Express Trust: Trust Law Definition

A trust deliberately and intentionally created by a settlor, as opposed to trusts imposed by law (resulting or constructive trusts). The settlor expressly declares their intention to create a trust, identifies the trust property, and specifies the beneficiaries. Must satisfy the three certainties: intention, subject matter, and objects.

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