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We’ve had a lot of interesting call lately regarding unfunded asset protection plans.  An asset protection plan–a Family Limited Partnership combined with an The Bridge Trust™–is only useful for protection against creditors if there are actually assets titled in the name of the plan.  That should go without saying, but we’ve encountered it enough recently to make it worth addressing in this article.

Before you continue reading, take a moment to download our guide to Funding Your Asset Protection Plan (click the link to download).

Funding Basics

  • Primary and Second Homes (non-rentals)

The first asset you need to consider is your primary residence.  If you live in a state with fantastic homestead protection like Florida or Texas, then you don’t need to do anything.  Your home is protected.  Otherwise, you need to provide some protection for your home.  The typical way to do that is to transfer or “deed” your primary residence into your asset protection trust.  The same is true of any second homes that you own but don’t use to generate rental income.

  • Rental Properties

Rental properties are slightly riskier than non-rental properties.  As a result, there needs to be some additional insulation around them in order to protect your other assets.  That additional insulation comes in the form of a limited liability company (a “LLC”).  The funding works as follows:

  1. The LLC is created, and it is owned in the exact same proportions as the rental property to be transferred.
  2. The rental property is deeded into the LLC.
  3. The LLC is transferred into your asset protection limited partnership.

It’s very important that you follow the exact sequence described above, because in some instances it can save you money by avoiding transfer taxes and/or a reassessment for tax purposes (check with your local taxing authority and clerk of court to make sure).

  • Safe Assets

Cash, stocks, bonds, precious metals, and jewelry are all considered “safe assets.”  That’s because they can’t generate liabilities for you.  Think about it like this: Someone can get injured on your rental property.  That’s just not true of your safe assets.  Because of this unique feature, your safe assets can be owned directly by your limited partnership, without the need to insulate those assets with an LLC.

  • Vehicles

Vehicles are very risky assets.  As a result, they should be left outside your plan completely.  Own vehicles in your personal name, and trust that your other assets are safely protected.

  • If you have questions . . .

If you have questions about how you can fund your existing plan, or if you’re interested to develop an asset protection strategy, call Lodmell & Lodmell today.  We’ll be happy to answer your questions.

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Pashmina Lalchandani

CEO & Co-Founder, Bar & Cocoa / Owner, Flow Simple
December 9, 2010, Douglass was a client of Pashmina’s

I’ve known Doug in many contexts, as a friend, as a client and as a business partner and he impresses me on all levels. He’s dependable, smart, generous and I wouldn’t hesitate recommending him and his law firm to anyone.
He’s the best and most ethical lawyers providing asset protection with rock solid strategies to give you peace of mind about your wealth. Straight forward, and straight talk. Doug is exactly the lawyer I want on my side. If I send someone to Doug, I know they’ll thank me for it!

Social & Solar Entrepreneur, Pan Afrikan Theorist, Translator/Interpreter,
Founder & Visionary Leader @ Afrikanpride.
March 12, 2011, Marlon E. D. J. worked with Douglass but at different companies

Doug is one of the most powerful thinker i have came across. During the short time that i have known Doug he has been a great source of inspiration. He has a simplistic yet effective and accurate way to analyze anything you bring to his attention, and then by asking you key questions he gets you to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Besides being extremely bright, he is a genuine and caring individual which is why I feel fortunate to know him. I can say without a doubt that he his the person you would want to talk to if you were in need of a person with his expertise.
Most of the lawyers out there will probably meet your needs, but if you are looking for someone to exceed your expectations and give you that wow factor, look no more he is the person for the job.

Patricia Salter

Associate Dentist at Smileology
December 1, 2010, Patricia was a client of Douglass’

I have been a client of Douglas Lodmell’s since 2001. My main concern was asset protection in this litigious society. I can sleep alot better at night knowing I have the instruments in place to protect the fruits of my labor, and that they will not end up in the hands of a slick trial attorney.

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