Andrew Howell, an esteemed estate planning attorney, dives into the nuances of Spousal Lifetime Access Trusts (SLATs) versus Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts (ILITs). He reveals his preference for SLATs, stating he hasn't drafted a new ILIT in over a decade. Howell emphasizes the need for flexibility, values-based guidance, and multigenerational control in estate planning. Listeners learn about optimizing wealth transfer, mitigating estate taxes, and avoiding common legacy pitfalls to ensure their family's financial future.
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ILIT's Main Tax Benefit
A primary benefit of an Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust (ILIT) is preventing the insurance policy's value and death benefit from being included in your estate.
However, the death benefit passing to a spouse still becomes part of their estate, possibly incurring estate taxes.
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Balance Control with Complexity
Avoid loss of control and restricted access by choosing more flexible trust structures beyond traditional ILITs.
Accept reasonable complexity and costs as necessary in high-level estate planning to protect multi-generational wealth.
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SLAT Trustee Roles Flexibility
Andrew's SLAT structure divides trustee roles among qualified, investment, and distribution trustees for flexibility and protection.
His best friend is investment trustee, but a trust protector (law partner) can replace trustees, ensuring responsive control.
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SLAT vs ILIT for High Net Worth Estate Planning isn't just a legal distinction—it's a strategic decision that could determine how well your wealth serves your family, both now and for generations to come.
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We were deep into a conversation with Andrew Howell, one of the foremost estate planning attorneys in the country, when he casually dropped a statement that made us pause: "I haven’t drafted a new ILIT in over a decade."
Wait… what?
For those of us in the world of estate strategy, that kind of remark is the equivalent of a mic drop.
And that’s when we knew: the conversation around trusts and legacy planning has shifted in a fundamental way.
He wasn’t saying ILITs are obsolete—but that SLATs have become the preferred vehicle for families who want more than just a tax shelter. They want flexibility, values-based guidance, and multigenerational control. That one sentence reframed everything we thought we knew about irrevocable trust structures—and gave us a deeper commitment to educating families about their options.
Why This MattersWhat Is a SLAT (Spousal Lifetime Access Trust)?What Is an ILIT (Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust)?SLAT vs ILIT for High Net Worth Estate PlanningAccess to FundsEstate Tax EfficiencyControl and FlexibilityLong-Term Legacy PotentialHow Dynasty Trusts Multiply the ImpactWhat This Means for YouBook A Strategy Call
Why This Matters
If you’re a high net worth individual navigating the estate planning world, you already know: it’s not just about minimizing taxes. It’s about maximizing impact.
You want your wealth to do more than sit in a trust. You want it to:
Empower your family.
Pass on your values.
Stay protected from taxes, lawsuits, and family fragmentation.
Serve as a guiding structure for generational growth.
That’s what today’s article is about. We’re unpacking SLAT vs ILIT for high net worth estate planning so you can:
Understand the pros and cons of each structure.
Learn how each trust operates in real-life scenarios.
Discover which strategy aligns with your long-term legacy goals and family dynamics.
And if you missed our previous post, The Pros and Cons of an ILIT, that’s a must-read companion to this piece. It sets the stage for why SLATs are now stealing the spotlight.
The stakes are too high to leave this decision to a boilerplate legal plan or a one-size-fits-all document. You deserve a legacy plan as unique and dynamic as the family you’re building it for.
Let’s get into it.
What Is a SLAT (Spousal Lifetime Access Trust)?
Bruce and I have seen this firsthand: a SLAT is one of the most powerful tools for families who want access, flexibility, and control—while also removing assets from their estate.
With a SLAT, you gift assets into an irrevocable trust for your spouse’s benefit. This removes those assets (and any future growth) from your estate, reducing estate taxes and creating protection from creditors.
But here’s the real magic:
Your spouse can access the trust assets during their lifetime.
You (the grantor) can indirectly benefit from those assets.
You can build in trust protectors, distribution trustees, and managers for increased control and long-term accountability.
And here’s where it gets even more powerful—many families are using SLATs as the foundation for their Family Bank strategy.
That means the trust isn’t just a vault—it’s a lending institution. Your children or grandchildren can borrow from the trust to:
Start a business
Purchase a first home
Fund their education
But unlike a handout, these loans come with terms, accountability, and stewardship expectations. It’s not entitlement—it’s training. It’s a way to extend trust and responsibility.
Andrew emphasized that in states like Nevada, South Dakota, and Delaware, the flexibility of SLATs increases even more. These jurisdictions allow for:
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