North Carolina § 41-15 - Statutory rule against perpetuities.

Full text of North Carolina North Carolina General Statutes § 41-15 — Statutory rule against perpetuities., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 41-15. Statutory rule against perpetuities.

A 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 become 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 subdivision (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 property arrangement, language in a governing instrument: Seeks to disallow the vesting or termination of any interest beyond, Seeks to postpone the vesting or termination of any interest until, or Seeks to operate in effect in any similar fashion upon, the later of (i) 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 property arrangement or (ii) 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 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. History (1995, c. 190, s. 1; 2007-390, s. 2; 2021-85, s. 3(a).)

Source: official North Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About North Carolina § 41-15

What does North Carolina General Statutes § 41-15 cover?

Section 41-15 ("Statutory rule against perpetuities.") is part of the North Carolina General Statutes, the codified statutory law of North Carolina. 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 North Carolina § 41-15?

A common citation format is "North Carolina General Statutes § 41-15" (North Carolina). 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 North Carolina law?

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

How does North Carolina § 41-15 apply to my situation?

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