Trust
A legal arrangement where one person holds property for the benefit of another.
What Trust means in an estate
The settlor transfers assets to a trustee, who manages them for the beneficiaries under the trust's written terms. A revocable living trust is the common probate-avoidance tool: the person keeps full control while alive, and at death a successor trustee distributes the assets with no court involvement. An irrevocable trust generally cannot be changed and is used for creditor or tax planning. A trust only avoids probate for the assets actually retitled into it, so an unfunded trust accomplishes nothing.
How this works in your state
The concept is national, but the forms, procedure names, thresholds, and filing practice vary by state. Open your state glossary and guides to see how trust is handled where the estate is being settled.
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Information current as of April 4, 2026
Settled Estate is not a law firm, and this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Probate laws and procedures in your state can change. Consult with a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation. Full disclaimer.