Jeff Matsen is a colleague and friend who is not only an expert to the experts in the asset protection field but also succinctly describes what won’t work, what might work, and what should work in an understandable way.  Those seeking asset protection often share common characteristics such as wealth, business ownership, real estate ownership, considerable income and estate tax exposures, as well professional practice ownership – and I recommend they read Jeff’s book to protect their families. — Joseph J. Strazzeri, Esq.; Fellow, Southern California Institute; Co-founder, Laureate Center for Wealth Advisors

Jeff brings decades of wisdom to the design and drafting of legal instruments.  He knows how to preserve assets in structures that help wealth holders minimize downside risk.  Moreover, because of Jeff’s broad multi-disciplinary experience, he knows how to integrate protection from lawsuits with protection from taxes.  Jeff’s ability to combine creditor protection with tax planning helps clients accumulate more wealth and maximize upside potential.  Perhaps most important, Jeff knows how to create trusts that reflect the unique vision and values of each client.  – Tim Voorhees, JD, MBA.

I have worked with over 8,000 attorneys across the nation and Jeff Matsen is one of the best estate planning and asset protection attorneys in the country. His knowledge, wisdom and direct experience helping thousands of professionals, executives, business owners, physicians, dentists, and other high net worth clients over his long career have truly made him one of the elite group of top experts in his field. If you are concerned about protecting your assets from creditors and predators and want to leave a legacy for future generations, I highly recommend you read this book and then give Jeff Matsen a call. — Stephen Fairley; CEO of The Rainmaker Institute, LLC, The Nation’s Largest Law Firm Marketing Company

Having worked closely with Jeff on a number of complex and important asset protection cases, it is abundantly clear that nobody understands the nuances and practicalities of this area better than he.  His unique ability of making issues clear for clients and their advisors is a gift.  This book is required reading for any layperson or professional who wants to learn more about asset protection and more importantly, take action.  — Noted Estate Planning attorney, Bill Deitch

Jeff is widely recognized in the legal community as an asset protection guru.  In this book, Jeff does a wonderful job of explaining the principals and strategies of complex asset protection planning in a very clear and easy to understand way.   — Nationally recognized estate planning attorney, Marc Selden, of New York City

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By Rhonda Miller, Attorney:  This book is insightful, easy to understand and full of good information. Whether you are someone who has accumulated wealth and needs to learn how to safeguard your own assets, or you are a professional whose job it is to manage your clients’ wealth, this book is a must-read. It guides the reader through the basics of asset protection planning and will serve as a valuable first step in developing a comprehensive plan with the aid of a qualified attorney who is well-versed in the area of asset protection planning. –Rhonda A. Miller, J.D.

By Ron Robison, Retired Business Executive:   In this book, Mr. Matsen provides a user-friendly road map to asset protection. Anyone who has significant or even modest net worth and wants to pass some assets on to the next generation will find this book a valuable guide to aide in that process. I particularly liked the index and the examples, and I have referred to the book a number of times since I first read it. Even with all the information included here, it has made me realize that the services of a professional attorney to sort out the best structure for each individual family situation are worthwhile.

By John Massih, Attorney:   Easy to read, jammed full of practical info. A must-read for folks interested in asset protection.

By Laura Meier, Attorney:   Jeffrey Matsen’s book is the perfect read for busy professionals and business owners wanting a basic understanding of the importance of asset protection, and the best methods for properly protecting your family, wealth, and assets.

By John Spiezia, Corporate President:   There are many estate planning and asset protection books available in the market today, but none has been written in such a straightforward and informative manner as attorney J. Matsen’s popular book, The Ladder of Success. In this book, nationally-renowned expert J. Matsen simplifies and explains otherwise complex concepts of estate planning, entity formation, tax planning and the critical area of asset protection and provides various approaches and strategies that every individual, business owner, corporate executive and professional should consider in protecting and transferring their assets effectively to their loved ones. What distinguishes this book most is its practical applicability in, rather than theoretical discussion of, the asset protection area. I highly recommend this excellent book to anyone who is serious about implementing maximum protection of their assets.

By Brenda Geiger, Attorney:   Jeff’s new book is easy to read and jam packed with valuable information on asset protection. I will be recommending this book to clients as a primer.

By Jonathan A. Mintz, Chief Operating Officer WealthCounsel | The Advisors Forum:   I enjoyed this book very much and offer the following testimonial if it is helpful. In The Ladder of Success: An Asset Protection Planning Primer, Jeff Matsen offers a no-nonsense, plain-English approach to both the need for asset protection and a spectrum of simple through complex strategies to implement that planning. I highly recommend it.

By Ken H. Vanway Jr., Attorney:   I have had the good fortune to work with and learn from Jeffrey R. Matsen. Jeff is a master communicator educated and experienced in the legal art of Asset Protection having assisted hundreds of clients; His book, “The Ladder of Success” An Asset Protection Planning Primer” unveils the secrets of the wealthy. A must-read in this day and time of 80 million lawsuits, 50% divorce rates and financial uncertainty.

By Kyle A Krasa, Attorney:   I know author and attorney, Jeff Matsen, very well, both professionally and personally. He is well-regarded among fellow attorneys as one of the country’s leading experts on asset protection. This book reflects Jeff’s skill in articulating complex legal issues in an easy-to-understand format. This is a must read for anyone who is serious about protecting their hard-earned assets.

Orange County, California (March 29, 2012) – There are few things in life more certain than death and taxes and perhaps, in today’s society, Law suits.  However, the fact is few people actually plan for them. 

In the New Book The Ladder of Success: An Asset Protection Planning Primer, Attorney Jeffrey R. Matsen (“Top 100 Attorneys in U.S.” Worth Magazine) has provided a straightforward and elementary description of what Asset Protection really is and demonstrates how it can be effectively implemented by taking various steps, like rungs on a ladder, to truly climb the ladder of success.

“The one constant over the many years of my practice and among the hundreds of different clients I have served is the imbalance of, on the one hand, their profound concern regarding Asset Protection, and on the other, their lack of understanding as to how to implement it,” says Attorney Matsen. “I have dedicated my career to assisting these clients in planning the fortification of their resources to ensure their financial security in the face of taxes, liability and creditor attacks.” 

The Ladder of Success: An Asset Protection Planning Primer explains:

• Why Plan?  The Need for Asset Protection
• The Limitations
• The Operating Business Entity
• Basic Estate Planning
• Bankruptcy Considerations, Exemptions and Marital Planning
• Liability Protective Entities for Investment Assets
• Domestic Asset Protection Trusts and Modular Planning Utilizing LLCs
• The Offshore Asset Protection Trust and the Modular Planning that Accompanies It
• Advanced Estate Planning Techniques
• Special Issues and Strategies for Physicians and Dentists
• Climbing the Ladder and Putting It All Together

Chock full of authoritative information about estate planning and asset protection, The Ladder of Success: An Asset Protection Planning Primer is one book every conscientious person should own.  “Nobody understands the nuances and practicalities of this area better than Jeff Matsen.  His unique ability of making issues clear for clients and their advisors is a gift.  This book is required reading for any layperson or professional who wants to learn more about asset protection and more importantly, take action,” says Bill Deitch, Leading Estate Planning Attorney, Chicago.

“Jeff Matsen is an expert to the experts in the asset protection field.  Those seeking asset protection often share common characteristics—such as wealth, business ownership, real estate ownership, considerable income and estate tax exposures, as well professional practice ownership—and I recommend they read Jeff’s book to protect their families,” states Joseph J. Strazzeri, Fellow, Southern California Institute; Co-founder, Laureate Center for Wealth Advisors. 

Tim Voorhees, JD, MBA President, Family Office Services;  Principal, Matsen Voorhees, Orange County, CA. explains “Because of Jeff’s broad, multi-disciplinary experience, he knows how to integrate protection from lawsuits with protection from taxes. Jeff’s ability to combine creditor protection with tax planning helps clients accumulate more wealth and maximize upside potential.” 

“Jeff Matsen is one of the best estate planning and asset protection attorneys in the country.  His knowledge, wisdom and direct experience have truly made him one of the elite group of top experts in his field. If you are concerned about protecting your assets and want to leave a legacy for future generations, I highly recommend you read this book,” says Stephen Fairley, CEO of The Rainmaker Institute, LLC, The Nation’s Largest Law Firm Marketing Company. 

 Marc Selden, Nationally Recognized Estate Planning Attorney, New York City, states “Jeff is widely recognized in the legal community as an asset protection guru.  In this book, Jeff does a wonderful job of explaining the principles and strategies of complex asset protection planning in a very clear and easy-to-understand way.”

The Ladder of Success: An Asset Protection Planning Primer,  $19.95, Paperback 179 pages, ISBN 978-0-9852041-1-2, is published by Wealth Strategies Counsel, and is available by calling 714-384-6527 or by visiting www.matsenvoorhees.com/book .

ABOUT  JEFFREY R. MATSEN

JEFFREY R. MATSEN, JD, received his law degree with honors from the UCLA School of Law and served as a Military Judge with the rank of Captain in the US Marine Corps.  Matsen has been a Professor of Law in Business, Estate Planning and Advanced Taxation. He is a highly sought-after and respected speaker and educator and has published numerous legal articles.  Matsen is the founder of “Wealth Strategies Counsel,” the Estate Planning and Business Transactions Department of Matsen Voorhees and Bohm, Matsen, Kegel & Aguilera, LLP, in Orange County, California.  His practice areas include: Business and Estate Planning, Asset Protection, Probate and Trust administration and litigation, Real Estate and Offshore structures.  Matsen has been designated one of the Nation’s “Top 100 Attorneys” by Worth Magazine, A “Super Lawyer” by Los Angeles Magazine and he is listed in The Best Lawyers in America.  The Nationally Renowned Attorney Rating Service, AVVO, has rated Matsen a perfect “10/10 Superb.” Besides continuing to achieve the highest “AV rating,” he has been designated a “Preeminent Lawyer” by the prestigious attorney rating directory, Martindale Hubble.

An Exciting and Extremely Topical Webinar Series!

Never before has Asset Protection Planning been so important and critical. Over the last few decades expanding theories of liability and the proliferation of litigation has given increased emphasis to Asset Protection Planning to the extent that it is now a well recognized area of practice. Potential liability and lawsuits are a major concern to business owners, real estate investors, professional and other persons of wealth.

All lawyers should have some basic understanding of Asset Protection Planning but especially Estate Planning and Business lawyers. In fact, Estate Planning attorneys may have a duty to address Asset Protection Planning with all their Estate Planning clients.

Obviously, this is another source of revenue for your practice and can increase and grow revenues substantially. Moreover, Asset Protection Planning flourishes in down economies and is an integral part of providing Estate and Business Planning services to clients.

There are basic and fundamental concepts and techniques as well as more advanced and cutting edge strategies that you need to understand and learn. The result will be higher revenues for your practice and the opportunity to provide better services for your clients.

During this webinar series, you will:

• Develop a better understanding of what Asset Protection Planning is and why it is so important
• Find out about the various limitations involved such as the fraudulent transfer laws and bankruptcy considerations
• Learn about creditor’s rights and remedies
• Find out about how to utilize Limited Liability Companies as part of the Asset Protection structure
• Find out what a Charging Order really is
• Learn about Domestic and Offshore Asset Protection Trusts
• Study actual case studies with example for Attorney-Processing and follow through

Nationally renowned Estate and Asset Protection Planning attorney, Jeffrey R. Matsen, will present this important and very practical course in four different one hour sessions. Each separate one hour presentation will be offered on two different dates.

Sign up for any of the individual sessions that fit into your schedule for a low price of $97 each or all four sessions for a discounted price of $297. Each teleconference is 60 minutes and comes with a PowerPoint presentation and a Certificate of Completion for CE credit*. See below for more details about the course and each individual session and to make your selection.

Hurry!  There are only 100 spots for the live sessions

(You can still order the recording and materials)

Session One

The first session will be an Overview and Introduction to Asset Protection Planning and will include the various limitations involved such as the Fraudulent Transfer Laws, Bankruptcy Considerations and an Analysis of Creditors Rights and Remedies.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012 From 11am to 12:00pm Pacific

-Or-

Thursday, January 26, 2012 From 11am to 12:00pm Pacific

Just $97

Click to Order Session 1 Only!

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Session Two

The second session will discuss Business Entity Structures and, in particular, the Utilization of LLCs and Limited Partnerships and will treat such issues as the Charging Order, LLC Forum Shopping, Single Member LLCs and the Series LLC.

Thursday, February 9, 2012 From 11am to 12:00pm Pacific

-Or-

Wednesday, February 15, 2012 From 11am to 12:00pm Pacific

Just $97

Click to Order Session 2 Only!

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Session Three

The third session will focus on Domestic Asset Protection Trusts and the Modular Structure combining such Trusts with LLCs. The considerations involved in going Offshore and Offshore Asset Protection Trusts will also be presented.

Tuesday, March 6, 2012 From 11am to 12:00pm Pacific

-Or-

Wednesday, March 14, 2012 From 11am to 12:00pm Pacific

Just $97

Click to Order Session 3 Only!

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Session Four

The fourth session will wind up the Course with actual case studies and examples of attorney processing and follow through.

Thursday, April, 5, 2012 From 11am to 12:00pm Pacific

-Or-

Wednesday, April 11, 2012 From 11am to 12:00pm Pacific

Just $97

Click to Order Session 4 Only!

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All Four Sessions

Just $297

Click to Order All Sessions!

-or-

Call 714-384-6527

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ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

Jeffrey R. Matsen

Jeffrey is the founder and partner in charge of Wealth Strategies Counsel, the Estate Planning and Business Transaction Department of Bohm, Matsen, Kegel & Aguilera, LLP in Orange County CA. His practice areas include, Business and Estate Planning, Asset Protection, Probate and Trust administration and litigation, Real Estate and Off shore structures.

Attorney Matsen is designated by Worth Magazine as one of “America’s Top 100 Attorneys“, by Los Angeles Magazine as one of California’s “Super Lawyers“ and hHe is listed in The Best Lawyers in America. The Nationally Renowned Attorney Rating Service, ‘AVVO‘ has rated Mr. Matsen a perfect “10/10 Superb” and he has continued to achieve the highest “AV rating” and has been designated a “Preeminent Lawyer” by the prestigious attorney rating directory, Martindale Hubble.

Jeff has been a Professor of Law in Business, Estate Planning and Advanced Taxation. He is a much sought after and respected, Speaker and Educator and has published numerous legal articles.

Jeff served on the Board of Directors of the local Boys and Girls Club. He managed Little and Pony League baseball, and coached basketball for nearly 30 years. He was named Orange County’s Father of the Year 2007 by the Father’s Day Council and the American Diabetes Association.

He currently serves on the Board of Counselors of the Orange County Pacific Symphony Orchestra and as Vice Chairman of the Rancho Del Mar District of the Boy Scouts of America.

Jeff is admitted to practice in all courts in the State of California; the United States District Court (Central District); the United States Supreme Court; and the United States Tax Court.

Marc Selden

Attorney Selden is the Principal & Founder of Eagle & Selden, P.C. in Manhattan. His Practice Areas include Estate Planning, Asset Protection & Business Succession Planning.

The Nationally Renowned Attorney Rating Service, ‘AVVO‘ has rated Mr. Selden a perfect “10/10 Superb“,

Marc is an Instructor for the National Business Institute; Resident Faculty of the Laureate Center for Wealth Advisors, President and Founding Member of Wealth Counsel’s New York/New Jersey Forum; and is a Charter member of Wealth Counsel’s Speakers Bureau. He has also been published as a Contributing author.

Marc is Admitted to the New York State Bar; United States District Court, Southern & Eastern Districts of New York.

(Session Three)

John N. Massih

Attorney Massih is the founder and managing member of Massih Law, LLC. in Connecticut.  His Practice focuses on Estate , Business Planning and Asset Protection.

Experienced in the Fortune 50, public finance and venture capital arenas, which have provided a unique perspective in his practice and an understanding of business transactions and tax matters from the position of a business owner.

Attorney Massih lectures across Connecticut on Asset Protection and Estate Planning Strategies. He is a Board Member of the Financial Planners Association of Fairfield County, CT, and a member of the American Bar Association, the Connecticut Bar Association and the Fairfield County Bar Association. He is also an active member of WealthCounsel.

Attorney Massih is further recognized in his community by various civic contributions including his role as a Board member of the White Ribbon Campaign associated with the Center for Woman and Families of Eastern Fairfield County, and a member of the Young Leaders Society of Coastal Fairfield County.

(Session Two)

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What attendees of our seminars say:

“Wonderful -Knowledgeable speaker…”

“Jeff’s humor made it enjoyable to learn…”

“Excellent presentation…”

“Mr. Matsen is definitely a master of his craft…”

“It was well worth my time…”

*CE CREDIT IMPORTANT NOTICE: Wealth Strategies Counsel is NOT an approved Continuing Education Sponsor. However, participants may may still receive continuing education credit through their states and regulatory agencies. A Certificate of Completion will be provided to all attendees. If participants wish to receive CE credit, then they must apply to receive credit on their own and through their individual states and regulatory authorities. It is the responsibility of the participant to file for CE credit and is not guaranteed by Wealth Strategies Counsel or Jeffrey R. Matsen

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

I can’t make it. How how can I still benefit?
You may still register for the program to receive the materials, including a recording of the session to review when convenient and at your pace (rewinding, pausing and fast forwarding). You can still benefit regardless of your calendaring conflicts, Don’t miss out.

When will I receive the conference materials and dial-in information?
Once you register, you will receive an email with dial-in instructions. Your password and Materials will be provided via email 48 hours before the program. If you have any questions or do not receive an e-mail, please contact Ty Mangrum at 714-384-6527.

If I haven’t received an e-mail with the dial-in information and materials. What do I do?
Double-check that the e-mail address (yours or the attendees) you provided is correct. Additionally, It is possible that your server may not be allowing our e-mails to come through or it may be in your spam filter. Contact Ty Mangrum at 714-384-6527 (Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 5pm Pacific) or, preferably, by e-mail at tmangrum@bmkalaw.com .

How many people in my office may participate?
An unlimited number of people in your office may participate provided that all participants connect on just one (1) connection per call. Only one (1) connection will be authorized per office per call.

Can I get CE for this program?
Wealth Strategies Counsel and all affiliated parties of this program are NOT CE Sponsors and do not guarantee CE credit for this program. Certain regulatory agencies approve CE from unregistered CE sponsors, which is why you are provided with a Certificate of Completion.

The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP)
SAVE THE DATE
Super STEP Conference
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Live from the Shady Canyon Golf Club
100 Shady Canyon Drive, Irvine, CA 92603

• Program commencing at 8:00 AM and concludes at 3:00 PM PST
• Includes breakfast, lunch and networking reception from 3:00 – 4:00 PM PST
• 6 Hours of MCLE and CE for CPAs, CFPs, and insurance professionals applied for
• Admission Fee $ 275.00, check made payable to STEP-OC

“Putting It All Together: Evaluation, Selection and Implementation Decision Making for Wealth Shifting Techniques; An Analytical, Actuarial, Financial and Practical Guide for the Conscientious Advisor” –  Jonathan Blattmachr, Esq., Retired Partner, Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy, LLP

“Gifts By Foreign Persons To US Persons: Traps And Planning
Suggestions” – Professor Jerome Hesch, Esq., Director, Notre Dame University Tax Institute and Faculty Member,
University of Miami School of Law

“The Challenges of an Aging Population” – Andrew J. Policano, Dean, The Paul Merage School of Business at the University of California at Irvine

“The Care and Feeding of Domestic and International Family Offices” Timothy Speiss, CPA, Partner at Eisner Amper LLP (Recent winner of the STEP North American
Advisor of the year award).

“You Have a Foreign Trust – When Trusts Are Deemed Foreign Trusts and the Tax and Reporting Implications of Foreign Trusts” –  Michelle Graham, Esq., Partner at Luce Forward, LLP

Program summary and suggested implementation of material presented. Translate the day’s proceedings into
billable hours – Renee Gabbard, Esq., Partner at Paul Hastings LLP,  Jeff Saccacio, CPA, Partner at Price Waterhouse Coopers LLP,

Reservation Form:
(Please print)
Name: _______________________ Telephone: ____________________
Firm: ________________________ Email: ________________________
Address: __________________________________________________________

Mail this form, along with your check payable to STEP-OC in the amount of $ 275.00 to: Mark P. Silberfarb,
TEP, CFP, Global Financial Institute, 18662 MacArthur Blvd., Ste. 200, Irvine, CA 92612.

Recently there has been a lot of commentary on the internet and various estate and asset protection planning listserves about the Mortensen Case.  The Case was originally decided on May 26, 2011, by the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Alaska and there was a Memorandum denying a Motion for Reconsideration by the same Court issued on July 8, 2011.  The actual citations for the Case are found at the end of this Article.

Here are some of the things I think we can learn from Mortensen:

1.         Lay persons should not draft their own Trusts.

2.         Clients with assets should avoid filing for bankruptcy.  Any estate and risk minimization planning is subject to extremely broad and very far reaching powers of a bankruptcy judge.  Mortensen obviously did not understand all of the legal consequences of filing for Bankruptcy (the “self help” syndrome at work again).

3.         So called “asset protection planning” should be strongly consolidated with estate planning.  In fact, asset protection planning is really a component of estate planning.  In this regard, it should be pointed out that the creation of corporations has been promoted, fostered and universally sanctioned for asset protection planning purposes for centuries.  Limited liability companies have also been around for several decades.  Moreover, there are now 13 states who have adopted Self Settled Spendthrift Trust legislation in many ways similar to Alaska’s.  Asset protection in and of itself is not wrong or unlawful.

4.         It is probably a good idea for the Settlor of a Self Settled Trust in any of these 13 states to utilize a professional Trustee.

5.         Many clients do not wish to make a completed gift to their Self Settled Trust.  These incomplete gift transfers can still presumably be strongly protected outside of bankruptcy.

6.         My experience and that of many colleagues with whom I have interacted is that the establishment of a Domestic Self Settled Trust in the proper factual context can be a substantial barrier against creditor claims.

7.         The Mortensen Case does, however, illustrate that Offshore Planning may provide better results for those interested in greater protection.

8.         The Judge specifically pointed out that the establishment of the Trust presumably as an “Asset Protection Trust” was not the sole reason for his decision.  There were “badges of fraud” present which may not be relevant in other cases.

9.         The Case was ultimately settled as almost all cases involving these types of Trust have been.  When cases settle, both sides have to compromise.  Most of the time, the debtor will have much more leverage in the settlement process, if he/she engages in well advised, advanced legal planning.

The Case:

Mortensen was an Alaska resident with a Masters Degree in Geology who was involved in the management of environmental aspects of construction projects.  Mortensen and his wife were involved in a very acrimonious divorce in 1998.  As part of the divorce proceedings, Mortensen received approximately 1.25 acres of remote unimproved real property located near Seldovia, Alaska, a picturesque fishing community.

In 2005, Mortensen using a template he had found, drafted a self settled Alaska Trust called “The Mortensen Seldovia Trust (An Alaska Asset Preservation Trust) ”.  Mortensen said he had the Trust document reviewed by an attorney but that only minor changes were suggested by the reviewing lawyer.  Mortensen subsequently transferred the Seldovia property and $80,000 in cash into the Trust (the cash was a gift from his mother).

In 2009, Mortensen filed for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy without declaring the assets in the Trust as part of the bankruptcy estate.  Subsequently, the Bankruptcy Trustee attacked the Trust alleging that Mortensen was, in fact, insolvent when he settled the Trust in violation of Alaska law.  The Bankruptcy Judge rejected this argument and made a specific finding that Mortensen was, in fact, solvent when he set up the Trust.

The Bankruptcy Trustee also asserted that the transfer should be avoided under Bankruptcy Code Section 548(e) which provides that a Self Settled Trust can be avoided in bankruptcy if the debtor transfer assets to such a Trust or similar device within ten (10) years from the date of the Petition and “with actual intent to hinder, delay or defraud any entity to which the debtor was or became, on or after the date that such transfer was made, indebted.”

The Bankruptcy Judge found that the transfers by Mortensen to the Trust were done for the express purpose to protect the Trust assets from creditors and that both the establishment of the Trust and the transfer to it could manifest the same intent.  The Judge made it clear, however, that this was not the only evidence upon which he based his decision.  In his Memorandum on the Defendant’s Motion for Reconsideration, the Judge talked about several “badges of fraud” and stated that he found sufficient “badges of fraud” to determine that Mortensen did indeed intend to hinder, delay and defraud his creditors when he transferred the Seldovia property to the Trust.

As an aside, after a Notice of Appeal was filed, I understand that the parties settled the Case and that the debtor actually bought the property from the Bankruptcy Trustee for the tax assessed value.  I am indebted to my colleague, Richard H. Foley of Anchorage, Alaska, for this interesting additional information about the Case.

Battley v. Mortensen, et. al.

Adv. Bk. Dist of Alaska

No. A09-90036.DMD

Honorees were carefully selected from American Registry’s comprehensive database of publicly acknowledged professionals. Qualification criteria include repeated, authenticated, publicized honors from the press, peers, trade groups and clients over a five year period. American Registry is in a unique position to qualify top professionals across industries as its researchers specialize in authenticating the legitimacy and value of professional and business recognitions. Even so, the company built its database of professionals recognized for excellence for more than ten years before honoring the best of the best with its new award, America’s Most Honored Professionals.

“In today’s tough economy, it is more important than ever to honor professionals for their achievements – reinforcement of excellent performance is key for keeping the motivation going,” says America’s Most Honored Program Director, Danielle Van Acker.

Avi Moskowitz, American Registry CEO, said, “America’s Most Honored Professionals is the only data driven cross profession, cross industry recognition program that we are aware of – and we know the recognition business. Its honorees include top CEOs as well as local business owners, doctors, lawyers and Internet superstars. Each professional has earned multiple recognitions in his or her field in the last five years and ranks in the top ten, five, or even one percent of all of America’s most highly recognized professionals.

“I wanted to create an award that captures continuous individual achievement. One that pays tribute to the ongoing dedication to excellence achieved by a very special few American professionals. And as much as this is an opportunity to congratulate and commemorate, we believe this honor can and will ultimately be an important credential and marketing tool for these outstanding professionals. The inaugural list of honorees and the beautiful plaque the recipients may purchase to commemorate the honor is just the beginning of what we hope will become a robust recognition program for our nation’s top professionals.

“Congratulations to all the 2011 honorees.”

American Registry, LLC, recognizes excellence in top businesses and professionals. The Registry™ includes millions of significant business and professional recognitions, including all those in America’s Most Honored Professionals. For more information, search The Registry at AmericanRegistry.com.

When your child turns 18 years of age, you are no longer able to access any of their healthcare records or make healthcare decisions for them as a parent.  In fact, colleges will not share school records either unless you have obtained written permission from your child.

While accessing some information is usually not a dire emergency, when it comes to your child’s healthcare, it could be.  Here are the legal documents your child will need to execute to allow you to access their information in case of an emergency:

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) form. A Newport Beach estate planning attorney can assist you with executing a proper HIPAA form for acceptance by medical professionals at school or in a new city.

Healthcare Power of Attorney. In the event of an emergency, when your child may not be able to make their own healthcare decisions, a healthcare power of attorney will allow you to legally assist them.

Whether you need assistance with providing for your child’s education or your family’s future, we can help.  Contact our Orange County estate planning and asset protection law firm today.

Jeff Instructs Wealth Counsel Attorneys

As the month of August winds down so does Summer. We have had the blessing of spending a lot of quality time with our seven children, six children-in-laws and fifteen grandchildren. My wife, Susan, is remarkable not only in her capacity as a loving wife and mother, but as a much adored grandmother. She has a way of making everybody, whether an adult or child, whether family, friend or casual acquaintance, feel very special. How blessed I am to have her and our great family.

I have several speaking engagements coming up in the next few months. On Friday, September 23rd, I will be making a presentation at 1:00 p.m. at the Brigham Young University Law School in Provo, Utah, entitled “Establishing and Operating a Successful Estate and Business Planning Law Firm in the 21st Century“. On October 19th, I will be presenting a national Webinar for the National Business Institute entitled “An Attorney’s Guide to Asset Protection Planning”. On Friday, October 21st, in San Francisco, and, Friday, December 9th, in Los Angeles, I will be on the faculty of an all day Continuing Education program sponsored by the California Bar on Asset Protection Planning.

I belong to the international association, STEP, (The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners). This is a professional body for the trust and estate profession worldwide. I have been asked to be on the Board of Directors of the new Orange County Chapter of STEP.

I am grateful for our many clients and friends and the opportunity that I have to assist them with their legacy of preserving, protecting and transferring their assets to the next generation and beyond. What a privilege and honor it is for me to be part of this critical life defining process.