Does a Testamentary Trust Have a Settlor?

A testamentary trust involves three parties. The grantor or settlor is the person who creates the trust in order to transfer his or her assets. The beneficiary is the person or entity who is the recipient of the assets. The trustee handles the trust and manages the assets until the beneficiary takes over.

Who is the settlor in a testamentary trust?

The settlor: The settlor is the person responsible for setting up the trust and naming the beneficiaries, the trustee and, if there is one, the appointor. For tax reasons, the settlor should not be a beneficiary under the trust. The trustee: The trustee (or trustees) administers the trust.

Does a testamentary trust have to distribute income?

The pros and cons of testamentary trusts at a glance: Trusts don't have to pay tax on income that is distributed to beneficiaries. The trustee has the discretion to distribute income to as many beneficiaries as possible.