New Uniform Trust Code and MUPC Amendments

Just when we were getting a handle on the new MUPC, it has been changed once again. Earlier this week, Governor Patrick signed St.2012, c.142, An Act Further Regulating the Probate Code and Establishing a Trust Code, which amends the Uniform Probate Code and creates a new c.203E: Uniform Trust Code, effective July 8, 2012. Fortunately, the Boston Bar Association Trust and Estate Section's blog has done a great job of highlighting both what's new in the Uniform Trust Code and what has changed in the Uniform Probate Code. A million thanks!

In addition, the Mass. Probate and Family Court has issued a new Uniform Fee Schedule, effective July 9, 2012.

You can find links to more sources on estate administration and trusts at Mass. Law About Wills and Estates and Mass. Law About Trusts.

Consent of All Adult Children for Cremation

In Burney v. Childrens Hospital, 169 Mass. 57 (1897), the court recognized that next of kin have a right to possession of a decedent's body.  "a right of possession is recognized, which is vested in the husband or wife or next of kin, and not in the executors." 
In O'Dea v. Mitchell, 350 Mass. 163 (1966), the SJC held that a child's right as next of kin vests "only when there is no surviving spouse or no contrary provision by the decedent concerning the disposition of his remains." 
As a result of these and other cases, it appears that there is a consistent practice in the Massachusetts cremation industry to require the consent of the surviving spouse, or, if there is none, of all adult children to a cremation. 

Obviously, getting the written consent of siblings who may be far apart, geographically or philosophically, can be difficult. The following is from the Funeral Consumers Alliance of Eastern Massachusetts:

"Order for Cremation or Interment

This form, required by the crematory or cemetery, is provided and filled out by the cemetery or crematory staff, and signed by the next of kin requesting cremation.

Order of next of kin--spouse, or, if none, then children (all adult children must sign, and if sending in authorization by fax it must be notarized and the original sent by mail, if from another country consulate should verify the identity)"

That organization recommends that those wishing to be cremated after death obtain a form called "Declaration of Intent Regarding Cremation"  from a crematory, so that they can spell out their wishes and appoint someone to authorize the cremation.

You may also want to discuss your wishes with your estate planning or elder law attorney, so that they can draft the appropriate documents. More information on this and other topics related to death, is available at Mass. Law About Burial, Cremation and Funerals.

Criminal Rule 14 has been amended

The SJC has announced amendments to MRCrP 14, effective September 17, 2012. The amendments alter the procedure for cases in which mental health issues are involved (Rule 14(b)(2)), and those involving self-defense and first aggressor issues (Rule 14(b)(4)). As a result of the changes to Rule 14, Rule 23 has been deleted effective September 17.