Preserving wealth requires more than smart investing. It demands proactive legal planning and the support of an experienced team that cares about your long-term goals. At SFBBG, our attorneys help clients implement customized asset protection strategies designed to shield personal and business assets from future risks.

Whether you are a business owner, high-net-worth individual, or professional in a high-liability field, asset protection can serve as a vital safeguard for the assets you have spent a lifetime earning. Our team takes a strategic approach to structuring ownership and minimizing exposure while ensuring full compliance with state and federal laws. Reach out today to learn how we can help.

Why Asset Protection Matters

Many potential creditors could seek to seize your assets and collect on a debt or other obligation. An asset protection strategy is not about hiding assets or violating the law, but structuring ownership in a way that allows you to protect yourself. Some of the potential threats to these assets include the following:

  • Business debts
  • Tax issues
  • Malpractice claims
  • Personal injury judgments
  • Divorce decrees

Our firm can help you navigate these issues while complying with the law.

Cutting Edge Tools for Asset Protection

A comprehensive asset protection plan often combines multiple legal tools tailored to a client’s specific risks and goals. At SFBBG, we help clients evaluate and implement the most effective strategies for preserving their wealth.

Business Entity Formation

Establishing entities such as limited liability companies (LLCs), corporations, or limited partnerships can separate personal assets from business risks. Proper structuring ensures that liabilities arising from business operations do not jeopardize an owner’s personal wealth.

Trusts

Irrevocable trusts, such as domestic asset protection trusts (DAPTs) or spendthrift trusts, allow clients to transfer ownership of certain assets while maintaining a degree of control and shielding them from creditors. For high-net-worth individuals, offshore trusts may offer additional layers of protection when used in full compliance with U.S. tax and reporting laws.

Exempt Assets

Some assets are protected by law from creditor claims. These include qualified retirement accounts, certain life insurance policies, and homestead property, depending on the jurisdiction. We guide clients in maximizing these exemptions within the scope of state and federal protections.

Insurance Coverage

While not a legal structure, adequate insurance coverage—including umbrella policies, professional liability insurance, and business interruption insurance—acts as a critical first line of defense. Our firm integrates these tools into a cohesive strategy that addresses each client’s unique risk profile and long-term financial objectives.

Who Needs Asset Protection Strategies?

It is a common misconception that planning for the future is only an issue for major corporations or those facing collection efforts due to judgments or contractual disputes. In reality, countless individuals and families are better off shielding their valuable assets in case future issues arise. Some examples include:

  • Business owners. The owners of companies of all sizes can benefit from ensuring they are shielded from company liability on a personal level.
  • High-net-worth individuals. Anyone with substantial assets could be the target of legal action. In some cases, the best way to defend against fraudulent or unreasonable claims is by shielding property in a way that complies with state and federal law.
  • Real estate investors. Investing in real estate can be risky. The good news is that there are ways to shield your assets from creditors in case a deal falls through.
  • Beneficiaries. Someone set to inherit a significant sum might also face liabilities or other obligations. Proper planning can shield beneficiaries from collection efforts.

It is important to note that the process of asset protection planning is not just for individuals or businesses. Many families choose to take a comprehensive approach that ensures multiple generations are protected from exposure. Let our attorneys evaluate your needs and help you develop a plan that makes sense.

Learn How SFBBG Can Help

Asset protection is not just for the ultra-wealthy; it’s a smart step for anyone seeking to preserve what they’ve worked hard to build. At SFBBG, we understand that every client’s situation is unique, and we take a customized approach to safeguarding personal and business assets.

By combining proven legal structures with strategic planning, we help clients reduce exposure and plan confidently for the future. Contact us as soon as possible to learn how we can help you protect what you own.

Related Attorneys

View Full Bio Sandra D. Mertens

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Client Testimonials

I had the privilege of working with Adam Maxwell and the team at SFBGG during a challenging legal battle with former business partners. From the outset, Adam and his team were proactive, empathetic, and fully committed to first fully understand my situation, and then fight for my interests. Their focus on service was evident in every interaction—always keeping me informed, addressing my concerns, and strategizing effectively to protect my company and me.

 

Sandra Mertens provided excellent work and guidance throughout this process. We truly felt you were 100% in our corner, and we greatly appreciated your candor and willingness to give clear advice. That level of commitment isn’t always easy to find. We’re very grateful for everything you did to help us get this across the finish line.

 

Christian Manalli has been our estate attorney for over twenty-five years. As our family circumstances have changed through the years and our financial needs have changed, Christian has been there every step of the way. He has always taken the time to listen and ask questions to understand our ideas for our family’s future and is always there to answer questions. My wife and I have trusted him with our family’s financial future. And now our children are entrusting Christian for their generational estate planning.

 

“Well done, Adam Glazer and Andrew Johnson! Like I said before, we know we had the best representation we could possibly have had.”

 

My previous attorney’s decision to seek other employment instead of focus on my case was a blessing in disguise, as it led to my meeting SFBBG and Sandra Mertens and very quickly gaining confidence that they have my back. I take great comfort in knowing that I am being very well represented.