# Va. Code Ann. § 64.2-705: Governing law

> Virginia · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T64.2_SIII_C7_A1_S64.2-705

## Section

- **Citation:** Va. Code Ann. § 64.2-705
- **Heading:** Governing law
- **Jurisdiction:** Virginia
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Virginia Code / Title 64.2 / Subtitle III / Chapter 7 / Article 1 / Section 64.2-705

## Text

The meaning and effect of the terms of a trust are determined by:

1. The law of the jurisdiction designated in the terms unless the designation of that jurisdiction's law is contrary to a strong public policy of the jurisdiction having the most significant relationship to the matter at issue; or

2. In the absence of a controlling designation in the terms of the trust, the law of the jurisdiction having the most significant relationship to the matter at issue.

2005, c. 935 , § 55-541.07; 2012, c. 614 .

## Nearby sections

- [Va. Code Ann. § 64.2-700 Scope](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T64.2_SIII_C7_A1_S64.2-700.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 64.2-701 Definitions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T64.2_SIII_C7_A1_S64.2-701.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 64.2-702 Knowledge](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T64.2_SIII_C7_A1_S64.2-702.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 64.2-703 Default and mandatory rules](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T64.2_SIII_C7_A1_S64.2-703.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 64.2-704 Common law of trusts; principles of equity](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T64.2_SIII_C7_A1_S64.2-704.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 64.2-705 Governing law](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T64.2_SIII_C7_A1_S64.2-705.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 64.2-706 Principal place of administration](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T64.2_SIII_C7_A1_S64.2-706.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 64.2-707 Methods and waiver of notice](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T64.2_SIII_C7_A1_S64.2-707.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 64.2-708 Others treated as qualified beneficiaries](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T64.2_SIII_C7_A1_S64.2-708.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 64.2-709 Nonjudicial settlement agreements](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T64.2_SIII_C7_A1_S64.2-709.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T64.2_SIII_C7_A1_S64.2-705. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.