Vesting Age

Vesting age is the age a Will sets for a young beneficiary to receive their gift outright rather than having it held on their behalf. Until that age the inheritance is usually held by the executor or a trustee, who manages it and may apply income for the child's education or maintenance. Common choices are 18, 21 or 25, and a higher age can protect a beneficiary who is not yet ready to manage a large sum.

Setting a vesting age above 18 is a simple way to add maturity protection without a complex trust. Example: "My children's shares are to be held until each reaches 25, and paid to them at that age." For longer-term control and asset protection, a will-maker may instead use a testamentary trust with its own vesting date.