You have spent half a lifetime working, investing, and saving. You want to live comfortably and enjoy the fruit of your hard work. Travel, pursue a hobby, volunteer more time for a cause you believe in. The last thing you want is to see years of good decisions ruined by an unexpected injury, illness, business failure or lawsuit.

“Protection is not a principle, but an expedient.”

Benjamin Disraeli

The Smiths, John and Betty, were approaching retirement. They had accumulated assets worth about $1.5 million, but most of that value was in the residential rental property they had acquired through the years. John and Betty came to us with one goal in mind above all others. They wanted to protect their assets from the possibility that a lawsuit or an unexpected medical hardship could force them to liquidate the properties that they had carefully chosen to provide income in their retirement years.

After analyzing which of John and Betty’s assets were at risk of loss, they chose to create one of our unique irrevocable asset protection trusts to protect their real estate from predators or creditors, including the cost of future long-term health care needs. By planning in advance of any of those needs, we were able to protect nearly $1 million of the Smiths’ assets immediately. Over time, if the Smiths remain healthy, all of their assets will be fully protected.

Among other things, our plan provided the following benefits for John and Betty:

  • All of the income from their assets was protected for the Smiths
  • They remained in control of how all of their assets were managed
  • The Smiths retained the right to choose their beneficiaries and to change how and when their children would receive their inheritance
  • It protected them from future risks of life, including disability, lawsuits, and business downturns

John and Betty had the peace of mind they sought. Their estate plan helped secure their future by protecting the assets that will fund their retirement years.

If you want to learn more, Book Time with Joe to meet and receive your Estate Planning Assessment.