(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 19-1304.08; or
(C) A trust for a noncharitable purpose, as provided in section 19-1304.09;
(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.
(Mar. 10, 2004, D.C. Law 15-104, § 2(b), 51 DCR 208.)
Uniform Law: This section is based upon § 402 of the Uniform Trust Code.
Structure District of Columbia Code
Title 19 - Descent, Distribution, and Trusts. [Enacted title]
Chapter 13 - Uniform Trust Code
Subchapter IV - Creation, Validity, Modification, and Termination of Trust
§ 19–1304.01. Methods of creating trust
§ 19–1304.02. Requirements for creation
§ 19–1304.03. Trusts created in other jurisdictions
§ 19–1304.05. Charitable purposes; enforcement
§ 19–1304.06. Creation of trust induced by fraud, duress, or undue influence
§ 19–1304.07. Evidence of oral trust
§ 19–1304.08. Trust for care of animal
§ 19–1304.09. Noncharitable trust without ascertainable beneficiary
§ 19–1304.10. Modification or termination of trust; proceedings for approval or disapproval
§ 19–1304.11. Modification or termination of noncharitable irrevocable trust by consent
§ 19–1304.14. Termination of uneconomic trust
§ 19–1304.15. Reformation to correct mistakes
§ 19–1304.16. Modification to achieve settlor’s tax objectives