Wills &
Trusts
250+FIVE-STAR REVIEWS
We know, we know, you probably don’t think you could ever be sued and yet over 20 million people were subject to a lawsuit in the last year. Don’t let this be you.
Divorce, inheritance, health issues, creditors, employees, theft, changing markets, malpractice suits, sexual harassment claims, natural disasters, and disgruntled business partners are just a few issues that can result in devastating lawsuits for unprepared business owners. The highest level of risk falls on those who think it would never happen to them.
You’ve worked hard to build your wealth and achieve your financial goals. Now is the time to set up your asset protection plan to protect your loved ones.
You have spent your entire life building your business and acquiring assets; it is critical that you are proactive in securing them. Unexpected events—including lawsuits, divorce, or creditor claims—can suddenly wipe out your life’s savings and possessions. An Orange County asset protection attorney can help you preserve your wealth, ensuring that you have peace of mind.
Asset protection planning is a preventive legal strategy for safeguarding your assets against creditors, lawsuits, taxation, and other potential losses. A comprehensive plan entails a set of legal strategies that can help avoid devastating losses. Furthermore, it can protect you from losing your business entirely.
Creating a limited liability company (LLC) and/or an asset protection trust and taking advantage of state and federal exemptions are just a few options. Some plans involve overseas components in foreign jurisdictions with more protective legislation.
Below are three common legal strategies for protecting your assets against lawsuits.
LLC laws prohibit creditors from seizing your company or its assets. A creditor maintains the right to collect money due, and a court can order a lien—known as a charging order—in which a portion of incoming funds will be paid to the creditor, similar in process to garnished wages. This allows you to pay back any owed money without fear of losing your business.
This is the most beneficial option for professionals and business owners whose personal wealth makes them particularly vulnerable to lawsuits that put their assets at risk. Asset protection trusts are a type of irrevocable trust, meaning that only the beneficiaries can make changes to the trust. You serve as the trustee and benefactor of this trust, which holds assets such as property, equities, bonds, cash, valuables, and automobiles discreetly. They can be either domestic (in certain states) or established overseas. Furthermore, when shielding your assets against a marital separation, you may elect to adopt an asset protection trust rather than a prenuptial arrangement.
When you need comprehensive insurance, umbrella policies are your answer. Your umbrella coverage will activate after your other insurance policies have been exhausted. For example, if someone trips and falls in your building, your liability insurance will only cover so much, and then your umbrella policy will come into effect, thereby protecting your assets from being liquidated.
Below is a list of six levels of asset protection:
Being well-versed in asset protection laws is essential for efficiently safeguarding your wealth. This includes subjects like property ownership, wills, inheritance, taxation, and trusts. Your Orange County asset protection lawyer will educate you on the essentials of how you can protect your possessions against creditors and lawsuits.
As part of establishing your asset protection plan, a skilled attorney will identify your long- and short-term objectives. They will counsel you on any property-related concerns, particularly those that may arise if you pass away or become disabled. Your lawyer will also aid you in putting together an asset protection strategy that is tailored to your specific investment goals.
As a business owner, you need to ensure that your business and assets are protected in the event that the unthinkable happens. If someone files a lawsuit, such as a premises liability claim, or a disgruntled business partner attempts to sweep the rug out from under you, it’s important to be prepared. You need an Orange County asset protection lawyer who has vast experience in asset protection strategies. Call today to book your planning session so we can address your concerns and your goals for the future.
During our introductory meeting, we’ll discuss your unique circumstances and figure out the right protection strategy for you.
We’ll determine the appropriate level of asset protection that you need both for when you are alive and after you are gone.
We’ll layer customized combinations of different protection strategies depending on your needs and then implement your plan.
When you work with us, you can rest assured that you’ll be protected now and later in life. You can always turn to us for guidance and support!
Design an asset protection plan with the Meier Law Firm today and get the protection you deserve.
Our overall experience was one of satisfaction as well as a learning experience. The people at The Meier Law Firm are extremely knowledgeable within Family Trust planning. They did a good job of explaining each step of the process in a manner that we could understand. They were always punctual when meeting with us, and the meetings were always concise and comforting. They were also pleasant and friendly.
My brother had lost his living trust documents. Suddenly, we found out he has stage 4 cancer. We called Meier and they were able to put together an updated trust in less than a week. Everyone at the firm was wonderful and caring. Melanie was our attorney. If you are looking for a caring, honest law firm, Meier is the one for you!
Our experience with the Meier Law Firm was positive from our first meeting with Jessica, through the final product we received last week. Very professional yet personable. Every question was answered & suggestions made to simplify our Trusts. Their attention to detail gave us confidence in their work.
We were introduced to Meier Law Firm through a learning session at our daughter’s school district. We eventually decided to establish a family trust, as well as a special needs trust, through their firm. The team at Meier Law Firm were professional and incredibly responsive to our family’s needs. I highly recommend their legal services.
Just thinking about creating a trust or a will can be overwhelming. But Meier Law Firm makes it easy. They tell you what you need to know, ask all of the right questions, & provide great practical suggestions along the way that go far beyond the legal checklist. Highly recommend them for personal, professional service to deliver what you need in a timely manner.
Not only do they provide expert guidance; they will walk the journey with you step-by-step to help with your family trust. They execute at high levels, are very responsive, and deliver the optimal results within difficult situations. You definitely want Meier Law Group on your side of the table. I give my highest recommendation!
Here are some of the main ways we help our clients. Not sure where to start? Book your planning session.
Join a live webinar, register for an in-person event or invite Laura and Josh to speak at your company event.
In Good Parents Worry, Great Parents Plan, estate planning attorney and mother Laura Meier shows you the legal and practical steps you must take to protect your children from temporary foster care, courtrooms, loss of inheritance, and other turmoil most kids experience when their parents pass away.
“Laura Meier’s The Family Nest Egg gives parents the tools they need to find confidence, stop worrying, and secure the financial future for their loved ones. Laura’s real-life stories and actionable advice make this read a trustworthy resource for budgeting, investing, and preparing for a financial crisis.”
The first step is making sure that you are adequately insured and have a solid estate plan in place. Next, you should contact a law firm specializing in asset protection in order to safeguard your business and your assets.
Each case is different, depending on your assets. A small business owner will not have the same requirements as someone who owns a large corporation. The best asset protection strategy is the one you devise with your lawyer, who may suggest ideas that you may not have otherwise considered. An expert in asset protection is a vital ally for any business owner.
While many elements of asset protection can be established on your own, it is crucial to consult with an Orange County asset protection attorney to ensure that you are meeting all of the legal requirements and addressing any potential holes in your planning. It would be devastating to be blindsided by litigation that liquidated your assets due to an oversight in your asset protection plan. A skilled asset protection lawyer will provide you with a thorough, comprehensive asset protection strategy so that you can rest easy, knowing that your business is in safe hands.
Virtual and in-person appointments available.
