TYPES OF TRUSTS Flashcards
Express Trusts
Definition
- Express trusts are created by the express intention of the creator of the trust, known as the settlor.
- A settlor may create a trust in their lifetime (inter vivos), either by declaring themselves trustee of specific property the settlor owns, or by transferring property to one or more trustees to hold on trust.
- Alternatively, a settlor may create a** testamentary trust **by declaring it in their will. Express trusts may be classified according to the nature of the beneficial interests they create.
types of express trusts
- private trusts
- charitable trusts
Private Trusts
private trusts
Private trusts are created for the benefit of certain ascertainable persons and are either** fixed, discretionary, or purpose trusts**
fixed trusts
A fxed trust exists where the interests of the benefcia-ries are defned by the settlor; for example, “to T on trust for my husband for life, and at his death to my children in equal shares”.
discretionary trusts
In a discretionary trust, the trustee is given discretion in how to distribute the trust property, usually among the members of an identifable class; for example, “to T on trust for my children in such shares as T shall in his absolute discretion decide”.
purpose trusts
A purpose trust is one set up** for a purpose rather than for people**. A trust for a private purpose which does not have defned benefciaries will normally fail (see below), but there is a limited class of private purpose trusts,sometimes known as ‘honorary trusts’, which are rec-
ognised as valid (for example, trusts for the maintenance of particular animals).
Charitable Trusts
A charitable trust is a type of purpose trust. Unlike a typical private trust, a charitable trust is created for the beneft of an indefnite class of persons or the public in general
Implied Trusts
Definition
A trust is implied in equity where the intention of the settlor is not expressed, but a trust is presumed in order t**o ensure that an equitable result is achieved. There are two main catego-ries of implied trust.
Types of Implied Trusts
a.Resulting Trusts
A resulting trust arises when: (1) an interest under an express trust fails, (2) an express trust fails to exhaust the benefcial interest, or (3) a person makes a voluntary transfer or purchase in the name of another. The benefcial interest reverts to the settlor or the settlor’s estate.
b.Constructive Trusts
A constructive trust is an equitable remedy imposed by a court to **prevent an unjust enrichment **of one person at the expense of another as the result of wrongful conduct, such as fraud, undue infuence, or breach of fiduciary duty such as when a third party receives trust property with knowledge of a breach of trust.