🌴 Caribbean Excellence in Asset Protection

Nevis Asset Protection Trust:
Caribbean Strength

Powerful offshore protection in a stable, proven Caribbean jurisdiction—strong laws at a more accessible price point.

âś“ 2-year statute of limitations âś“ High creditor burden of proof âś“ No US judgment enforcement âś“ Lower cost than Cook Islands
Schedule Your Consultation
Overview

Strong Caribbean Asset Protection

Nevis is a small Caribbean island nation with asset protection trust legislation modeled after the Cook Islands—offering many of the same protections at a lower cost.

The Nevis International Exempt Trust Ordinance provides robust creditor protection features, making it an excellent alternative for clients seeking strong offshore protection.

  • 2-year statute of limitations — Same as Cook Islands for fraudulent transfer claims
  • High burden of proof — Creditors must prove fraud by “clear and convincing evidence”
  • No reciprocal enforcement — Nevis courts don’t automatically recognize US judgments
  • 25+ years of legislation — Established case law and proven track record
  • Caribbean accessibility — Just 4 hours from the US (vs. 20+ hours to Cook Islands)
  • Lower cost — Typically $5,000–$15,000 less than Cook Islands implementation
Ideal for You If:
  • Net worth of $5–10 million
  • Want strong offshore protection at lower cost
  • Value Caribbean accessibility
  • Moderate to high creditor risk
Cook Islands vs. Nevis: Both are excellent. Nevis uses “clear and convincing evidence” (vs. Cook Islands’ “beyond reasonable doubt”). For $10M+ assets or maximum risk, Cook Islands is the gold standard. For $5–10M with strong protection needs, Nevis provides excellent value.
Comparison

Nevis vs. Cook Islands: How They Compare

FeatureNevisCook IslandsUS Domestic
Statute of Limitations2 years2 years4–6 years
Burden of ProofClear & convincingBeyond reasonable doubtPreponderance
Reciprocal EnforcementNoNoYes (between states)
LocationCaribbean (4 hrs from US)South Pacific (20+ hrs)United States
Implementation Cost$30,000–$45,000$35,000–$50,000+$15,000–$25,000
Annual Trustee Fees$1,500–$4,000$2,000–$5,000$1,000–$3,000
Protection StrengthStrongMaximumModerate
Track Record25+ years25+ yearsVaries
The Structure

How a Nevis Trust Works

Step 1

Trust Formation

  • Self-settled discretionary spendthrift trust under Nevis law
  • You’re both settlor and beneficiary — but you don’t control assets
Step 2

Nevis Trustee Appointed

  • Licensed Caribbean trust company serves as trustee
  • Manages assets professionally and makes distributions at discretion
Step 3

Trust Protector

  • Independent person who can remove/replace trustee
  • Safety valve for trustee issues
Step 4

Assets Transferred & Protected

  • Liquid assets (cash, investments) move into trust
  • 2-year statute clock starts immediately
  • Strong protection from Day 1; bulletproof after 2 years
Real Case Study

Real Estate Investor Protected $3.5M from $5M Lawsuit

Situation: Sarah K., a Texas real estate investor with a $7M portfolio, faced a $5M tenant injury lawsuit. Insurance covered $2M, leaving $3M+ personal exposure.

Solution: Nevis trust established 4 months before lawsuit filing. $3.5M in liquid assets transferred.

Outcome: After 14 months of failed attempts to reach trust assets, plaintiff settled for the $2M insurance policy. Sarah’s $3.5M remained fully protected.

✓ $3.5M protected · Investment: $32,000 + $5,500/year · Less than 2% of protected assets annually
Investment

$30,000 – $45,000

Strong offshore protection at a cost-conscious price point.

What’s Included

  • Custom trust deed for your situation
  • Reputable Caribbean trustee selection and coordination
  • Trust protector appointment
  • Bank account establishment
  • Asset transfer strategy
  • US tax compliance (Form 3520, 3520-A, FATCA)
  • Full project management (4–6 weeks)

When Nevis Is the Right Choice

$5–10 Million to Protect
Nevis provides strong protection at a cost that makes sense for this asset level
Cost Efficiency Matters
Save $5,000–$15,000 on implementation vs. Cook Islands without sacrificing strong protection
Start with a Free Consultation
FAQ

Common Questions About Nevis Trusts

Is a Nevis trust as strong as a Cook Islands trust?
Almost. Nevis has the same 2-year statute of limitations and similar creditor barriers. The main difference is burden of proof: Nevis requires “clear and convincing evidence” while Cook Islands requires “beyond reasonable doubt” (criminal standard). For most clients with $5–10M, Nevis provides excellent protection at lower cost.
Can I still use my money?
Yes. You work with your trustee for distributions. For legitimate purposes, distributions are routine. The restriction activates when you’re under creditor pressure—that’s when the protection kicks in.
What if the trustee won’t give me my money?
That’s what the trust protector is for. If the trustee is being unreasonable, the trust protector can remove them and appoint a new trustee. You have built-in recourse.
Do I pay US taxes on trust income?
Yes. This is a “foreign grantor trust” for US tax purposes. All income is taxable to you as if you earned it directly. This is NOT tax avoidance—it’s asset protection. You report everything to the IRS, 100%.
How much does ongoing maintenance cost?
Trustee fees are typically $1,500–$4,000/year. My optional ongoing advisory service is $3,000–$7,500/year. Total ongoing cost is usually $4,500–$11,500 annually.
View All FAQs
Also Consider

Other Asset Protection Solutions

🥇

Cook Islands Trust

The gold standard. Maximum protection, insider implementation. For $10M+ assets or highest risk.

$35,000 – $50,000+
Learn More →
🏛️

Domestic Trust

US-based protection in Nevada, South Dakota, or Alaska. Lower cost, easier administration.

$15,000 – $25,000
Learn More →
🔍

Asset Protection Assessment

Not sure which is right? Start with a comprehensive 90-minute strategy session. $2,500 fully credited.

$2,500 (credited)
Learn More →

Protect Your Wealth with Caribbean Offshore Excellence

Strong offshore protection at a cost-conscious price. Schedule a free consultation to see if a Nevis trust is right for you.

Schedule Free Consultation
(949) 200-1213craig@redlerlaw.com