News/Blog

Stay up to date with helpful articles, blog posts and news updates from the team at Trustees & Fiduciaries (Cook Islands) Ltd. 

THE TRUST MISTAKE THAT LEAVES ASSETS UNPROTECTED

The Trust Mistake That Leaves Assets Unprotected Asset Protection Trusts (APTs) are often marketed as a bulletproof solution for shielding your wealth from creditors, lawsuits, and unforeseen financial threats. However, a common and critical mistake is assuming that simply setting up an APT is enough to protect your assets. Without properly transferring (or “settling”) your assets into the trust, it remains an empty legal shell, offering no real protection. This oversight can leave you vulnerable and defeat the entire purpose of having an APT. In this article, we’ll explore why your APT isn’t protecting your assets if you haven’t formally

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APT FOR FOREIGNERS IN THE US

For foreigners living in the United States, building wealth is only half the battle. The bigger challenge often lies in protecting that wealth and transferring it efficiently to the next generation—without it being eroded by lawsuits…

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Protecting Your Business Against Litigation

The assets of a business are often exposed to litigation and because of this most businesses are owned by limited liability companies. This protects the members from judgments against the business flowing through to them. However…

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IRPT Series

Part 4 – Preventing Abuse In Operation Of IRPT

Part 4 of 4 – Matrimonial courts are inherently suspicious of trusts because of the potential for a dominant party (often the settlor) to use powers contained in the trust to abuse a subordinate party. For this reason, a number of provisions in the Act are designed…

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IRPT Series

Part 1 – Key Benefits and Challenges of the International Relationship Property Trust Act (2021)

Part 1 of 4 – Key Benefits and Challenges of the International Relationship Property Trust Act (2021) Here are some benefits and challenges presented by the International Relationship Property Trust Act (2021): Benefits:   Protection from Asset Division: The Act offers a way for couples to identify and protect parts of their assets from being divided in the event of separation or divorce, ensuring that the assets remain within the trust and are used according to the trust’s terms. This is especially important given the increasing tendency of courts to treat trust assets as matrimonial property in divorce proceedings. Preservation

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Understanding Trust Management

Understanding Trust Management Options: Insights from T&F

Understanding Trust Management Options: Insights from T&F In estate planning and asset management, trusts are vital tools for safeguarding wealth and ensuring effective management of assets. In a recent legal discussion, several common options for managing trusts were outlined, each providing unique advantages depending on individual circumstances and preference. Below, we explore these options and highlight the importance of partnering with reputable firms like T&F, which exemplifies the highest standards in compliance and professionalism. Options for Trust Management Letter of Wishes One traditional method of guiding the administration of a trust is through a Letter of Wishes. This informal document

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