Oakland Michigan Qualified Domestic Trust Agreement (DOT) is a legal agreement that allows a non-U.S. citizen surviving spouse to qualify for the marital deduction on estate taxes. The DOT agreement puts restrictions on the qualified assets and aims to ensure that the estate taxes due on those assets are deferred until the surviving spouse's death. In Oakland County, Michigan, different types of DOT agreements may include: 1. Testamentary DOT: This type of agreement is established through a provision in a decedent's will and takes effect upon their death. It allows for the creation of a DOT for the benefit of the surviving non-U.S. citizen spouse. 2. Inter Vivos DOT: Also known as a living DOT, this agreement can be created during the lifetime of the granter. It allows for the transfer of qualified assets into the DOT for the benefit of the non-U.S. citizen surviving spouse. 3. Stand-Alone DOT: This DOT agreement is created separately from any other estate planning document and is specifically designed to hold and manage qualified assets for the surviving non-U.S. citizen spouse. 4. Marital Deduction DOT: This type of DOT agreement is established to ensure that the estate taxes on qualified assets are deferred until the surviving non-U.S. citizen spouse's death, making use of the marital deduction. Oakland Michigan DOT agreements are subject to specific requirements set forth by federal tax law, including the need for a qualified trustee who is either a U.S. citizen or a domestic corporation. The DOT must also comply with detailed regulations to maintain its DOT status and provide for the ultimate distribution and taxation of the assets upon the surviving spouse's death. It's crucial to consult with an experienced estate planning attorney when considering an Oakland Michigan DOT agreement. The attorney can provide guidance on the specific requirements, tax implications, and other legal considerations associated with Dots, ensuring the proper protection and preservation of assets for the surviving non-U.S. citizen spouse.