By Nicholas André ( August 29, 2024, 2:32 PM EDT) -- We tend to think of the beneficiaries of an estate under a will as being individuals or organizations: family members, friends and charities. These beneficiaries usually receive their gift outright or through a trust created under the will (i. e. , a testamentary trust). However, for those who have created trusts during their lifetime or intend on doing so (i. e. , an inter vivos trust), sometimes it is desirable to make a gift under your will to an existing trust. . . .