Spousal Lifetime Access Trusts (SLATs) continue to play a significant role in sophisticated wealth transfer planning by allowing married couples to shift appreciating assets out of a taxable estate without completely relinquishing financial access. When properly structured, SLATs can provide substantial estate and GST tax advantages while offering flexibility that many irrevocable planning techniques cannot.

This CLE course examines the practical considerations involved in designing, funding, and maintaining SLATs in today's estate planning environment. The program will discuss key drafting decisions, grantor trust implications, funding strategies, and methods for adapting trusts to evolving tax laws and family circumstances.

Participants will also analyze common implementation mistakes, the application of the reciprocal trust doctrine, and the planning challenges that arise upon the death of a spouse, marital separation, or divorce, with an emphasis on preserving planning objectives and minimizing unintended tax consequences.