A South Dakota Revocable Trust Agreement is a legal document designed to provide an estate planning tool for married couples who wish to protect and manage their assets during their lifetime and efficiently transfer them to their beneficiaries upon death. This agreement allows the husband and wife, referred to as the "Settlers," to establish a trust and determine how their assets will be managed, distributed, and handled during their lifetime and beyond. When Settlers Are Husband and Wife, there are a few different types of South Dakota Revocable Trust Agreements that can be utilized, depending on the specific goals and circumstances of the couple. These include: 1. Joint Revocable Trust Agreement: This type of trust agreement consolidates the assets of both spouses into a single trust. It provides shared control and flexibility during the lifetime of both spouses, allowing them to manage and make decisions jointly. The trust may also include provisions on how the assets will be distributed to beneficiaries after the death of the second spouse. 2. Separate Revocable Trust Agreements: In some cases, couples may opt for separate trust agreements to maintain individual control and management of their assets. Each spouse establishes their own trust, and they can structure the agreement according to their respective preferences and estate planning goals. This allows for the possibility of separate distribution plans for each spouse's assets after their passing. 3. "A-B" Revocable Trust Agreement: This type of trust agreement is commonly known as the "Marital and Bypass Trust" or "Credit Shelter Trust." It involves the creation of two separate trusts — the "A" trust (Marital Trust) and the "B" trust (Bypass Trust). Upon the death of the first spouse, a portion of the assets is allocated to the Bypass Trust to fully utilize the deceased spouse's estate tax exemption. The remaining assets are placed in the Marital Trust for the surviving spouse's benefit. This arrangement allows for minimizing estate tax liability while providing for the surviving spouse. South Dakota Revocable Trust Agreements when Settlers Are Husband and Wife offer a range of advantages, including probate avoidance, privacy, and flexibility in managing and distributing assets. They also provide protection in case of incapacity, allowing for the seamless transition of control and management of assets between spouses. It's important to consult with an experienced estate planning attorney in South Dakota to guide you through the process of establishing a Revocable Trust Agreement that aligns with your specific needs and objectives as a married couple.