Georgia § 53-12-170 - Definition; charitable purposes.
Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 53-12-170 — Definition; charitable purposes., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 53-12-170. Definition; charitable purposes.
A charitable trust is a trust in which the settlor provides that the trust property shall be used exclusively for charitable purposes. Charitable purposes shall include: The relief of poverty; The advancement of education; The advancement of ethics and religion; The advancement of health; The advancement of science and the arts and humanities; The protection and preservation of the environment; The improvement, maintenance, or repair of cemeteries, other places of disposition of human remains, and memorials; The prevention of cruelty to animals; Governmental purposes; and Other similar subjects having for their object the relief of human suffering or the promotion of human civilization. (Code 1981, § 53-12-170 , enacted by Ga. L. 2010, p. 579, § 1/SB 131; Ga. L. 2020, p. 377, § 1-80/HB 865.) The 2020 amendment, effective January 1, 2021, inserted "exclusively" in subsection (a) and deleted former subsection (c), which read: "If the settlor provides for both charitable and noncharitable purposes, the provisions relating to the charitable purposes shall be governed by this article.". Law reviews. - For article, "The Rule Against Perpetuities as Applied to Georgia Wills and Trusts," see 16 Ga. L. Rev. 235 (1982). For note on discriminatory charitable trusts in Georgia, with regard to application of the cy pres doctrine, in light of Evans v. Newton, 382 U.S. 296, 86 S. Ct. 486 , 15 L. Ed. 2 d 373 (1966), see 6 Ga. St. B.J. 428 (1970). For comment on Creech v. Scottish Rite Hosp. for Crippled Children, 211 Ga. 195 , 84 S.E.2d 563 (1954), see 17 Ga. B.J. 512 (1955).
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 53-12-170
What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 53-12-170 cover?
Section 53-12-170 ("Definition; charitable purposes.") is part of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the codified statutory law of Georgia. 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 Georgia § 53-12-170?
A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 53-12-170" (Georgia). 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 Georgia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Georgia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Georgia attorney.
How does Georgia § 53-12-170 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Georgia 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 Georgia.