Legal Definitions - character-reformation condition

A character-reformation condition is a type of conditional bequest in which the effectiveness or continuation of a bequest depends on the occurrence or nonoccurrence of a particular event that prohibits certain legal conduct, such as using tobacco or growing a beard, with the aim of improving the character of the beneficiary.

An example of a character-reformation condition in a will might be a gift of "the income from the farm to my daughter, Betty, until she stops smoking." In this case, the bequest is conditional on Betty's cessation of smoking, which is intended to improve her character.

This type of condition is sometimes referred to as a reformation condition or character-improvement condition.