North Dakota Marital-deduction Residuary Trust with a Single Trust or and Lifetime Income and Power of Appointment in Beneficiary Spouse Overview: A North Dakota Marital-deduction Residuary Trust with a Single Trust or and Lifetime Income and Power of Appointment in Beneficiary Spouse is a specific type of trust established in North Dakota that provides unique features and benefits for married couples. This trust allows the trust or (i.e., the person establishing the trust) to leave their residuary assets to their surviving spouse while retaining control and providing income throughout the spouse's lifetime. Additionally, it grants the spouse the power to appoint the remaining trust assets to other beneficiaries upon their death. Key Features and Benefits: 1. Preserving Assets for the Beneficiary Spouse: By creating a Marital-deduction Residuary Trust, the trust or can ensure that any remaining assets are protected and preserved for the beneficiary spouse after their passing. This trust structure provides a level of security and control over the distribution of assets. 2. Lifetime Income for the Beneficiary Spouse: The trust or can arrange for the beneficiary spouse to receive a steady and reliable stream of income throughout their lifetime. This income can be beneficial in maintaining their standard of living and covering essential expenses. 3. Retaining Control with the Trust or: Despite establishing the trust, the trust or can still maintain control over the trust assets during their lifetime. This control allows them to make decisions concerning investments, property management, and amendments to the trust provisions if necessary. 4. Power of Appointment for the Beneficiary Spouse: One unique aspect of this trust is the power it grants to the beneficiary spouse. Upon their death, they have the ability to appoint the remaining assets of the trust to other individuals or charities as per their wishes. This provision enables the beneficiary spouse to allocate the trust's wealth to their desired beneficiaries. Types of North Dakota Marital-deduction Residuary Trusts with a Single Trust or and Lifetime Income and Power of Appointment in Beneficiary Spouse: 1. TIP Trust (Qualified Terminable Interest Property Trust): This trust option provides the surviving spouse with income and access to the principal during their lifetime while allowing the trust or to control the ultimate distribution of assets. 2. Credit Shelter Trust: This trust type is designed to maximize estate tax savings and preserve the trust or's available unified tax credit. It allows the trust or's estate to fully utilize the federal estate tax exemption while providing benefits to the surviving spouse. 3. Descendant's Trust: In this variation, the trust assets are primarily distributed to the children or descendants of the trust or and the beneficiary spouse. The beneficiary spouse receives income for their lifetime, and any remaining assets are eventually distributed to the trust or's descendants. 4. Charitable Remainder Trust: This type of trust allows the surviving spouse to receive income from the trust during their lifetime, with the remaining assets designated for charitable purposes. Additionally, this trust provides certain tax benefits for both the trust or and the beneficiary spouse. Creating a North Dakota Marital-deduction Residuary Trust with a Single Trust or and Lifetime Income and Power of Appointment in Beneficiary Spouse requires careful consideration and consultation with an experienced estate planning attorney. This type of trust can be highly beneficial for married couples seeking to protect assets, maintain control, and provide financial security for their surviving spouse.