Latest Updates
Jacob Stein's asset protection blog provides up to the minute updates on various developments and subjects relevant to asset protection and commentary on recent cases and results.
Your Government Wants Your Money!
Posted: Friday, May 03, 2013 | Author: Jacob Stein
The economic downturn we have experienced over the past few years have made sovereign states desperate for your money. We have seen a wide push by many developed nations, most notably U.S. and Germany, to pursue "offshore" wealth.
The term “offshore” has a slightly different meaning in different countries. In the United States the term commonly refers to any jurisdiction that is not the United States. In Europe, the term "offshore" is most often applied to tax havens, but may…
New Tax Laws Preempt Existing Trusts
Type: Video | Speaker: Robert Klueger
Congress today enacted the most sweeping change in the estate tax law in 29 years. The new law contains some good news for the very wealthy, but it also makes most estate plans obsolete. Everyone who has a living trust (family trust) should update it promptly.
Practical Primer and Radical Approach to Asset Protection
Publication: Estate Planning | Author: Jacob Stein
Jacob Stein's latest article puts a radical and new twist on asset protection planning. Taking an honest and practical approach, the article delves beyond mere legalities and explores how asset protection really works in practice.
Nevada Once Again Leads the Way in Debtor-Friendly Legislation
Published: March 28, 2011 | Author: Robert Klueger
We tend to forget this fact when we engage in asset protection planning. In fact, we repeatedly advise our clients that asset protection is not about hiding assets; it's about structuring the debtor's affairs so that even if a creditor learns of the existence of the debtor's assets, he cannot access the assets. An aggressive, well-heeled creditor will discover the nature and whereabouts of the debtor's assets. Armed with a judgment, the creditor has a right to call the debtor in for a debtor's…
Everything You Need to Know About Trusts
Seminar Date: Friday, June 14, 2013 | Location: CPA Education Foundation - Sacramento | Speaker: Jacob Stein
Jacob Stein and Robert Klueger teach over 20 full-day and numerous 1-3 hour seminars a year on the subject of asset protection. Most of their seminars are continuing education programs for attorneys and accountants. Some are less technical presentations for clients. Most of the seminars are sponsored by third-party continuing education providers, including the California CPA Education Foundation, Lorman and National Business Institute. If you're interested in attending one of them, please contact either the education provider or Klueger & Stein, LLP.
Asset Protection by the Experts
With over 30 years of real-life experience and over 3,000 clients, we are the nation's leading and most respected asset protection law firm. We are the fiercest advocates for our clients. We can protect your hard-earned assets better than anyone else. Every year we set up hundreds of structures to protect residences, rental real estate, investments and retirement plans.
You will find us to be not only knowledgeable and confident, but also friendly and personable. We welcome your calls and emails.
Remember, it is never too late to plan. With our guidance, the entire process will be smooth, quick and painless. Maximum Asset Protection is our goal and we specialize in this area alone. Contact us, and we will help.
Asset Protection FAQ's
We've compiled a long list of the most frequently asked questions on asset protection strategies, concerns and methods. This comprehensive list will give you a quick overview of what asset protection options may apply to you, as well as answer some basic questions on how the process works.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Does asset protection really work?
Yes. In practice, a well-structured asset protection plan will discourage the plaintiff from suing you in the first place. Even if you are sued, an asset protection plan will make it very difficult, and sometimes impossible, for a plaintiff to reach your assets.
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Can I keep my money in the U.S.?
Yes. Just because the trust is governed by the laws of a foreign country, it does not mean that the trust holds its money in that country. The trust can have a bank account in the U.S., own a mutual fund in Switzerland, and real estate in Tuscany. However, if you are being pursued by a very aggressive creditor, we recommend that the assets of the foreign trust be outside the U.S.
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Is my IRA protected?
Not under federal law, and not under the laws of many states. For example, California will protect the IRA only if you have no other assets, and even then the protection is very limited. Anyone who has a substantial IRA should consider rolling the IRA over into an ERISA-qualified plan, like a 401(k) plan.