What is the general rule for revoking a revocable trust when the trust instrument does not specify an exclusive method?

• A. It can be revoked only by the method specified in the trust instrument.
• B. It cannot be revoked.
• C. It can be revoked in any manner that indicates the settlor's intention to revoke.
• D. It can be revoked only by the trustee.

Answer: (C)

When a revocable trust doesn’t specify an exclusive method of revocation, the controlling idea is to follow the settlor’s clear intent. The trust can be revoked in any manner that plainly shows the settlor’s intention to revoke. This allows flexible approaches like a written revocation document signed by the settlor, or even destroying or cancelling the trust, or creating a new instrument that expressly revokes the old one. The important point is that the actions must clearly demonstrate revocation and comply with applicable formalities. This rules out the notion that revocation is impossible, or that only the trustee can revoke, or that a specific method must be used when none is exclusive.