The Need Of An Asset Protection Trust

By Mattie MacDonald


A trust is a legal agreement giving control of property to a trustee so as to benefit beneficiaries. An asset protection trust protects property from claims by future creditors. It can help one avoid effects of taxation and bankruptcy. In some cases divorce.

There is the offshore type. This is where the settlor is also the beneficiary. The person in charge of managing is chosen by the settlor. He has powers in administration and protection of what he manages. He should have no beneficial interest.The domestic type has two major qualities. It cannot be revoked and has a spendthrift clause. The settlor might as well be the beneficiary. A court order can be used to make the beneficiary support payments.

There are certain requirements for the above mentioned trust. It must be irrevocable and spendthrift. Also at least one resident trustee should be appointed. A settlor cannot also be the manager. Administration must be conducted in the respective state.There are certain challenges faced when dealing with protection of these legal agreements. There could be a conflict of law. This is because some states do not have statutes pertaining protection of assets in such a way. This proves to be difficult.

Enforcement of judgment could also pose as a challenge. One state may find it hard to respect legal judgments from another state. This is because one state may not agree to trust protection laws of another. There will be no agreement.

There are certain things that make the offshore type of jurisdiction different from the domestic type of jurisdiction. First and foremost the loser pays the fees of the victor. It cannot be altered in the case of child or spousal support.If a case is brought forward in the court of law the complainant must post a bond to file suit. It is also favorable to asset protection and privacy. This trust has greater flexibility as the settlor could also be the beneficiary.

There are disadvantages to offshore type. One of these includes irrevocability. Running a trust is considered costly due to annual fees paid and the charge for setting up one. Too much control can also make it ineffective.They are also not designed to avoid income tax. They are said to be vulnerable to bankruptcy. When the person files for bankruptcy he or she has no option but to surrender all capital. This means all assets that they own.

Advantages of the domestic type include the lack of risk of creditor attack. Undistributed assets are also eventually distributed to a settlor. This is when the agreement is terminated. The settlor can also gain control of formerly protected fortune.

The disadvantage is that it is expensive when compared to the offshore type. It could also be unrecognized by some states. Individuals would rather go for what is pocket friendly thus being beneficial. They should be done where they are recognizable.Asset protection strategies are good moves to ensure protection of property. However they also have their complications. One should work with a specialist so as to maneuver through the various complications that arise.




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