Is it true that most Asset Protection plans are complicated?

Some are, but most are surprisingly simple. Nor is a complex plan always the best plan. Simplicity is often better. We think that over-planning is a chronic planning error. Yes, you may want several firewalls to shelter yourself against a particular creditor, but you sometimes get improved protection with a less complex plan and with fewer firewalls. You'll certainly save legal fees. As importantly, you and your other advisors will betterunderstand the simpler plan. A simpler plan is also less likely to fall into disuse. That's another reason we prefer to start with a basic plan and 'layer' the plan with more firewalls on an 'as needed' basis. Once the legal problem ends, we simplify the plan.

You have many simple ways to protect your assets. For example, you might convert non-exempt assets into exempt assets. Or you can debt-shield or encumber your assets. In some states, you might safely title your assets as tenants-by-the-entirety if you're married. You can implement other highly-effective, yet simple strategies at minimum or no cost. Most importantly, you'll more fully understand a simple plan. Whether your plan is simple or complex, your advisor must fully explain your plan and how each component fits. If you don't fully understand your plan, it's either too complex or your advisor has poorly explained it. Never trade safety for simplicity, but choose simplicity when a more complex plan won't give you sufficiently greater protection to balance its cost.

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