What type of trust is created by a will after the owner's death?

A testamentary trust is established by a will and comes into effect upon the death of the testator (the person who made the will). This type of trust is specifically designed to manage and distribute the deceased's assets according to their wishes as specified in the will. It allows for the appointed trustee to manage the assets for beneficiaries, often until they reach a certain age or achieve specific milestones, reflecting the deceased's intent for how their property should be handled, ensuring that it is used for the benefit of the beneficiaries.

In contrast, a living trust, also known as an inter vivos trust, is created and becomes effective during the creator's lifetime, making it irrelevant to this question about a trust formed after death. Revocable and irrevocable trusts relate primarily to the control and changes that can be made during the trust creator's lifetime and do not establish a mechanism for post-mortem asset management as intended by the question. Thus, the distinction of a testamentary trust as one that is initiated through a will specifically addresses the scenario presented.