Trusts are popular estate planning tools used to transfer assets to beneficiaries while minimizing the effect of estate taxes. Spousal trusts, also known as marital trusts, fall into a subclass of trusts that can help you reduce the size of your estate for tax purposes while providing financial security for your spouse, family, and other beneficiaries.

Planning your estate? Learn about 4 common types of spousal trusts—SLATs, QTIPs, Marital Trusts, and Bypass Trusts—and how they can protect assets and support your loved ones.