A Domestic and International Asset Protection & Wealth Preservation Firm
The Cornell Group, PLLC
350 Fifth Avenue
The Empire State Bldg
Suite 1729
New York, New York 10118
Office: 212.904.1844
Fax: 866.400.6194
Toll Free: 877.Geo.Cornell
Email: Click Here

S. Florida Financial
AlphiaFiduciary W.M.
Curtis Lyman, J.D.
Palm Beach Gardens
1.561.207.6399

Al Morici, Esq.
Florida Partner

California Law Affiliate
Charles Peterson, Esq.
Los Angeles County
1.877.Geo.Cornell

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Your Money/Your Choices ; Our Vision/Our Advice: The Cornell Group P.L.L.C.
We at The Cornell Group, P.L.L.C, believe in the philosophy that you bring your own unique set of circumstances when you retain our services.
One thing we all can agree upon: In the field of Asset Protection and Wealth Planning there are no “Silver Bullet” solutions. We do though, in most circumstances suggest the following framework which provides great benefits to many of our clients:

The LLC (Limited Liability Company)
The Government's (IRS) and Court's (State and Federal) acceptance of the LLC (Limited Liabilty Company) as the premier entity to protect personal assets while enjoying "pass through" tax treatment cannot be overstated. Legally recognized in all 50 states, the LLC can best be desrcibed as a hybrid between corporate law ( limited liabilty of its members) and partnership law (pass through tax). Uses of a LLC are virtually unlimited and diverse. These include all types of real estate investments ( i.e. rentals, vacation homes, commercial, and retail properties). Other uses include investments in private placement partnerships, alternative investments, and brokerage accounts (including "self-directed IRA). Personal property such as motor vehicles, boats, and aircraft to name a few, may be titled into a LLC. Again, all income and expenses “pass through” to the individual or couple's tax return. Consequently, there is no double taxation issues as found in a C Corporation. Non-U.S. persons and companies can be members of a LLC (unlike a S-Corporation). A LLC can be Member/Managed or Manager/Managed. One may form a single member or multi-member LLC. The cornerstone of a LLC is the Operating Agreement. Somewhat like the by-laws of a corporation, this Agreement should at the minimum set forth the purpose of the LLC, the principal place of business and the capital contributions of its members. Other important sections should state the right to distributions, dissolution procedures and the company's tax classification ( sole, partnership or corporation). In other words, the LLC Operating Agreement expresses the written rights and obligations of the members to eachother and the internal rules and conduct between them.

The Cornell Group has drafted a thirty-two page Operating Agreement. We then customize the document specifically tailored for our client’s unique set of circumstances. No two agreements are exactly the same. This sets us apart from the generic, 8-10 page agreements one may purchase on the internet. Furthermore, we guarantee and stand behind our work product for as long as you keep your LLC current. A web site or other such entity selling LLC services cannot make that claim and guarantee.
WEALTH PLANNING STRATEGIES
The drafting of a proper trust structure is fundamental in Wealth Preservation. Why? The Federal Estate Tax for Estates valued over 3.5 million dollars (2009) are subject to an excise rate that STARTS at 41% rising to 45% on each dollar over this amount! Doesn't it make sense to minimize this egregious tax and leave it to your children and grandchildren? This is common sense.
We recommend and draft numerous Revocable Living Trusts (RLT) which are implemented for estates valued at below the 2M threshold. The most popular trust we draft (and the most popular trust in the U.S.) is the Marital A-B Trust which doubles the federal estate tax exemption from 2M to 4M on the death of the survivng spouse. These Trusts can be Revocable or Non-Revocable depending on our client's Asset Protection needs.

For estates valued over the current 3.5M exemption, The Cornell Group recommends more sophisticated planning to minimize the death tax and maximize our client's legacies. Examples include the widely used Credit Shelter Trust ( for the benefit of the survivng spouse and children/grandchildren).
The Personal Resident Trust which provides asset protection and estate gift tax solutions. We draft Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts (ILIT) on occasion for those with excees life insurance policies or have the means to purchase a policy with an appropriate death benefit that will pay all the estate tax allowing the beneficiary(ies) of the estate to receive an inheritance tax free. This trust is an excellent means of ensuring a maximum legacy allowed by law for the benefit of all. Again, we at The Cornell Group can draft a Trust specifically tailored to your needs that can avoid probate, provide asset protection and minimize estate taxes. We provide you with an extensive Estate Planning Questionnaire so we will have a complete picture of your financial net worth, legacy considerations and family profile.

We have a diverse national and international clientel regardless of individual/family Net Worth. Our philosophy is that every client brings his or hers own unique set of circumstances to our attention. We do do not employ a "one size fits all" planning model. We focus on each client's individuals needs. In other words, our Team listens to our clients and takes the necessary steps to satisfy their wishes and concerns.
HOME FORECLOSURE PROTECTION TRUST
The number of homes that have gone into foreclosure since August 2007 is frightening. As of the end of of October 2008 nearly 1,000,000 foreclosures have been filed. There is no end in sight due to the financial crisis. A Personal ResidenceTrust (PRT) may PROTECT homeowners if executed immediately. Timing is crucial due to the Uniform Fraudulant Transfer Act ( UFTA) adopted in some form in all 50 states. These statutes provide a three year "look back" ( seven in CA.) as to all transfers of assets including a personal residence to a Trust or third party. The various benefits that can be realized by The Cornell Group creating a (PRT) are as follows:
• The residence is placed in Trust by the Grantor (H/W) with a named beneficiary;
• The Trust is created for a fixed Term, usually 10-15 years;
• Grantor remains in the home, maintains the home and can sell home during the Term;
• At the end of the term of the trust Grantor may stay in the home as a rental tenant;
• During the term the trust "owns" title to the home not the Grantor(s);
• The Trust MUST be Irrevocable to provide Asset protection & Gift Tax consideration

There are a variety Trusts that can be implemented to achieve an individual's/couples needs including asset protection and also leave a financial legacy behind. Please contact us so we may discuss your individual situation.

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