2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 18-C: PROBATE CODE › Article 5: MAINE UNIFORM GUARDIANSHIP, CONSERVATORSHIP AND PROTECTIVE PROCEEDINGS › Part 4: CONSERVATORSHIP › 18-C §5-409. Confidentiality of records (WHOLE SECTION TEXT EFFECTIVE 4/1/25)

§5-409. Confidentiality of records
(CONTAINS TEXT WITH VARYING EFFECTIVE DATES)
(WHOLE SECTION TEXT EFFECTIVE 4/1/25)
1.  Matter of public record; exceptions.
The existence of a proceeding for or the existence of conservatorship is a matter of public record unless the court seals the record after:
A. The respondent, the individual subject to conservatorship or the parent of a minor subject to conservatorship requests the record be sealed; and   [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).]
B. Either:
(1) The petition for conservatorship is dismissed; or
(2) The conservatorship is terminated.   [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).]
[PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).]
2.  Access to records.
An individual subject to a proceeding for a conservatorship, whether or not a conservator is appointed, an attorney designated by the individual and a person entitled to notice under section 5‑411 or a subsequent order are entitled to access court records of the proceeding and resulting conservatorship, including the conservator's plan and report. In addition, a person for good cause may petition the court for access to court records of the conservatorship, including the conservator's plan and report. The court shall grant access if access is in the best interest of the respondent or individual subject to conservatorship or furthers the public interest and does not endanger the welfare or financial interests of the respondent or individual.
[PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).]
3.  Reports; availability.
A report under section 5‑405 of a visitor or professional evaluation under section 5‑407 is confidential and must be sealed on filing but is available to:
A. The court;   [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).]
B. The individual who is the subject of the report or evaluation, without limitation as to use;   [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).]
C. The petitioner, visitor and petitioner's and respondent's attorneys, for purposes of the proceeding;   [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).]
D. An agent appointed under a power of attorney for finances in which the respondent is identified as the principal, unless the court orders otherwise; and   [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).]
E. Other persons when it is in the public interest or for a purpose the court orders for good cause.   [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).]
[PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).]
4.  Effective date.
This section takes effect April 1, 2025.
[PL 2023, c. 4, §13 (AMD).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW). PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. F, §1 (AFF). PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. A, §62 (AMD). PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF). PL 2021, c. 4, §3 (AMD). PL 2023, c. 4, §13 (AMD).