ARTICLE 2. Statutory Rule Against Perpetuities [21205. - 21209.]

Cal. Probate Code - PROB 2.

in effect

Cal. Probate Code - PROB § 21205. Section 21205.

A nonvested property interest is invalid unless one of the following conditions is satisfied: (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. (b) The interest either vests or terminates within 90 years after its creation.

Cal. Probate Code - PROB § 21206. Section 21206.

A general power of appointment not presently exercisable because of a condition precedent is invalid unless one of the following conditions is satisfied: (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. (b) The condition precedent either is satisfied or becomes impossible to satisfy within 90 years after its creation.

Cal. Probate Code - PROB § 21207. Section 21207.

A nongeneral power of appointment or a general testamentary power of appointment is invalid unless one of the following conditions is satisfied: (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. (b) The power is irrevocably exercised or otherwise terminates within 90 years after its creation.

Cal. Probate Code - PROB § 21208. Section 21208.

In determining whether a nonvested property interest or a power of appointment is valid under this article, the possibility that a child will be born to an individual after the individual’s death is disregarded.

Cal. Probate Code - PROB § 21209. Section 21209.

(a) If, in measuring a period from the creation of a trust or other property arrangement, language in a governing instrument (1) seeks to disallow the vesting or termination of any interest or trust beyond, (2) seeks to postpone the vesting or termination of any interest or trust until, or (3) seeks to operate in effect in any similar fashion upon, the later of (A) 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 trust or other property arrangement or (B) 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 trust or other property arrangement, that language is inoperative to the extent it produces a period that exceeds 21 years after the death of the survivor of the specified lives. (b) Notwithstanding Section 21202, this section applies only to governing instruments, including instruments exercising powers of appointment, executed on or after January 1, 1992.

Source: CA Legislative Counsel Bulk DataURL: https://downloads.leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/pubinfo_2025.zipFetched: 6/27/2026