A Marital Trust is a type of trust for married couples that benefits a surviving spouse, as well as other beneficiaries, such as children or grandchildren. It is a legal tool commonly used in blended families, but it also has application for a traditional family.

       When a spouse passes away, their assets are moved into a trust which can be used for the benefit of the surviving spouse, under the terms arranged by the decedent spouse. This means the surviving spouse does not have direct control over the assets, instead the trust document governs. When the surviving spouse passes away, the trust assets then pass to the designated beneficiaries, usually the children or grandchildren, ensuring that the decedent's wishes are honored. 

     This type of trust avoids probate proceedings, keeping loved ones out of court, and it ensures that a parent's assets go to their children. It also allows families to take advantage of estate tax exemptions and defer taxes until after the surviving spouse passes.