A Virginia Revocable Living Trust for Married Couple is a legal document that allows married individuals to place their assets into a trust during their lifetime, while maintaining control and flexibility over those assets. It serves as a comprehensive estate planning tool that offers various benefits such as asset protection, probate avoidance, and privacy. In Virginia, there are several types of Revocable Living Trusts for married couples, each designed to cater to specific needs and circumstances: 1. Joint Revocable Living Trust: This is the most common type of trust for married couples. It allows both spouses to establish a single trust, jointly owning the assets and retaining control as co-trustees. Upon the death of one spouse, the surviving spouse assumes full control and ownership of the trust. 2. Separate Revocable Living Trusts: In certain cases, couples may choose to establish separate trusts instead of a joint trust. This option is typically recommended when spouses have substantial individual assets or wish to maintain separate property rights. Each spouse can create their own trust and decide how their individual assets are distributed. 3. Credit Shelter Trust: Also known as a bypass trust or family trust, a credit shelter trust is designed to maximize estate tax savings. It allows the first spouse to pass their assets into a trust upon their death, utilizing their estate tax exemption. The surviving spouse has access to income or principal from the trust, but the assets do not count towards their own estate for tax purposes. 4. Qualified Terminable Interest Property (TIP) Trust: This type of trust is often used in blended families or second marriages, providing for the surviving spouse while ensuring that the remaining trust assets pass to the designated beneficiaries upon their death. It allows the donor spouse to control the ultimate distribution of assets, ensuring protection for their children or heirs. A Virginia Revocable Living Trust for Married Couple offers the flexibility to modify or revoke the trust during the couples' lifetime, which is one of its key features. It is important to consult with an experienced estate planning attorney to understand the intricacies of each trust type and determine which one best aligns with one's unique circumstances and goals.