Bare Trust: Trust Law Definition

The simplest form of trust where the trustee holds assets for a beneficiary who has an absolute right to both the capital and income. The beneficiary can demand the assets at any time once they reach 18. Often used for holding assets for children until they come of age. The trustee is merely a "nominee" with no discretion - they must hand over assets when requested by an adult beneficiary.

This definition is part of the Equity Steward Trust Law Glossary — a plain English reference for UK families and trustees.