The person who creates a trust by transferring property to a trustee for the benefit of beneficiaries. Synonymous with settlor or grantor, the trustor establishes the trust's terms, funds it with property, and determines how it will operate. Commonly used in some jurisdictions, particularly in the western United States.
The trustor is the person who creates and funds the trust—you're the trustor of your own trust. It means the same thing as "settlor" or "grantor," just a different word used in some areas.
⏱ When you'll encounter this term
- Trust documents from western U.S. states
- Deed of trust documents (real estate)
- Creating or reviewing trust agreements
- Identifying who established a trust
"The trust document begins: 'I, Sarah Jones, as Trustor, hereby transfer the following property...' That means Sarah is creating the trust and putting her property into it."
⚖️ Compare: Trustor vs Trustee
Creates the trust. Provides the property. Sets the terms. Often same person as initial trustee in living trusts.
Manages the trust. Holds legal title. Follows the terms. Can be trustor initially, then successor takes over.
💡 Did you know?
The terms trustor, settlor, and grantor all mean the same thing—the person who creates the trust. Different regions and legal traditions prefer different terms: "trustor" is common in California, "settlor" in many eastern states, and "grantor" in tax contexts.