A. A trust is created only if:
(1) the settlor has capacity to create a trust;
(2) the settlor indicates an intention to create the trust;
(3) the trust has a definite beneficiary or is:
(a) a charitable trust;
(b) a trust for the care of an animal, as provided in Section 4-408 [46A-4-408 NMSA 1978] of the Uniform Trust Code; or
(c) a trust for a noncharitable purpose, as provided in Section 4-409 [46A-4-409 NMSA 1978] of the Uniform Trust Code;
(4) the trustee has duties to perform; and
(5) the same person is not the sole trustee and sole beneficiary.
B. A beneficiary is definite if the beneficiary can be ascertained now or in the future, subject to any applicable rule against perpetuities.
C. A power in a trustee to select a beneficiary from an indefinite class is valid. If the power is not exercised within a reasonable time, the power fails and the property subject to the power passes to the persons who would have taken the property had the power not been conferred.
History: Laws 2003, ch. 122, § 4-402.
Effective dates. — Laws 2003, ch. 122, § 11-1106 made the act effective July 1, 2003.
Law reviews. — For article, "The New Mexico Uniform Trust Code," see 34 N.M.L. Rev. 1 (2004).
Structure 2021 New Mexico Statutes
Chapter 46A - Uniform Trust Code
Article 4 - Creation, Validity, Modification and Termination of Trust
Section 46A-4-401 - Methods of creating trust.
Section 46A-4-402 - Requirements for creation.
Section 46A-4-403 - Trusts created in other jurisdictions.
Section 46A-4-404 - Trust purposes.
Section 46A-4-405 - Charitable purposes; enforcement.
Section 46A-4-406 - Creation of trust induced by fraud, duress or undue influence.
Section 46A-4-407 - Evidence of oral trust.
Section 46A-4-408 - Trust for care of animal.
Section 46A-4-409 - Noncharitable trust without ascertainable beneficiary.
Section 46A-4-410 - Modification or termination of trust; proceedings for approval or disapproval.
Section 46A-4-411 - Modification or termination of noncharitable irrevocable trust by consent.
Section 46A-4-414 - Termination of uneconomic trust.
Section 46A-4-415 - Reformation to correct mistakes.
Section 46A-4-416 - Modification to achieve settlor's tax objectives.