Montana § 72-2-1002 - Statutory Rule Against Perpetuities

Full text of Montana Montana Code Annotated § 72-2-1002 — Statutory Rule Against Perpetuities, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 72-2-1002. Statutory Rule Against Perpetuities

Statutory rule against perpetuities. (1) A nonvested property interest is invalid unless: (a) 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 (b) the interest either vests or terminates within 90 years after its creation. (2) A general power of appointment not presently exercisable because of a condition precedent is invalid unless: (a) when the power is created, the condition precedent is certain to be satisfied or become impossible to satisfy no later than 21 years after the death of an individual then alive; or (b) the condition precedent either is satisfied or becomes impossible to satisfy within 90 years after its creation. (3) A nongeneral power of appointment or a general testamentary power of appointment is invalid unless: (a) 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 (b) the power is irrevocably exercised or otherwise terminates within 90 years after its creation. (4) In determining whether a nonvested property interest or a power of appointment is valid under subsection (1)(a), (2)(a), or (3)(a), the possibility that a child will be born to an individual after the individual's death is disregarded. (5) If, in measuring a period from the creation of a trust or other property arrangement, a clause in a governing instrument purports to postpone the vesting or termination of any interest or trust until, purports to disallow the vesting or termination of any interest or trust beyond, purports to require all interests or trusts to vest or terminate no later than, or operates in any similar fashion upon the later of: (a) the expiration of a period of time that exceeds 21 years or 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; or (b) the death of, or the expiration of a period 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, then the portion of the clause pertaining to the period of time that exceeds 21 years or 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 must be disregarded, and the clause operates upon the death of, or upon the expiration of the period not exceeding 21 years after the death of, the survivor of the specified lives in being at the creation of the trust or other property arrangement.

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Montana § 72-2-1002

What does Montana Code Annotated § 72-2-1002 cover?

Section 72-2-1002 ("Statutory Rule Against Perpetuities") is part of the Montana Code Annotated, the codified statutory law of Montana. 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 Montana § 72-2-1002?

A common citation format is "Montana Code Annotated § 72-2-1002" (Montana). 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 Montana law?

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

How does Montana § 72-2-1002 apply to my situation?

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