Tips for Married Couples Making Estate Planning Decisions

For married couples, effective estate planning can include considering the benefits of choosing credit shelter trusts, portability, or a combination. Which is better depends on the specifics of the married relationship. The following are some suggestions based on common family situations for married couples:

• No children: QTIP trust
• Dependent children: Credit shelter trust plus QTIP trust
• Independent children: Full QTIP trust to spouse with option for partial QTIP election

See Lewis Saret, Estate Plan Recommendations for Married Couples After ATRA, Forbes, May 20, 2014.

Special thanks to Jim Hillhouse (Professional Legal Marketing (PLM, Inc.)) for bringing this article to my attention.