In the law, you learn things in school, but you also learn things over time – you know, hard knocks and further research. As Business Lawyers, we discovered long ago that there are things that you can do right now to prevent future problems. These are the things every business owner (big or small) should know about protecting personal assets from lawsuits, creditors and business liability. Being self-employed and owning your own business comes with inherent risk. Even big businesses land in financial trouble and sometimes fail. So, here we discuss how to limit your personal exposure to a business lawsuit. We also discuss how a corporation can protect you from a business lawsuit. A sole proprietorship or general partnership do not offer protection. Most of the time small business owners keep busy with work, life, family. They generally have just enough time to keep it all together. Many never fully understanding the potential liability they expose their assets to in a business day. Moreover, many are unaware of how asset protection plans can limit that risk. Planning for EntrepreneursSmall business owners need to be especially prudent about protecting themselves against liability both from the business and daily life in today’s litigious society. Plus, it is important to protect your business assets from a personal or business lawsuit. Small business owners with less than $1 million of business revenue and a net worth of $500,000 can create simple asset protection plans quickly and easily. They can accomplish this and from anywhere between $2,500 and $20,000. On the other hand, according to workforce.com, the average cost of an employment lawsuit is $75,000 to $125,000; escalating from $175,000 to $250,000 for a jury trial. Those with asset protection strategies in place have effectively removed the pot of gold from the end of the rainbow. Therefore, notifying your opponent of such, you increase the likelihood of hearing “case dismissed” or reaching a quick settlement. Thus, the sooner you start asset protection planning the stronger it is and less expensive it will be to defend yourself in the event of a lawsuit. How to Limit Personal Exposure to Business LawsuitsHere are some things you can to do limit your liability. Incorporate Your BusinessMost business owners are aware of the limited liability they can enjoy when they incorporate or form an LLC. However to maximize asset protection a few points they should scrutinize. Form your business, fund it, operate it and maintain it with asset protection in mind. This is your first layer in limiting personal exposure to your business. Inventory Your assetsRegularly inventory your debts and assets, including second homes, investments, retirement accounts, corporate stock, etc. These are important assets that a creditor can take away during litigation. Know Your ExemptionsYou may have protected some of your assets from creditors in holdings such as your primary residence (in some states), retirement account, pension or life insurance. When state or federal laws provide sufficient protection from creditors your asset protection plan should focus on fraud claims, divorce and tort liability (negligence). Do Not Personally GuaranteeDo not personally guarantee business contracts and loans – By signing a personal guarantee you essentially disregard the limited liability of your corporate entity. In the event of failure to pay or perform on a contract, you are on the hook. Find a financial institution or vendor who does not require a personal guarantee in order to work with you. If you must guarantee a business agreement then apply limitations for a specific time. Alternatively, you can pre-determine an asset in the contract that they can use as collateral. Sign as a Corporate ExecutiveSign contracts, John Smith, President of ABC Corp. not John Smith. Even if you have a corporation, if you execute a contract personally, the law will likely consider it a personal guarantee. When executing contracts always ensure you are acting on behalf of the business. You can also limit contract liability with verbiage in the agreement that caps or disallows specific damages. Realize Insurance is LimitedYes, this is a line of defense for liability, business, property, automotive, etc. The problem is that the coverage is limited. That is, someone can always sue you for more. Plus, insurance companies write a broad range of exceptions in their policies so that they can squirm out of paying when you need it the most. For example, most policies do not cover sexual harassment or fraud, whether you are falsely accused or not. Free Consultation with an Asset Protection LawyerWhen you need legal help, call Ascent Law for your free consultation (801) 676-5506. We want to help you.
Ascent Law LLC
8833 S. Redwood Road, Suite C West Jordan, Utah 84088 United States Telephone: (801) 676-5506
Ascent Law LLC
4.9 stars – based on 67 reviews
Irrevocable vs. Revocable Trusts Which Asset Protection Tool is Best? via Michael Anderson http://www.ascentlawfirm.com/limit-your-exposure-in-business-lawsuits/
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I think that if you’re looking at filing for bankruptcy because of medical bills, you should always speak with a bankruptcy attorney. A Harvard University revealed about 60% of the 1.5 million people who filed bankruptcy annually did so for unexpected medical bills. Surprisingly, 75% of those bankruptcies were filed by people who had medical insurance before the illness or injury. This demonstrates that insurance does not protect personal assets from the collection rights of medical businesses. So, how do you protect assets from medical collections? Unexpected and unpredictable medical events pose a high level of risk. This could stem from an unexpected illness, car crash or other injury. Your child could suffer an injury. This has caused many concerned individuals to create legal asset protection strategies. Today’s medical costs are so high it seems that only an insurance company can afford them. There are many treatments and procedures that insurance doesn’t cover. The resultant bills can leave the patient’s personal assets at risk to satisfy the collections agents. Bankruptcy on Medical BillsCarrying insurance is not enough. There is an increasing concern about how one’s financial life would survive unexpected medical expenses. Even a short stay in a hospital could amount to tens of thousands of dollars of care costs. A major illness or injury could last weeks or months and has the potential to wipe out a lifetime of savings and home equity. What can you do to protect yourself from unexpected medical bills? What happens if you incur medical expenses you cannot afford and insurance won’t cover? A lawsuit happens. The hospital or its collection office/agency hits you with a judgment. They file liens against the home. They can generally levy your bank accounts. In most states they can garnish your wages on your employment income. Patients in this situation often have to file bankruptcy. Doing so will requires the individual or family to forfeit all of their unprotected wealth. This means that bank accounts, some or all real estate equity and other valuable non-exempt assets are gone. The courts utilize them to satisfy creditors. Insurance Companies Deny ClaimsThe tragic truth is, even those of us with excellent insurance coverage are still at risk. What happens when an insurance provider denies a claim? A recent study by the California Nurses Association showed that California’s biggest insurers denied over 25% of all claims submitted in the first three quarters of 2010. PacifiCare denied over 43%, Cigna over 39% and Anthem Blue Cross, more than 27% of claims denied. Hospitals will pursue the balance of the care costs an insurance company denies. Even if the medical care costs exceeds hundreds of thousands of dollars, your insurer could still deny the claim. Then what? You could have the forethought to pre-negotiate an agreement in advance. Otherwise your medical provider will want you to guarantee the full amount of care costs incurred; those that your insurer does not reimburse. Simply put, you are financially responsible for anything your insurance company doesn’t pay for. What this does is force you to sue your insurance company. This is a long and expensive process against a deep-pocketed opponent that not many individuals can afford to pursue. Insurance companies are in the business of making money. In some cases, it’s simply less expensive for the insurer to deny a claim and litigate. Some insurers take that approach as part of the company business model. Free Consultation with a Bankruptcy LawyerWhen you need bankruptcy help for medical bills, or need to file a bankruptcy case, call Ascent Law now at (801) 676-5506. Attorneys in our office have filed over a thousand cases. We can help you now. Come in or call in for your free consultation.
Ascent Law LLC
8833 S. Redwood Road, Suite C West Jordan, Utah 84088 United States Telephone: (801) 676-5506
Ascent Law LLC
4.9 stars – based on 67 reviews
Irrevocable vs. Revocable Trusts Which Asset Protection Tool is Best? via Michael Anderson http://www.ascentlawfirm.com/bankrupt-medical-bills/ Because we are Utah lawyers, we are often asked questions. We love answering questions. Today we were asked about trusts. Here is some information that should be useful to you. An irrevocable trust is an agreement allowing property to be held by one party for the benefit of another, stipulating that that it cannot be readily revoked, altered, or amended. It is commonly used for asset protection and estate planning. A trust is a legal tool that consists of three parties:
You will also hear a Settlor also referred to as a Grantor or Trustor. A trust can also have multiple Settlors and/or Trustees. Then next question we answer is about revocable vs. irrevocable trusts, and how they compare. Revocable vs. Irrevocable TrustsA revocable trust, commonly a revocable living trust, is an estate planning tool that a settlor can change at any time. So, if your needs change you can make amendments freely without the interaction of a third-party. So, why doesn’t everybody set up a trust that is revocable as opposed to an irrevocable trust? There are several reasons.
Why Irrevocable?The primary reason people use irrevocable trusts to protect assets from lawsuits. Legal theory commonly allows a creditor to step into the shoes of the debtor. It allows the creditor do what he or she could do. For example, let’s say the settlor of a trust could freely change the beneficiary. The one who sued the settlor could step into his or her shoes and change the beneficiary to himself. If the trust allowed the settlor to independently spend trust assets on himself, the creditor could do the same. Plus, some people use irrevocable trusts to make sure that others carry out their wishes when they are no longer around. This is common in second marriages where a spouse wants to make sure that children from the first marriage get at least some of the assets. This article will primarily focus on the use of an irrevocable trust to protect assets from lawsuits, judgments and creditors. It will also touch on its role as an estate planning tool. I Can’t Ever Change It?It’s not quite like that, as there are often ways to make changes. It depends on how the trust is drafted. But if the purpose is asset protection, the changes often require the approval of a third-party, such as the trustee. Most trusts that protect assets are discretionary trusts. For example, if you decide to cut out a beneficiary or add a new one, simply ask the trustee. The trustee, at his, her or it’s (in the case of a corporate trustee) discretion can do so. The trustee has discretion to decide whether or not the act would be in the best interest of the beneficiaries of the trust. They will see if it complies with the settlor’s intent, the overall purpose of the trust, and if doing so would or would not put trust assets in harm’s way. To say it another way, if you could change it directly, the judge could force you to change the beneficiary to your legal enemies. So, by making it irrevocable, you are more likely to get what you want: the use of the trust assets. By requiring third-party intervention, it ties the judge’s hands from directly forcing you to make the changes against your will. Changing TrusteesDon’t like the trustee? That’s okay. Simply fire him or her and hire another. You can change the trustee to anyone but yourself, a family member up or down the family trustee, an agent of yours, or a controlled employee. This is because courts consider these people your alter ego. There are many types of irrevocable trust. Not all are for asset protection. There are trust to hold life insurance, for charitable purposes, to reduce the tax bite, and to care for those with special needs. Conveyances & TransfersMany people ask us about fraudulent conveyance / transfer and if they can get into trouble for moving assets into such a structure. The answer is, that fraudulent transfer is merely a civil matter, not a criminal one. It is not a crime. You cannot go to jail for it. There are not fines. The most that can happen is a judge can put assets back to where they were in the first place. Allowances for the UnforeseenProperly drafted trusts allow for wide range of future possibilities. For example, there are circumstances that would warrant a change of beneficiaries or trustees. Perhaps Mom and Dad unexpectedly have another child. One child exhibits evidence of long-term substance abuse. On child tragically perishes. The trustee retires. A well-drafted trust addresses all of these circumstances. How Can It Be Irrevocable?How can it be irrevocable if I really can change it? Notice the operative word, “I.” Irrevocable doesn’t necessarily mean nobody on the planet can change it. It doesn’t mean that you cannot suggest a change to someone else. It just means that certain people cannot, independently, without outside cooperation, change it. This is a good thing. Remember, if you could just change the beneficiary at a whim, the judge could force your whim to be your enemy at law. Direct Control Can Hurt YouWe all like control. But if you have complete power to change the trust, it could be used against you in a courtroom. That’s because a judge could force you to use that control and that would likely not be a good thing for you. He can force you to change the beneficiary to the person who sued you. That will allow your opponent to take all of the money held therein that is needed to satisfy their judgment. So, when you are lose a lawsuit, a revocable trust puts the judge, not you, in charge. Why Choose an Irrevocable Trust?A trust can be used to protect assets, but every trust is not equal to the next trust agreement, not by a long shot. A properly drafted irrevocable trust can protect assets from creditors. It can shield you from unnamed family members seeking addition as beneficiaries at the grantor’s death, or anyone else trying to take the grantor’s assets. Free Initial Consultation with an Asset Protection LawyerWhen you need help with irrevocable or revocable trusts, call Ascent Law for your free consultation (801) 676-5506. We want to help you.
Ascent Law LLC
8833 S. Redwood Road, Suite C West Jordan, Utah 84088 United States Telephone: (801) 676-5506
Ascent Law LLC
4.9 stars – based on 67 reviews
Which Asset Protection Tool is Best? What is an Acceptable Use Policy? via Michael Anderson http://www.ascentlawfirm.com/irrevocable-vs-revocable-trusts/ The first thing a lawyer will do when considering a case against you on a contingent fee basis is to do an asset search. It’s the same thing an experienced litigant will do before handing over a hefty retainer. When he or she is attempting to discover the amount of money you possess, you need to remember that real estate deed copies and taxes paid on your property are available for public consumption. Anyone can access them. As an asset protection lawyer, one of the best tools we have is to remove your name from the public records database of real estate. Average income in your neighborhood – easily accessible. The car you hold title to in your name – easy to find. Where you work – a simple Internet search will usually do. How much you make and how much you’ve saved – this organization has repeatedly seen private investigators find out without much effort. The secret for how to protect your assets? Secure your wealth and prevent your asset information from going public by using the proper legal tools. Land TrustsWith a land trust, you can hold title to your property in the name of the trust/trustee instead of your own name. This keeps your name from being associated with it in the public records. So, if someone unknown to you attempts to find out where you live, what property you own or what your real estate holdings are worth, finding that information becomes more difficult. This cloaking is provided by the land trust, which keeps your real property holdings private. If you plan to establish land trusts for your personal residence or other real estate holdings, the good news is that they are available for use in all states, through common law, whether or not their statutes specifically address them. Remember, not every possible human act has been codified into law. Just like there are no known laws specifically authorizing the wearing of red shoes, what you will eat tonight, and who dates your daughter, not all state statutes specifically address the use of land trusts. They don’t need to. Unless there are laws to the contrary (of which there are none known in the United States), their use is permitted. This organization has established land trusts for use in all U.S. States. Whereas the land trust is not an asset protection device, it is a privacy tool. Consider making the beneficiary of each land trust a separate limited liability company. For your personal residence, it usually makes most sense to name yourself as the beneficiary from a tax perspective. That way you can take advantage of the interest deduction, the allowable tax-free profits upon the sale of the home, etc. A mortgage lender cannot forbid the transfer of a home into a land trust if the property is between one and four dwelling units and the owner remains as beneficiary of the trust (Garn St. Germain Depository Institutions Act of 1982). It would be wise to inform the insurance company that your properties are in land trusts. Title Holding TrustsTitle holding trusts are similar to land trust in that they provide privacy of ownership of non-real estate assets. A title holding trust can be used to own vehicles privately. Since automobile ownership is a matter of public record, why own them in your name? If you own a newer 500 series Mercedes-Benz, a 600 series BMW, high-end Tesla or the like, a potential plaintiff or contingent fee attorney can easily find out. That could get his or her juices flowing that you are a deep-pocket. Filing a lawsuit or taking a case on a contingent fee basis is a business decision. When they look for what you have and find no real estate and no cars, they’ll think twice about proceeding with case. Like land trusts, title holding trusts are not asset protection tools, they are privacy tools. This organization has seen hundreds of people keep cars that they would have otherwise lost by merely disguising their ownership in title holding trusts. Living TrustsFor estate planning, there are few tools as good as the living trust. When you form a living trust, the trustee can be you or someone else. A living trust can act as the serving tray upon which your assets are served to your heirs up on your death. Your estate can avoid probate fees – the legal process of transferring assets from the deceased to the living. There are no such fees because the title to the property doesn’t need to change. It’s still in the trust. Your heirs simply become the new beneficiaries. Instead of hearing, “First I’ll need a $10,000 retainer,” from an estate lawyer your heirs simply take the trust and a death certificate down to the bank and the money is theirs. Alternatively, you may have the trust drafted such that a trustee or trust company steps in and provides specified amounts at specified ages, regular support payments, payments for education, living expenses, etc. You can require your heirs to accomplish specified goals, such as certain levels of educational attainment in order to receive specified amounts. Your trust, your choice. This gives you control of how your assets are distributed long after your death. Just like there are different motor vehicles for different uses, there are different trusts for different uses. There are powerful asset protection trusts that are available. However, a living trust is not an asset protection tool. It is an estate planning tool. Its main purpose is to give your heirs access to your assets when your days are done. Corporations for Asset ProtectionCorporations are useful for legally protecting yourself from business lawsuits. A corporation is considered a separate “person.” When that person is sued, the lawsuit is directed at it, not you. Thus, the corporation can act as a wall between you and your business to help protect your personal assets. When you operate your business as a privately held corporation, then you can generally sell stock in your company free from public disclosure, protecting both the price paid and the name of the buyer. Just make sure you comply with the state and federal securities statutes. If it becomes a publicly traded company, more disclosures are required. Most states require corporations to release the names of officers and directors. If you wish, you may elect to have nominee officers and directors who show up in “name only,” but you, as the voting shareholder, have the ultimate control. The names of stockholders typically stay out of the public records. Corporations also allow for creative maneuvering of assets. For instance, if you are in the process of purchasing expensive equipment or vehicles that are already owned by a corporation, you can have the owner leave the property in the corporation, or place it in a new one, and then transfer the stock in the corporation to you. Make sure to get advice from a CPA on how a transaction of this nature is best handled from a tax perspective. LLCs and Limited Partnerships (LPs)For real estate assets, both limited liability companies (LLCs) and Limited Partnerships (LPs) work well for protection. LLC owners do not generally have liability for business debts or actions of employees. The benefit of an LLC is that the one(s) in charge, the managers, are shielded from business liability. With a limited partnership, on the other hand, the general partner (GP) is vulnerable. So, LLCs are now used almost exclusively instead of LPs. Furthermore, as long as your LLC has been properly established, if you get sued in your personal life, there are legal provisions that can protect you from losing your membership in your LLC. They may get a judgment against you. But there are laws preventing them from taking your LLC or anything inside of it. LLCs are also great tools to own passive investments. Unlike a corporation, which doesn’t usually work well from a tax perspective for owning a stock brokerage account, a LLCs default tax flow-through status allows you to take deductions and report gains as if you held the investments in your own name. However, unlike holding them in your own name the LLC offers favorable asset protection advantages which are discussed below, It is usually a fast process to form an LLC in most states. Have it set up professionally because there is quite a bit to it, including drafting the articles, operating agreement, membership certificates, etc. You want to make sure that when you need it to protect you that it was set up right. If you missed something, you can believe that your opponent’s attorney will make a major issue of it in court and drive a truck right through it. So don’t scrimp. Have it set up by someone who does it every workday. LP and LLC BackgroundBefore the invention of LLCs, limited partnership were one of the most common tools used to own real estate. With either structure, your property can protected when you are sued personally. Why can someone not take your LP or LLC if you are sued? There is a reasoning behind this; mostly, fairness. To make sure the actions of one partner or member do not affect the actions of others, judgment creditors generally cannot take these entities, nor can they seize the property inside. An LP used for asset protection purposes is typically structured as a family limited partnership, or FLP. An FLP is simply a limited partnership where the only partners are members of a family. (The same is true for members of a family LLC or FLLC.) Both an FLP and LP are set up with written agreements between at least two individuals. There are at least two types of partners, a general partner and a limited partner. The general partner runs the business and is liable for debts of and lawsuits against the partnership. That is why a corporation or LLC is usually placed in that position. The limited partner is a passive investor and does perform actions within the business. The limited partner is also not liable when the LP is sued. If a limited partner does start to manage the LP, however, he will be legally considered to be a general partner with all of the associated liabilities. So, if a limited partner wants to perform services for the LP, he or she will want to perform those services as an agent of the corporation or LLC that serves as the general partner. Contracts will be signed, for example, “Pat Smith, Manager of XYZ LLC, as general partner of ABC, LP.” LLC & LP OwnersWhereas a one-person LLC is quite common, an LP requires at least two partners. A one-human LP, however, is possible where one partner is a natural person and the other is a legal person, such as a corporation or LLC. A man named John can hold, for example, a 95% interest as a limited partner, and the LLC he owns can hold a 5% interest as a general partner. Profit sharing can occur between or among partners depending on their percentage of ownership. If the written limited partnership agreement allows it, the general partner can receive income over and above his, her or its proportional ownership interest. Free Initial Consultation with an Asset Protection LawyerWhen you are ready to protect your assets, call Ascent Law for your free consultation (801) 676-5506. We want to help you.
Ascent Law LLC
8833 S. Redwood Road, Suite C West Jordan, Utah 84088 United States Telephone: (801) 676-5506
Ascent Law LLC
4.9 stars – based on 67 reviews
Protecting Assets From Divorce via Michael Anderson http://www.ascentlawfirm.com/which-asset-protection-tool-is-best/ A trade secret is information that derives actual or potential value from not being known to the public and that is subject to reasonable efforts to maintain its secrecy. A trade secret can consist of formulas, patterns, compilations, programs, devices, methods, techniques, or processes. In fact, protection of trade secrets can cover everything from microchip design to religious practices. Some of the most famous examples of trade secrets include the formula for Coca-Cola and the algorithms behind Google’s search engine. However, information does not need to be famous for it to warrant trade secret protection. In fact, many valuable trade secrets are valuable precisely because the public does not know about them. Every state allows an owner of a trade secret to seek legal relief when that trade secret has been disclosed or used without authorization. Moreover, nearly every state has adopted a version of the Uniform Trade Secret Act, which was originally published by the Uniform Law Commission in 1979. This act sets forth specific requirements and procedures that are unique to trade secret claims. As Utah attorneys, we’ve handled several of these cases. Because trade secret cases are a particularized area of intellectual property law, attorneys who deal with trade secrets must be familiar with the procedural and substantive nuances of misappropriation claims. As an example, it is crucial to any misappropriation claim that the plaintiff, at an initial stage of the lawsuit, identifies the information claimed to have been misappropriated with reasonable particularity.
Prenuptial And Postnuptial Agreement LawyerWhy Get A Prenup?The idea of a prenuptial agreement rubs quite a few people the wrong way. “Why get married if you anticipate a potential failure?” they may ask. They may fear that a prenup will become a self-fulfilling prophecy of marital breakdown. Judgments such as these tend to overlook several realities that engaged people should face head-on as they prepare to marry:
Who Needs A Prenup?At our law firm, we often see clients who are considering prenuptial agreements falling into one of two categories:
Rest assured that if we help you craft a prenuptial agreement, we will do so fully hoping and expecting that you will never have to use it. On the other hand, we can predict from experience that you and your fiancé or fiancée will find peace of mind in putting down in writing the expectations that you both bring into the marriage with regard to each other’s assets. Postnuptial agreements, on the other hand, have several common applications; namely:
Parental Rights For Unmarried CouplesIn today’s society, it is not uncommon for unmarried people to have children together. When these couples split, there is usually not any sort of court order guiding how important decisions regarding the children will be handled. Resolving Parenting IssuesOur attorneys have extensive experience establishing parental rights for unmarried couples. We work with our clients to obtain a clear understanding of their objectives, and then take the steps necessary to meet those goals. We help our clients obtain court orders that will cover critical parenting issues, including:
Why Paternity Is ImportantIn Utah, before custody or any other parental rights are given to a child’s father, paternity must be established. Paternity determines who is the legal father of a child. Many fathers are unaware that having their name on a child’s birth certificate is not enough to establish paternity. Paternity is important because it not only gives the child’s father legal rights and responsibilities, but it also offers protections for the child. Once paternity is established, a child may be put on his or her father’s health insurance plan and is entitled to receive benefits, such as Social Security or veterans benefits. The child also has inheritance rights in the event that the father passes away. Paternity is also important for the unmarried mother because it entitles her to receive child support from the child’s father. Establishing PaternityPaternity can be established in one of the three ways:
As soon as paternity has been established, the unmarried parents will stand in the same position as divorcing couples. Free Initial Consultation with LawyerIt’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when. Legal problems come to everyone. Whether it’s your son who gets in a car wreck, your uncle who loses his job and needs to file for bankruptcy, your sister’s brother who’s getting divorced, or a grandparent that passes away without a will -all of us have legal issues and questions that arise. So when you have a law question, call Ascent Law for your free consultation (801) 676-5506. We want to help you!
Ascent Law LLC
8833 S. Redwood Road, Suite C West Jordan, Utah 84088 United States Telephone: (801) 676-5506
Ascent Law LLC
4.9 stars – based on 67 reviews
Protecting Assets from Divorce What to do if You’ve Purchased Recalled Food via Michael Anderson http://www.ascentlawfirm.com/trade-secret-litigation/ Generally, Letters of Administration are documents issued by the Utah Probate’s Court authorizing a person (called ‘Administrator’) to manage or distribute the property of a deceased person who died intestate (without making a Will). A Utah probate lawyer will explain the function of these documents to you directly so it is clear. Individuals can and should determine the distribution of their estate by preparing a Will which usually specifies an executor to carry out its directions. Where the decedent has left no Will, the Utah laws and procedures determine both to whom and by whom a decedent’s estate will be distributed. It is important that the deceased’s close family members protect their interests in the decedent’s estate including being appointed as an estate Administrator. Imagine a situation where a person dies without having prepared a Will and a distant relative is appointed as Administrator and the decedent’s house and all other assets are inherited by this relative whom the decedent disliked or had no contact with for many years. Moreover, it may turn out that a government official called the Public Administrator will be appointed by the Court to administer the estate. The Public Administrator and his attorney are required to be paid a fee which will diminish the funds going to the decedent’s family. The estate laws determine the family member that have the right to be appointed as an Administrator of an Estate. The Probate’s Court Procedure Act (SCPA) has many section s dealing with Intestate Administration. Section 1001 of the SCPA provides the order of priority for the appointment of the Administrator. When a person prepares a Last Will in which he nominates an executor, the intestacy law no longer control the selection of the estate fiduciary. It is apparent that a person should prepare a Will so that he can select the persons who are to be in charge of handling all estate affairs. This selection is usually a close relative or friend. The nominated executor must present the Will to the Court for his official appointment as Executor. An attorney may be helpful in this process. Administration proceedings can be complex and involve many issues such as proof of kinship and a search for unknown heirs. Letters of Administration will need to be obtained which requires filing a petition and many other documents with the Court. The petition for Letters of Administration is filed in the Probate’s Court in the county where the decedent lived. For example, if the decedent lived in Manhattan, the papers are filed in the Utah County Probate’s Court which is located at 31 Chambers Street in Utah. Most of the Probate’s Courts in the various counties have the same requirements regarding the papers that must be filed such as the death certificate, petition, affidavit of kinship and affidavit of no-debts. However, experienced estate attorneys are aware that some of the Courts have their own particular requirements and forms. It is important to find out about these various estate filing specifics as soon as possible when preparing the filing papers. Executor and TrusteeAn Executor and Trustee and an Administrator are all what are generally known as fiduciaries. Fiduciaries have many duties and responsibilities. These obligations are set forth in statutes and by the courts which have developed standards of conduct to be followed by fiduciaries. A Utah estate planning lawyer can explain them in greater detail. Executors and Trustees and Administrators are all generally accountable and responsible to the court and to the persons who are the beneficiaries for the assets which they administer. Such responsibilities involve duties of care so that assets are protected, obligations that prohibit self-dealing and a duty to account for the assets they collect and payments they make. Sometimes there is confusion as to the difference between an Executor and Trustee. When a person executes a Last Will, he typically nominates an Executor and substitute or successor Executors. The job of the Executor is to follow and carry out the terms of the Will. Once the Will is admitted to probate, it becomes validated by the Court. Say for example, that the Will says that the decedent’s house is to be sold and that the proceeds from the sale are to be divided into three shares, the Will further states that two of the shares are to be given to two named estate beneficiaries, However, the third share is to be given to a Trustee to be held in trust pursuant to the trust terms that are set forth in the Will. This is called a testamentary trust. The Will typically names the Trustee. Once the executor pays the proceeds to the Trustee, the executor’s job is finished and the Trustee takes over and administers the trust assets according to the Will provisions. It is possible, and often occurs, that the person named as Executor also acts as the Trustee. Executors and Trustees serve an important role in Estate Planning. They are essential in implementing and fulfilling the intent of the creator regarding the disposition of assets. They can also have a vital role in safeguarding the economic welfare of minor children and beneficiaries who suffer from disabilities. It is common that a Utah Estate Plan will include a Supplemental Needs Trust to benefit someone who is receiving governmental benefits such as Medicaid or social security disability. An attorney may be helpful in this process. Free Consultation with a Probate LawyerWhen you need help with an estate or when a loved one has passed away, call Ascent Law for your free consultation (801) 676-5506. Our compassionate and experienced lawyers are here to help you.
Ascent Law LLC
8833 S. Redwood Road, Suite C West Jordan, Utah 84088 United States Telephone: (801) 676-5506
Ascent Law LLC
4.9 stars – based on 67 reviews
Protecting Assets from Divorce via Michael Anderson http://www.ascentlawfirm.com/letters-of-administration/ A lawyer in Utah can tell you, divorce is a leading cause of asset distribution. Here we’re talking about the most protection one can establish when engaged in a divorce property battle. We are not merely talking about hiding assets. Many people who seek divorce asset protection do so when problems arise in the marriage or after divorce papers arrive. There are tools that can provide protection under this scenario. But it is best to act beforehand. Under the best circumstances, transferring the ownership of your separate property, including your business and income, into an asset protection strategy prior to tying the knot more effectively guarantees the protection of your assets in divorce. Whether you do so beforehand or after the fact, having a divorce asset protection plan in place strengthens your hand in the separate vs. marital property battle. Discussed in a Forbes article are methods used to protect your business against a future divorce. Establishing a personal asset protection strategy is one of the most important techniques they discuss. The prenuptial agreement is another. It also stresses the need to take protective measures well in advance of the need, or likelihood of the need for asset protection. Divorce: A Top Wealth BusterDivorce is one of the top wealth busters an individual can face. Ideally, set up an asset protection before marriage. Yes, you can set up an asset protection strategy to protect your finances from divorce when troubles arrive. However, planning measures taken years in advance offer the most protection when placed under the legal microscope. Statistically, a divorce is more likely to happen than a major car accident and are much more costly in terms of legal fees and property separation. Imagine having a divorce insurance policy where future income, personal assets and business never make into a property battle. That’s what a divorce asset protection plan provides. Nuptial AgreementsPrenuptial and postnuptial agreements are not watertight. Not all states recognize them. They are often challenged. So they offer very little certainty. Certainty, in this case, comes in the form of a personal asset protection strategy. By setting up the proper legal tools and transferring property into them, one can effectively shield assets from future liability and divorce. Whereas it is best to have an asset protection plan in place before your spouse serves you with divorce papers, there are strategies that are effective at any stage in the game. Domestic asset protection strategies are usually not very effective. Types of Business EntitiesThe most common form of business entities are corporations and LLCs. Business owners use these entities for multiple advantages. There are tax benefits. As stated previously, they offer protection from lawsuits against the business. Statutes usually don’t allow attorneys, medical practitioners, CPAs, etc. to form standard entities. Instead, they need to form professional corporations, professional LLCs or create a limited liability partnerships. Typically, the law requires that licensed members of a particular profession are the owners these entities. CorporationsCorporations can offer outstanding protection for shareholders, officers and directors. Thus, these entities work well for businesses with multiple owners and employees. There are extra tax deductions, such as those for healthcare plans and medical expenses. Accountants typically recommend against using corporations to own real property. There are detrimental tax consequences compared to LLCs. Plus, creditor law considers the shares as personal assets. Creditors can seize them and sell the stock to satisfy judgments. Limited Liability Companies (LLCs)A Limited Liability Company also offers personal liability protection from business transactions. It shields the managers and members (i.e. owners) from liability. The LLC also has fewer business formalities than does the corporation. By default, LLCs are pass-through tax entities. Many experts highly recommend LLCs for owning real estate. This is due to the fact that provisions prevent creditors from seizing LLC interest to satisfy a judgment. Should someone sue a company member the company and the assets inside are secure. Thus, property and other business assets held in an LLC is protected from personal liability of the managers and members. Free Consultation with a LawyerWhen you need to protect your assets or go through a divorce, call Ascent Law for your free consultation (801) 676-5506. We want to help you.
Ascent Law LLC
8833 S. Redwood Road, Suite C West Jordan, Utah 84088 United States Telephone: (801) 676-5506
Ascent Law LLC
4.9 stars – based on 67 reviews
via Michael Anderson http://www.ascentlawfirm.com/protecting-assets-from-divorce/ A fraudulent conveyance is a civil (not a criminal) matter wherein assets are transferred with the intent to hinder or delay creditors. Whereas it is ideal put an asset protection plan into place before trouble arises, in reality, many people do not realize the need until it is too late. So, prepare for a lawsuit before it strikes if you can. However, if it is too late and you have not yet done so, don’t worry. There are ways to protect yourself after the fact. Put Up a FightFraudulent conveyance is also known as fraudulent transfer. Some people think that you find yourself dealing with a creditor, it’s over. They think that there is not a whole lot they can do to move assets protect them. Not true. If you can put up a fight, why not do it? StrategiesThere are a few strategies that you can employ late in the game. For example, offshore asset protection trusts take the assets outside of the local court’s jurisdiction. So even if your opponent jumps up and down and screams “fraudulent transfer,” your offshore trustee can lace his hands behind his head, lean back in his chair and look out at the palm trees wafting in the sea breeze. The reason is that your local courts do not have jurisdiction in his country. The judge may tell you to ask the trustee to send trust funds to your legal opponent. If you make that request against your will, your trustee will support your true desires. They will invoke the duress clause and refuse to comply. You have done your part in doing what the judge has ordered. You asked the trustee to bring back the funds. The key is to make sure your trust is properly established. If it is, a judge would be hard-pressed to find you in contempt. That is because you are not refusing to comply. You simply do not have the ability to act firsthand. Huge Barrier for Your OpponentThis leaves your opponent a very expensive and time-consuming option: To file a lawsuit offshore. Even if he does, he will find himself in an obstacle course. One that is built intentionally to make it unlikely for him to win. A pride of lions most often eat the weakest members of the herd. So, why let yourself be easy prey? Why not be the one that puts up the biggest fight? Fraudulent Conveyance Vs. PreparationThis is not to say that you should engage in fraudulent conveyance. It is best that you do not. It is much better for you prepare for the near inevitable. That is, set up an asset protection plan before you need it. So, this seemingly obstinate dialogue intends to give an editorial angle on the subject. It is not encouraging you to participate in this practice. It is simply saying that those who have the philosophy “I’m not going down without a fight,” put the odds in their favor over those who easily cave in. Free Initial Consultation with an Asset Protection LawyerIt’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when. Legal problems come to everyone. Whether it’s your son who gets in a car wreck, your uncle who loses his job and needs to file for bankruptcy, your sister’s brother who’s getting divorced, or a grandparent that passes away without a will -all of us have legal issues and questions that arise. So when you have a law question, call Ascent Law for your free consultation (801) 676-5506. We want to help you.
Ascent Law LLC
8833 S. Redwood Road, Suite C West Jordan, Utah 84088 United States Telephone: (801) 676-5506
Ascent Law LLC
4.9 stars – based on 67 reviews
via Michael Anderson http://www.ascentlawfirm.com/fraudulent-conveyance/ If you are considering a divorce, there are many things to take into consideration, such as the potential impact separation could have on your children and your financial well-being. If you decide to turn to a divorce mediator in Salt Lake City, you may be able to resolve any disputes with your spouse in a healthier manner while conserving time, energy and money. However, there are many divorce-related requirements in Utah that you may want to familiarize yourself with, such as waiting periods. According to the Utah Courts, divorce decrees are not signed until 90 days has passed after the date divorce petitions are filed. I’ve seen it as a divorce lawyer. That said, you and your spouse could be able to have this waiting period waived, if you are able to prove that you are going through extraordinary circumstances. Once a motion is filed, the other spouse has two weeks to object by submitting a Memorandum Opposing Motion form. With regard to the divorce process, you and your spouse may disagree on many issues, from creating a child support order to dividing marital property and how to handle custody matters. Although divorce is often challenging, mediation may prove beneficial and help both you and your marital partner move forward. Regardless of the decisions that you and your spouse make concerning divorce, it is essential to work for a positive outcome, which is particularly important if you have children. Please keep in mind that this information was written for general informational purposes and is not to be interpreted as a substitute for legal counsel. FACING YOUR FEARS ABOUT DIVORCEThe decision to file and finalize divorce is never easy. Even after couples grow apart and realize that the marriage has dissolved, they may wait years or even decades to file for divorce. Some will wait until the children move out or genuinely hope that things will turn around instead of facing the inevitable. If you are facing divorce, fear is normal. Remember that you are not alone and that most divorced or divorcing couples have had similar fears. For couples in Salt Lake City, Utah, an experienced attorney can help you review the facts of your case, identify your concerns and protect your rights. Here are some common fears about divorce: Losing custody and a relationship with children.Splitting up a family into two households is never easy. Both parents and children will have a difficult time adjusting, but an experienced attorney can protect your custody rights and ensure that a visitation schedule meets your needs and the best interests of your children. Cost.Dividing income and creating two separate households after divorce can be expensive. Alimony and child support payments can also add up. An advocate can protect your financial interests during negotiation and settlement. Financial planning and adjusting your lifestyle will also allow give you the power to manage your transition. Failure.Many couples will put off divorce because of the fear of “failure.” In many situations, leaving a marriage is not only a last resort, but the only healthy option. Remember that divorce isn’t failure, it is admitting your needs and the problems in your marriage so that you can move on. Losing friends and family.It is likely that your social network may change after divorce. On the other hand, you can maintain shared friendships. Being open, honest, and respectful will prevent your friends and family from having to choose. Being alone.This is one of the most common fears, but it is not a good reason to stay in a bad marriage. Many also fear growing old alone, but this is a common fear, even for those who are married. Life will change after divorce, but for many divorcees, life will change in positive ways. Empowerment in your life can mean new opportunities, new friendships, relationships, and a future of possibilities. Free Consultation with Divorce LawyerIf you have a question about divorce law or if you need to start or defend against a divorce case in Utah call Ascent Law at (801) 676-5506. We will help you.
Ascent Law LLC
8833 S. Redwood Road, Suite C West Jordan, Utah 84088 United States Telephone: (801) 676-5506
Ascent Law LLC
4.9 stars – based on 67 reviews
via Michael Anderson http://www.ascentlawfirm.com/waiting-period-for-divorce/ A good, healthy marriage is based on trust. We all have secrets. But when those secrets affect your relationship, they can often come back to haunt you later. As a divorce lawyer, I’ve seen this happen before. Marriage is a partnership where both parties are making a commitment to share their life together. DOES YOUR SPOUSE HAVE HIDDEN ASSETS?And one of the biggest components is sharing your finances and assets. But when a marriage falls apart, many people resort to hiding many of the most valuable assets from their partners. Fortunately, there are ways to track down any hidden income and other assets. DETERMINING THE DIVISION OF ASSETSDivorce can often get complicated. One of the most complex issues is the division of assets. The first step is to consult with an experienced and knowledgeable divorce attorney
ARE YOU THE “OUT SPOUSE”?In many marriages, one spouse is often in charge of handling most of the financial decisions and bookkeeping responsibilities, whether it is filing taxes or balancing the checkbook. Divorce attorneys often refer to the spouse who does not participate in most of the financial decisions as the “out spouse”. In these instances, the out spouse generally does not have the same level of access to the couple’s financial situation. If you are the out spouse, the first step is to ask your partner to make copies of all marital financial records. A cooperative spouse can make the process much easier. Unfortunately, that is rarely the case–especially when there is tremendous acrimony in the fractured relationship. The good news is most financial records can be found online. If you are unsure of any accounts, contact any banks, mortgage companies, retirement plan advisors or any relevant financial institutions during your marriage. A DIVORCE ATTORNEY CAN HELP WITH THE DISCOVERY PROCESSIf you have made the difficult decision to file for divorce in Utah, it is vital to know all of the assets acquired during your marriage. If you have any suspicion your spouse is hiding any assets, it is important to contact a Salt Lake City divorce attorney with a track record helping clients through the discovery process. The attorney can make requests of several important types of financial documentation from your spouse, including tax returns, loan applications, bank account records, financial statements and much more. By utilizing the discovery process, you spouse will also have to answer specific questions in writing. It is the most effective method to gain financial information from an uncooperative spouse. WHY DIVORCE IS MORE DIFFICULT FOR MENDivorce can be a bitter struggle. Anytime a long-term relationship comes to an end, it can be devastating both emotionally and financially. When it comes to divorce, it is often said there are no winners. But there is definitely plenty to lose. But who stands to lose more–men or women? More often than not, the answer is men. The lazy argument is men generally make more money and have more to lose financially. But that is only part of the equation. There are some other overlooked factors many people do not take into consideration. Here are some scary statistics. Did you know divorce can affect your health? According to a study conducted by the Journal of Men’s Health, divorced men are more likely to contract heart disease, high blood pressure and strokes than their married counterparts. They are also 39 percent more likely to commit suicide or engage in risky behavior. Although popular opinion suggests women tend to be more emotional, there is more scientific evidence that suggests it may be the opposite when it comes to divorce. Here are some reasons why. THE LOST SENSE OF IDENTITYMany men fall into the trap of letting marriage define who they are. When a marriage comes to an end, men often get a sense of losing their identity. For years, they have spent much of their lives with a partner to provide emotional support and sexual fulfillment. One solution is to work on rebuilding confidence by joining an organization or getting involved in a new activity. It not only allows men to branch out and meet new people, it also gives them the opportunity regaining a sense of fulfillment by accomplishing new and different goals. PATERNAL INSTINCT IS CHALLENGEDFor many men, the sense of family is the backbone of their relationship. It can be a difficult transition to go from being the head of a household to being completely out on your own. It is important for men to remain a major part in the lives of their children. Although women typically are awarded primary child custody, the bond between a father and their children can be very therapeutic. MEN DO NOT GRIEVE PROPERLYDivorce and death are two completely different things. However, both can cause a huge void that is seen as irreplaceable. Because men have a tendency to bottle up their emotions, it can lead to deeper feelings of depression. Psychological issues can often become powerful triggers for high blood pressure. Depression involves much more than just feeling depressed. It can also lead to physical issues, including pain and less physical activity leading to obesity and heart disease. Free Consultation with a Divorce LawyerIf you have a question about divorce law or if you need to start or defend against a divorce case in Utah call Ascent Law at (801) 676-5506. We will help you.
Ascent Law LLC
8833 S. Redwood Road, Suite C West Jordan, Utah 84088 United States Telephone: (801) 676-5506
Ascent Law LLC
4.9 stars – based on 67 reviews
3 Laws Business Owners Need to Know Can a Restraining Order affect Custody? How to Prepare for your Free Consultation via Michael Anderson http://www.ascentlawfirm.com/hidden-assets-in-divorce/ |
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