Maine Marital-deduction Residuary Trust with a Single Trust or and Lifetime Income and Power of Appointment in Beneficiary Spouse is a type of trust commonly used for estate planning purposes in the state of Maine. This trust ensures that assets are preserved and distributed according to the trust or's wishes while providing financial support to the surviving spouse. In this specific type of trust, the single trust or (also known as the granter or settler) creates a trust agreement, designating the surviving spouse as the beneficiary. The main purpose of this trust is to take advantage of the marital deduction, which allows for the transfer of unlimited assets to a surviving spouse without incurring federal estate tax. The trust is structured in a way that the surviving spouse receives income from the trust assets for their lifetime, providing them with financial security and support. This income is often generated from investments made by the trust, such as stocks, real estate, or business interests. Additionally, the surviving spouse is granted a Power of Appointment under this trust. This power allows them to distribute the trust assets to any individuals or organizations of their choosing, including themselves, their children, or charities. The power of appointment gives the surviving spouse significant flexibility in determining the ultimate distribution of the trust assets. There may be variations or subsets of Maine Marital-deduction Residuary Trust with a Single Trust or and Lifetime Income and Power of Appointment in Beneficiary Spouse, such as: 1. Testamentary Marital Trust: This type of trust is created through the granter's will and only comes into effect upon their death. 2. Irrevocable Marital Trust: Unlike a revocable trust, an irrevocable trust cannot be modified or terminated without the consent of the beneficiaries. This type of trust may provide additional asset protection and tax planning benefits. 3. Qualified Terminable Interest Property (TIP) Trust: TIP trusts are designed to benefit a surviving spouse while ensuring that the assets pass according to the granter's wishes after the surviving spouse's death. These trusts can be particularly useful in blended families or situations with multiple marriages. In conclusion, the Maine Marital-deduction Residuary Trust with a Single Trust or and Lifetime Income and Power of Appointment in Beneficiary Spouse is a strategic estate planning tool that allows individuals to protect and distribute their assets efficiently while providing for their surviving spouse.