When clients come to us looking to protect their hard-earned assets, they often ask: Do I need
asset protection, estate planning, or both?
The truth is, these two strategies work best together. While they serve different purposes, asset
protection and estate planning complement each other in powerful ways, and when done right,
they create a comprehensive plan for your life and legacy.
What Is Asset Protection?
Asset protection is about defending your wealth from potential threats during your lifetime. That
includes lawsuits, creditors, or business liabilities.
Some effective asset protection tools include:
∙Limited liability companies (LLCs) or corporations
∙Irrevocable trusts
Asset protection is proactive, not reactive. Once a legal claim is filed, your options are limited.
The time to plan is before a problem arises.
What Is Estate Planning?
Estate planning focuses on what happens to your assets after your death or if you become
incapacitated. It’s about ensuring your wishes are carried out and your loved ones are protected.
Core components include:
∙A last will and testament
∙Revocable living trusts
∙Powers of attorney and advance healthcare directives
∙Beneficiary designations and tax planning
A well-structured estate plan avoids probate, minimizes taxes, and reduces stress for your family.
Where They Overlap
Asset protection and estate planning often rely on similar tools, particularly trusts and business
entities. For example:
∙An irrevocable trust can both shield assets from creditors and reduce your estate’s taxable
value.
∙An LLC can protect a rental property from liability today and simplify its transfer to heirs
tomorrow.
∙Gifting strategies can lower your estate’s value while moving assets beyond the reach of
future creditors.
By integrating the two, we help clients protect what they’ve built and preserve it for the next
generation.
Why It Matters
Focusing only on estate planning could leave your assets vulnerable during your lifetime.
Relying solely on asset protection might create complications after your death. The right legal
strategy should do both: protect you now and secure your legacy for the future.
at The Presser Law Firm, we work closely with individuals, families, and business owners to
build smart, forward-thinking plans that align with your personal and financial goals.