Trusts Flashcards
complete
Term for the creator of the trust
Settlor
Term for a trust created during the settlor’s lifetime
Inter vivos trust
Term for a trust created in a will
Testementary trust
Type of trust which is created for the benefit of ascertainable persons and can be a fixed, discretionary, or purpose trust
Private trust
What are the two types of express trusts?
- Private trusts
- Charitable trusts
Type of trust where beneficiary’s interests are defined by the settlor
Fixed trust
Type of trust where trustee is given discretion in how to distribute trust property, usually among members of an identifiable class
Discretionary trust
A trust for a private purpose which does not have defined beneficiaries usually fails, what is the exception?
Honorary trusts (e.g. trusts for maintenance of specific animals)
Which type of trust is a purpose trust created to benefit an indefinite class of persons or the public in general?
Charitable trust
Which type of trust is created where the intention of the settlor is not expressed but a trust is presumed to ensure an equitable result is achieved?
Implied trust
Which type of trust arises when any of the following occur
- an interest under an express trust fails
- an express trust fails to exhaust the beneficial interest
- a person makes a voluntary transfer or purchase in the name of another
Resulting trust
Term for an equitable remedy imposed by court to prevent unjust enrichment of one person at the expense of another as the result of wrongful conduct, such as fraud, undue influence, or breach of fiduciary duty (e.g. receiving trust property with knowledge of breach of trust)
Constructive trust
What are the 3 certainties required for creation of a valid express trust?
- Intention
- Subject matter
- Objects
When must the settlor intend the trust takes effect from?
Immediately
What is precatory language?
A settlor’s expression of a hope, wish, or mere suggestion that the property be used in a certain way
What is the usual inference from the settlor’s use of precatory expressions?
No intention to impose a binding obligation on the trustee
What happens to a gift when a trust is void for uncertainty of intention?
The gift passes outright to the person who would have been the trustee
How is a trust of a fractional share treated for
- intangible assets
- tangible assets
- Will not fail for lack of certainty
- Trust will fail unless the assets subject to the trust have been segregated
Which of the following can be held in trust?
- A future interest
- Interest not yet in legal existence
A future interest
e.g. a house is deeded to A for life and then to B. B has a future interest while A is alive which will vest in B’s possession after A’s death. The future interest can be vested property
What is the effect on the trust if the settlor fails to identify with sufficient clarity the amount the beneficiary is to receive?
Trust is void
What happens to trust property when the trust is rendered void for uncertainty of subject matter?
Reverts to the settlor
To ascertain certainty of objects in fixed trusts, when must beneficiaries be in existence to be a beneficiary?
At the time their interests are to come into enjoyment
What is the effect on trust validity if a beneficiary cannot be traced (ascertainability)?
Trust still valid
Trustees should apply to court for directions
What test is applied for certainty of objects in discretionary trusts?
Given Postulant Test
The test is satisfied if the trust instrument provides a clear mechanism or criterion for identifying beneficiaries, even if the list is not exhaustive - more flexible
What is the Given Postulant Test?
The test is whether it can be said with certainty that any given individual is or is not a member of the class
Whether the description of the class is clear enough
What test is applied for certainty of objects in fixed trusts?
Complete List Test
Term for a cause of discretionary trust failure due to too large a number of potential beneficiaries or there is nothing linking class members to enable trustees to make a sensible choice between them (cariciousness)
Administratively unworkable
What is presumed if a discretionary trust fails for uncertainty of objects?
A resulting trust in favour of the settlor or settlor’s successors
What does the Beneficiary Principle establish?
A trust must have ascertainable human beneficiaries
To which trusts does the Beneficiary Principle not apply?
Charitable trusts
Which situation would cause an attempted inter vivos trust to fail for lack of delivery?
The absence of a trustee at the creation of a trust
What is the minimum and maximum number of trustees required for a trust?
No minumum or maximum
How must trustee decisions be reached unless trust deed says otherwise?
By unanimous decision
What is the minimum and maximum number of trustees required for a trust of land?
2-4
Why are at least 2 trustees required for a trust of land?
At least 2 trustees are required to give a valid receipt for money received on the sale of land
What are the 2 Rules Against Perpetuity?
- Remoteness of Vesting Rule (125 years)
- Inalienability Rule (non-charitable purpose trusts, 21 years)
What is the Remoteness of Vesting Rule?
An interest under a trust is void if it does not vest within the perpetuity period of 125 years (for trusts taking effect from 6 April 2010)
In which situation does the Inalienability Rule apply?
In the exceptional case where a noncharitable purpose trust is valid
What is the term for the rest of an individual’s life?
Life in being
What is the Inalienability Rule?
Where a noncharitable purpose trust is valid, the trust period is limited to 21 years OR for a person’s life in being plus 21 years
How is certainty of intention established where a settlor declares themselves as trustee?
By words or conduct that they intend to be legally bound
Which 2 elements must be satisfied in the transfer of property to a trustee?
- The settlor must transfer the trust property to the trustee(s) in the appropriate legal fashion
- The settlor must make a declaration of trust
What does a declaration of trust demonstrate?
Demonstrate settlor’s intention for trustee(s) to be legally bound, satisfying requirements of certainty, the beneficiary principle, and perpetuity
What are the declaration of trust requirements for an enforceable trust of land?
Written evidence of the declaration of trust, signed by the settlor
What is the term for transferring legal title to property from one party to another?
Constitution
‘Equity will not assist a volunteer’ applies when which action has not been completed?
Constitution (transfer of legal title from settlor to trustee)
What are the 4 exceptions to the ‘Equity will not assist a volunteer’ maxim?
- Every Effort Test
- Donatia Mortis Causa (gift by reason of death)
- Fortuitous Vesting - the rule in Strong v Bird
- Proprietary Estoppel
How would a trust for land or shares be valid where all necessary processes have been completed except the registration has not yet been completed?
Every Effort Test
NB: does not apply if settlor keeps possession
Donatio Mortis Causa will only apply if the donor has which objective belief?
Their death is imminent
What are the 3 conditions for the enforcement of Donatio Mortis Causa?
- The donor delivers property to donee while in contemplation of imminent death
- Donor’s intention is the gift is conditional on their death
- The donor dies
Which rule applies to make a trust valid if settlor dies before transfer on trust AND trustee becomes settlor’s PR on settlor’s death?
The rule in Strong v Bird (Fortuitous Vesting)
Which rule applies to make a trust valid if donee establishes they reasonably acted to their detriment in reliance on an assurance?
Proprietary Estoppel
Which 3 categories of requirements must be satisfied for inter vivos and testementary trusts?
- Three certainties
- Beneficiary principle
- Perpetuity rules
Why is property transfer not a requirement for testementary trusts?
The property will be vested in the trustees by the testator’s PRs after death
What is the difference between a secret and half secret trust?
A half secret trust mentions that a trust exists but keeps the beneficiary’s identity secret, a secret trust does not mention that a trust exists
How does the intended beneficiary of a secret trust enforce it?
By proving the terms of the trust with clear and convincing evidence
Can a secret trust be enforced if the communication describing the trust was made after the will was executed?
Yes
What is the effect on a (half) secret trust if the legatee/trustee expressly refused to accept the trust, or did not know of the intended trust until after the testator’s death?
There is no trust and the legatee/trustee will take the property free from any trust
What is implied upon estate administration if the legatee/trustee failed to respond to the communication describing a secret trust?
The trust is accepted
When must the trustee be notified of
- a secret trust
- a half secret trust (including beneficiary’s identity)
- Anytime before testator’s death
- On or before will execution
What is the term for interests where
- no conditions are attached
- conditions are attached
- Vested
- Contingent
A beneficiary with vested interest cannot claim property until they reach what age?
Why?
18
Minors cannot give trustees a valid receipt
Term for a beneficiary’s interest that does not give them the right to the capital of the fund
What is the beneficiary usually entitled to?
Limited interest (including life interest)
The income of the fund
Term for a beneficiary’s interest that gives them the right to the capital of the fund
Absolute interest
Term for a type of trust which includes both a fixed and discretionary element
Mixed trust
Which rule allows the termination of the trust by all beneficiaries?
The rule in Saunders v Vautier
What are the requirements for the rule in Saunders v Vautier to be enforced?
- All of the beneficiaries have an absolute interest in the trust
- All of the trustees are over 18
- Unanimous decision
What type of trust is implied by law based on the presumed but unexpressed intention of the settlor?
Resulting trust
What happens to the equitable interest in a resulting trust?
Reverts back to the settlor, or settlor’s estate if he’s dead