A New Hampshire Revocable Trust for Married Couples is a legal instrument that allows spouses to manage and protect their assets during their lifetime and distribute them to beneficiaries upon their demise. This type of trust is particularly beneficial for couples looking to manage their estate in a flexible and effective manner. Here are some key features and types of New Hampshire Revocable Trusts for Married Couples: 1. Definition: A revocable trust, also known as a living trust, is established during the lifetime of the granters (the spouses) to hold and manage their assets. The trust can be amended, modified, or revoked by the granters at any time, allowing flexibility and control over their assets. 2. Purpose: The primary objective of a New Hampshire Revocable Trust for Married Couples is to avoid probate, a court-supervised process for distributing assets upon death. By transferring assets to the trust, couples can retain control over their assets and prevent probate delays, expenses, and public scrutiny. 3. Benefits: There are several advantages associated with New Hampshire Revocable Trusts for Married Couples, including: — Privacy: Trust assets are not subject to probate, which means they remain private and shielded from public scrutiny. — Avoidance of Probate: Assets held in the trust can be immediately transferred to beneficiaries without the need for probate. This ensures a smooth and efficient transfer of wealth to loved ones. — Incapacity Planning: Revocable trusts also provide provisions for the management of assets in case one or both spouses become incapacitated, ensuring that their needs are met without the intervention of the court. — Control and Flexibility: Couples have complete control over how assets are managed and distributed during their lifetime and can make changes as circumstances evolve. 4. Types of New Hampshire Revocable Trusts for Married Couples: — Joint Revocable Trust: This type of trust is created by both spouses together, allowing them to combine their assets into a single trust and share control over them. Upon the death of one spouse, the surviving spouse maintains control and has the authority to distribute the assets according to the trust's terms. — Individual Revocable Trusts: Alternatively, spouses can choose to create separate revocable trusts, giving them the flexibility to manage assets individually within their trust while still benefiting from the advantages of a revocable trust structure. — Disclaimer Trust: A disclaimer trust is a revocable trust designed to address potential estate tax concerns. It provides the surviving spouse with the ability to disclaim a portion of their deceased spouse's assets, allowing those assets to pass directly to a bypass or credit shelter trust, thus reducing or eliminating estate taxes. In conclusion, a New Hampshire Revocable Trust for Married Couples is an effective estate planning tool that allows spouses to maintain control, avoid probate, and efficiently distribute their assets. Whether couples choose a joint or individual trust or explore options like a disclaimer trust, establishing this type of trust can provide peace of mind and help secure their financial future.