Asset Protection

Separate what you own from what you risk.

Entity structure, trusts and ownership agreements, put in place before a claim arises and reviewed as your business and family grow.

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Who this is for

Planning ahead of the exposure.

  • Business owners reviewing how operating risks and personal assets are separated.
  • Professionals whose work creates liability exposure.
  • Families with significant assets or shared ownership interests.
  • Owners approaching a business sale or another ownership transition.

The planning

Ownership decisions that work together.

Separate business and real estate interests

Review entity structures, ownership records and agreements to distinguish operating risks from other assets. Separate entities need appropriate documentation and ongoing administration.

Consider the role of trusts

Assess whether a trust fits your ownership, family and estate plans. The effect of a trust depends on its terms, control over the assets and applicable law.

Document marital and ownership agreements

Clarify ownership rights and responsibilities through marital agreements, operating agreements and other ownership documents suited to your circumstances.

Coordinate insurance with your advisors

Consider legal structures alongside the coverage reviewed with your insurance and financial advisors. Legal planning does not replace appropriate insurance.

Review titling and beneficiaries

Check how assets are held and how beneficiary designations fit with trusts, agreements and your wider estate plan.

The limits

Before a claim, not in response to one.

Asset protection planning is prospective. It cannot defeat existing creditors. Transfers made to avoid known creditors can be reversed.

What a structure can accomplish depends on state law and the facts, including timing, ownership and control. Your lawyer reviews those limits before recommending any changes. A structure does not eliminate exposure to claims.

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A defined engagement

Start with your ownership picture.

The Client Intake Team can discuss fit and next steps. The responsible lawyer confirms scope and fees before work begins, and coordinates the legal work with your CPA and financial advisor as appropriate. Legal advice begins only after a lawyer engagement is established.

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State Disclosures

Virginia: Legal services in Virginia are provided by independently owned and operated Virginia law firms doing business as Relevant Law. The responsible licensed Virginia lawyer and office address for each Virginia location are listed on that location's office page.

Washington: The Supreme Court of Washington does not recognize specialties in the practice of law, and no representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.

Relevant Law offices are independently owned and operated by licensed attorneys.