A California Crummy Trust Agreement for the Benefit of a Child with Parents as Trustees is a legal arrangement designed to provide financial security and inheritance for a child or children in the event of their parents' demise. This type of trust is commonly employed to reduce estate taxes and maximize the transfer of assets. With a California Crummy Trust Agreement, parents serve as trustees, establishing the terms and conditions of the trust. The primary objective is to distribute assets to the child in a way that qualifies for the annual gift tax exclusion, ultimately reducing the tax burden associated with the transfer of wealth. Named after a famous court case, the Crummy Trust is particularly popular for its utilization of Crummy powers. These powers offer limited withdrawal rights to the beneficiaries of the trust, often the child in this scenario, which allows contributions to the trust to qualify for the yearly gift tax exclusion. The value of the gifts can be placed in trust and ultimately grow tax-free until they are distributed to the child at a future date specified in the trust document. There are different types of California Crummy Trust Agreements for the benefit of a child with parents as trustees, each offering unique advantages and tailored to specific needs. Some common variations include: 1. Irrevocable Trust: A trust that cannot be modified or revoked once created. This type of trust provides the greatest tax benefits, as assets are effectively removed from the parents' taxable estate while allowing for the continued growth and protection of the assets for the child. 2. Revocable Trust: Also known as a living trust, this type of trust allows for modifications and revisions over time. Although it does not offer immediate estate tax reduction benefits, it enables the parents to retain control over the assets during their lifetime. 3. Testamentary Trust: Created within a will, this type of trust only takes effect upon the parents' death. Assets are then transferred into the trust, which is managed by a designated trustee until the child reaches a specified age or milestone, as stated in the trust document. Regardless of the specific type, a California Crummy Trust Agreement for the Benefit of a Child with Parents as Trustees provides an effective mechanism for parents to set aside assets for their child's future. By utilizing the tax benefits of the Crummy powers, this trust structure ensures the preservation and controlled distribution of wealth while minimizing associated tax obligations.