A Massachusetts Complex Will — Credit Shelter Marital Trust for Spouse is a legal instrument used in estate planning to protect assets and provide for the surviving spouse after the death of the first spouse. It is designed to take advantage of the marital deduction and the federal estate tax exemption to minimize estate taxes upon the death of both spouses. Keywords: Massachusetts Complex Will, Credit Shelter Marital Trust, Estate Planning, Surviving Spouse, Assets, Estate Taxes, Marital Deduction, Federal Estate Tax Exemption. There are two main types of Massachusetts Complex Will — Credit Shelter Marital Trust for Spouse: 1. A-B Trust: Also known as the "Exemption Trust," this type of trust is structured to maximize the use of both spouses' individual estate tax exemptions. Upon the death of the first spouse, their assets (up to the estate tax exemption limit) are transferred to the credit shelter trust. The surviving spouse can access and benefit from the assets in the trust while preserving the deceased spouse's exemption, thus reducing potential estate taxes upon their death. 2. Q-TIP Trust: Standing for "Qualified Terminable Interest Property," this type of trust provides the surviving spouse with income for life from the assets placed in the trust, while ensuring that the property ultimately passes to the beneficiaries specified by the deceased spouse. The trust qualifies for the marital deduction, allowing the deceased spouse's estate to reduce estate taxes by utilizing their exemption. The surviving spouse is entitled to income generated by the trust, which may provide financial security during their lifetime. Overall, a Massachusetts Complex Will — Credit Shelter Marital Trust for Spouse offers a strategic estate planning solution by allowing married couples to minimize estate taxes while ensuring the financial well-being of the surviving spouse. By utilizing the marital deduction and estate tax exemptions, the trust preserves assets for future generations and provides peace of mind to the entire family. Consulting with an experienced estate planning attorney is crucial to determine which trust structure best suits an individual's unique circumstances and goals.