Duhaime's Law Dictionary Settlor Definition: The person who actually creates a trust by donating property to be managed and administered by a trustee but from which all profits would go to a beneficiary. Related Terms: Beneficiary, Trust, Donor, Trustee Scott defines the settlor as: "... the person who creates a trust, whether by a transaction inter vivos or by will...." The law books of some countries refer to this person as a donor and according to Scott, the word "trustor" has even been used as has "author of the trust." The most common example of a settlor is the testator who, in writing a will, necessarily creates a trust as between the moment of death and distribution of his or her estate, the deceased's assets will be held by a trustee to be collected and distributed in accordance with the terms of the will. REFERENCES: Scott, A., The Law of Trusts, 4th Edition (Boston: Little, Brown & Company, 1987). Introduction To The Law of Trusts Trust Law: The Players Trust Law: When Things Get Nasty Charitable Trusts Constructive and Resulting Trusts Trust Law: The Big Cases Categories & Topics: Duhaime's Trusts, Wills, Estates and Probate Law Dictionary Always looking up definitions? Save time with our search provider (modern browsers only) If you find an error or omission in Duhaime's Law Dictionary, or if you have suggestion for a legal term, we'd love to hear from you!