Asset Protection Counsel Since 1991
Cook Islands Trust Attorneys
Attorneys Jon Alper and Gideon Alper design and implement Cook Islands trusts nationwide for clients facing lawsuit exposure, active litigation, or existing judgments. For more than three decades, Alper Law has specialized in domestic and offshore asset protection planning.
Our attorneys guide clients through the full process of setting up a Cook Islands trust. We do not receive commissions from trustees or banks, nor do we charge recurring annual legal fees. Our role is to evaluate risk, design compliant structures, and explain candidly when a Cook Islands trust is—and is not—the right tool.
Begin with a free confidential consultation to assess timing, risk exposure, and whether offshore planning is appropriate.
You will receive our pricing and timeline materials and a scheduling link by email.
Cook Islands Trust Fee Summary
Pricing for trust setup and ongoing trustee administration.
| Legal Fees | Trustee Fees (Annual) | Total Setup Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cook Islands Trust Only | $15,000 | $5,000 | $20,000 |
| Cook Islands Trust + LLC | $20,000 | $5,000 | $25,000 |
Clients pay $5,000 to get started. The remaining legal fees are due only after trustee due diligence is complete.
What legal fees cover
Legal fees include attorney consultations, trust agreement drafting, trustee coordination, due-diligence preparation, and guidance on funding and compliance.
What trustee fees cover
Trustee fees cover onboarding and annual administration, financial account opening and maintenance, reasonable transfers, consultations, and most transactions.
When Is a Cook Islands Appropriate?
A Cook Islands trust can provide substantial asset protection, but it is not appropriate for every client or every timing scenario. Offshore planning requires careful analysis of litigation risk, asset types, control limitations, and compliance requirements.
Often appropriate when
- Assets are substantial relative to the cost of the offshore trust.
- There is meaningful lawsuit exposure, active litigation, or judgment risk.
- Transfers can be made before court intervention.
- The client understands and accepts trustee control.
- Domestic planning is unlikely to provide adequate protection.
Often not appropriate when
- Assets are modest relative to the cost of an offshore trust.
- An enforcement action is imminent.
- The client expects unrestricted control with the offshore trustee structure.
- A domestic strategy is likely to achieve the same goals with less cost and complexity.
Still researching whether offshore planning makes sense? Read our detailed Cook Islands trust guide explaining the structure, creditor rules, and compliance requirements.
Our Process for Forming a Cook Islands Trust
Confidential attorney consultation
We evaluate lawsuit exposure, pending claims, asset types, and whether a Cook Islands trust can help.
Trustee due diligence
Our attorneys prepare and submit materials to the Cook Islands trustee for review.
Structure design and drafting
We draft the trust agreement and any related operating agreement, tailored to your specific situation.
Finalization
Once approved by the trustee, final documents are executed, and the trust is registered.
Funding and compliance guidance
We discuss how to fund the trust and provide guidance on IRS reporting requirements and ongoing compliance.
Ongoing support
Ongoing administration is handled by the trustee, but our attorneys remain available for any future legal services related to the Cook Islands trust structure.
Typical Timeline for Setting Up a Cook Islands Trust
The time required to establish a Cook Islands trust depends on trustee due diligence, banking compliance, and the assets being transferred. Legal drafting is usually completed quickly, but account opening and funding often control the overall schedule.
Most clients experience the following general timeline:
Initial consultation: 1 day
Application and Due Diligence: 1–2 weeks
Trust Creation: 1 week
Funding: 2–6+ weeks, depending on the institution and asset type
Banking timelines vary widely by jurisdiction. Clients should plan for funding to take longer than the legal formation in most cases.
Our Cook Islands Trust Attorneys
Jon Alper
Attorney Jonathan Alper has nearly five decades of legal experience and is nationally recognized for his expertise as a Cook Islands trust asset protection attorney. He has been licensed to practice law since 1976. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University, a master’s degree from Harvard University, and a Juris Doctor degree (with honors) from the University of Florida Levin College of Law.
Jonathan Alper has been featured as a legal expert in major media outlets, including the New York Times, Bloomberg, the Wall Street Journal, Dateline NBC, and the Washington Post. He has published articles in the Florida Bar Journal and has presented at various Florida Bar seminars.
Gideon Alper
Gideon Alper has over 15 years of experience as a Cook Islands trust attorney. He has advised thousands of clients about how to safeguard their assets from creditors. He received a Bachelor’s degree from the University of California and a Juris Doctor degree (with honors) from Emory University School of Law. Gideon is a former attorney for the IRS Office of Chief Counsel in their international business division.
Gideon Alper has been recognized as a legal expert in asset protection planning and has been quoted by local and national media outlets, including CNN, Fox Business, the Wall Street Journal, and Daily Business Review. He has contributed to numerous articles on Cook Islands trusts, legal updates, and offshore protection strategies.