The King Washington Qualified Domestic Trust Agreement, commonly referred to as the WIDTH, is a legal tool designed to provide various estate planning benefits for individuals who possess non-U.S. citizen spouses. By establishing this trust, individuals can ensure that their assets pass to their spouse and potentially minimize estate taxes. One type of King Washington Qualified Domestic Trust Agreement is the "Marital Deduction DOT." This type of trust enables non-U.S. citizen spouses to receive estate assets without immediate tax consequences. It allows the surviving spouse to defer estate tax payments until distribution or subsequent termination of the trust. Another type of King Washington Qualified Domestic Trust Agreement is the "Qualified Domestic Trust for Children." This variation is often utilized when a decedent wants to provide ongoing support for their children following their non-U.S. citizen spouse's death. The trust ensures that assets are managed appropriately, disbursed at predetermined intervals, and protects the beneficiaries' interests. Key features of the King Washington Qualified Domestic Trust Agreement include: 1. Estate Tax Benefits: Establishing a WIDTH can help reduce the potential estate tax impact on assets transferred to a non-U.S. citizen spouse, enabling more assets to pass to the intended beneficiaries. 2. Asset Protection: This trust structure safeguards the assets from unforeseen circumstances, such as creditors or legal disputes, ensuring they are protected and available for the beneficiaries' benefit. 3. Trustee Appointment: The agreement provides clear guidelines for the appointment of a trustee, who will be responsible for managing and distributing the trust assets according to the creator's instructions. 4. Distribution Flexibility: The WIDTH allows flexibility in determining how assets are distributed, ensuring the surviving spouse can receive income or principal distributions as required, while maintaining tax advantages. 5. Non-U.S. Citizen Spouse's Qualifications: To be eligible for the benefits of WIDTH, the non-U.S. citizen spouse must meet certain criteria, like obtaining a U.S. residency permit or demonstrating intent to apply for citizenship. 6. Reporting Requirements: WIDTH entails specific reporting obligations, such as filing annual income tax returns for the trust and related beneficiaries, ensuring compliance with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). 7. Irrevocability: Once established, the WIDTH is generally irrevocable, ensuring the assets placed within the trust cannot be easily altered or transferred out of it without significant legal action. In summary, King Washington Qualified Domestic Trust Agreement offers a valuable strategy for estate planning when dealing with non-U.S. citizen spouses. By employing this legal framework, individuals can secure their assets, foster ongoing support for their loved ones, and potentially reduce the tax burden on their estate.