A grantor is an individual or entity that creates and funds a trust or a legal document, such as a will or a deed. The grantor transfers assets or property to the trust or to another party, often for the purpose of estate planning, tax benefits, or asset protection. In the context of a trust, the grantor specifies the terms under which the assets will be managed and distributed. This role is crucial in ensuring that the grantor's wishes are carried out after their death or during their lifetime, depending on the type of trust established, such as a revocable trust or an irrevocable trust.