what is an inter vivos trust 
an inter vivos trust is a fiduciary relationship used in estate planning created during the lifetime of the trustor also known as a living trust this trust has a duration that is determined at the time of the trust s creation and can entail the distribution of assets to the beneficiary during or after the trustor s lifetime the opposite of an inter vivos trust is a testamentary trust which goes into effect upon the death of the trustor 