Asset protection is not one product or one-size-fits-all plan. The articles below offer different perspectives on structures, implementation, compliance, and state-specific rules. This is an editorial reading list, not a ranking or endorsement. We have arranged the selections by original publication date and noted updates where known. Some authors discuss their own firms’ approaches; read those pieces with that context in mind.
Scope: These articles are educational starting points, not legal or tax advice. Applicable law depends on the facts, timing, assets, and jurisdiction. A California retirement-exemption article is identified as California-specific and should not be treated as a nationwide rule.
2026
The Trust Was Created in 1988. It Still Failed. — Bradley Legal Corp (published September 23, 2026; updated October 5, 2026)
Bradley’s review of In re Samatas examines why a trust created decades earlier lost its spendthrift protection when the beneficiary exercised extensive control and the other trustee failed to provide meaningful oversight. The practical lesson is that a trust’s age and protective language cannot replace proper administration, genuine trustee independence, and observance of the trust’s terms.
The Trust Held. He Went to Jail Anyway. — Bradley Legal Corp (published September 19, 2026; updated October 3, 2026)
Reviews In re Marriage of Harnack and distinguishes a foreign trustee’s refusal to release assets from a U.S. court’s power to enforce orders against an individual. Bradley focuses on the marital-property dispute, the settlor’s conduct, and the limits of an impossibility defense. A useful discussion of why lawful purpose, timing, and compliance with court orders matter alongside trust design.
Choosing the Right Asset Protection Trust — Lodmell & Lodmell (September 6, 2026)
Compares trust-planning choices through factors such as protection, control, flexibility, compliance, cost, and long-term administration. The author discloses his connection to the Bridge Trust discussed, so readers should treat it as the firm’s perspective.
The Hidden Risk of Foreign Trust Reporting — Lodmell & Lodmell (July 13, 2026)
Examines reporting issues involving foreign trusts and Forms 3520 and 3520-A from the firm’s perspective. Filing requirements depend on the taxpayer’s role and facts. Before acting, consult the current IRS Instructions for Form 3520 and qualified tax counsel.
What United States v. Huckaby Actually Teaches About Asset Protection — Bradley Legal Corp (published March 24, 2026; updated October 3, 2026)
Examines the distinction between Nevada law governing interpretation of a trust and California law governing creditor access to California real property. Bradley’s case review highlights the importance of asset location, self-settled trust rules, and ownership structure. The decision concerned a domestic trust holding California land; the article’s discussion of other planning structures is the author’s broader analysis.
Retirement Exemption Planning in California After AB 2837 — Dustin A. Nichols, California Trusts & Estates Quarterly, California Lawyers Association (2026; issue date not listed)
A professional discussion of California retirement-exemption planning after AB 2837. This is specifically about California law; readers elsewhere should check their own state’s rules. Nichols also provides an introductory overview of private retirement plans on his firm’s website.
2025
Asset Protection Planning and Personal Guarantees: What a Bridge Trust Can—and Cannot—Do — Lodmell & Lodmell (November 21, 2025)
Distinguishes the underlying obligation on a personal guarantee from questions about what assets may be available to satisfy it. The article expressly recognizes that a planning structure does not erase the debt; it presents the firm’s view of its Bridge Trust approach.
What Is a Trust? A Comparative Guide to the Four Structures That Actually Matter — Bradley Legal Corp (published January 14, 2025; updated April 3, 2026)
An introductory comparison of several trust structures, including asset-protection trusts. A useful orientation piece; the categories and analysis reflect the publisher’s approach.
2023
The Myth of Secrecy in Asset Protection Planning — Ike Devji, AZ Wealth Law (August 14, 2023)
Argues that legitimate planning should not be confused with hiding assets and highlights the importance of records and required reporting. This is the author’s perspective, published on his firm’s site.
2022
Trusts 101, Part 12: More on Offshore Trusts — Ike Devji, Physicians Practice (October 25, 2022)
Explains considerations the author associates with offshore trust planning, including timing, funding, trustees, jurisdiction, and compliance. It appears in a physician-focused series, though the concepts may help other readers understand the questions such planning raises.
2021
Guide to Funding, Using and Maintaining Your Asset Protection Plan — Lodmell & Lodmell (published December 22, 2021; updated March 5, 2025)
Focuses on implementation after a plan is created: funding, administration, and ongoing maintenance. It is a practical guide from the firm that offers the planning approach discussed.
2020
Masterminding Asset Protection: The Six Essential Asset Protection Tools — William R. Simon, Jr., Sollertis (March 2020)
A broad overview of six commonly discussed tools, including insurance, entities, trusts, and family planning. Useful as a framework for comparing tools; it presents the author’s and firm’s perspective.
How to use this list
Start with the general frameworks, then compare implementation and compliance discussions. Treat promotional claims as the author’s viewpoint, verify current law with primary sources, and get advice based on your own circumstances before making decisions.
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