LayRoots

LayRoots Lawyer-Human (n.): a lawyer possessing human traits such as intelligent thought, feelings, & care; a

The Lawyer-Humans over at LayRoots help families and small business owners make sure that everything and everybody they love is taken care of if anything happens to them. In our experience, for many small business owners, family and business are more interconnected than we often realize. We ask our families to help paint walls, or work the cash register, or just support the business owner when the

y need it while also being supported by the business. If you want to make sure that things are as easy as possible for your family, the people you love, your clients, your team members and employees, then you'll want to talk to us.

03/27/2026

With a self‑settled trust, if things go bad and creditors push you into bankruptcy, the bankruptcy trustee can look back 10 years at transfers you’ve made. Even if you set the trust up 20 years ago, something you moved 5 years ago is still inside that 10‑year window and can be pulled back into the pot for creditors.

With a Special Power of Appointment Trust (SPAT), that “uh‑oh window” on certain transfers before bankruptcy can be as short as 2 years (depending on the facts and the law in play).

That difference between 10 years and 2 years can decide who ends up owning a big chunk of your life’s work.

If you want the plain‑English version of how we use SPATs to build flexibility and shorten that risk window, comment “SPAT” or DM me “SPAT” and I’ll send you my SPAT Playbook.

03/25/2026

Most people hear “special power of appointment” and immediately think: “Legal Latin, not for me.”

In this clip, we translate it into plain English:
A special power of appointment is basically a special ability to give.

When we create a special power of appointment trust (SPAT), we name a trusted person (often a friend or family member) who holds that special ability. If the plan needs to change later, that person can give trust assets back to the person who set up the trust, instead of everything being locked in a concrete box forever.

In other words: it’s how you build flexibility into something that’s supposed to be “irrevocable,” so your future self isn’t handcuffed by today’s decisions.

If you want the plain‑English version of how we use this in real plans, comment “SPAT” below or DM me “SPAT” and I’ll send you my SPAT Playbook

09/22/2025

No step-up in basis with an irrevocable trust?

09/21/2025

What is an irrevocable trust?

09/20/2025

A SLAT just for asset protection

09/19/2025

What happens to a SLAT if the spouses divorce?

09/18/2025

SLAT FAQs That Will Surprise You!

Colin and Shreya tackle frequently asked questions about Spousal Lifetime Access Trusts (SLATs). Discover what makes a trust irrevocable, how to achieve asset protection without estate tax benefits, and what types of assets can be gifted to a SLAT. Learn about the impact of divorce and spousal demise on SLATs and potential tax disadvantages. This episode is packed with vital information and a touch of humor to make complex legal concepts more digestible!

00:00 Introduction and SLAT FAQs Overview
00:11 Understanding Irrevocable Trusts in SLATs
00:44 Asset Protection vs. Estate Tax Planning
02:22 Types of Assets Suitable for SLATs
04:24 Impact of Divorce on SLATs
05:54 Tax Disadvantages of SLATs
06:19 Speculations and Legal Debates on SLATs
07:23 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

09/18/2025

Are there any tax disadvantages to setting up a SLAT ?

09/17/2025

What Is a JEST Trust and Should You Get One?

Join Shreya and Colin Ley as they delve into the fascinating world of the JEST (Joint Exempt Step-Up Trusts) and . Discover why this trust, created by very bright attorneys, is the asset protection and planning tool clients are raving about. Learn how it works in both community and non-community property states, offering significant benefits from asset protection to tax optimization. Perfect for those in need of a versatile and practical estate planning solution. Air guitars and motorcycles may or may not be involved.

00:00 Introduction to JEST Trusts
00:14 What is a JEST Trust?
00:31 Versatility and Asset Protection
01:32 JEST Trusts in Different States
02:28 Step-Up in Basis Explained
03:35 Asset Protection Benefits
04:25 Liability and Protection Scenarios
05:48 Estate Planning Optimization
06:16 How to Get Started with JEST

*** Grab our SLAT Planning Guide here: https://zurl.co/UvfNg ***

Being successful in America makes you a target for bogus lawsuits from shameless lawyers. We created an effective asset protection solution, so you don’t have to worry anymore, happily knowing your family’s future is protected. Get started now by scheduling a free, 30-minute call at https://zurl.co/RJn4x.

09/17/2025

Can I gift any type of asset to a SLAT?

09/16/2025

Does a revocable living trust provide any asset protection? (Surprise)

In this episode, Shreya and Colin Ley address a commonly asked question about asset protection and revocable living trusts. While typically, a revocable living trust does not offer asset protection for the creator, they highlight a specific scenario involving a JEST (Joint Estate Separate Trust). This structure can separate assets into different shares to protect a portion from creditors, especially when one spouse is more likely to be sued. Learn how this unique setup might provide some level of asset protection in specific circumstances.

00:00 Introduction and Key Question
00:03 Revocable Living Trust and Asset Protection
00:26 Scenario for Asset Protection
00:37 JEST Trust Explanation
00:52 Spousal Asset Distribution
01:56 Conclusion

*** Grab our SLAT Planning Guide here: https://zurl.co/V8lhm ***

08/20/2025

In this short, we continue to look at the importance of understanding the implications of a **step up in basis**. Many people don't realize that **estate planning** can significantly impact their **taxes**, especially when it comes to **capital gains**. Understanding the **tax implications** is very important.

*** Grab our SLAT Planning Guide here: https://zurl.co/BoBZM ***

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