A West Virginia Revocable Trust Agreement is a legal document that allows married couples (husband and wife) to establish a trust during their lifetime, which can be modified or revoked by them at any time. This type of trust offers several benefits, including privacy, asset protection, and avoiding probate. When Settlers Are Husband and Wife, there are two main types of West Virginia Revocable Trust Agreements that can be considered: 1. Joint Revocable Trust Agreement: This type of agreement involves both spouses as co-settlors of the trust. They create one single trust document that encompasses all their assets and designates them as joint trustees. The benefit of this arrangement is that both spouses have access to and control over the trust assets, allowing them to manage their property collaboratively. 2. Separate Revocable Trust Agreements: In some cases, each spouse may choose to create separate revocable trust agreements instead of a joint agreement. With separate trusts, each spouse becomes the sole settler of their own trust and has control over their individual assets. This approach offers more autonomy and individual control, allowing each spouse to customize their trust to reflect their specific intentions and needs. Regardless of the type of West Virginia Revocable Trust Agreement chosen, there are key provisions to include: 1. Identification: Clearly state the names and contact information of both spouses (settlers) establishing the trust. 2. Trustee: Designate the individuals or institutions who will act as trustees, managing the trust assets and overseeing its administration. It is common for married couples to serve as co-trustees. 3. Assets: Provide a comprehensive list of assets (real estate, investments, bank accounts, personal property, etc.) that will be placed into the trust. 4. Beneficiaries: Specify the individuals or entities that will benefit from the trust assets, which can include the settlers during their lifetime, children, grandchildren, or even charities. 5. Successor Trustee: Name a successor trustee who will assume control of the trust if both settlers are unable or unwilling to fulfill their trustee duties. 6. Revocability: Clearly state that the trust is revocable, meaning the settlers have the power to modify or terminate the trust during their lifetime. 7. Powers and Limitations: Outline the powers granted to the trustees and any limitations or special instructions they should adhere to when managing the trust assets. 8. Distribution Upon Death: Specify how the trust assets will be distributed upon the death of the first spouse and subsequently upon the death of both spouses. This may include provisions for marital deductions, tax planning, or distributing assets to specific beneficiaries. It is essential to consult with an experienced attorney or estate planner when creating a West Virginia Revocable Trust Agreement to ensure compliance with state laws and to tailor the agreement to meet individual circumstances and goals.