With a properly drafted and timely settled trust, the creditors of the settlor cannot reach the assets of the trust. An asset protection trust is also normally structured so that the undistributed assets of the trust are returned to the settlor upon termination of the trust provided there is no current risk of creditor attack, thus permitting the settlor to regain complete control over the formerly protected assets. It may surprise you to learn that the number one reason for people moving money offshore is not because of tax benefits but asset protection. Today's predaceous and litigious society unfortunately makes successful people vulnerable to lawsuits of every kind. Modern legal precedents encourage frivolous lawsuits that often result in amazingly large settlements.
Most people think they have done everything to protect themselves and their families.
This is rarely the case. By having assets out of your home country, in a properly constructed trust for example, you can achieve substantial protection from illegitimate creditors and predators. You can make your wealth invisible to others. If they can't find it, they may not consider it worthwhile proceeding with a lawsuit in the first place. Under United States, Canada and many European countries system of law, probate is necessary only when a person's assets stand in his name at the time of death.