A Tarrant Texas Qualified Domestic Trust Agreement (DOT) is a legal document that allows a non-U.S. citizen surviving spouse to qualify for estate tax deductions upon the death of a U.S. citizen spouse. This agreement helps ensure that the surviving non-U.S. citizen spouse receives financial support from the deceased spouse's estate without incurring immediate estate taxes. In Tarrant County, Texas, there are various types of Qualified Domestic Trust Agreements available to meet different needs and circumstances. Some common types include: 1. General Tarrant Texas DOT Agreement: This is the most basic form of a DOT agreement, designed to provide estate tax protection for a surviving non-U.S. citizen spouse in Tarrant County. 2. Revocable Tarrant Texas DOT Agreement: This type of agreement allows the granter (the U.S. citizen spouse) to make changes or revoke the DOT agreement during their lifetime if circumstances change or if they decide to distribute assets differently. 3. Irrevocable Tarrant Texas DOT Agreement: In contrast to the revocable DOT agreement, this type of agreement cannot be modified or revoked once it is established. It provides more security and certainty in estate planning by ensuring the assets are protected for the non-U.S. citizen surviving spouse. 4. Standby Tarrant Texas DOT Agreement: A standby DOT agreement is designed for situations where the surviving spouse is initially a U.S. citizen but may renounce their citizenship in the future. It establishes the DOT status in advance, so it will be ready if the need arises. Tarrant Texas DOT Agreements are an important tool for estate planning, particularly when a non-U.S. citizen spouse is involved. With a properly executed DOT agreement, the non-U.S. citizen surviving spouse can receive the necessary financial support while deferring the payment of estate taxes until distributions are made from the trust. It is crucial to consult with an experienced estate planning attorney in Tarrant County to ensure that the DOT agreement is tailored to individual needs and meets all legal requirements.