A South Dakota Complex Will — Credit Shelter Marital Trust for Spouse is a specific type of estate planning tool designed to protect assets for the benefit of a surviving spouse while minimizing estate taxes. This complex will structure is particularly useful for couples with substantial assets. In a South Dakota Complex Will — Credit Shelter Marital Trust, the deceased spouse's assets are divided into two trusts: the Credit Shelter Trust and the Marital Trust. The Credit Shelter Trust, also known as the Bypass Trust, is created to take advantage of the deceased spouse's federal estate tax exemption. This trust allows the assets to pass to the next generation estate tax-free, ensuring the preservation of family wealth. The Marital Trust, on the other hand, is established to provide for the surviving spouse's financial needs and well-being during their lifetime. The surviving spouse has access to the income generated by the trust and may also have limited discretion over certain principal distributions. However, the assets in the Marital Trust are not included in the surviving spouse's estate for estate tax purposes, providing further tax benefits. There are different variations of the South Dakota Complex Will — Credit Shelter Marital Trust for Spouse, tailored to meet specific requirements and goals. Some variations include: 1. A/B Trust: In this scenario, assets are divided into two separate trusts — Trust A (Credit Shelter Trust) and Trust B (Marital Trust). Trust A takes advantage of the deceased spouse's estate tax exemption, while Trust B provides support for the surviving spouse. 2. TIP Trust: A Qualified Terminable Interest Property Trust allows the deceased spouse to control the ultimate distribution of assets while ensuring the surviving spouse's financial security. This trust can also provide significant estate tax benefits. 3. Disclaimer Trust: This option provides flexibility, allowing a surviving spouse to disclaim assets into a Credit Shelter Trust instead of a Marital Trust. This strategy may be utilized if estate tax laws change or if the surviving spouse's financial situation changes. A South Dakota Complex Will — Credit Shelter Marital Trust for Spouse offers significant advantages for high net-worth couples, ensuring the preservation and efficient transfer of wealth to future generations. It is crucial to consult with an experienced estate planning attorney to determine the most suitable trust structure based on individual circumstances and goals.