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Asset Protection: Multiple LLCs July 1, 2008

Posted by Jeff Nabers in : real estate, Self Directed IRA Solo 401k , add a comment

LLC stands for limited liability company, and that is the primary purpose for forming such a legal entity. When you enter into a business transaction as an individual (aka sole proprietor), if somebody decides to sue you, all of your personal assets can be subjected to satisfying the law suit. The idea behind an LLC or Corporation is that people are doing business with that entity (the LLC, for example). When a true separation is maintained between the LLC and its members/owners, the LLC can only lose its assets… but not the unrelated assets of its owners.

The cross-liability of one LLC with multiple assets or businesses

Jeremy forms JAH LLC to buy and hold apartment buildings. He buys Apartment Building A as well as Apartment Building B & Apartment Building C.

An accident occurs and somebody gets hurt in the common area of Apartment Building A. This person sues the owner of the buildings, JAH LLC.

Personal assets – Jeremy’s personal assets are protected from exposure to this law suit (except for what he contributed into JAH LLC).

Apartment Building A – All of the assets of JAH LLC can be exposed to satisfying the law suit. This includes bank accounts relating to Apartment Building A and even the real estate itself.

Apartment Building B – All of the assets of JAH LLC can be exposed to satisfying the law suit. This includes bank accounts relating to Apartment Building B and even the real estate itself.

Apartment Building C – All of the assets of JAH LLC can be exposed to satisfying the law suit. This includes bank accounts relating to Apartment Building C and even the real estate itself.

The additional protection of multiple LLCs

Jeremy forms (more…)