§ 31B-1.2.  Right of fiduciary to institute a proceeding for review of renunciation.

(a) Prior to renouncing, if a fiduciary so elects, the fiduciary may institute a proceeding by petition before the clerk of court for a determination as to whether a renunciation would be compatible with the fiduciary's duties. In the case of a trustee, commencement of the proceeding, jurisdiction, venue, parties, representation, and notice shall be governed by Chapter 36C of the General Statutes. In the case of a personal representative, commencement of the proceeding, jurisdiction, venue, parties, representation, and notice shall be governed by Chapter 28A of the General Statutes. In addition to any other notice requirements, notice of the proceeding shall be given to all persons entitled to delivery of a copy of an instrument of renunciation under G.S. 31B-2.1.

(b) After renouncing, if a fiduciary so elects, the fiduciary has a right to institute a declaratory judgment action pursuant to Article 26 of Chapter 1 of the General Statutes for a determination as to whether the renunciation is compatible with the fiduciary's duties. In addition to any other notice requirements, notice of the action shall be given to all persons entitled to delivery of a copy of an instrument of renunciation under G.S. 31B-2.1.

(c) A proceeding or action instituted under this section shall comply with all of the following:

(1) The petition or complaint shall state the basis for the fiduciary's allegation that the renunciation is compatible with the fiduciary's duties, considering among other things the intended purposes of the trust or other instrument and the impact of the renunciation on beneficiaries and potential beneficiaries. A petition or complaint filed by a trustee of a charitable trust shall contain a statement that a copy of the petition or complaint is being provided to the Attorney General.

(2) After considering among other things the intended purposes of the trust or other instrument and the impact of the renunciation on beneficiaries and potential beneficiaries, the court shall enter an order stating the court's determination as to whether the renunciation is compatible with the fiduciary's duties.

(d) The effectiveness of a renunciation is not affected by a determination under this section that the renunciation is not compatible with a fiduciary's duties. (2009-48, s. 3; 2011-344, s. 9.)