Legal Definitions - reformation condition

A reformation condition refers to a specific requirement or stipulation included in a will, trust, or other legal document that governs a gift or obligation. This condition is typically drafted in a way that is ambiguous, unclear, impossible to fulfill as written, or potentially violates legal principles or public policy. In such cases, a court may be asked to "reform" (interpret, modify, or even remove) the condition.

The primary purpose of this judicial reformation is to clarify the condition's meaning, make it legally enforceable, or align it with the original intent of the person who created the document (the testator or grantor). This process aims to prevent the entire gift or provision from failing due to a drafting error or legal impediment, thereby upholding the spirit of the creator's wishes while correcting a flaw in the document.

• Example 1: Ambiguous or Subjective Condition

  A will states, "I leave my antique watch collection to my granddaughter, provided she lives a truly virtuous life." The term "truly virtuous life" is highly subjective and lacks objective criteria for fulfillment. A court, if asked to interpret this, might reform the condition. Depending on other evidence of the testator's intent, the court might interpret it to mean "if she avoids felony convictions" or simply strike the condition as too vague to enforce, allowing her to inherit the watches without the subjective requirement. This reformation clarifies or removes an unworkable condition to ensure the gift can be made.

• Example 2: Impossible or Impractical Condition

  A trust document specifies that a significant sum of money will be distributed to a beneficiary "when the beneficiary successfully navigates a hot air balloon around the world solo." While perhaps intended to encourage adventure, this condition is extremely difficult, dangerous, and impractical for most individuals to fulfill. A court might reform this condition if there's evidence the grantor's true intent was to encourage ambition or travel. For instance, it might be reformed to "when the beneficiary completes a significant personal challenge or achieves a major life goal," allowing the underlying gift to proceed in a more reasonable manner.

• Example 3: Condition Against Public Policy

  A will includes a provision stating, "I bequeath my entire estate to my son, but only if he divorces his current spouse within one year of my death." This condition is likely considered void as it encourages the dissolution of marriage, which is generally against public policy. In this scenario, a court would typically reform the bequest by striking down only the invalid condition, allowing the son to inherit the estate without having to divorce his spouse. The court reforms the will by removing the problematic condition to ensure the primary intent (to give the estate to the son) is upheld while eliminating the legally objectionable part.