Any time you consider options for protecting your assets, you should get help from a qualified legal expert.

According to Michael L. Potter, Esq., and financial and marketing consultant Stanley R. Joseph, you should keep two things in mind when looking for someone to assist you with asset protection:

• Get help from the right person
. There are plenty of self-appointed (and unlicensed) asset protection "specialists" out there. (Some are on the Internet.) For your own good, it's best to work with a licensed attorney who actually practices in this field. This is a complex legal area that requires specialized knowledge and experience. Look for someone who does quality legal work; is ethical and won't circumvent the law; and has a background in estate planning, tax planning and finance.
• Keep your perspective
. Remember that asset protection is about preserving value in the face of future claims and lawsuits. It's not a tax scam and it doesn't involve the defrauding of legitimate creditors.