Delaware § 1312 - Limitation on action contesting validity of exercise of power of appointment [For application of this section, see 80 Del. Laws, c. 153, § 5].
Full text of Delaware Delaware Code § 1312 — Limitation on action contesting validity of exercise of power of appointment [For application of this section, see 80 Del. Laws, c. 153, § 5]., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 1312. Limitation on action contesting validity of exercise of power of appointment [For application of this section, see 80 Del. Laws, c. 153, § 5].
(a) A judicial proceeding to contest whether an exercise of a power of appointment by any written instrument other than a will, under which property is transferred pursuant to the exercise of the power of appointment only as of the death of the person exercising the power of appointment (the “exercisor”) may not be initiated later than the first to occur of:
(1) One hundred twenty days after the date that the exercisor notified in writing the person who is contesting the exercise of the existence of the instrument exercising the power of appointment, the name and address of the exercisor, whether such person is a beneficiary, and of the time allowed under this section for initiating a judicial proceeding to contest the exercise of the power of appointment. The exercisor shall also provide to the person who is contesting the exercise a copy of the instrument which creates the power of appointment. For purposes of this subsection, notice shall have been given when received by the person to whom the notice was given and, absent evidence to the contrary, it shall be presumed that notice mailed or delivered to the last known address of such person constitutes receipt by such person. This paragraph (a)(1) shall be applicable only to a proceeding to contest whether an exercise of a power of appointment by any written instrument other than a will is valid to the extent that the basis for such contest is a failure to comply with formalities for the execution of the power of appointment, undue influence over the exercisor, or lack of capacity of the exercisor;
(2) Two years after the death of the exercisor; or
(3) The date the person’s right to contest was precluded by adjudication, consent, or other limitation.
(b) For purposes of subsection (a) of this section, a person is deemed to have been given any notice that has been given to any person who under § 3547 of this title may represent and bind such person.
80 Del. Laws, c. 153, § 2;Source: official Delaware text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Delaware § 1312
What does Delaware Code § 1312 cover?
Section 1312 ("Limitation on action contesting validity of exercise of power of appointment [For application of this section, see 80 Del. Laws, c. 153, § 5].") is part of the Delaware Code, the codified statutory law of Delaware. 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 Delaware § 1312?
A common citation format is "Delaware Code § 1312" (Delaware). 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 Delaware law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Delaware official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Delaware attorney.
How does Delaware § 1312 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Delaware 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 Delaware.