical suffix identifying thatproceeding. The register may keep a single master docket, listing all estates,guardianships, and trusts in one numerical sequence with all proceedingsconcerning a particular estate, guardianship, or trust listed under it, or theregistermaykeepseparatedocketswithseparatenumericalsequencesforeachcategory. Each proceeding enumerated in Rule 81(b) shall be assigned aseparate docket number, and may be listed on a single docket or separatedockets, except that adoption proceedingsmust be listedona separatedocketwhichshallbekeptconfidential. Uponthecommencementofaproceeding,the

fullnameofeachpartyandthenameandaddressoftheapplicant’s,petitioner’s,or plaintiff’s attorney, if any, shall be enteredupon thedocket. Thereafter thename and address of the attorney appearing or answering for any party shallsimilarlybeentered. Allpapers filedwiththeregister,allappearances,orders,and judgments shall be noted chronologically upon the subsidiary docket andshallbemarkedwiththedocketnumber.Thesenotationsshallbrieflyshowthenatureofeachpaper filedorwrit issuedand thesubstanceofeachorderoforjudgmentof the court andof thereturnsshowingexecutionofprocess. In thealternative,thenotationofanorderorjudgmentmayconsistofanincorporationby referenceof adesignatedorder, judgment, opinion,orotherdocument filedwiththeregisterbythecourt,providedthatthenotationshowsthatitismadeatthe specific direction of the court. Thenotationof anorderor judgment shallshowthedatethenotationismade.(b)JudgmentsandOrders.Aftertherenditionofjudgment,theregistershallwithout unreasonable delay,makeextended recordsof allmatters requiredbystatute, and proceedings in real actions including foreclosure of mortgages,flowage and partition. In other proceedings, it shall be sufficient to record thenamesof theparties, thedocketnumber, thedateof thecomplaint, thedateofservice, and the petition or date of rendition of judgment, its nature and theamountofanydamagesorcostsawarded. Uponapplicationofanypartymadenotlaterthan90daysafterfinaljudgmentthecourtmayorderthepreparation,uponpaymentoffeesorderedbythecourt,ofafullrecordinanyproceedingorsuchadditional recordas thepartyrequests. TheChief Justiceof theSupremeJudicialCourtshallprescribetheformandmannerofmakingandkeepingsuchrecords andmayprescribe such further records tobekept as theChief Justicemaydeemappropriate.(c)CustodyofPapersbytheRegister. Theregistershallbeanswerableforallrecordsandpapersfiledwiththecourt,andtheyshallnotbetakenfromtheregister’s custodywithout specialorderof thecourt;but thepartiesmayatalltimeshavecopies.(d)OtherBooksandRecords. TheregistershallkeepsuchotherbooksandrecordsasmayberequiredbystatuteorfromtimetotimebytheChiefJusticeoftheSupremeJudicialCourt.

XI.SPECIALRULESFORCERTAINPROCEEDINGS

RULE80.[RESERVED]

RULE80A.REALACTIONSRule 80A of the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure governs procedure in civilproceedingsintheProbateCourts.

RULE80B.CREDITORS’CLAIMSAGAINSTDECEDENTS’ESTATES(a)NoticetoCreditors. Thenoticetocreditorsrequiredbysection3-801ofthe Probate Code shall be published by the register in the personalrepresentative’sbehalfuponwrittenrequestandtenderoffees.(b)WrittenStatement. If a claimantwishes topresentaclaimby filing thewritten statement of claimprovidedby section3-804of theProbateCode, theclaimantshall,withinthetimelimitsof3-803oftheProbateCode,filewiththeregistertheofficialformforaStatementofClaim.(c)ProceedingsByandAgainstthePersonalRepresentative.Proceedingsbroughtbyclaimantsundersection3-807(a)oftheProbateCodeforpaymentofclaimsthathavebeenallowedareformalprobateproceedingsundertheserules.Proceedingsbroughtbyclaimantsundersection3-804(2)oftheProbateCodetoobtainpaymentofclaimsthathavenotpreviouslybeengranted,orundersection3-806oftheProbateCodetoobtainpaymentofclaimsthathavebeenpresentedanddisallowed,arecivilproceedingsundertheserules.Proceedingsbroughtbythe personal representative under section 3-806(b) of the Probate Code forallowanceofclaimsarecivilproceedings.

XII.GENERALPROVISIONS

RULE81.APPLICABILITY(a) To What Proceedings Fully Applicable. These rules apply to allproceedings in theProbateCourts,with theexceptionsset forth insubdivision(b)of thisrule. TheyapplytoproceedingsontransfertotheDistrictCourt,onremoval to the Superior Court, and on appeal to the Supreme Judicial Courtsitting as the Law Court. A civil proceeding under these rules is appropriate

whether the matter was one formerly cognizable at law or in equity andirrespectiveofanystatutoryprovisionsastotheformofaction.(b)LimitedApplicability.Exceptforthejurisdictionalaffidavitsrequiredforthe initiation of all guardianship, adoption and name change cases involvingminorchildren,theserulesdonotalterthepracticeprescribedbythestatutesofthe State of Maine or other rules of court for beginning and conducting thefollowingproceedingsintheProbateCourts:(1)Proceedingsforadoptionunder18-AM.R.S.§9-101etseq.and18-AM.R.S.§9-301.(2)Proceedingsforchangeofnameunder18-AM.R.S.§9-301.(3)Proceedingsuponchildprotectionpetitionsunder22M.R.S.§4031(1)(B).(4) Proceedings for emergency admission to a psychiatric hospital under34-BM.R.S.§3863.In respects not covered by statute, the practice in these proceedings shallconformasnearly aspossible to these rules, consistentwith a justandspeedydetermination of each proceeding. The procedure on any appeal permitted intheseproceedingsshallbeinaccordancewiththeserules.(c)[Reserved].(d)WritsAbolished.Rule81(d)oftheMaineRulesofCivilProceduregovernsprocedureincivilproceedingsintheProbateCourts.(e)TerminologyinStatutesandRulesofCivilProcedure.(1)Whenaprovisionof theMaineRulesofCivilProcedureis incorporatedinthese rules by reference, the terminology of the civil rule, where inconsistentwith that of these rules or inappropriate under these rules, shall be taken tomeantheindividual,term,device,orprocedureproperundertheserules.(2)Inapplyingtheserulestoanyproceedingtowhichtheyareapplicable,theterminologyofanystatutewhichisalsoapplicable,whereinconsistentwiththatin these rules or inappropriate under these rules, shall be taken to mean theindividual,term,device,orprocedureproperundertheserules.

(f)WhenProcedureIsNotSpecificallyPrescribed. Whennoprocedure isspecifically prescribed, the court shall proceed in any lawful manner notinconsistentwith the Constitutions of the United States or the State ofMaine,theserules,theProbateCode,oranyotherapplicablestatute.

RULE82.JURISDICTIONANDVENUEUNAFFECTEDThese rules shall not be construed to extend or limit the jurisdiction of theProbateCourts,theSuperiorCourt,ortheSupremeJudicialCourtorthevenueofactionstherein.

RULE83.DEFINITIONSUnless specified to the contrary, the followingwordswheneverused in theserulesshallhavethefollowingmeanings:(1)Theword“court”shall includethejudgeofanyoneoftheseveralProbateCourtsofthisstate.(2) The words “petitioner” and “petition” shall include “applicant” and“application”whereappropriateincontext.(3) The term “plaintiff’s attorney” or “defendant’s attorney” or any like termshallincludethepartyappearingwithoutcounsel.(4) The word “proceeding” means a course of procedure invoking thejurisdictionofthejudgetograntajudgmentortakeotherappropriateactionorthejurisdictionoftheregistertograntinformalprobateorappointment.(5)Theword“register”shallmean theregisteroftheProbateCourt inwhichtheactionispending.

RULE84.FORMS(a)UseofOfficialForms. AllpersonsinvolvedinmatterswithintheProbateCourt’sjurisdictionmustuseofficialforms.“Officialforms”shallbethoseformsaspromulgatedbytheMaineAdvisoryCommitteeonProbateRules,afterreviewbytheMaineProbateJudgesAssemblyandtheMaineAssociationofRegistersofProbate.

(b)PrintingRequirementsforOfficialForms. Rule5(i)oftheMaineRulesof Civil Procedure governs proceedings in the Probate Courts, except that allofficialformsshallbeprintedinaccordancewiththefollowingstandards:Official forms filed in theProbateCourtmustbeprinted in auniform formatand type approved by the Maine Association of Registers of Probate. OfficialformsmustbepurchasedfromtheRegisterorobtainedfromtheofficialMaineProbateCourtwebsite.(c)FeesforOfficialForms.FeesforofficialformsshallbesetbytheRegistersofProbateinaccordancewithTitle18-C,Section1-511.ThefeewillbechargedatthetimeanofficialformispurchasedfromtheRegister.Iftheofficialformispreparedinaccordancewithparagraph(b)ofthisrule,thefeewillbechargedatthetimetheofficialformispresentedtotheRegisterforfiling.(d)ElectronicallyFiledForms. Nofeeshallbechargedforanelectronicallyfiledform.

RULE85.TITLETheserulesmaybeknownandcitedastheMaineRulesofProbateProcedure.

RULE86.EFFECTIVEDATE(a) Effective Date of Original Rules. These rules will take effect onJanuary1,1981.Theygovernallproceedingsbroughtaftertheytakeeffectandalsoallproceedingsthenpending,excepttotheextentthatintheopinionofthecourt their application in a particular proceeding pendingwhen the rules takeeffectwouldnotbefeasibleorwouldworkinjustice, inwhicheventtheformerprocedureapplies.(b) Effective Date of Amendments. Amendments to these rules will takeeffect on the day specified in the order adopting them. They govern allproceedingsbroughtaftertheytakeeffectandalsoallproceedingsthenpending,except to the extent that in the opinion of the court their application in aparticular proceeding pending when they take effect would not be feasible orwouldworkinjustice,inwhicheventtheformerprocedureapplies.

RULES87AND88.[RESERVED]

RULE89.WITHDRAWALOFATTORNEYS;VISITINGLAWYERSRule 89 of the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure governs procedure in allproceedingsintheProbateCourts.

RULE90.LEGALASSISTANCEBYLAWSTUDENTSRule 90 of the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure governs procedure in allproceedingsintheProbateCourts.

RULE91.PROCEEDINGSINFORMAPAUPERISRule 91 of the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure governs procedure in allproceedingsintheProbateCourts,providedthatinitialpaymentofservicecostsshall be an administrative expense of the Probate Court and the Register ofProbate shall take any action appropriate to obtain reimbursement of waivedfilingfeesandservicecostspaid.

XIII.ELECTRONICFILING

RULE92.1.APPLICABILITY;EFFECTIVEDATES;TITLE

(a) Cumberland,Oxford,Penobscot,andYorkCounties. TheProbateCourts of Cumberland, Oxford, Penobscot, and York Counties shall makeelectronicfilingavailableasofMay1,2012,andtheserulesapplytoallcivilandprobate proceedings commenced in Probate Courts in those counties after thedateindicated.

(1)ElectronicfilinginaccordancewiththeserulesispermittedinallcasescommencedbetweenMay1,2012,andSeptember30,2014.

(2)ElectronicfilinginaccordancewiththeserulesisrequiredinallcasescommencedonorafterOctober1,2014.

(b) Androscoggin, Aroostook, Franklin, Hancock, Kennebec, Knox,

Lincoln, Piscataquis, Sagadahoc, Somerset, Waldo, and WashingtonCounties. The Probate Courts of Androscoggin, Aroostook, Franklin,Hancock,

Kennebec, Knox, Lincoln, Piscataquis, Sagadahoc, Somerset, Waldo, andWashingtonCountiesshallmakeelectronicfilingavailableasofMay1,2013,andthese rules apply to all civil and probate proceedings commenced in ProbateCourtsinthosecountiesafterthedatesindicated:

(1)Electronicfilinginaccordancewiththeserulesispermittedinallcases

commencedbetweenMay1,2013,andSeptember30,2014.(2)Electronicfilinginaccordancewiththeserulesisrequiredinallcases

commencedonorafterOctober1,2014.(c)Shorttitle.TheserulesmaybeknownandcitedastheMaineProbate

RulesforElectronicFiling.

RULE92.2.DEFINITIONS

(a)Document. A “Document” isawritingorotherpaperfiledorservedunder the Electronic Filing System that is stored in an electronic or othermediumandisretrievable.

(b)ElectronicCaseFile.An“ElectronicCaseFile”isanassemblageoftheitems pertaining to a single case or matter under a single docket numberelectronicallystoredbytheProbateCourt.

(c) Electronic Filing System. The “Electronic Filing System” is thatsystem approved by theMaine Supreme JudicialCourt for filing and serviceofpleadings, motions and other documents via the Internet through the ProbateCourtauthorizedserviceprovider.

(d)ElectronicFiling. “ElectronicFiling” is theprocessoftransmittingadocument from aRegistered Filer’s computer, using the court’s Internet-basedelectronicfilingsystem,tofilethedocumentinthecourt’sElectronicCaseFile.

(e) Electronic Service. “Electronic Service” is the transmission ofdocuments to any party in a case via the Electronic-Filing System. RegisteredFilershaveagreedtoreceiveserviceviatheElectronic-FilingSystem.

(f) Electronic Means. “Electronic means” is any method of directelectronictransmissionofadocumentfromthesender’scomputerorelectronicfilingsystemtotherecipient’scomputerorelectronicfilingsystem.

(g)NonelectronicCaseFile.A“NonelectronicCaseFile”isanassemblage

oftheitemspertainingtoasinglecaseormatterunderasingledocketnumberphysicallystoredbythecourt.

(h) Nonelectronic Means. “Nonelectronic means” is any method oftransmittingadocumentor filingorservicebyanymeansother thanbydirectelectronictransmissionfromthesender’scomputerorelectronicfilingsystemtotherecipient’scomputerorelectronicfilingsystem.

(i)Filer.A“Filer”isapetitioner,movant,applicant,plaintiff,orinterestedpersonasdefinedunder18-AM.R.S.§1-201(20).

(j)RegisteredFiler. A“RegisteredFiler”isanypersonwhoispermittedorrequiredunderRule92.3tofiledocumentselectronicallyandhasregisteredthroughtheelectronicfilingsystemwebsiteasprovidedinRule92.4.

(k)S/Name. An“S/Name” isasymbolrepresenting thesignatureof thepersonwhose name follows the “S/” on the electronically or otherwise signedformoftheelectronically-filedorelectronically-serveddocuments.

(l) Unrepresented Party. An “Unrepresented Party” is an interested

personasdefinedunder18-AM.R.S.§1-201(20),whohasenteredanappearancewiththeCourt.

(m)TestamentaryDocument.A"TestamentaryDocument"shallinclude

onlythelastwillandtestamentofthedecedentandanycodicilsthereto.

Rule92.3.WHOMUSTFILEELECTRONICALLY;EXCEPTIONS

(a)Requiredelectronicfiling.Exceptashereinafterprovidedin(b)and(c), and other provisions of these rules, all parties, and others required orpermitted to file, in all civil actions and probate proceedings, entered in theProbateCourt,onorafterthefilingdatesprovidedbyRule92.1(a)and(b),mustelectronicallyfilealldocumentsrequiredbytheapplicablerulesofproceduretobe filed in court. All documents generated by the court, guardians ad litem,visitors,psychologists,physiciansandmediatorsrequiredtofileareportundertheapplicablerulesofprocedureinallcivilactionsandprobateproceedings,onorafter therequired filingdatesprovidedbyRule92.1(a)and(b),willbefiledelectronicallyor,iffilednonelectronically,shallbescannedbycourtstaff.

(b) Exceptions to electronic filing. Nonelectronic filing may occur asfollows:

(1) An Unrepresented Party who is not a Registered Filer may filenonelectronically.

(2)Afilerinaparticularcaseisexcusedfromelectronicfilinginthatcasebythecourtwhenexceptionalcircumstancesmakeelectronicfilingunfeasible.

(3) Nonelectronic filing of a particular document or information ispermittedbythecourttoprotectconfidentialityorforothergoodcause.

(4) Nonelectronic filing is permitted when expressly permitted by theserulesoranapplicableruleofprocedure.

(5)Nonelectronicfilingispermittedwhenadocumentcannotreasonablybescannedandfiledelectronicallybecauseofitsdimensions,shape,orcondition.

(c) Required nonelectronic filing. A document must be filed bynonelectronicmeanswhen:

(1)Itisanoriginaltestamentarydocument;

(2) Nonelectronic filing is expressly required by these rules or anapplicableruleofprocedure;or

(3)Thecourtordersa filer tofilebynonelectronicmeansuponafindingthat the filerhasabused thesystembyrepeatedfilingof irrelevant,abusive,orduplicativedocumentsorinformation.

(d)Consequenceof filingby impropermethod. If adocument that isrequired to be filed electronically is filed nonelectronically, it will not beaccepted and will not be scanned. The filer may resubmit the documentelectronicallypursuanttotheserules,andthedateandtimeoffilingwillbethedateandtimethattheoriginalfilingwassubmitted.

(e) Service. A party who filed a nonelectronic document must servenotice of the filing and a copy of the document on all parties and the ProbateCourtinanymannerappropriateundertheapplicablerulesofprocedure,exceptfordocumentsfiledexparte.

RULE92.4.REGISTEREDFILERS

(a) Registration required. Any person who is permitted or required

underRule92.3tofileelectronicallymustregisterbyobtainingausernameandpassword through the electronic filing system website in accordance with92.4(b) or (c). Registration constitutes consent to electronic service of alldocumentsorinformationfiledinaccordancewiththeserules.

(b)Method of registrationby attorneys andUnrepresentedParties.An attorney in good standing in the State of Maine, any other person who ispermittedtofiledocumentselectronically,oranUnrepresentedPartywhoelectstodo so,may registeron theelectronic filingsystemwebsitebysubmittingallinformationrequiredbytheProbateCourtontheregistrationscreensdisplayedon the website, including: (1) his or her mailing address; (2) his or her Barnumber;(3)hisorherbillinginformation;and(4)uptothreee-mailaddresses,one of which is an e-mail account currently maintained by the attorney. Theaddressesprovidedshallbelistedontheprobatewebsiteandaretheaddressesto which all service, notice, or other communication submitted must be sent.OnceanattorneyhasbecomeaRegisteredFilerpursuanttothissubdivisioninany matter, he or she shall remain a Registered Filer for all matters in theProbateCourtuntilheorsheterminateshisorherregistrationpursuanttoRule92.4(h).

(c)Methodof registrationbyout-of-stateattorneysandother filers.Anattorneyingoodstandinginanotherjurisdictionwhoisadmittedprohacvice

under applicable rules of procedure or administrative orders and any otherpersonwho is required under Rule 92.3 to file documents electronicallymustregister on the electronic filing system website by submitting all informationrequired by the Probate Court on the registration screens displayed on thewebsite, including (1) his or her mailing address; (2) his or her billinginformation; and (3) up to three e-mail addresses, one of which is an e-mailaccountcurrentlymaintainedbytheapplicant.TheaddressesprovidedshallbelistedontheProbatewebsiteinconnectionwiththedocketnumberassignedtothat matter, must be listed on all filings by that Registered Filer and are theaddresses towhichall service,notice,orothercommunicationsubmittedmustbesent. ARegisteredFilerunderthissubdivision(c)shallremainaRegisteredFiler, as defined by the docket number (including all sub-matter numbersthereunder)assignedtothatmatter.

(d)DutiesofRegisteredFiler.ARegisteredFilershall,inanymatterinwhich the filer has appeared in accordance with the applicable rules ofprocedureandhassubmittedhisorherusernameandpassword:

(1) File documents electronically as provided inRule 92.5 and access ordownloadanysuchdocumentsremotely;

(2)Accessordownloaddocuments,asprovidedinRule92.10,whichhavebeenfiledbyanyotherpartyorthecourt.

(e)Useofagents. Anattorneywho isaRegisteredFilermaypermitanassociated attorney or legal assistant to file documents under the RegisteredFiler’susernameandpassword.TheRegisteredFilerisresponsibleforallsuchfilings.

(f) Filings by court personnel. Judges and other authorized courtpersonnel or officers may file court-generated documents and access ordownload documents that have been filed in any matter without becoming aRegisteredFiler.

(g) Reports. A Guardian ad litem, visitor, psychologist, physician ormediator who are required to file a report in a proceeding, may file court-generated formsandaccessordownload forms thatarerequired tobe filed inthatmatterwithoutbecomingaRegisteredFiler.

(h)Unregistering. A Registered Filermay “unregister” as a RegisteredFilerbydeactivatinghisorheraccountontheElectronicFilingSystem.

(i)Updatingcontactinformation.ItistheresponsibilityofaRegisteredFiler to maintain updated contact information (mailing addresses, e-mailaddresses,etc.)intheelectronicfilingsystem.

(j) Required unregistration. In the case of a Maine attorney who isinactive, retired, disbarred or suspended, such attorney shall be required towithdrawasaRegisteredFilerunderRule92.4(h).

RULE92.5.PROCEDURESFORELECTRONICFILING

(a)Loggingintosystem.ARegisteredFilermayinitiateanewcivilactionorprobateproceeding,orfiledocumentsinacivilactionorprobateproceedingthat is in the electronic filing system,when required or permitted under Rule92.3,bylogginginontheelectronicfilingsystemwebsitewithausernameandpasswordobtainedasprovidedinRule92.4.

(b)Transmittingdocuments.Eachfilingwillbeinitiatedbycompletingthe“newcase”or“existingcase”pagesontheelectronicfilingsystemwebsitebyattachingdocumentsrequiredorpermittedtobefiledthathavebeenprepared,formatted,andsignedasprovidedinRules92.7and92.8.

(c) Time of filing. An electronic filing may be submitted on any day,including holidays and weekends, and at any time. A filing is consideredsubmittedonadateif it issubmittedpriortomidnightonthatdate.Failureofthefiler’ssystemwillnotexcuseafailuretocomplywithafilingdeadlineunlessthecourtexercisesitsdiscretiontoextendthedeadline.

(d)Acknowledgmentorrejectionoffiling.Theelectronicfilingsystemwill automatically acknowledge receipt of any filing, but it will automaticallyrejectanyfilingthatdoesnotcomplywiththerequirementsofRule92.7(a). Afilermayresubmitarejectedfilingatanytimeafteraddressingthereasonsforrejection, but the date and time of filing for all purposes under the applicablerulesofprocedurearethedateandtimethatthefilingisresubmitted.

(e) Review by court staff. A filing that has not been automaticallyrejectedwillbereviewedbycourtstaffforcompliance,andcourtstaffwillthenelectronically notify the filer either that the filing has been accepted or that it

cannotbeaccepteduntilspecifiedactionsrequiredunderthoseruleshavebeentaken. A filer may submit a corrected filing within seven calendar days afterreceiving thenotification. Failuretosubmitacorrectedfilingonatimelybasisshall constitute a rejected filing. Court staffwill accept a corrected filing if allrequirementsofthoseruleshavebeenmet.Whenanoriginalorcorrectedfilinghas been accepted, orwhen a court-generated document is filed, the date andtime of filing for all purposes under the applicable rules of procedure are thedate and time that theoriginal filingwas submitted. Courtstaffwillprovideadocket number for a new filing that has been accepted in the acceptancenotification.Theassigneddocketnumbermustappearonallsubsequentfilingspertainingtothecase.

(f)Noticeoffiling.Thefilermustservenoticeofthefilingandacopyofan electronically filed document as provided in Rule 92.11 on all parties orpersonsuponwhomserviceisrequiredbytheapplicablerulesofprocedure.

(g) Calculation of deadlines. Deadlines for responding to electronicfilingsshallbecalculatedfromthedateofacceptancebythecourtstaff.

RULE92.6.NONELECTRONICDOCUMENTS

(a) Original testamentary documents. The court staff shall scan allnonelectronic documents filed pursuant to Rule 92.3(c)(1); shall include suchscanned documents in the electronic case file; and shallmaintain suchoriginaltestamentary documents in a nonelectronic case file for a period of five years,after which the Register may return all such original documents to the lastservingPersonalRepresentative.

(b) Large or damaged documents. The court shall retain allnonelectronic documents filed pursuant to Rule 92.3(b)(7) in a nonelectroniccasefileandshallmaintainsuchnonelectronicdocumentsuntilthelateroftwoyears fromthedateof filingof thedocumentor finaldispositionofthematter,includingthedispositionofallappealsortherunningofthetimeforappeal.Attheconclusionofthisterm,thecourtshallthereafterreturnsuchnonelectronicdocumentstothefiler.

(c)Othernonelectronicallyfileddocuments.Thecourtstaffshallscanall other nonelectronic documents filedpursuant toRule92.3(b) and (c); shallincludesuchscanneddocuments intheelectroniccasefile;andshallthereafterreturn such nonelectronic documents to the filer. The filer must retain the

original of each such nonelectronic document and make it available forinspectionuponsevendaysnoticeby thesignersor thecourtuntil the lateroftwoyearsfromthedateoffilingorfinaldispositionofthematter,includingthedispositionofallappealsortherunningofthetimeforappeal.Thecourtisnotrequiredtomaintainnonelectronicfilesforprobateproceedingsorcivilactionscommencedafterthedateonwhichelectronicfilingisrequired.

RULE92.7.FORMATOFDOCUMENTS

(a) Automatic rejection. An electronically filed document will beautomaticallyrejectedbytheelectronicfilingsystemwithoutacknowledgementofreceiptifit:

(1)Isnotcreated,savedin,orconvertedtoTIFF,PDF,orPDF/A;

(2)Islargerthan10MB,unlessitisfiledinsegmentsnolargerthan10MB;or

(3)ContainsavirusdetectedbytheElectronicFilingSystem.

(b)Reviewbycourtstaff. Anelectronicallyfileddocumentthathasnotbeenrejectedbytheelectronicfilingsystempursuantto(a)willbeacceptedbycourtstaffasprovidedinRule92.5(e)onlyif:

(1)Ithasbeenformattedasrequiredbytheapplicablerulesofprocedureandisclearlylegibleintheelectronicformatinwhichitisfiled;and

(2)Anypasswordprotectionorothersecuritydevicehasbeenremoved.

(c) Nonelectronically filed documents. A nonelectronically fileddocument must be clearly legible, with all text visible and dark enough to bereadableonascannedimage.

RULE92.8.SIGNATURES

(a)Effectof Signature. The followingscreenshallappearon theMaineProbate.Netwebsitepriortoanyelectronicsubmissiontothecourtthatrequiresasignature: “Bytypingyournamebelowprecededby‘S/’youarerepresentingthat: “1)YouaretheRegisteredFilerorarepermittedbytheRegisteredFilerortheCourttoaccesstheRegisteredFiler’saccount; “2)EachdocumentyouaresubmittingtotheCourttodayhasbeensignedby electronic means or in hand by the person whose name appears in thesignature block of the document, you have possession of the document, andagree to retain a paper or electronic copy of the document available forinspection by the signer or the Court until the longer of two years or finaldispositionofthematter, includingthedispositionofallappealsortherunningofthetimeforappeal.”

(b)FormofSignature.

(1)Anelectronicallyfiledpleading,motionorotherproceduraldocument

must include either a signature block containing the Filer’s typed-in nameprecededby“S/”orascannedimageoftheactualsigner’ssignature.

(2)Aproceduraldocumentfiledbynonelectronicmeans,whenpermittedunder Rule 92.3(b) or otherwise required by these rules, must be signed asprovidedintheapplicablerulesofprocedure.

(3)Apleading,motionorotherproceduraldocumentfiledbyaRegisteredFilerandotherpartiesorcounselalignedininterestwiththefilermustcontainthesignatureofthefilerandtheotherpartiesorcounselintheformprovidedin(b)(1) or (2). If a document is filed electronically, the Filer’s signatureconstitutesarepresentation thatall theothersignersconsentedtothefilingofthedocument.

(c) Documents under Oath. If a notarized, acknowledged, or verifieddocument or a document signed under oath is to be filed electronically undertheserules,theoriginal,signedandattestedasprovidedintheapplicablerules

ofprocedureorotherprovisionsoflaw,mustbescannedandfiledinaccordancewithRule92.7bythefiler.

(d)RetentionofDocuments. The filerof anydocument containing thesignatures of other persons must retain a paper or electronic copy of thedocumentavailableforinspectionbythesignersorthecourtuntilthelongeroftwo years or final disposition of the matter, including the disposition of allappealsortherunningofthetimeforappeal.

(e) Signatures of Court Personnel. Judges, and other court personnelauthorized to sign on behalf of a judge or in their own capacity, mayelectronicallysignanycourt-generateddocumentthatrequiresasignaturewithanelectronicfacsimilesignatureorscannedcopy,oranotherformofelectronicsignatureasdefinedintheMaineDigitalSignatureAct,10M.R.S.§§9501-9507[2010].

RULE92.9.PAYMENTOFFEESANDCOSTS

(a)Feesrequired. Noelectronicallyornonelectronicallyfileddocumentwill be accepted under Rule 92.5 or 92.6 until any and all fees and costsattributabletothefilingarepaid.

(b)Methodofpayment;waiveroffees.FeesandcostsforelectronicallyfileddocumentsshallbepaidelectronicallybyRegisteredFilerswhenfiled,butthey may be paid directly over the counter at the office of the clerk by cash,check, or money order by Unrepresented Parties. A person who wishes toproceed in forma pauperis must comply with the provisions of the applicablerulesofprocedure.

RULE92.10.REMOTEACCESSTOELECTRONICCASEFILES

(a) Counsel and parties. Registered Filers affiliated with a particularmatter shall have remote access to all records filed electronically andnonelectronicallyinthatmatter.

(b) Public. Members of the general public and Registered Filers notaffiliated with a matter shall have remote access to all Public Records in anymatter, subject to the redaction of Private Information on Public RecordspursuanttoRule92.12.

RULE92.11.SERVICE

(a)Requirednonelectronicservice.Exceptasprovidedinsubparagraph(b), a Registered Filer shall serve upon a party the notice of a civil action orprobate proceeding, other process, or a writ of execution or possession, orserviceuponanonpartyofasubpoenaorotheroriginalorfinalprocess,andanydocuments accompanying any such notice or process by nonelectronic meansunless accepted by electronic receipt by a Registered Filer through the court’selectronic filing system. Any required return of service must be filedelectronically inaccordancewiththeserulesunlessotherwiseprovidedinRule92.3(b)orbytheapplicablerulesofprocedure.

(b)FormN-104. InthecaseofFormN-104,thecourtshallservenoticeby nonelectronic means unless accepted by electronic receipt by a RegisteredFilerthroughthecourt’selectronicfilingsystem.Anyrequiredreturnofservicemust be filed electronically in accordance with these rules unless otherwiseprovidedinRule92.3(b)orbytheapplicablerulesofprocedure.

(c) Permissible electronic or nonelectronic service. Documents orexhibitsrequiredorpermittedbyapplicablerulesofproceduretobeservedonan attorney or party may be served by electronic means or by nonelectronicmeans,providedthatnoticeisservedpursuantto92.11(a).

RULE92.12.PUBLICRECORDSANDREDACTION

(a) Private records. “Private Records” means (1) all records anddocuments (electronic or nonelectronic) relating to an adoption proceeding;(2)Certificates of Value (Probate Form DE-401A); (3) Physicians’ andPsychologists’Reports(ProbateFormPP-505);and(4)anyrecordordocumentdesignatedasaPrivateRecordbytheProbateCourt.

(b) Public records. “Public Records” means any record or document(electronicornonelectronic)filedwiththeProbateCourtwhichisnotaPrivateRecordandwhichisnototherwiserestrictedbytheProbateCourt.

(c)Privateinformation.“PrivateInformation”means(1)SocialSecuritynumbers of living individuals; (2) banking/brokerage account numbers; and(3)any other information designated as Private Information by the ProbateCourt.

(d) Maintenance of Private Records; Redaction of PrivateInformation. Court staff shall docket Private Records into the electronic filesuchthatthosedocumentsareavailableonlytoallRegisteredFilersofrecordonthatparticularcase.

FilersareresponsibleforredactingPrivateInformationbeforefilingPublicRecords. If a filer discovers that he has filed a document that includes PrivateInformation, he or she shall notify the court and shall submit a replacement,redacted, document. Upon receipt of such replacement, redacted, document,courtstaffshallremovetheearlierelectronicdocumentfromtheelectronicfileandshallreplacethesamewiththereplacement,redacted,document.

***endofdocument***