This is the most interesting lawsuit I’ve seen in the last 25+ years. It’s truly stunning, and if you want to download the complaint filed on behalf of Blake Harris, JD, click on the following:
https://assetprotectionsociety.org/asset-protection-planners-lawsuit
What is Asset Protection (AP) Planning?
It’s an area of consulting where advisors (some lawyers, some not) help consumers “protect their assets” from creditors (lawsuits, IRS, divorce, etc.). This is usually done with structures like domestic or international LLCs and APTs (Asset Protection Trusts).
Over the last 25+ years, there have been many advisors in the AP space that I would say were outright scammers, and others helping clients with a subject matter they really don’t understand.
Back in 1999, I started educating on AP with my book The Doctor’s Wealth Preservation Guide. (1st Edition (my 9th Edition will come out in 2026)). Then I created the Certified Asset Protection Planner (CAPP™) designation. Then I formed the Asset Protection Society. I also recently published my newest AP book: 5-Pillar Asset Protection.
To read my Doctor’s book for FREE in an electronic format, click on the following:
To read my 5-Pillar book for FREE in an electronic format, click on the following:
www.advisorshare.com/5-pillar-ap
What’s the AP Lawsuit About?
One of, if not the most, prolific marketers of AP services to consumers is a firm called Asset Protection Planners™ (APP). They are all over the internet touting their AP services. You’ll notice in the following image that I have a few items circled.
The appearance of providing legal services and credibility
When you see “a service of lawyers limited” (LL), what do you think? You think that the services are being provided by a law firm, right?
When you see “trusted since 1906,” what do you think? Probably that this firm has been around since 1906 and has been providing AP services.
Guess what APP provides? No real legal services!
It is alleged that the Defendants bought an existing business that had nothing to do with AP so they could market that APP/LL has been around since 1906 (very deceptive if true).
Kevin Wessell—it is alleged in the complaint that Kevin is the CEO of multiple companies that provide AP services, including APP.
So what? The following is from the complaint:
-Kevin is not an attorney and can’t be an owner in a law firm.
-Kevin was sued before in Alexander v. Incway, Corp, and the court determined that he “intentionally misled and concealed important facts as part of a fraudulent asset protection scheme.”
Blake Harris, JD, sued APP and LL for advertising that their companies provide AP services and do so with qualified attorneys who can do the work when, in fact, Kevin is not an attorney, and NO licensed attorneys are actually providing the advice.
Client confidentiality—it is alleged that when clients work with APP and LL that they are doing so under client confidentiality rules. That is not the case if a licensed attorney is not providing the advice.
Client disclaimer—in the LL’s client disclaimer, it says:
-When using our services, you will be acting as your own attorney.
-LL, its advisors, agents, and employees are not rendering any legal advice.
-That LL’s advisors, etc., are not engaged in the practice of law.
-That NO SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP or privilege exists between LL and you, including but not limited to any Attorney-Client relationship that might exist had you consulted with a licensed attorney.
Attorney Harris is Doing the Industry and Consumers a HUGE Favor
Attorney Harris is suing APP and LL because they are his main competitors in his core business, which is forming Cook Island Asset Protection Trusts.
When your main competitor is a mass marketing firm with a great web presence but is also a firm that he alleges is falsely advertising legal work and is violating the unauthorized practice of law rules, you can understand now why he filed the lawsuit.
Relief attorney Harris is asking the court for:
1) Immediate temporary and permanent injunctions
2) $6,000,000 in lost revenue
3) Legal fees and costs (and punitive damages with one of the claims)
I applaud attorney Harris for having the guts to file this lawsuit, and if what is alleged is true, I hope that AP planners, LL, and their affiliated partners are run out of the business.
Marketing Using Asset Protection
I think AP planning is the most powerful marketing tool in the industry and my new book, Asset Protection—The Wedge, explains why. To download this book for FREE, click on the following link:
https://advisorshare.com/ap-wedge-book
