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Private Retirement Plans

Private Retirement Plans have become one of the most powerful protection and wealth preservation strategies in California in the last decade, because it can be structured as one of the strongest, safest and most cost-effective planning tools for anyone in California who is building private equity, business interests, real estate, or any other investment for their future retirement.

What Is It?

Private Retirement Plans or PRPs are programs that are held under California state creditor law in which all funds, distributions and death benefits are “exempt” from lien and seizure both in bankruptcy and non-bankruptcy (creditor lawsuit) situations.

Values & Benefits:

  • Safer: funded with exemption rights, not transferring or gifting assets.
  • Stronger: all assets, earnings, gains and future values are protected during accumulation and even after disbursement for lifetime benefits or death benefits for heirs.
  • Little Cost, if any: if done correctly, PRPs can capitalize on a multitude of tax benefits and can become a profit-center instead of cost by harvesting savings throughout the life of the program:
    • Tax Deductions
    • Tax Deferrals
    • Tax Credits

Management Requirements:

There are key components that get tested under case law, and create planning success when present:

  • Must be established primarily for retirement, not for creditor evasion.
  • Must have a Plan. The Plan must have an actuarial basis for funding.
  • Must have a Trust for each Participant, which must specify its tax intent.
  • Must have an independent Trustee.
  • Must have an independent Plan Administrator.

How Do You Find Out More?

We have partnered with in industry leader in PRP administration TRUST-CFO®, who has developed all the required analysis including upfront funding, annual benchmarking, and future plan distribution testing, to maximize the Plan strength when/if tested.

Please use these key tools to help you evaluate your current circumstance and find out what “Creditor & Tax’ exemption protection rights you have, which ones you may be forfeiting, and which ones you can claim to protect against asset seizure, erosion, and loss.

PRP Exemption Diagnostic Calculator

Brochure – Learn More About PRPs

Client Reviews

I recently had the pleasure of working with Sowards Law Firm to create my estate plan, and I couldn’t be more satisfied with the experience. My company has a legal help portal where I discovered Sowards Law Firm, and I’m so glad I chose them. From the start, the entire process was incredibly smooth...

Prashant Joshi

They made it pretty easy for us to set up the legal entity we needed. Everyone we talked to was knowledgeable, professional, and considerate. We had to work around a difficult schedule, and the folks at Sowards made it work.

John Brawn

Everyone at Sowards Law Firm was extremely kind, helpful, and professional in helping me manage all of the legal work required after my husband passed away. They explained everything clearly, and focused on what would be the best options for me in the future. I’m grateful for their assistance and...

Lyn Savage

I have been working with Sowards Law Firm for all my estate needs and their service is impeccable, with the upmost professionalism. They walk you through scenarios in detail so that you can make informed decisions. I highly recommend this team.

Debra A

They made it SO EASY! Everything was explained and explored in regards to figuring out how to organize and structure. Very thoughtful and thorough. I will definitely recommend them, and have sent all of my clients their info to get their affairs in order.

Cindy Selleos

I used Sowards for my Estate planning needs. The firm provided excellent advice, and made the process very easy to complete in an expeditious manner. Each person that I interacted with was professional, friendly and competent. I have confidence that this multi-generational law practice is a solid...

Karen Bryant

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