In a land trust, who is typically recognized as the beneficiary?

In a land trust, the individual recognized as the beneficiary is typically the trustor, who is the person or entity that creates the trust and transfers property into it. The trustor retains a significant level of control over the trust, and the beneficiary is the one who benefits from the property held in the trust.

The trustor can name themselves or another party as the beneficiary who will enjoy the benefits of the property, such as income from any real estate held in the trust or the right to sell or lease the property. This structure is beneficial as it offers privacy and simplifies the transfer of property, avoiding probate.

Other options do not accurately represent the beneficiary's role in a land trust. The trustee holds the title to the property but acts on behalf of the beneficiary, managing the trust according to its terms. A court-appointed guardian would not typically be involved in the management of a land trust unless it pertains to a minor or incapacitated person, and family members may or may not be the beneficiary depending on the trust arrangement set forth by the trustor.