Quick Summary
This article covers the essential questions to ask before setting up an offshore trust, ensuring you choose the right attorney for asset protection. From verifying credentials to assessing expertise, these insights help safeguard your wealth. Visit the Blake Harris Law Blog to learn more about protecting your assets.
Looking to Set Up an Offshore Trust?
Creating an offshore trust is one of the most effective ways to safeguard your assets from lawsuits, creditors, and financial uncertainty. However, not all trusts are the same, and making the wrong choice could put your wealth at risk.
Before setting up an offshore trust, it is essential to ask the right questions to ensure it aligns with your financial goals and legal requirements.
In this Blake Harris Law article, we will cover eight critical questions you must ask before creating an offshore trust.
But first…
Why Listen to Us?
At Blake Harris Law, we focus exclusively on asset protection. Led by Managing Attorney Blake Harris, our team has helped numerous clients secure their wealth through offshore trusts in the Cook Islands, Nevis, and Belize. With a strong global network and a history of successful client outcomes, we provide trusted guidance to help you make informed decisions about offshore trusts.
What is an Offshore Trust?
An offshore trust is a legal arrangement that allows individuals to protect their assets by placing them under the control of a trustee in a foreign jurisdiction. These trusts are commonly used for asset protection, estate planning, and financial privacy.
Unlike domestic trusts, offshore trusts benefit from stronger legal protections, making it more difficult for creditors or lawsuits to access the assets.
8 Key Questions To Ask Before Creating an Offshore Trust
When selecting an attorney for offshore asset protection, it is essential to work with a knowledgeable, reputable, and experienced professional. Asking the right questions can help ensure you choose a firm that will safeguard your wealth effectively.
1. Is Your Law Firm Owner/CEO a Licensed Attorney?
A law firm handling offshore trusts should be owned by a licensed attorney. While some exceptions exist, the firm’s leadership should hold a law degree from an accredited institution and be an active member of a state bar association.
At Blake Harris Law, our firm is led by highly qualified attorneys. Attorney Blake Harris, a University of Florida graduate, is licensed in Florida and Colorado. Attorney Ali El-Haj, with degrees from the University of Cambridge and University College London (UCL), is licensed in New York. Our team is committed to providing clients with sound legal strategies for offshore asset protection.
2. Does Your Attorney Have Firsthand Experience in Offshore Jurisdictions?
Establishing offshore trusts requires strong relationships with trustees and financial institutions. Your attorney should have personally visited key jurisdictions and built direct connections.
Attorney Blake Harris and his team frequently travel to offshore trust jurisdictions, including the Cook Islands, Nevis, and Belize. These visits ensure firsthand knowledge of the legal landscape and foster strong working relationships with offshore trust companies.
3. Has the Attorney Published Books or Taught Continuing Legal Education on Offshore Asset Protection?
An attorney’s contributions to legal education and published works demonstrate their authority in offshore asset protection. Books, articles, and speaking engagements indicate a deep understanding of the field.
Attorney Blake Harris has authored multiple books on asset protection and frequently teaches continuing legal education (CLE) courses. He has spoken at both domestic and international conferences and has been cited in countless major national publications on offshore trust planning.
4. Can a Third Party Verify Your Law Firm’s Experience?
Many firms claim to have set up the most offshore trusts, but due to confidentiality laws, these claims are often unverifiable. Reputable offshore trust companies, however, can provide insight into an attorney’s track record.
Blake Harris Law has been recognized by a highly reputable Cook Islands trust company for setting the record for the most offshore trusts registered in a single year. In addition, multiple offshore trust providers have publicly confirmed our extensive experience in the field. You can watch a video here where trust company executives discuss our track record.
5. Will You Have Direct Access to the Firm’s Managing Attorney?
Your attorney should be accessible when you have questions or concerns. Some firms delegate client interactions to junior staff, limiting direct communication with the firm’s leadership.
At Blake Harris Law, we prioritize client communication. Attorney Blake Harris personally speaks with prospective clients and remains available to meet with current clients upon request.
6. Is Offshore Asset Protection the Primary Focus of the Law Firm?
Offshore asset protection requires in-depth knowledge of international law, tax regulations, and evolving financial landscapes. Many law firms offer offshore trusts as a secondary service, which can lead to gaps in expertise.
Blake Harris Law is dedicated exclusively to offshore asset protection. Our focused approach ensures we stay ahead of legal developments and provide clients with the most effective strategies.
7. Are You Comfortable Communicating with the Law Firm?
Choosing an offshore trust attorney is a long-term commitment, and clear, responsive communication is essential. Your attorney should take the time to understand your needs and provide guidance without high-pressure sales tactics.
At Blake Harris Law, we emphasize professionalism and transparency. We build lasting relationships with our clients by prioritizing their concerns and offering clear, honest advice.
8. Can You Verify Your Attorney or Service Provider Through a Third-Party Source?
When selecting an offshore trust attorney or service provider, it is crucial to verify their credentials and professional standing through reputable third-party sources. A trustworthy attorney or service provider should have a verifiable license and an accessible professional profile.
At Blake Harris Law, our attorneys’ credentials can be independently verified. Attorney Blake Harris is licensed to practice in Florida (Bar No. 86486) and Colorado (Registration No. 45942), while Attorney Ali El-Haj is licensed in New York (Registration No. 5824982).
Both attorneys are active members of their respective state bar associations, and their bar numbers can be confirmed through official bar directories. Additionally, you can find both attorneys on LinkedIn, along with other key members of our team, ensuring full transparency about who you are working with.
Trust Blake Harris Law for a Smooth Offshore Trust Setup
Selecting the right offshore trust attorney is critical to ensuring your assets are properly protected. By asking the right questions, you can identify a firm that not only has the experience and credentials to guide you but also prioritizes client communication and long-term security.
Blake Harris Law is here to help, whether you are ready to establish your offshore trust or simply want to explore your options.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step in securing your assets.
