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Tuesday, 2 September 2014

The Need Of An Asset Protection Trust

By Mattie MacDonald


A trust is an arrangement where control of property is given to an individual to benefit one or more beneficiaries. An asset protection trust helps one avoid creditor attack. The beneficiary can avoid effects of situations like bankruptcy.

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.

Having impartial judgment can also be a problem due to the above reason. One state may not recognize the laws of another. When dealing with interstate cases one must definitely respect the laws of each state. This can pose quite a challenge to a judge.

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.

The offshore kind is not revocable. It is considered to be expensive to set up. It is also accompanied by annual fees. Some settlors fear loss of property and therefore exercise too much control. This could make it ineffective.The offshore method is not meant to reduce income tax. Numerous cases of bankruptcy have also been reported. An individual who files for bankruptcy is normally ordered to surrender all their assets. This is no matter where they are.

Using the domestic type there are few or no chances of creditor attack. When the agreement is over undistributed assets can be returned to the settlor. This allows for full control of property once more. He or she gains back control.

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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