New Jersey § 14a:5-20
Full text of New Jersey New Jersey Statutes § 14a:5-20, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 14a:5-20.
(1) One or more shareholders of a corporation may confer upon a trustee or trustees
the right to vote or otherwise represent his or their shares, for a period not to
exceed 21 years, by entering into a written voting trust agreement specifying the
terms and conditions of the voting trust, by filing an executed counterpart of the
agreement at the registered office of the corporation and by depositing his or their
shares of an original issue with, or by transferring his or their shares to, such
trustee or trustees for the purposes of the agreement. After the filing of the agreement, certificates for shares shall be issued to the
trustee or trustees to represent any shares of an original issue so deposited with
him or them, and any certificates for shares so transferred shall be surrendered and
cancelled and new certificates therefor issued to such trustee or trustees stating
that they are issued under such agreement, and in the entry of such ownership in the
records of the corporation that fact shall also be noted, and such trustee or trustees
may vote the shares so transferred during the term of such agreement. The copy of the voting trust agreement so filed shall be subject to inspection at
any reasonable time by any shareholder of the corporation or by any holder of a beneficial
interest in the voting trust, in person or by agent or attorney. Voting trust certificates shall be issued to evidence beneficial interests in the
voting trust. (2) A trustee who votes shares subject to a voting trust shall incur no responsibility
as shareholder, trustee, or otherwise, except for his own dereliction of duty. (3) Where two or more persons are designated as voting trustees, and the right and
method of voting any shares standing in their names at any meeting of the corporation
are not fixed by the agreement appointing the trustees, the right to vote said shares
and the manner of voting the same at any such meeting shall be determined by a majority
of the trustees. If the trustees are equally divided as to how the shares shall be voted, the Superior
Court may, in an action brought by any of such trustees, appoint an additional person to
act with such trustees in such matter, and the right to vote said shares and the manner
of voting the same at any such meeting shall be determined by a majority of the trustees
and such additional person. The court may proceed in the action in a summary manner or otherwise. (4) At any time within 2 years prior to the time of expiration of any such voting
trust agreement as originally fixed or as extended as herein provided, one or more
beneficiaries of the voting trust may, by agreement in writing and with the written
consent of such voting trustees, extend the duration of such voting trust agreement
with regard to the shares subject to their beneficial interest for an additional period
not exceeding 21 years. The voting trustees shall, prior to the time of expiration of any such voting trust
agreement, as originally fixed or as previously extended, as the case may be, file
in the registered office of the corporation an executed counterpart of such extension
agreement and of their consent thereto, and thereupon the duration of such voting
trust agreement shall be extended for the period fixed in such extension agreement;
but no such extension agreement shall affect the rights or obligations of persons
not parties thereto. (5) The validity of a voting trust or of an extension thereof, otherwise lawful, shall
not be affected during a period of 21 years from the date of its commencement by the
fact that by its terms it will or may last beyond such 21-year period; but it shall
become inoperative at the end of such 21-year period.
Frequently Asked Questions About New Jersey § 14a:5-20
What does New Jersey Statutes § 14a:5-20 cover?
Section 14a:5-20 is part of the New Jersey Statutes, the codified statutory law of New Jersey. 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 New Jersey § 14a:5-20?
A common citation format is "New Jersey Statutes § 14a:5-20" (New Jersey). 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 New Jersey law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the New Jersey official source linked on this page or consult a licensed New Jersey attorney.
How does New Jersey § 14a:5-20 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in New Jersey 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 New Jersey.