Asset Protection & Privacy Guide
Strategies for maximum anonymity, privacy, and asset protection
Asset protection involves structuring ownership of your property, businesses, and investments to minimize exposure to creditors, lawsuits, and public scrutiny. ShieldForge provides multiple layers of protection:
- •Legal Protection: Properly structured trusts and LLCs create legal barriers between you and your assets
- •Privacy Protection: Shield your identity from public records and databases
- •Tax Optimization: Legitimate structures to minimize estate and gift taxes
Land trusts are specialized trusts designed to hold title to real estate while keeping the beneficial owner's identity private:
Benefits
- • Your name doesn't appear on public property records
- • Protection from frivolous lawsuits targeting property owners
- • Ease of transfer without recording new deeds
- • Avoid probate for real estate holdings
How It Works
Property is titled in the name of the trust (e.g., "Maple Street Trust"). You remain the beneficial owner with full control, but your identity is shielded from public records. A trustee holds legal title, but follows your directions.
Privacy-focused LLCs formed in states with strong privacy protections (Wyoming, Nevada, Delaware):
Wyoming LLCs
Wyoming doesn't require member or manager names on public filings. Strongest LLC privacy protections, plus charging order protection.
Nevada LLCs
No state income tax, strong privacy protections, and well-established case law supporting asset protection.
Delaware LLCs
Business-friendly legal framework with Court of Chancery. Preferred for complex business holdings.
Nominee trustees and registered agents can further shield your identity:
Nominee Trustee
A third party serves as trustee of record for land trusts, keeping your name completely off public documents. You retain beneficial ownership and control.
Registered Agent
A professional service acts as your LLC's registered agent, providing their address for public filings instead of yours.
Series LLCs
Create multiple protected "series" under one master LLC, each with separate assets and liabilities, all with privacy protections.
DAPTs are irrevocable trusts that allow you to be a beneficiary while protecting assets from creditors:
DAPT States
Alaska, Delaware, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, and Wyoming offer DAPT legislation with varying levels of protection.
How They Work
You transfer assets to an irrevocable trust with an independent trustee. The trust can make discretionary distributions to you, but creditors generally cannot reach trust assets.
Timing Matters
DAPTs must be established before creditor claims arise. Fraudulent transfer laws apply if you're trying to hide assets from existing creditors.
Maximum protection comes from layering multiple strategies:
Example: Real Estate
Property → Land Trust (privacy) → Wyoming LLC (asset protection) → Irrevocable Trust (estate planning)
Example: Business
Operating Business (WY LLC) → Holding Company (NV LLC) → Family Limited Partnership → DAPT
Example: Investments
Brokerage Account → Multi-Member LLC (charging order protection) → Dynasty Trust (multi-generation wealth transfer)
- •Not for Fraud: Asset protection must be established before creditor claims arise. Never attempt to hide assets from existing creditors.
- •Cost-Benefit Analysis: Complex structures have ongoing costs. Ensure the protection justifies the expense.
- •Professional Review: Always have asset protection strategies reviewed by an attorney experienced in this area.
- •Compliance: Maintain proper formalities, filing requirements, and separate records for all entities.
- •Tax Implications: Understand tax consequences of each structure. Some provide tax benefits, others are tax-neutral.
Legal Disclaimer: This guide provides general information only. Asset protection strategies must be tailored to your specific situation and comply with applicable laws. Always consult with qualified legal and tax professionals before implementing any asset protection plan.