Puerto Rico Complex Will — Credit Shelter Marital Trust for Spouse is a legal instrument that offers individuals residing in Puerto Rico a way to protect their assets, minimize estate taxes, and ensure financial security for their surviving spouse. This complex estate planning strategy combines the benefits of a credit shelter trust (also known as a bypass trust) and a marital trust to achieve these objectives. The primary purpose of the Puerto Rico Complex Will — Credit Shelter Marital Trust for Spouse is to preserve the maximum amount of a deceased individual's estate for future generations, while still providing for the surviving spouse's financial needs during their lifetime. By utilizing this trust, individuals can take advantage of Puerto Rico's favorable tax laws, which provide significant estate tax benefits. There are several types of Puerto Rico Complex Will — Credit Shelter Marital Trusts for Spouse that can be tailored to meet individual needs and circumstances: 1. AB Trust: Also known as a standard credit shelter trust, this option allows the deceased individual's assets up to the federal estate tax exemption limit to pass into the trust. The surviving spouse can access the income generated by the trust during their lifetime, and upon their passing, the remaining assets will be distributed to the designated beneficiaries (usually the couple's children or other family members). 2. ABC Trust: This trust takes advantage of the unused federal estate tax exemption of the first spouse to die. It allows the surviving spouse to have access to the income generated by the trust during their lifetime, with provisions for the principal or assets to be used for their needs as well. Upon the surviving spouse's death, any remaining assets are distributed to the beneficiaries designated by the couple. 3. DOT Trust: The Qualified Domestic Trust (DOT) is specifically designed for non-U.S. citizen surviving spouses. This trust allows the deceased individual's assets to be transferred into the trust, ensuring estate tax deferral until the surviving spouse's death or another qualifying event occurs. 4. GREAT Trust: While not directly related to the credit shelter marital trust, the Granter Retained Annuity Trust (GREAT) is another estate planning tool often used together with the complex will. This trust allows individuals to transfer assets to the trust, retaining a fixed annuity payment for a predetermined period. At the end of the trust term, any remaining assets pass to the designated beneficiaries with potential estate tax benefits. In conclusion, the Puerto Rico Complex Will — Credit Shelter Marital Trust for Spouse is a sophisticated estate planning strategy that combines elements of credit shelter trusts and marital trusts. It offers significant estate tax advantages while ensuring financial stability for surviving spouses in Puerto Rico. The various types of trusts such as AB Trust, ABC Trust, DOT Trust, and GREAT Trust allow individuals to customize their estate plans based on their unique circumstances.