The spousal lifetime access trust – Uncertain economic times call for flexibility

Description

Abstract: One of the many lessons resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic downturn is that it’s imperative to build flexibility into your estate plan. Indeed, many people had been taking advantage of the current, record-high gift and estate tax exemption by gifting assets tax-free to family members. But then circumstances drastically changed earlier this year, and many are now much more reluctant to give away substantial amounts of wealth, for fear that they may need access to it down the road. This article explains why a spousal lifetime access trust may work to one’s advantage.