trust in which rights to make any changes therein are surrendered permanently by the
grantor. The grantor uses this type of trust to transfer assets and any potential depreciation out of his or her estate in order to avoid
federal estate tax on the second estate distributions to heirs, as well as to avoid
probate expenses. The primary disadvantage of this type of trust is that the grantor surrenders all control over the assets and the right to change the terms of the trust.
See also estate planning distribution,
revocable living trust.