Using “just-enough” funding for a credit shelter trust

Description

Abstract: For many affluent couples, a credit shelter trust (also called a bypass trust) is a key component of their estate plans. This trust type allows spouses to leave as much of their assets as possible to each other while preserving each of their $3.5 million estate tax exemptions. In recent years, changes in the exemption amount and uncertainty over the future of the estate tax have made it more difficult to design a credit shelter trust. One potential solution to this problem is “just-enough” funding. This article discusses the benefits of using “just-enough” funding for a credit shelter trust.