A San Diego California Qualified Domestic Trust Agreement is a legal arrangement that allows married non-U.S. citizens to take advantage of the marital deduction for estate tax purposes. This agreement is commonly used to ensure that a surviving non-U.S. citizen spouse can continue receiving income from the deceased spouse's assets without facing immediate estate tax liabilities. The purpose of the San Diego California Qualified Domestic Trust Agreement is to provide a tax-efficient way for non-U.S. citizen spouses to receive assets from their U.S. citizen spouses without triggering substantial estate taxes. It acts as a protective mechanism that allows the surviving spouse to benefit from the marital deduction while deferring the estate tax until their own death. There are different types of San Diego California Qualified Domestic Trust Agreements, including: 1. Simple Qualified Domestic Trust (DOT): This is the most common type of DOT agreement, designed for non-U.S. citizen spouses who solely receive income distributions from the trust. The trust must have at least one trustee who is a U.S. citizen or a U.S. domestic corporation. 2. Marital and Non-Marital Deduction Trust: This type of DOT agreement divides the trust assets into two parts — one qualifying for the marital deduction and the other not. The non-marital deduction part may hold assets that would not qualify for the marital deduction or may be designated for the benefit of other beneficiaries, such as children. 3. Disclaimer Qualified Domestic Trust: In this arrangement, the non-U.S. citizen spouse has the option to disclaim certain trust assets, allowing them to pass directly to other beneficiaries without being subject to estate tax. This type of DOT provides flexibility and enables the surviving spouse to redirect assets based on changing circumstances. 4. Special Power of Appointment Qualified Domestic Trust: This DOT agreement grants the surviving spouse a limited power of appointment. With this power, the surviving spouse can determine how the trust assets will be distributed upon their death. This adds an extra layer of control for the surviving spouse over the disposition of the trust assets. By establishing a San Diego California Qualified Domestic Trust Agreement, couples can ensure both the financial security of the surviving non-U.S. citizen spouse and the preservation of their assets for future generations. It is crucial to consult with an experienced estate planning attorney who specializes in Dots to create a tailored agreement that aligns with the specific needs and goals of the couple.