Spousal Lifetime Access Trusts (SLATs): A Smart Estate Planning Strategy for High-Net-Worth Couples

A Spousal Lifetime Access Trust (SLAT) is an estate-planning tool that can benefit high-net-worth couples looking to reduce estate taxes while preserving access to their wealth. With estate tax exemptions potentially halving in 2026 once the 2017 Tax Relief Act sunsets, SLATs offer an effective strategy to lock in current limits and reduce taxable estates. Here's an overview of how SLATs work, their advantages, and key considerations.