trustors

A trustor is the person who creates a trust by transferring property into a trust and setting its terms. In many legal systems the term is used interchangeably with settlor or grantor, though terminology varies by jurisdiction and instrument. A trustor typically funds the trust, articulates its provisions in a trust agreement, and designates who will act as trustee and who will benefit from the trust assets.

Once the trust is created, the trustor’s role is largely defined by the instrument. The trustee holds legal title to the trust assets and administers them in accordance with the trust terms and applicable law, while beneficiaries hold equitable interests and receive distributions as directed. The trustor’s control over assets depends on the type of trust: revocable trusts generally allow the trustor to modify or revoke the arrangement during life, whereas irrevocable trusts transfer control and ownership of assets to the trustee with limited or no ability to unwind.

Trustors are commonly involved in estate planning, asset protection, privacy, and tax planning. In corporate or financial contexts, a trustor may initiate a trust arrangement to manage assets or fund beneficiary distributions, with a trustee responsible for administration and compliance.

Distinctions and usage vary by jurisdiction and instrument. Terms such as trustor, settlor, and grantor describe similar roles but may carry different legal implications regarding control, revocability, and the transfer of ownership. Understanding the specific terms in the governing trust document is essential to determining the trustor’s rights and obligations.