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Exemption Planning is Critical for Asset Protection

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There are some assets that are exempt under federal law, but most exemptions come from state law. Exemption planning is the process of reorganizing one's wealth so that as much as possible is protected (or 'exempt') by law from creditor attachment, even though it is still owned by that individual. State protected assets vary greatly from state to state as do the extent to which these assets are protected. However, there are general categories of exempt assets set by both the federal government and each state. Bankruptcy has its own exemptions which may or may involve federal and/or state exemptions which apply only in bankruptcy.
Assets that are commonly exempt include:

  • home equity
  • wages
  • pensions and retirement accounts
  • profit sharing plans
  • annuities and insurance
  • tools of the trade
  • certain household items
  • burial plots
  • jewelry and other personal possessions

Since the exemption laws do vary between states, you must check your own state laws to see which assets are specifically exempt in your state. List of Financial Planning Exemptions by State.


At first glance, you would think exemption planning is simple. After all, if the law says an asset is exempt, then it's exempt. That's not always so. There are always exceptions, caveats, and conditions to the exemption laws. Knowing when an 'exempt' asset is really exempt from a certain creditor and when it is not is what you would expect the Asset Protection planners to know.


With our own clients, we mostly discuss exemption planning in a non-bankruptcy context. However, when one files for bankruptcy the exemption rules change considerably. Therefore, with exemption planning one must consider the likelihood of an individual declaring bankruptcy in the future. Even if bankruptcy is unlikely, one must plan for the contingency that it could happen.


The law of the state where one resides determines whether one may use state exemptions only, or whether one may choose between state or federal exemptions when they are in bankruptcy. If a state allows one to choose, then one may choose one set of exemptions – but not both. The federal exemption amount, in bankruptcy, may be doubled for a married couple, although this may or may not be the case with the state exemptions. Note that moving to a more exemption-friendly state before one files bankruptcy only works if the move is made at least 730 days (about 2 years) before filing. Financial Planning Exemptions on a Federal Level


To maximize your exemption protection, reach out to us today to receive your complimentary preliminary consultation.


The Presser Law Firm P.A.
6199 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton FL 33487
(800) 999-9992 or e-mail Info@AssetProtectionAttorneys.com
www.AssetProtectionAttorneys.com

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