SQE Exam Essentials and Preparations

Trust Formalities and Constitution – Gifts, Declarations, and Equity’s Limits


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In this episode of SQE1 Essentials, we examine the formal requirements for creating and constituting trusts in English law. This is a highly examinable area of Trusts law that blends strict formalism with equitable flexibility.

🎓 Topics covered include:

  • The difference between inter vivos trusts and testamentary trusts
  • Formal requirements for transferring personalty vs. land (realty)
  • The three certainties revisited: intention, subject matter, objects
  • Why equity will not perfect an imperfect gift or assist a volunteer
  • The doctrine of incompletely constituted trusts and its consequences
  • Key equitable exceptions:
    ▪️ Re Rose – correct steps taken
    ▪️ Pennington v Waine – unconscionability
    ▪️ Strong v Bird – donor becomes executor
    ▪️ Proprietary estoppel – reliance and detriment
  • The rule against perpetuities and the 125-year vesting period

🧠 This episode is critical for distinguishing enforceable trusts from failed gifts and will equip you with both doctrinal clarity and case-based nuance.

📲 Access case summaries, diagrams, and practice questions in the CELE SQE App or at celetraining.com

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SQE Exam Essentials and PreparationsBy CELE SQE