Consider Your Options When
Leaving Your Assets to Your Spouse
Today, most married couples have two choices
Upon the surviving spouse’s death, the combined marital assets will be distributed pursuant to the terms in your spouse’s will or trust. This works perfectly if your surviving spouse leaves the property to the designated beneficiaries that you both agreed upon, but this also highlights one of the primary disadvantages of this option. By granting your spouse 100 percent control over your half of the marital assets, you are giving up your right to control the final disposition. If this is a concern for you, then option two may be a better fit. Property Held in Trust If you choose to place your assets in a trust for your spouse’s benefit, you will know for certain where your assets go after you are gone. A trust is simply a legal arrangement where you designate a third party, known as the trustee, to manage the property and distribute it according to your wishes. Property placed in a trust created in your spouse’s benefit will ultimately go to your children
upon your spouse’s death. Technically, the trustee owns the property after
when it comes to leaving assets
your death, and the terms of the trust will dictate
to their spouse. The first is by gift, so the surviving spouse owns the property free and clear, and the second is by leaving the property in a trust for the benefit of the surviving spouse. Both options have their pros and cons.
how the assets are to be distributed to your spouse. There is less flexibility for your spouse
with this option, but they will still have access to your half of the assets for living expenses and other needs, as you outline in the trust. Not always, but generally, the ongoing administration costs of maintaining
Outright Distribution Under outright distribution, your spouse will receive 100 percent ownership of your property upon your death. From that point forward, he or she will have the ability to dispose of and use the assets in any way he or she feels fit. The surviving spouse is free to use the inherited assets to cover his or her own future needs as well as those of your children, including any unforeseen circumstances that may arise.
a trust during your spouse’s lifetime will be slightly higher than if you left your property outright to your spouse. To learn more about all of your options when it comes to leaving property to your spouse, schedule your free consultation today by calling 913-214-1884.
Laugh Out Loud
SWEET AND ZESTY DETOX SALAD
Ingredients
For the Salad: •
For the Dressing: •
3 cups chopped kale leaves 2 cups chopped broccoli florets 2 cups chopped red cabbage
1 large carrot, roughly chopped
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1/4 cup rice wine vinegar 2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup matchstick carrots 1 cup chopped cilantro
1 tablespoon finely chopped ginger
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 cup toasted slivered almonds
1 tablespoon white miso 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil Salt and pepper, to taste
1/3 cup sliced green onions
1 diced avocado
Directions
1. To make the salad, add all ingredients to a large bowl; toss to combine. 2. To make the dressing, add all ingredients to a blender or food processor. Pulse until smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper or add extra honey for a sweeter taste. 3. Drizzle dressing over salad and serve immediately.
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(Recipe inspired by GimmeSomeOven.com)
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