Connecticut Revocable Trust Agreement When Settlers Are Husband and Wife: A Connecticut Revocable Trust Agreement, when the settlers are husband and wife, is a legal document that allows spouses to establish a trust in which they can transfer assets during their lifetime, with the ability to modify or revoke it at any time. This type of trust provides numerous benefits, including probate avoidance, asset protection, and estate planning flexibility. Key elements covered within a Connecticut Revocable Trust Agreement include: 1. Settlers: The husband and wife who create the trust are known as the settlers. They are responsible for funding the trust by transferring their assets into it. 2. Trustee: The settlers appoint themselves as initial trustees, granting them full control over trust assets during their lifetime. They can also designate successor trustees to manage the trust after their death or incapacity. 3. Revocability: The trust created is revocable, meaning the settlers can modify or revoke the trust as they see fit. This flexibility allows them to adapt to changing circumstances or estate planning goals. 4. Assets and Funding: The settlers have the authority to transfer various types of assets into the trust, such as real estate, bank accounts, investments, and personal property. The trust agreement outlines the specific transfer process and provides instructions for future asset acquisitions. 5. Disposition of Assets: The trust agreement details how the assets held within the trust will be distributed upon the death of the settlers. It may include provisions for the surviving spouse, children, or other beneficiaries. This allows for customized estate planning tailored to the unique needs and objectives of the couple. Types of Connecticut Revocable Trust Agreement When Settlers Are Husband and Wife: 1. Joint Revocable Trust: This type of trust is established together by both spouses, with both serving as the initial trustees. It combines and manages joint assets in one trust. Upon the death of one spouse, the surviving spouse retains control and full access to the trust assets. 2. Separate Revocable Trust: In this option, each spouse creates a separate revocable trust. They can each transfer their individual assets into their respective trusts, maintaining control over those assets during their lifetime. Upon the death of one spouse, their trust assets are typically distributed according to their specific instructions. 3. Disclaimer Trust: Also known as a "credit shelter trust," this type of trust is designed to facilitate estate tax planning. It includes provisions that allow the surviving spouse to disclaim or elect not to receive a portion of the deceased spouse's estate, reducing potential estate taxes. The disclaimed assets are then transferred into the trust. 4. Qualified Terminable Interest Property (TIP) Trust: This trust option provides support for a surviving spouse while ensuring control over asset distribution after their death. It allows the surviving spouse access to income from the trust during their lifetime, with the remainder passing to other beneficiaries named by the settlers. These variations in Connecticut Revocable Trust Agreements when settlers are husband and wife offer flexibility and options for estate planning, enabling couples to customize their trusts based on their specific goals and circumstances. Consulting with an experienced estate planning attorney is highly recommended ensuring compliance with Connecticut laws and specific family dynamics.