What is a Trust?

A trust is a legal arrangement between you (the settlor) and a trustee.

When you set up a trust, your appointed trustee takes ownership of your assets and manages them in the best interest of your beneficiaries. You can decide the terms of the trust including who your beneficiaries are, and how much power you wish to retain over your trust.

As assets placed in a trust are not part of a deceased’s estate, probate is not required, and disputes over the assets can be avoided.

2 types of Trust

Setting up a trust during your lifetime A living trust is set up during a settlor's lifetime, where the assets are transferred to the trust. Examples are inter vivos, discretionary or revocable trusts. It is done by executing a trust deed together with the transfer of assets to the trustee.

The settlor can revoke or terminate the trust at any time.

Testamentary trust It is made using a Will and takes effect after the settlor's death. This is useful where you have:

• Young children
• Dependants with special needs
• Beneficiaries who may inherit a large sum of money but are unable to manage it

Once this trust is in place, it is irrevocable.

Why set up a trust?

You may consider setting up a trust if you want to:

• Control and protect your family assets. You may also want the money held in trust to be invested.
• Buy a property for your child. Specify the age to have it transferred when your child grows up.
• Provide for a child who is a minor, or has special needs.
• Provide for an adult child who is careless with money.
• Protect your money in the event of a divorce.
• Protect your assets from creditors.
• Preservation of wealth especially for business owners
• Making financial provisions for minor children (Education, Medical, Maintenance) in the event of demise.
• Making provisions for spouse who is a homemaker in case children do not care.
• As an estate duty planning device.
• As an income tax planning device for high income earner with income producing assets. (Refer to IRAS for more details)
• Making provisions for children or loved ones who are disabled, handicapped or aged.
• Making provisions for charitable causes as a part of legacy planning.

If you have a dependant with special needs, you can approach the Special Needs Trust Company (SNTC) to help you set up a trust for him/her.

Wondering if a Trust arrangement is suitable for your situation, engage a legal advsier or an estate planner to mapped out your intentions & instructions in your trust deed. family

Alternatively, to find out more, attend our "Grow your assets even after Death" webinar.