Alabama § 35-4A-5 - Exclusions from Statutory Rule Against Perpetuities.

Full text of Alabama Code of Alabama § 35-4A-5 — Exclusions from Statutory Rule Against Perpetuities., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 35-4A-5. Exclusions from Statutory Rule Against Perpetuities.

Section 35-4A-2, the statutory rule against perpetuities, does not apply to:

(1) a nonvested property interest or a power of appointment arising out of a nondonative transfer, except a nonvested property interest or a power of appointment arising out of (i) a premarital or postmarital agreement, (ii) a separation or divorce settlement, (iii) a spouse’s election, (iv) a similar arrangement arising out of a prospective, existing, or previous marital relationship between the parties, (v) a contract to make or not to revoke a will or trust, (vi) a contract to exercise or not to exercise a power of appointment, (vii) a transfer in satisfaction of a duty of support, or (viii) a reciprocal transfer;

(2) a fiduciary’s power relating to the administration or management of assets, including the power of a fiduciary to sell, lease, or mortgage property, and the power of a fiduciary to determine principal and income;

(3) a power to appoint a fiduciary;

(4) a discretionary power of a trustee to distribute principal before termination of a trust to a beneficiary having an indefeasibly vested interest in the income and principal;

(5) a nonvested property interest held by a charity, government, or governmental agency or subdivision, if the nonvested property interest is preceded by an interest held by another charity, government, or governmental agency or subdivision;

(6) a nonvested property interest in a trust or other property arrangement, which trust or other property arrangement is exclusively for the benefit of one or more charities, governments, or governmental agencies or subdivisions;

(7) a nonvested property interest in or a power of appointment with respect to a trust or other property arrangement forming part of a pension, profit-sharing, stock bonus, health, disability, death benefit, income deferral, or other current or deferred benefit plan for one or more employees, independent contractors, or their beneficiaries or spouses, to which contributions are made for the purpose of distributing to or for the benefit of the participants or their beneficiaries or spouses the property, income, or principal in the trust or other property arrangement, except a nonvested property interest or a power of appointment that is created by an election of a participant or a beneficiary or spouse;

(8) a property interest, power of appointment, or arrangement that was not subject to the common-law rule against perpetuities or is excluded by another statute of this state; or

(9) a trust, (i) which on its terms does not exceed 360 years in duration, (ii) which is governed by the laws of this state, and (iii) the instrument governing which includes a power of the trustee to sell, lease, and mortgage all property held in trust.

Source: official Alabama text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama § 35-4A-5

What does Code of Alabama § 35-4A-5 cover?

Section 35-4A-5 ("Exclusions from Statutory Rule Against Perpetuities.") is part of the Code of Alabama, the codified statutory law of Alabama. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Alabama § 35-4A-5?

A common citation format is "Code of Alabama § 35-4A-5" (Alabama). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Alabama law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Alabama official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Alabama attorney.

How does Alabama § 35-4A-5 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Alabama can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Alabama.