Which of the following is not a general power of appointment?

A general power of appointment allows an individual to direct the distribution of property, essentially giving them broad authority over how and to whom the assets are allocated. The characteristics of a general power include the ability to appoint assets to anyone, including the holder themselves, their estate, their creditors, or a class of beneficiaries that can include a range of individuals.

The distinction of a 5x5 power lies in its specificity. This type of power, often found in trust arrangements, allows the holder to withdraw a certain amount (commonly up to $5,000) or the income generated within a five-year period. Although it grants significant flexibility, it does not meet the criteria for a general power of appointment because it is limited in scope and, by design, cannot freely appoint assets to their estate or creditors. Therefore, it does not grant the holder unlimited authority over the property, which distinguishes it from the other options described.

In contrast, the ability to appoint property at death to one’s estate, the power to designate beneficiaries within a specified class, and the ability to appoint assets to creditors are all clear examples of general powers of appointment, as these options provide wide discretion to the individual over asset distribution.