Wealth
Asset Protection for Brazilians in the US
Doctors, dentists, attorneys, entrepreneurs, and lawsuit-exposed professionals need structure that shields wealth BEFORE any claim. Done after a lawsuit starts, it's fraudulent transfer. 5 layers to shield legally.
The protection layers
- 1Layer 1 — LLC per asset: each investment property in a separate LLC. A lawsuit on property A doesn't reach property B in a different LLC.
- 2Layer 2 — Holding LLC: holding LLC above the property LLCs. Owner = holding; holding = you. Additional barrier + simplifies income distribution.
- 3Layer 3 — Florida Homestead Exemption: primary residence is unlimited-value protected from creditors (except mortgage and property tax). A doctor with a million-dollar judgment cannot lose the Florida house — if properly homesteaded.
- 4Layer 4 — Asset Protection Trust: Domestic Asset Protection Trust (DAPT) in Nevada or Delaware. You can be a beneficiary of your own trust with creditor protection.
- 5Layer 5 — Umbrella Insurance: $1–5M policy is the cheapest protection and should be FIRST line — not last.
For Brazilian healthcare professionals
Brazilian doctors operating a US clinic face specific malpractice risk. Recommended structure: Clinic in LLC (or PA — Professional Association, required for FL-licensed professionals) + Clinic real estate in a separate LLC from the clinic + Personal assets (home, investments) OUTSIDE the clinic LLC + Robust medical malpractice insurance + Personal umbrella policy.
Post-claim protection = fraud
Transferring assets after receiving a legal claim = fraudulent transfer. Judges can reverse transfers and penalize the transferor. Asset protection must be implemented BEFORE any lawsuit or serious complaint.
Frequently asked questions
Does Florida Homestead protect 100% of the home?
Value: yes, unlimited. Area: yes, up to 0.5 acre inside a municipality or 160 acres outside. You must have filed homestead (Form DR-501).
When should I start?
Immediately when you buy property or start professional practice. Or NOW if you haven't yet — and no claim is pending.
Can a Brazilian creditor reach US assets?
Depends on structure. Well-designed LLCs + Trust in Florida/Nevada/Delaware offer significant barriers against Brazilian creditors pursuing US enforcement.
Is umbrella insurance enough?
As first line, yes. For estates $1M+, combine with LLCs + Trust. Umbrella covers up to policy limit; LLCs/Trust protect above.
How much does implementation cost?
Basic (LLC + umbrella): $2,000–4,000. Full (holding LLC + DAPT + estate trust): $8,000–20,000.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Schedule a consultation today. We will listen, assess your situation, and give you a clear path forward — in the language you are most comfortable with.