Inter Vivos Definition:

In Bouvier's Law Dictionary (Boston, 1897, page 1088), inter vivos is defined as:

"Between living persons; as in a gift inter vivos, which is a gift made by one living person to another."

For example, an inter vivos trust is one which the settlor sets up to take effect while he or she is still alive.

It can be contrasted with the testamentary trust, which is to take effect only upon the settlor’s death.

Another example is the sale of a life estate which can only occur between persons living; i.e. inter vivos.