X-Message-Number: 10843
Date: Fri, 27 Nov 1998 07:48:39 -0500
From: Thomas Donaldson <>
Subject: more on THE problem with Trusts

Hi again!

A fund managed by a cryonics society for the purpose of revival, and
possibly giving patients a bit of money (or the equivalent) to help
them adjust after their revival, isn't really a trust. The money belongs
to the cryonics society, and is managed by it, directly or indirectly.
Since the owner of the money continues to exist, there is no issue
with the Rule against Perpetuities. John de Rivas is apparently 
discussing this kind of arrangement. I will add that EVERY cryonics
society does this, and it is hardly novel or unusual. It is the means
by which you are supported while in suspension. And legally the cryonics
society can do what it wishes with the money: your protection comes
not from any laws but from the simple fact that a cryonics society
whose leaders misuse the money will cease to attract new members,
and leave its former leaders totally without any protection (or even
suspension!) upon their death.

A trust, Stiftung, or whatever, however, might provide a means by which
you can leave money to yourself for use on your revival. Thomas Nord 
is apparently saying that in Sweden such trusts will last indefinitely;
given that several prominent cryonicists have searched long and hard
for legal jurisdictions in which they might set up a trust which would
last indefinitely, I am surprised at his statement. Thomas, certainly
your trust will continue while you remain alive. However I'd very much
like to know just what rules or laws deal with such trusts after you
have been suspended (after being declared "dead"). We know that we can
do this is Lichtenstein, and some have taken a good deal of trouble to
actually do it there. If they somehow neglected or forgot about Sweden,
I'd like to know why and how.

Please answer, ideally with a discussion of the laws and rules involved.

I also must admit to bemusement, that this discussion of trusts on 
Cryonet omits any discussion of the major problem involved with them.

			Best wishes and long long life,

				Thomas Donaldson

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