Self-settled trust
Self-settled trust: A trust in which the settlor is also a beneficiary. In most states, the settlor's creditors can reach whatever the trustee could pay to or for the settlor (Uniform Trust Code § 505(a)(2)). A few states allow domestic asset protection trusts as a statutory exception.
What self-settled trust means
In short, self-settled trust is a term you will meet in court papers, rules and legal research. The definition above gives its usual meaning in American civil practice. However, the exact meaning can depend on the rule, statute or court decision that uses it. So it helps to read the term in context.
Where self-settled trust comes up
The term is used across many kinds of cases. For example, you may see it in pleadings, motions and court orders. To see it in context, browse the motions and procedures library or the Learn the Law topics.
Read the source: Domestic asset protection trust.
How to research the term
Start with the primary source. For example, if self-settled trust appears in a federal rule, read the rule itself and its official notes. After that, check your court’s local rules and any standing orders from the judge. In addition, search recent decisions from your own state or federal district. They show how courts read self-settled trust in practice. Because state rules often differ, our state procedures guide links to each state’s official rules. Above all, make sure the version you read is still in force.
You can read the current federal court rules online for free.
Related legal terms
- Securitization: pooling loans or receivables — such as mortgages, auto loans or credit-card balances — and selling interests in the pool to investors, who are paid from the borrowers' payments.
- Security (investment): under federal securities law, a broad category of investments including notes, stocks, bonds, evidences of indebtedness and investment contracts.
- Security entitlement: the rights an investor has in a security held through a broker or bank, defined in UCC Article 8. Under UCC § 8-503, assets a securities intermediary holds for entitlement holders "are not property of the securities intermediary, and are not subject to claims of creditors of the securities intermediary."
- Security interest: an interest in personal property that secures payment or performance of an obligation, governed by UCC Article 9.
Why precise terms matter
Courts read legal terms closely. As a result, knowing the exact meaning of a word helps you follow orders, rules and filings. Each glossary entry on Lawtopolis is short on purpose and links to the pages where the term is used.
Sources
Sources last reviewed: 2026-10-24
Lawtopolis provides legal information and education, not legal advice. Using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws and court rules vary by jurisdiction and change over time; verify every authority against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction about your situation.