Power of Appointment
/ˈpaʊər ʌv əˌpɔɪntmənt/
Definitions
- (n.) A legal authority granted to a person to designate who will receive certain property or interests under a will or trust.
The testator granted her friend a power of appointment to decide who would inherit the property.
- (n.) A mechanism that allows a donee to vary the distribution of an estate by appointing beneficiaries other than those named in the original instrument.
The power of appointment enabled the beneficiary to name alternate heirs.
Forms
- power of appointment
- powers of appointment
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Powers of appointment are often categorized as general or special; precision in drafting should specify the scope and limitations of the power to avoid unintended testamentary consequences.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.