Cook Illinois Termination of Granter Retained Annuity Trust in Favor of Existing Life Insurance Trust is a legal process whereby a Granter Retained Annuity Trust (GREAT) is terminated in order to fund an Existing Life Insurance Trust (ELITE). This strategy allows the granter to combine the benefits of a GREAT with the advantages of an ELITE. In this arrangement, the granter sets up a GREAT, which is a type of irrevocable trust that allows the granter to transfer assets while retaining the right to receive an annuity payment for a specified period. The term of the GREAT is usually between 2 and 10 years. During this period, any appreciation of the assets transferred to the GREAT passes to the trust beneficiaries free of gift and estate taxes. However, in some cases, the granter may decide to terminate the GREAT prior to its intended term. This termination is commonly referred to as Cook Illinois Termination. The reason behind such termination is to move the assets from the GREAT into an ELITE. An ELITE is an irrevocable trust that is funded with life insurance policies. By terminating the GREAT and moving the assets into the ELITE, the granter ensures that the appreciation of the assets will continue to grow outside their estate. This can be particularly valuable for estate planning purposes, as it helps to minimize potential estate taxes. The Cook Illinois Termination of Granter Retained Annuity Trust in Favor of Existing Life Insurance Trust strategy allows the granter to utilize not only the tax benefits of a GREAT but also the long-term estate planning advantages of an ELITE. By combining these two planning tools, the granter can effectively manage their wealth and provide for their beneficiaries in a tax-efficient manner. While there may not be different types of Cook Illinois Termination of Granter Retained Annuity Trust in Favor of Existing Life Insurance Trust, variations of this strategy may exist depending on the specific needs and goals of the granter. It is advisable to consult with an experienced estate planning attorney or financial advisor to ensure that the strategy is implemented correctly and aligned with the granter's overall estate plan.
Para su conveniencia, debajo del texto en español le brindamos la versión completa de este formulario en inglés. For your convenience, the complete English version of this form is attached below the Spanish version.