A Philadelphia Pennsylvania Complex Will — Max. Credit Shelter Marital Trust to Children is a legal document that contains specific provisions to protect and pass on assets to children while minimizing estate taxes. It is designed to ensure that both spouses can maximize their combined estate tax exemptions, also known as the unified credit. The complex will create a trust upon the death of the first spouse, known as the credit shelter trust or bypass trust. This trust allows the deceased spouse to pass their assets to their children or other beneficiaries, up to the maximum allowable exemption amount, without incurring estate taxes. In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, there are several types of complex wills and trusts that can be utilized to provide for children while minimizing tax liabilities: 1. Marital Trust: This trust is established to provide financial support to the surviving spouse while preserving the assets for the ultimate benefit of the children. The surviving spouse can receive income or even access the principal of the trust if necessary for their maintenance and support. 2. Credit Shelter Trust: Also referred to as a bypass trust or A/B trust, this trust ensures that the deceased spouse's assets pass to the children or other beneficiaries, bypassing the surviving spouse's estate. By doing so, the assets in the trust are not subject to estate taxes when the surviving spouse later passes away. 3. Generation-Skipping Trust: This trust is created to benefit the grandchildren or future generations. By skipping a generation, estate taxes can be minimized or even avoided altogether. It allows a portion of the estate to pass directly to the grandchildren without incurring additional estate tax liabilities. 4. Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust (IIT): This trust holds life insurance policies outside the insured's estate, preventing them from being subject to estate taxes. The IIT can provide funds to support the surviving spouse and children while keeping the insurance proceeds shielded from estate tax calculations. By utilizing a Philadelphia Pennsylvania Complex Will — Max. Credit Shelter Marital Trust to Children, individuals can ensure their assets are distributed in accordance with their wishes while minimizing the tax burden on their loved ones. It is important to consult with an experienced estate planning attorney to determine the most suitable trust structure based on individual circumstances and objectives.