Charitable Protection Trust™ by Cutler | Riley
A branded estate-planning legal service for clients—especially business owners—who want disciplined annual charitable giving and protection from lawsuits.
What It Is
The Charitable Protection Trust™ (CPT) is a legal-services program designed and implemented by our attorneys. It embeds (1) mandatory annual charitable giving and (2) protective governance intended to reduce exposure to future creditor claims and internal disputes.
We do not publish the technical mechanics or tax elections online. Those are reviewed confidentially during an attorney consultation.
Who It’s Best For
Business owners and practice owners (primary audience)
Families with pass-through income or real-estate holdings
Clients seeking habitual philanthropy without last-minute decisions
Clients who value defensive structuring alongside giving
Not every situation warrants this strategy. If the numbers don’t pencil, we’ll recommend alternatives that still accomplish charitable giving and asset protection.
Fees & Financial Fit
Flat fee: $16,000 for design, drafting, and implementation guidance (scope defined at engagement).
Is it financially sensible for you?
Use our no-cost tool: Charitable Protection Trust Calculator.
It estimates whether the strategy likely does or does not make financial sense based on your inputs. If it’s not a fit, we’ll discuss other options to achieve your goals.
Purpose first. The CPT’s core purpose is charitable giving and asset protection. If the calculator suggests the economics aren’t favorable, we’ll pivot to alternative structures that support those aims without unnecessary cost.
How It Works With Our Firm
Confidential Attorney Consultation – Fit assessment, goals, and constraints.
Design & Drafting (Legal Services) – We tailor the trust documents and companion guidance for trustees.
Implementation – Trustee onboarding and coordination with your CPA and financial advisors.
Ongoing Legal Support (optional) – Periodic legal reviews to keep the plan aligned with your objectives.
We provide legal services only. We do not provide investment management or custody.
Examples
These examples explain the concept without revealing proprietary details. Outcomes depend on your facts and applicable law.
Example 1 — Giving to the Church, with Protection in Place
A family in Utah sets up the Charitable Protection Trust™ to ensure that 10% of their income goes each year to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This way, their charitable commitment is taken care of first. At the same time, the trust adds a layer of protection from lawsuits or creditors, giving the family confidence that their hard-earned assets are less exposed to risk. Even in the first year, their CPA estimates that the trust could also generate tens of thousands of dollars in tax savings, which helps offset the cost of setting up the plan.
Example 2 — The Business Owner’s Safety Net
A small business owner wants to give back to local charities every year but worries about potential lawsuits that come with owning a company. With the Charitable Protection Trust™, the owner commits 10% annually to charity, building a reputation for generosity in the community. Just as importantly, the trust acts as a shield for family assets—if the business is ever sued, the family’s wealth is better protected. After year one, the tax savings alone have easily covered the setup cost, making the strategy financially sensible while aligning with the owner’s values.
Example 3 — The Real Estate Family’s Legacy
Parents with a portfolio of rental properties want to make sure giving is a family tradition. Through the Charitable Protection Trust™, they earmark 10% each year for charities they select together with their children. The trust also serves as a protective framework, helping keep the real estate portfolio safer from outside claims. The family’s CPA notes that the trust’s structure could save substantial taxes each and every year, which not only makes the numbers work but also allows the family to see immediate financial benefit while reinforcing their legacy of giving.
FAQs
Is this a CRT or CLT?
No. It’s a branded legal-services program with its own framework; it embeds annual giving and protective governance but is not a charitable remainder or lead trust.
Will the trust reveal our technical approach?
No. The public-facing plan is principles-based. Technical steps and tax elections are discussed only in private with your attorney and CPA.
Do I choose the charities?
Yes—within the trust’s governance and eligibility requirements discussed in counsel.
Does it replace my current plan?
It can integrate via amendments or be part of a restatement. We’ll advise on the cleanest path.
Cost?
$16,000 flat fee (scope defined at engagement). Use the calculator to help gauge financial fit.
What if it’s not a fit?
We propose alternative legal strategies to meet your giving and protection goals without unnecessary cost.
Is the Charitable Protection Trust™ right for you?
This strategy combines purposeful giving with stronger asset protection, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. A confidential consultation will help determine if the numbers and benefits make sense for your situation.
Charitable Protection Trust™ is a legal-services program of Cutler | Riley providing estate-planning legal services. This page is a general overview and omits proprietary legal and tax mechanics by design. Results vary and depend on your facts and applicable law.