Texas Complex Will — Credit Shelter Marital Trust for Spouse is a legal tool designed to protect the assets and interests of married couples in the state of Texas. This complex estate planning technique ensures that both spouses can maximize their estate tax exemptions while guaranteeing financial security for the surviving spouse. The Texas Complex Will — Credit Shelter Marital Trust for Spouse, also referred to as an "A-B Trust" or "Marital Trust," involves the creation of two separate trusts within a will. The first trust is commonly known as the "A Trust" or "Credit Shelter Trust," while the second trust is known as the "B Trust" or "Marital Trust." Let's explore these trusts in detail: 1. A Trust (Credit Shelter Trust): The Trust is established upon the death of the first spouse. It allows the deceased spouse's assets to fund the trust up to the maximum allowable federal estate tax exemption. By using this trust, the deceased spouse's exemption is fully utilized, thereby reducing or eliminating estate taxes that would otherwise be payable upon the death of the surviving spouse. The Trust is typically irrevocable, meaning that its terms cannot be changed once established. 2. B Trust (Marital Trust): The B Trust is also created upon the death of the first spouse. Its purpose is to provide benefits and financial security to the surviving spouse during their lifetime. The surviving spouse has the right to income generated by the trust assets and sometimes even access to the principal. However, the assets placed in the B Trust do not become part of the surviving spouse's taxable estate upon their death. This ensures that the combined wealth of both spouses can be preserved and transferred to future generations with minimized estate tax consequences. The Texas Complex Will — Credit Shelter Marital Trust for Spouse is an important estate planning tool for couples who want to take advantage of the available estate tax exemptions in Texas. By creating separate trusts upon the death of the first spouse, this strategy allows couples to protect their assets and ensure financial stability for the surviving spouse. It also provides an opportunity to preserve wealth for future generations, giving them the advantages of increased financial security and reduced estate taxation. In summary, the Texas Complex Will — Credit Shelter Marital Trust for Spouse is a sophisticated estate planning technique that effectively minimizes estate taxes while ensuring financial protection for the surviving spouse. Taking advantage of this strategy can provide peace of mind and help couples pass on their hard-earned wealth to their loved ones, while also avoiding unnecessary estate tax liabilities.