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Secret Trusts
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Whilst wills are a useful method of outlining one's wishes whilst
alive, as to the disposition of one's estate after death, they are
not 'secure' documents. By this is meant that they are published
for public scrutiny, and can be altered by beneficiaries.
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To avoid such actions, the testator may wish to execute a secret
trust.
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Such a trust may occur where property is left to someone in a will,
having been primed by the testator that, in fact, the property is
intended for a different recipient, but whose name must be kept
hidden.
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Provided that the person agrees to pass on the property, this is
a perfectly valid trust in equity.
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Alternatively, the property may be left in trust to someone, without
revealing the ultimate destination.
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Both should be effective if agreed among all parties before making
the will.
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