The goal of this series is to explain different principles upon which asset protection planning rests. In this article, we will explore in what specific scenarios asset protection planning may be of particular significance, and some tools that are available for implementation. BASIC STRATEGIES: One of the simplest strategies of asset protection involves various exemptions allowed…
Most marriage-oriented trusts postpone payment of estate taxes until both spouses in a marriage have died. A marital deduction trust allows you to put property in trust with your spouse as the beneficiary. Upon your death, your spouse has the right to use the property in the trust. No matter how valuable the property in…
Alaska was the first US jurisdiction to enact laws allowing protection for self-settled trusts (in 1997) and was shortly followed by Delaware, Nevada, South Dakota and a few others. These trusts are known as Domestic Asset Protection Trusts (DAPTs). Usually, a DAPT must comply with the following requirements: The trust must be irrevocable and spendthrift;…
Generally speaking, if a principal is still living and capable of managing their own affairs their relatives cannot change the POA. However, if the person becomes incapacitated a General POA is extinguished and the relatives can petition for a guardianship of the person. If there is a Durable POA in effect it remains in effect even after the…
