Centennial Asset Protection Attorneys
Essential Asset Protection Planning in Colorado
Have you reached the stage of life when you are thinking about estate planning? If so, then you should be thinking about the security of your assets, as well. Generally, in legal terms, when our Centennial asset protection attorneys refer to assets, we’re talking about some type of property with value that can be transferred from one party to another. Assets can be money, real estate, or even a valuable stamp collection.
You can transfer assets from an individual to an organization. An individual can transfer his or her assets back to himself or herself under some circumstances. But in terms of estate planning, assets refer to items one party intends to bequeath to another after death.
Understanding the Limits of Wills in Asset Protection
Many individuals mistakenly believe that specifically identifying assets and who should receive them within the body of a will is all that they need to do. Why could their assets be in peril? The administration of a last will and testament is governed by the state that it is filed in. While there is some variation in these rules, one thing that states are pretty much in agreement on are the limited number of assets that you can identify as such under the protection of the will. Examples of assets that may require protection include:
- Large and valuable personal property items
- Non-individually owned parcels of real estate
- Businesses with living partners (or their heirs)
- Most kinds of “community” property
- Life insurance
- Pension plans
Risks to Your Inheritance Without Proper Asset Protection
Certain types of assets have “built-in” asset protection that makes their administration to heirs fairly straightforward. An insurance policy with easily identifiable beneficiaries would be one example. Assets with multiple owners can create a more complicated situation, however. Some assets can be in peril if an estate has creditors.
How Our Centennial Asset Protection Lawyer Can Help
The term “asset protection” may conjure up offshore accounts and “straw businesses”. However, this type of protection is perfectly legal if a qualified asset protection attorney administers it. The purpose of this type of protection is to protect assets from parties that have no legal right to it. To this end, our Centennial asset protection lawyer:
- Helps To Protect Assets By Avoiding Trouble
It’s easiest to avoid future problems by identifying and heading them off at the pass. By working with an asset protection attorney at the earliest stages of estate planning, the odds of smoother estate transferences increase. - Can Identify Tools To Protect Assets
Many individuals planning their estates are unaware that they already have asset protections in place like certain types of insurance. Or that in some states, “homestead laws” offer protection to certain types of real estate. Lawyers specializing in asset safeguarding can also offer clients options such as trusts and corporation formation. - Ensures That All Asset Protection Is Done Legally
Creating “buffers” to shelter assets from creditors is legal. This assumes that it is done openly with no attempt to hide assets or circumvent tax laws. With the help of an estate planning lawyer, clients don’t run the risk of “fraudulent transfers” which can lead to huge legal headaches for clients and heirs. - Ensures That Clients Don’t Tie Up Money In Reversible Annuities
Some programs such as Medicaid provide assisted living/nursing home residents with an allowance provided that “survivor benefits” revert to them. Legal assistance here can help clients determine if they should take this route, or explore other options to leave heirs a legacy.
Contact Our Centennial Asset Protection Lawyers Today
Our Centennial asset protection attorneys can provide you with assistance at all stages of asset protection. This type of assistance works best sooner than later. Because of this, if you are looking to protect your assets, reach out to Skipton Law, LLC today for assistance. Call us at (720) 770-3880 or contact us online to get started.
Have questions? Request a consultation with an asset protection lawyer in Centennial at Skipton Law, LLC. Complete an online form or call (720) 770-3880.
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Committed to excelling in all areas of estate planning-
ServiceA strong commitment to positively impacting ourselves, our clients, & our community.
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