§ 524.1-303 — Venue; Multiple Proceedings; Transfer
Plain-Language Summary
When multiple courts could hear a probate case, the first court where the case is filed gets to keep it. If cases are filed in multiple courts, the first court decides where it should be heard.
524.1-303 VENUE; MULTIPLE PROCEEDINGS; TRANSFER.
(a) Where a proceeding under this chapter could be maintained in more than one place in this state, the court in which the proceeding is first commenced has the exclusive right to proceed.
(b) If proceedings concerning the same estate, protected person, conservatee, or ward are commenced in more than one court of this state, the court in which the proceeding was first commenced shall continue to hear the matter, and the other courts shall hold the matter in abeyance until the question of venue is decided, and if the ruling court determines that venue is properly in another court, it shall transfer the proceeding to the other court.
(c) If a court finds that in the interest of justice a proceeding or a file should be located in another court of this state, the court making the finding may transfer the proceeding or file to the other court.
History:
1974 c 442 art 1 s 524.1-303; 1975 c 347 s 18
History: History: 1974 c 442 art 1 s 524.1-303; 1975 c 347 s 18