This bill amends various sections of the Iowa probate and trust codes, addressing time limitations on actions, attorney fees, trust code proceedings, notice requirements, and damages for wrongful death. A significant change includes the introduction of a two-year limitation period for actions related to nontestamentary transfers that are influenced by wrongful conduct, which applies to decedents who die on or after July 1, 2026. Additionally, the bill allows courts to award costs and attorney fees in disputed probate proceedings, also applicable to actions involving decedents dying on or after the same date.

The bill also revises the handling of damages from wrongful death, stipulating that such damages are considered personal property of the deceased's estate, with specific provisions for determining the distribution of these damages. Furthermore, it extends the deadline for filing a probate report and inventory from 90 days to 120 days after the personal representative's qualification. Lastly, it clarifies that actions to contest trusts will be treated as law actions in probate, while other trust code matters will be handled as equity proceedings, with new notice requirements established for these actions. The provisions related to trust code matters take effect immediately upon enactment.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 614.1, 633.336, 633.425