Business-Minded Legal Solutions

Asset Protection In Estate Plans

Although federal estate taxes, gift taxes and generation-skipping transfer taxes can severely reduce the size of an estate, there are ways to minimize or even avoid these taxes altogether in most cases. This doesn’t happen by accident. It requires the assistance of an experienced lawyer who can help you identify the issues, strategize and make the best use of the various tax exemptions and asset protection tools appropriate for your needs.

At Stephenson Fournier, we offer customized asset protection solutions for affluent individuals and business owners who reside in Texas. This process  begins with paying close attention to the concerns and goals expressed by each client. We then thoroughly analyze the complete financial picture and other relevant factors, including family dynamics in the context of the ever-changing environments of tax and law — and we respond with personalized plans that reflect each client’s values and achieve his or her objectives.

Specific Asset Protection And Estate Planning Tools

There are a variety of specific tools and estate tax planning strategies to preserve wealth and shield both personal and business assets from excessive taxes, creditor claims and lawsuits, including:

  • Family limited partnerships (FLPs)
  • Limited liability companies (LLCs)
  • Generation-skipping transfer trusts
  • Charitable lead and charitable remainder trusts
  • Life insurance trusts
  • Grantor retained annuity trusts
  • Intentionally defective grantor trusts
  • Lifetime “gifting” plans
  • Business succession plans

Contact the Houston law office of Stephenson Fournier online or at 713-629-9494.