This bill amends various sections of the Iowa probate and trust codes, focusing on time limitations for actions, attorney fees, and notice requirements. A significant change is the introduction of a two-year limitation period for actions related to nontestamentary transfers that are influenced by wrongful conduct, such as fraud or undue influence, applicable 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, which also applies 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, the bill 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 regarding trust code actions take effect immediately upon enactment.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 614.1, 633.336, 633.425