Protecting your assets is crucial when drawing up an estate plan. An asset protection trust can help you keep your assets from creditors, lawsuits and even divorce claims and civil actions. If you ...

As the assets aren't considered a part of your estate, they sidestep the probate process. It also lets you continue to use assets transferred into the trust, such as property or investments you own.

Dear Liz: You recently responded to a reader’s question about protecting an intended bequest. In the answer you wrote, “Assets in the trust get a step-up in tax basis when the first spouse ...