A Tennessee Complex Will — Maximum Unified Credit to Spouse is a type of estate planning document that individuals residing in Tennessee can utilize to maximize the amount of assets they can pass on to their spouse while minimizing estate tax obligations. This legal instrument is designed to take advantage of the maximum unified credit available under the federal estate tax laws. The Tennessee Complex Will allows married individuals to fully utilize their federal estate tax exemption while still ensuring that their spouse receives the maximum benefit. By utilizing this document, married couples can effectively double their individual estate tax exemption, which can significantly reduce the tax burden on their estate. One key feature of the Tennessee Complex Will is the ability to establish a trust known as a "credit shelter trust" or "bypass trust." This trust allows the assets of the deceased spouse to be held and managed separately from the surviving spouse's assets, while still providing income and support for the surviving spouse. This arrangement ensures that the assets placed in the credit shelter trust are not subject to estate taxes upon the surviving spouse's death, potentially resulting in significant tax savings. There are different types of Tennessee Complex Wills — Maximum Unified Credit to Spouse, including: 1. Basic Tennessee Complex Will: This type of will establishes a credit shelter trust for the benefit of the surviving spouse. It ensures that the surviving spouse receives income and support from the trust while protecting the assets from estate taxes. 2. TIP (Qualified Terminable Interest Property) Tennessee Complex Will: This variation of the complex will includes a provision that allows the spouse to receive income from the credit shelter trust for life, with the remaining assets passing to other beneficiaries, such as children or grandchildren, after the spouse's death. This type of will often is used in blended families or situations where the individual wants to provide for both their spouse and other family members. 3. Marital Deduction Trust (M-DOT) Tennessee Complex Will: This complex will establishes a marital deduction trust for the surviving spouse, enabling them to benefit from the estate tax exemption amount. Assets transferred to the trust are not subject to estate taxes upon the surviving spouse's death. In summary, a Tennessee Complex Will — Maximum Unified Credit to Spouse is a comprehensive estate planning tool tailored to married individuals residing in Tennessee. It aims to maximize the use of the federal estate tax exemption for both spouses, reduce the tax burden on the estate, and provide financial security for the surviving spouse. Understanding the different types of complex wills can help individuals choose the most suitable option for their unique circumstances.