A South Dakota Revocable Living Trust is a legal document created by a married couple to manage and protect their assets during their lifetime, as well as dictate the distribution of their assets after their passing. It provides numerous advantages, including avoiding probate, maintaining privacy, minimizing estate taxes, and ensuring the efficient transfer of assets to beneficiaries. There are several types of South Dakota Revocable Living Trusts that married couples can establish based on their specific needs and goals: 1. Joint Revocable Living Trust: This type of trust is created by both spouses as co-trustees and allows them to jointly manage and control their assets during their lifetime. In the event of the first spouse's passing, the surviving spouse continues to manage the trust assets without interruption. 2. Individual Revocable Living Trust: Each spouse establishes their own separate trust as individuals, which allows them to maintain control over their individual assets. While the overall objectives are similar, this approach may be chosen if the couple wishes to keep certain assets separate during their lifetime. 3. AB Revocable Living Trust: Also known as the "A-B Trust" or "Marital and Family Trust," this type of trust is commonly used to minimize estate taxes. When the first spouse passes away, their assets are divided into two separate trusts: the A Trust (also called the "Survivor's Trust") and the B Trust (also referred to as the "Bypass Trust" or "Credit Shelter Trust"). The Trust is available for the surviving spouse's benefit, while the B Trust is typically designed to benefit the couple's children or other beneficiaries, ultimately reducing the taxable estate upon the second spouse's passing. 4. ABC Revocable Living Trust: Similar to the AB Trust, the ABC Trust provides additional flexibility by including a C Trust, often called the "TIP Trust" (Qualified Terminable Interest Property Trust). This trust offers the surviving spouse the ability to access the principal and income from the C Trust for their lifetime while still maintaining control over the ultimate distribution of the trust assets. Each type of South Dakota Revocable Living Trust for married couples offers unique benefits and features, providing flexibility in estate planning and asset distribution. It is advisable to consult with an experienced estate planning attorney to determine the most suitable trust option based on individual circumstances and goals.