FIRST CONCEPT: PRIVATE EXPRESS TRUST Flashcards
Define a private express trust (You need to memorize)
A fiduciary relationship with respect to property whereby one person, the trustee, holds legal title for the benefit of another, the beneficiary, and which arises out of a manifestation of intent to create it for a legal purpose.
What is the corpus of the trust?
Any presently existing interest in property that can be transferred
What are 5 examples of what can be part of the corpus of a trust?
fee simple a future interest such as a contingent remainder a life insurance policy bonds stocks
What kind of interests cannot be the subject matter of a trust?
Illusory interests cannot be the subject matter of a trust.
What kinds of interests are illusory?
[a] Future profits to a business.
[b] A debt that settler owes beneficiary is not property and cannot be the corpus of a trust; a debt is a liability, not property.
[c] A mere expectancy: what settlor expects to inherit or receive as a gift because a mere expectancy is not property.
Who Can Be the Beneficiary of a Private Express Trust?
Any ascertainable person or group of people can be the beneficiary of a private express trust. Person includes a legal person
Is a corporation a legal person?
Yes
Is a unincorporated association a legal person?
Under common law?
Under Modern Law?
[a] Common law: unincorporated associations could not be the beneficiary of a private express trust.
[b] Modern law: an unincorporated association can be the beneficiary of a private express trust.
Are class gifts valid for a trust?
Yes
Are class gifts that are too big valid? Why or why not?
No, it is not valid if it cannot be administered
Is a a child conceived when the interest was created and later born an ascertainable person?
Yes
O conveys to bank and trust to A, but if liquor is ever sold, then to B. What result?
B’s interest is stricken, because of the RAP. A has a fee simple
Does a trust need to have a trustee?
Yes
Will a court allow a trust to fail if the trust does not have a trustee or a trustee refuses to serve?
No, The court will appoint a trustee
Who holds legal title when the trust does not yet have a trustee appointed by the court?
The settlor or the settlor’s estate will hold legal title.
There must be _________ intent made by the settlor.
present
Does the settlor need to use the words trust, trustee or beneficiary to make a trust?
No
are precatory words( words of wish or hope) sufficient to create a trust?
No