Opinion ID: 2423294
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Prospective v. Retrospective Application

Text: The plaintiffs also contend that RSA 564-B:10-1005 should only apply prospectively, because the statute affects substantive rights. When a statute is silent about whether it should apply prospectively or retrospectively, our interpretation turns on whether the statute affects the parties' substantive or procedural rights. In the Matter of Donovan & Donovan, 152 N.H. 55, 63, 871 A.2d 30 (2005). There is a presumption that a statute will be construed prospectively when it affects substantive rights. Id. However, this presumption is reversed when the statute is remedial in nature or affects only procedural rights. Eldridge v. Eldridge, 136 N.H. 611, 613, 620 A.2d 1031 (1993). Here, the statute is not silent. See RSA 564-B:11-1104. It clearly states that the Uniform Trust Code applies to all judicial proceedings concerning trusts commenced on or after its effective date. RSA 564-B:11-1104(a)(2). Since the plaintiffs' petition against the defendants was brought after the statute's effective date, the plaintiffs' action is barred under RSA 564-B:10-1005. See id.