Rule 23B – Derivative Actions by Members of Unincorporated Associations

May 13, 2021 | Civil Procedure, Maine

In a derivative action brought in the Superior Court by one or more members to enforce a right of an unincorporated association, the association having failed to enforce a right which may properly be asserted by it, the complaint shall be verified and shall allege that the plaintiff was a member at the time of the transaction of which the plaintiff complains or that the plaintiff’s membership thereafter devolved on the plaintiff by operation of law. The complaint shall also allege with particularity the efforts, if any, made by the plaintiff to obtain the action the plaintiff desires from the directors or comparable authority and, if necessary, from the members, and the reasons for the plaintiff’s failure to obtain the action or for not making the effort. The derivative action may not be maintained if it appears that the plaintiff does not fairly and adequately represent the interests of the members similarly situated in enforcing the right of the association. The action shall not be dismissed or compromised without the approval of the court, and notice of the proposed dismissal or compromise shall be given to members in such manner as the court directs.

Me. R. Civ. P. 23B