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

Heading: Application of RSA 564-B:11-1104

Text: The plaintiffs further argue that their action is not barred under RSA 564-B:10-1005 because RSA 564-B:11-1104(a)(3) provides that any provision of the Uniform Trust Code does not apply if it would substantially interfere with the effective conduct of the judicial proceedings or prejudice the rights of the parties. RSA 564-B:11-1104(a)(3). The plaintiffs argue that it cannot be reasonably disputed that their rights were substantially prejudiced when their case was dismissed, and the exception should apply here. The defendants argue that RSA 564-B:11-1104(a)(3) does not apply, and that even if it did, application of RSA 564-B:10-1005 does not prejudice the plaintiffs' rights. RSA 564-B:11-1104(a)(3) applies to all judicial proceedings concerning trusts commenced before its effective date unless the court finds that application of a particular provision of this chapter would substantially interfere with the effective conduct of the judicial proceedings or prejudice the rights of the parties, in which case the particular provision of this chapter does not apply and the superseded law applies. Id. (emphasis added). Understandably, the legislature did not want to prejudice the rights of the parties who had already commenced judicial proceedings at the time the Uniform Trust Code took effect. Id. However, RSA 564-B:11-1104(a)(2) states that the Uniform Trust Code applies to all judicial proceedings concerning trusts commenced on or after its effective date. Id. at 1104(a)(2) (2007) (emphasis added). This is the applicable provision. The effective date of the Uniform Trust Code was October 1, 2004. See RSA 564-B:1-101 (2007). The plaintiffs filed their petition against the defendants on February 25, 2008. Since the plaintiffs' action was brought after the effective date of the statute, RSA 564-B:10-1005 applies. See RSA 564-B:11-1104(a)(2).