Asset Protection Attorney in Boca Raton, Florida

If you've built a business in the Sunshine State, you know how vital it is to safeguard your assets. After all, with millions of litigation matters initiated in Florida every single year, asset protection isn't just a luxury—it's a necessity. But how, exactly, should you protect your assets? 

The skilled guidance of an attorney can be incredibly helpful in situations like these, as there are techniques you can employ in order to properly protect your assets. As an attorney at Eric H. Light, P.A., I’m proud to offer strong guidance to clients in Boca Raton and the rest of Florida. Set up a one-on-one consultation with me as soon as you’re ready to get started. 

The Importance of Asset Protection

In today's litigious society, anyone can be sued—individuals, professionals, and particularly businesses. Businesses often find themselves at the center of legal disputes, making them prime targets for lawsuits. To shield your assets from potential liabilities, lawsuits, and judgments, it's critical to have a robust asset protection plan in place.

While umbrella policies may provide some coverage, they often fall short when the damages sought by the suing party exceed the policy's maximum coverage. This is where a well-crafted asset protection strategy comes into play. By properly protecting your assets with the help of a lawyer, you can ensure that they are shielded from legal threats. You can safeguard your hard-earned wealth. 

Irrevocable Trusts

The strategies you might employ in protecting your assets depend on your unique situation. Irrevocable trusts are one such tool, and are powerful instruments in asset protection. Unlike revocable trusts, the assets transferred into an irrevocable trust are no longer considered part of your personal estate. Consequently, they are generally beyond the reach of creditors. However, it's important to note that once you've established an irrevocable trust, changes cannot be made without the consent of the trust's beneficiaries. 

Florida Land Trusts

Florida land trusts provide a degree of anonymity in owning real property, making it challenging for creditors to identify your holdings. In a Florida land trust, the legal title of the property is held by a trustee, but the beneficiaries retain all the rights, privileges, and benefits of ownership. This arrangement can potentially be an effective way to complicate a creditor's efforts to track your assets. 

Asset Protection for Business Entities

Different types of business entities can be used to safeguard assets. Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) offer a layer of protection by separating personal assets from those of the business. Closely held corporations, or S corporations, can also provide asset protection, as creditors are generally limited to attaching shares of the corporation but cannot directly access the corporation's assets. Family Limited Partnerships (FLPs) are another effective tool, particularly useful for managing and protecting family-owned assets. They can help minimize estate and gift taxes while offering protection against future creditors.  

Of course, the choice between these business entities (and asset protection strategies in general) will depend on your specific circumstances. It’s important to consult a business planning attorney at any stage of the process. 

Shareholder and Operating Agreements: 

Once you've established your business entity, the next step is to implement necessary agreements. This includes shareholder agreements, operating agreements, partnership agreements, and buy-sell agreements. These documents outline the rights and responsibilities of each business owner, laying the groundwork for smooth operations—and for protecting your assets in the long run. 

Converting or Merging Business Entities 

If you're considering converting or merging your business entities, it's essential to ensure that the process is legally compliant and protects your assets. Reach out to an attorney with extensive experience in this area and who can provide valuable guidance on the right jurisdictions for your business. 

Negotiating Transactions 

When it comes to negotiating transactions for the sale or purchase of business entities or specific business assets, you need to be careful. Be sure that you understand your rights and your responsibilities during this process. 

Preventing Creditor Claims 

One of the primary goals of establishing a business entity is to protect the assets of individual business owners. At Eric H. Light, P.A., I’ve spent years counseling individuals and businesses on Florida's asset protection laws, which includes advising clients on measures to prevent creditors from potentially coming after business-owned assets. I often advise against commingling personal and business assets, and stress the importance of ensuring that the business operates as a separate entity, following all necessary formalities.