Leading Asset Protection Attorney Paul Deloughery Reveals Top 6 Mistakes Business Owners Make When Planning To Protect Their Financial Assets – Scottsdale, AZ

August 28 22:27 2019

In a recent interview, top asset protection attorney Paul Deloughery, founder and senior attorney at Paul Deloughery Asset Protection, PLC, in Scottsdale, AZ, has just revealed the top 6 mistakes made by business owners when planning to protect their financial assets.

“Statistics show that somewhere between 36%-53% of small businesses are involved in at least one litigation in any given year and 90% of all businesses are engaged in litigation at any given time. Here are some of the most common pitfalls to avoid while trying to protect hard-earned assets,” Deloughery said. 

One widespread misconception among Deloughery’s clientele is that living trusts are shielded from creditors. 

When asked to elaborate, he said, “Living trusts – or revocable trusts – are attractive because it allows for the person who formed the trust to move assets in and out of the trust whenever they want. They can also ease the transfer of wealth after the person passes away. The downside is that a judge could order the grantor to take money out of the trust to pay a creditor.”

When planning to protect the financial assets, many are uncertain about where to put assets that will be inherited.

“Make sure that any assets you wish to pass along to your heirs are placed in a trust with a trustee who is not the beneficiary. This will protect your assets from an ex-spouse taking money that is intended for your children, for instance,” he said.

Another common error made by business owners is putting their names on the titles of vehicles they don’t always personally use.

When asked to explain, he said, “When someone else – such as your adult children – regularly use vehicles that are legally under your name, you could open yourself up to a world of legal trouble. If your kid gets into an accident, you could get sued.” 

Of course, there is a window from ages 16 to 18 that the child cannot legally own a vehicle. Make sure you have plenty of insurance during this period.

Deloughery added that this is also applicable for snowmobiles, jet skis, and boats.

Titling assets incorrectly can also put your assets into jeopardy.

“Some business owners place all their assets into the name of their spouse to avoid losing assets in a malpractice case. However, if their spouse gets sued, you could be liable as well,” he said. 

Solutions to titling assets, Deloughery says, often depend on state laws. Also governed by state law is whether qualified retirement plans such as IRAs are protected from creditors, something that business owners often overlook.

“Both Roth and traditional IRAs are overseen by state law. You should always consult an asset protection attorney on your state’s law before making any big decisions such as putting a pension plan into an IRA.”

Another mistake is not having sufficient umbrella liability insurance, which provides additional coverage to homeowners and auto insurances.

“Many tend to overlook the importance of having a robust umbrella liability insurance plan to adequately protect their assets, which can provide an additional security blanket if being sued,” he said.

Media Contact
Company Name: Magellan Law, PLC
Contact Person: Paul Deloughery
Email: Send Email
Phone: 602-443-4888
Address:4848 E. Cactus Rd., Ste. 505-185
City: Scottsdale
State: AZ
Country: United States
Website: www.magellanlawfirm.com