A Missouri Revocable Trust Agreement, when the settlers are husband and wife, refers to a legal document that establishes a trust and outlines the terms and conditions under which the trust will operate. This type of trust agreement allows couples to control and manage their assets during their lifetime, while also providing for the distribution of those assets upon their death. Key elements of a Missouri Revocable Trust Agreement may include: 1. Settlers: The trust agreement will identify the husband and wife as the settlers or creators of the trust. They are the ones who transfer their assets into the trust, becoming the initial beneficiaries of the trust. 2. Trustees: The agreement will specify who will serve as the trustee or trustees of the trust. In many cases, the husband and wife will serve as co-trustees, allowing them to retain control over the trust assets during their lifetime. They can also appoint a successor trustee who will take over the trust's management upon their incapacity or passing. 3. Assets and Funding: The trust agreement will outline the assets that will be transferred into the trust. This may include real estate, financial accounts, personal property, and other valuable assets. By funding the trust, these assets become trust property, owned by the trust rather than the individuals personally. 4. Revocability: A Missouri Revocable Trust Agreement typically allows the settlers to make changes, revoke, or amend the trust at any time during their lifetime. They retain full control and flexibility over the trust assets. 5. Distribution and Succession: The trust agreement will specify how the trust assets will be distributed upon the death of the settlers. In the case of a trust created by husband and wife, common distribution provisions include leaving assets to a surviving spouse, children, or other designated beneficiaries. This provides a smooth transition of assets and can help avoid probate. Types of Missouri Revocable Trust Agreements for husband and wife can vary based on the specific goals and needs of the couple. Here are a few common variations: 1. Joint Revocable Trust Agreement: This type of trust agreement combines the assets of both spouses into a single trust. Both spouses act as co-settlors and co-trustees, maintaining full control and flexibility over the trust assets during their lifetime. 2. Separate Revocable Trust Agreements: In some cases, a husband and wife may choose to create separate trust agreements while still maintaining similar terms and provisions. Each spouse will fund their respective trust with their own assets, allowing them to manage their property individually. However, they may still coordinate distribution provisions to ensure their estate plans align. 3. Disclaimer Trust Agreements: This type of trust agreement allows a surviving spouse to disclaim or decline a portion of the deceased spouse's assets. The disclaimed assets pass into a trust created by the deceased spouse, providing the surviving spouse with several tax and legal benefits. In summary, a Missouri Revocable Trust Agreement allows a husband and wife to establish a legal framework for managing their assets both during their lifetime and after their passing. By creating this trust, they can plan for the distribution of their estate, minimize probate costs, provide for loved ones, and potentially achieve certain tax benefits. Different types of trust agreements exist to suit various situations and preferences, ensuring the trust aligns with the couple's unique needs.