What is an essential aspect of a discretionary trust?

A discretionary trust is characterized by the flexibility it offers in terms of control and distribution of assets. In this type of trust, the trustee has the authority to decide how much income or capital each beneficiary will receive and when they will receive it. This allows for adjustments based on the beneficiaries' needs, circumstances, or any changes in the trust's performance. The flexibility means that trustees can manage distributions in ways that are most beneficial for the beneficiaries at any given time.

This aspect is advantageous in estate planning and asset management because it allows the trust to adapt to varying financial situations or personal needs of beneficiaries. For instance, if one beneficiary faces financial difficulties, the trustee can allocate more resources to them without being bound by fixed distribution rules.