Michigan § 556.122 - Special power; passing on donee's default.

Full text of Michigan Michigan Compiled Laws § 556.122 — Special power; passing on donee's default., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 556.122. Special power; passing on donee's default.

Sec. 12.

If the donee of a special power fails to exercise the power effectively or totally releases a releasable special power, the interests that might have been appointed under the power pass as follows:

(a) If the creating instrument contains an express gift in default, then in accordance with the terms of the gift.

(b) Except as provided in subdivision (d), if the creating instrument contains no express gift in default and does not clearly indicate that the permissible appointees are to take only if the donee exercises the power, then equally to the permissible appointees living at the time of the termination or release of the power, but if the power is to appoint among a class, such as "relatives", "issue" or "heirs", then to those persons in the closest degree of kinship or representing others in the same degree of kinship who would have taken had there been an express appointment per stirpes to the described class effective as of the termination or release of the power.

(c) Except as provided in subdivision (d), if the creating instrument contains no express gift in default and clearly indicates that the permissible appointees are to take only if the donee exercises the power, then by reversion to the donor or his or her estate. If the creating instrument expressly states that there is no reversion in the donor, then any language in the creating instrument indicating or stating that the permissible appointees are to take only if the donee exercises the power is to be disregarded and the interests shall pass under subdivision (b).

(d) If the power was created by the exercise of a discretionary power described in section 5a, then according to the provisions that governed the assets subject to the power under the first trust described in section 5a(1).

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Michigan § 556.122

What does Michigan Compiled Laws § 556.122 cover?

Section 556.122 ("Special power; passing on donee's default.") is part of the Michigan Compiled Laws, the codified statutory law of Michigan. 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 Michigan § 556.122?

A common citation format is "Michigan Compiled Laws § 556.122" (Michigan). 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 Michigan law?

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

How does Michigan § 556.122 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Michigan 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 Michigan.