Assets subject to a fiduciary arrangement are governed by specific terms outlined within the trust document. This arrangement involves a grantor (sometimes called a settlor or trustor) who transfers ownership of property to a trustee. The trustee is legally obligated to manage the assets for the benefit of one or more beneficiaries. Common examples include real estate, stocks, bonds, and cash. Consider a situation where a parent establishes a trust for their childs education; the trustee manages the funds with the express purpose of covering tuition, books, and related expenses.
This type of arrangement provides numerous advantages. It offers a mechanism for asset protection, shielding property from potential creditors or legal judgments. Furthermore, it allows for controlled distribution, ensuring assets are disbursed according to the grantor’s precise wishes, often over a specified timeframe or upon the occurrence of certain events. Historically, these fiduciary arrangements have been employed for estate planning, charitable giving, and managing assets for individuals unable to do so themselves, like minors or those with disabilities.