District Of Columbia § 19-901 - Statutory rule against perpetuities.
Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 19-901 — Statutory rule against perpetuities., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 19-901. Statutory rule against perpetuities.
19-901A nonvested property interest is invalid unless:
When the interest is created, it is certain to vest or terminate no later than 21 years after the death of an individual then alive; or
The interest either vests or terminates within 90 years after its creation.
A general power of appointment not presently exercisable because of a condition precedent is invalid unless:
When the power is created, the condition precedent is certain to be satisfied or becomes impossible to satisfy no later than 21 years after the death of an individual then alive; or
The condition precedent either is satisfied or becomes impossible to satisfy within 90 years after its creation.
A nongeneral power of appointment or a general testamentary power of appointment is invalid unless:
When the power is created, it is certain to be irrevocably exercised or otherwise to terminate no later than 21 years after the death of an individual then alive; or
The power is irrevocably exercised or otherwise terminates within 90 years after its creation.
In determining whether a nonvested property interest or a power of appointment is valid under subsection (a)(1), (b)(1), or (c)(1) of this section, the possibility that a child will be born to an individual after the individual’s death is disregarded.
If, in measuring a period from the creation of a trust or other property arrangement, language in a governing instrument (1) seeks to disallow the vesting or termination of any interest or trust beyond, (2) seeks to postpone the vesting or termination of any interest or trust until, or (3) seeks to operate in effect in any similar fashion upon, the later of (A) the expiration of a period of time not exceeding 21 years after the death of the survivor of specified lives in being at the creation of the trust or other property arrangement or (B) the expiration of a period of time that exceeds or might exceed 21 years after the death of the survivor of lives in being at the creation of the trust or other property arrangement, that language is inoperative to the extent it produces a period of time that exceeds 21 years after the death of the survivor of the specified lives.
Annotations
Source: official District Of Columbia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 19-901
What does D.C. Code § 19-901 cover?
Section 19-901 ("Statutory rule against perpetuities.") is part of the D.C. Code, the codified statutory law of District Of Columbia. 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 District Of Columbia § 19-901?
A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 19-901" (District Of Columbia). 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 District Of Columbia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the District Of Columbia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed District Of Columbia attorney.
How does District Of Columbia § 19-901 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia 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 District Of Columbia.