Living Trusts and Estate Planning for Europeans

A complete and practical guide to living trusts for Europeans

• A clear explanation of the fundamental differences between common-law and civil-law systems, and why those differences matter for trust planning
• An in-depth comparison of revocable and irrevocable trusts, and of discretionary and non-discretionary (fixed) trusts
• A comprehensive overview of the main types of trusts, including fixed trusts, charitable trusts, education trusts, healthcare and hardship trusts, asset-protection trusts, and many others
• A detailed discussion of alternatives to trusts, including foundations, fiduciary arrangements, and other trust-like structures
• A jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction analysis of trust planning in the UK, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Malta, Guernsey, and several EU countries, highlighting key legal and practical differences
• An explanation of who may act as trustee, the different categories of trustees (individual, professional, corporate, private trust companies), and their respective roles and risks
• Practical examples of trust deeds, together with real-world case studies illustrating how trusts succeed-or fail-in practice