Spousal Lifetime Access Trust (SLAT)

A Spousal Lifetime Access Trust (SLAT) is an irrevocable trust designed to transfer wealth to future generations while allowing indirect access to assets through a spouse. One spouse establishes the trust, naming the other as a beneficiary, along with children or other heirs. SLATs are commonly used to leverage the lifetime gift tax exemption, minimize estate taxes, and protect assets from creditors. For family offices, SLATs are a strategic tool for preserving wealth across generations while maintaining financial flexibility for the donor's family. Proper structuring is critical to avoid unintended tax consequences or loss of access to trust assets.