Definition

1. Noun:
   • A person who establishes a trust: In law, a "settlor" is an individual who creates a trust by transferring property (real estate or personal assets) to a trustee. This transfer is made for the benefit of one or more designated beneficiaries. The act of giving this property is often described as "settling" it upon the trustee.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The settlor transferred the ownership of his house into a trust for his grandchildren.
  • As the settlor of the family trust, she specified detailed instructions for the distribution of assets.

Advanced Usage

• "To act as a settlor": To perform the role of creating and funding a trust.

  • He decided to act as a settlor to ensure his charitable wishes were carried out after his death.

• "Settlor's intent": A legal principle emphasizing that the wishes of the person who created the trust should guide its administration.

  • The court's ruling was based on a clear interpretation of the settlor's intent.

Variants and Related Words

• Settle (verb): In a legal context, to transfer property to form a trust. (e.g., )
• Settlement (noun): The act or process of settling property, or the trust arrangement itself. (e.g., )

Synonyms

• Trustor: A synonym for "settlor," commonly used in some legal jurisdictions.
• Grantor: A person who grants or conveys property; often used interchangeably with "settlor" in trust law.
• Donor: In a broader sense, a person who gives something, but not specific to trust creation.

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

• To settle on/upon: To formally give property to a trustee for a trust.
  • The assets were settled upon the trustee for the benefit of the university.

Related Idioms

Noun

1. (law) a person who creates a trust by giving real or personal property in trust to a trustee for the benefit of a beneficiary; a person who gives such property is said to settle it on the trustee