Domestic Asset Protection Trusts

Alaska pioneered the concept of asset protection trusts in the United States in 1998, amidst debates around their alignment with US public policy. Since then, 15 more states have followed suit, acknowledging the legality and propriety of individuals protecting their wealth from unforeseen creditors and predators, as long as it doesn’t involve fraudulent transfers.

Benefits of Domestic Asset Protection Trusts

Domestic asset protection trusts come with their set of benefits, including lower maintenance costs, local trustees, fewer tax filings, and reduced federal disclosure requirements. Additionally, they tend to attract less suspicion than their offshore counterparts.

The Achilles Heel of Domestic Trusts

However, certain cases have exposed a critical vulnerability in domestic asset protection trusts rooted in Article IV, Section 1 of the US Constitution. This clause states that every state must respect the “public acts, records, and judicial proceedings” of all other states. In practical terms, a judgment in one state must be recognized by all others. This contrasts with offshore trusts that can disregard foreign judgments.

Practical Challenges and Efficacy

Unfortunately, the efficacy of domestic asset protection trusts has often been undermined by US courts. Local law can override the stated law of the trust, reducing the effectiveness of the domestic trust. What may be a strong protection in one state can be easily breached in another due to this constitutional requirement.

Domestic asset protection trusts offer several advantages. However, their reliability has been questioned given their vulnerability to the unpredictability of US courts. When considering asset protection options, it is crucial to weigh the benefits against potential challenges.