What is a "trust" in legal terms?

A "trust" in legal terms refers to a legal relationship in which one party, known as the trustee, holds property or assets for the benefit of another party, known as the beneficiary. This arrangement allows the trustee to manage and control the property according to the terms set out in the trust agreement, with the primary goal of benefiting the beneficiary. Trusts can be established for a variety of reasons, including estate planning, asset protection, and charitable purposes, among others.

This definition highlights the key elements of a trust: the separation of ownership and benefit, the fiduciary responsibility of the trustee, and the intention to benefit the beneficiary. The relationship is formalized through a trust document, which outlines the trustee's duties and the beneficiary's rights.

The other options do describe important legal concepts but do not specifically encompass the legal definition and function of a trust. For instance, a relationship of dependence or an agreement to govern business operations does not capture the distinctive legal characteristics of a trust arrangement. Similarly, a formal contract between individuals for business rights does not pertain explicitly to the management and holding of property for beneficiaries, which is integral to the concept of a trust.