§3-407. Formal testacy proceedings; burdens in contested cases
In contested cases, petitioners who seek to establish intestacy have the burden of establishing prima facie proof of death, venue and heirship. Proponents of a will have the burden of establishing prima facie proof of due execution in all cases and, if they are also petitioners, prima facie proof of death and venue. Contestants of a will have the burden of establishing lack of testamentary intent or capacity, undue influence, fraud, duress, mistake or revocation. Parties have the ultimate burden of persuasion as to matters with respect to which they have the initial burden of proof. If a will is opposed by the petition for probate of a later will revoking the former, it must be determined first whether the later will is entitled to probate, and if a will is opposed by a petition for a declaration of intestacy, it must be determined first whether the will is entitled to probate. [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW). PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. F, §1 (AFF). PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).
Structure Maine Revised Statutes
Article 3: PROBATE OF WILLS AND ADMINISTRATION
Part 4: FORMAL TESTACY AND APPOINTMENT PROCEEDINGS
18-C §3-401. Formal testacy proceedings; nature; when commenced
18-C §3-402. Formal testacy or appointment proceedings; petition; contents
18-C §3-403. Formal testacy proceeding; notice of hearing on petition
18-C §3-404. Formal testacy proceedings; written objections to probate
18-C §3-405. Formal testacy proceedings; uncontested cases; hearings and proof
18-C §3-406. Formal testacy proceedings; contested cases
18-C §3-407. Formal testacy proceedings; burdens in contested cases
18-C §3-409. Formal testacy proceedings; order; foreign will
18-C §3-410. Formal testacy proceedings; probate of more than one instrument
18-C §3-411. Formal testacy proceedings; partial intestacy
18-C §3-412. Formal testacy proceedings; effect of order; vacation
18-C §3-413. Formal testacy proceedings; vacation of order for other cause
18-C §3-414. Formal proceedings concerning appointment of personal representative