Offshore Planning

The same modular structure that was referred to utilizing Domestic Asset Protection Trusts can be employed with the Offshore Asset Protection Trusts.  For example: The client sets up the Cook Islands Trust as Settlor and also as a beneficiary, an Offshore LLC is then organized, the principal member of which is the Foreign Asset Protection Trust.  The Offshore LLC can then have a bank account either in Europe or the Far East and the client or the client’s nominee can be the Manager of the LLC and have control over the funds.  A simple diagram of the offshore modular structure is set forth below.

The benefit again of the modular structure is that the member owner interest is held by the Trust, but the business owner or professional can continue to manage the investment contained within the LLC as its manager.  The most effective Offshore Planning involves actually placing liquid assets Offshore.  Often times, Offshore Planning is combined with Domestic Planning in order to cover all of the client’s assets worldwide.