Trusts Agreement A Trusts Agreement defines the terms and conditions of a trust, specifying the trustee's responsibilities, beneficiaries, and how trust assets are managed and distributed.
This Trust Agreement (the "Agreement") dated this ___ day of ____, 20__, is made by and between John Smith and Mary Smith (the "Settlors"), and ___________________, (the "Trustee"). The Settlors, desiring to establish a trust for the purpose of providing financial support for the education and related expenses of their children (the "Beneficiaries"), hereby transfer and deliver to the Trustee the property described in Schedule A attached hereto, which property and any later additions thereto and proceeds thereof shall be held, managed, and disposed of by the Trustee on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth. This trust, known as the "Smith Family Education Fund," is established under and shall be governed by the laws of the United States of America.
2.1. Designation of Beneficiaries
The primary Beneficiaries of this trust shall be the natural or legally adopted children of the Settlors, who are specifically identified as follows: _________________.
2.2. Additional Beneficiaries
Upon written instructions from the Settlors, the Trustee may designate other individuals as Beneficiaries, provided such individuals are related to the Settlors within the definition of "descendants" as established by applicable law.
3.1. Trust Administration
The Trustee agrees to accept, hold, manage, and administer the trust property, and to perform all duties and responsibilities with regard to the Trust, including but not limited to: the collection of income; investment and reinvestment; management and responsible handling of funds; distribution of income and principal; record keeping; and filing any required tax returns in a manner consistent with the best interests of the Beneficiaries and in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and applicable law.
3.2. Asset Management
The Trustee shall ensure that trust assets are reasonably invested, in the Trustee's discretion, with the goal of preserving and increasing the value of the trust property, and generating income to be available for the purposes of the Trust. The Trustee shall have the power to hold, invest, and reinvest trust assets in any lawful investments and activities reasonably deemed essential to the proper management of the trust property, subject to any restrictions or limitations imposed by law.
3.3. Distribution of Funds
The Trustee shall distribute funds to the Beneficiaries for the purpose of providing financial support for education and related expenses, including tuition, books, and other educational necessities, as they pursue their academic goals. The Trustee shall exercise discretion in determining the amount, timing, and method of such distributions, considering the needs and circumstances of each Beneficiary and the availability of trust funds. The Trustee may impose reasonable conditions on such distributions, such as requiring proof of enrollment in an accredited educational institution, progress towards a degree or educational program, or maintaining a minimum grade point average.
3.4. Restrictions on Distributions
No distribution of funds shall be made by the Trustee to a Beneficiary for non-educational purposes, or in a manner that would result in any trust income being subject to tax for the benefit of the Settlors under applicable law. The Trustee shall ensure that all distributions are made in compliance with the applicable tax and legal requirements, and in accordance with the purposes of the Trust.
3.5. Liability
Provided that the Trustee acts in good faith, the Trustee shall not be liable for any loss or liability arising from any act or omission in the performance of the Trustee's duties, including the investment of trust assets or the exercise of any power, authority, or discretion conferred by this Agreement or by law.
The Trust shall continue in existence until the earlier of the following events: (a) all Beneficiaries have completed their education and no funds remain in the Trust, or (b) twenty-one (21) years from the date of this Agreement, at which time the Trust shall terminate. Upon termination, the remaining trust property, if any, shall be distributed to the then living Beneficiaries in equal shares, or if none, to the Settlors or their heirs according to the laws governing intestate succession.
This Trust may be amended or revoked only by written instrument signed by all Settlors and the Trustee, and only to the extent permitted by applicable law. No amendment or revocation shall have the effect of diverting trust property to any non-charitable purpose or causing any trust income to be taxable to the Settlors.
If the Trustee resigns, becomes incapacitated, or is otherwise unable or unwilling to serve, the Settlors may designate a successor Trustee by written instrument. If the Settlors are unable or unwilling to so designate, a successor Trustee may be appointed by a court having jurisdiction over the Trust. The successor Trustee shall have all the powers, rights, and duties conferred upon the original Trustee under this Agreement.
This Agreement, and all questions relating to its validity, construction, performance, and enforcement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the United States and, to the extent not preempted thereby, the laws of the State in which the Trust property is located at the time of execution.
In this Trust Agreement, you will see the following sections:
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