of bonding, insurance, and itemized accountings of probate assets. Estate tax effect Living trusts generally do not shelter assets from the U.S. federal estate tax. Married couples may, however, effectively double the estate tax exemption amount by setting up the trust with a formula clause. For a living trust, the grantor may retain some level of control to the trust, such by appointment as protector under the trust instrument. Living trusts also, in practical terms, tend to be driven to large extent by tax considerations. If a living trust fails, the property will usually be held for the grantor/settlor on resulting trusts, which in some notable cases, has had high tax consequences. See also Blind trust Foundation (charity) Rabbi trust Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners, the international professional association for the trust industry Totten trust Trusts & Estates (journal) Use (law) Jurisdiction specific Australian trust law Henson trust in Canadian law Italian trust law Trust law in civil law jurisdictions Trust law in England and Wales Notes References Further reading Common law Equity (law) Inheritance