This bill makes the following changes to the Maine Uniform Probate Code.
1. It increases certain filing fees throughout the Code and provides that, after 2025, these fees must automatically be adjusted for inflation.
2. It requires any party that files a petition, motion or other document with a probate court that is created with the assistance of artificial intelligence technology to verify the accuracy of the petition, motion or other document by affidavit and authorizes the court to impose appropriate sanctions on parties that violate this requirement.
3. It requires a personal representative who has mailed an inventory of the property of the decedent to all interested parties who requested the inventory to also file the inventory with the court. Under current law, the personal representative has discretion to file the inventory with the court in these circumstances.
4. It provides that, like a guardian ad litem appointed by a probate court, a visitor appointed by a probate court is entitled to quasi-judicial immunity for acts performed within the scope of the visitor's duties.
5. It changes from 14 years of age or older to 12 years of age or older the age at which an adoptee must consent either to a parent's consent to have the child adopted by a specific
42 petitioner or to a parent's surrender and release of the parent's parental rights in favor of a
43 licensed child-placing agency or the Department of Health and Human Services.