Erie | Quincy | Tompkins

A Journey to the Private with a Private Marriage Contract

Bob and Sarah had always envisioned a marriage that was not only rooted in love and faithbut also free from third-party interference. With a shared belief in protecting their personal sovereignty, they decided to take the unconventional path of creating a **Private Marriage Contract/Covenant**.

 

While most couples go the standard route of applying for a state marriage license, Bob and Sarah felt convicted that their union should remain between them and their Creator, without the state’s involvement. After hearing about EQT’s expertise in creating private contracts, they reached out to us with a clear goal: establish their marriage covenant in alignment with their spiritual and legal convictions while securing their future wealth through a Private Banking Trust.

 

Crafting the Covenant

 

At EQT, we understand that every couple’s values and circumstances are unique. Bob and Sarah sat down with our team and were given the opportunity to customize their marriage covenant. This included incorporating aspects of their religious beliefs as well as reflecting the vision for the family they wanted to build together.

 

“We were excited to have the freedom to make the covenant our own,” said Sarah. “It felt like we were setting a foundation that would reflect our deepest values—not just for ourselves, but for the family we hope to raise.”

 

Once the final covenant was crafted and agreed upon, Bob and Sarah signed the contract in a private ceremony with family and friends.

 

Lawfully Changing Sarah’s Last Name

 

A major hurdle for newly married couples is the name-change process, which usually requires registering with the state. Bob and Sarah, however, were determined to handle Sarah’s last name change lawfully, without contracting with the state. EQT guided them through the steps to legally change her name—all without involving any third-party intervener.

 

“Our goal was to stay in the private realm, even with something as simple as a name change. EQT showed us how to do that, and it was surprisingly smooth,” said Bob.

 

Setting Their Marriage on a Strong Financial Footing

 

After the marriage covenant was finalized and the name change process was completed, Bob and Sarah didn’t stop there. They wanted to ensure that their new life together was built with an eye toward long-term financial sovereignty. With EQT’s help, they established a Private Banking Trust. This not only protected their assets from potential external risks but also set the stage for them to begin building real wealth in the private realm—free from the prying eyes of public entities.

 

The Results

 

Bob and Sarah have begun their life together in a way that’s entirely private, in line with their faith, and with the protection of both their marriage and assets secured.

 

“We never imagined starting our marriage off this strong,” Sarah reflected. “EQT not only helped us create a covenant that was true to who we are, but they also helped us establish a foundation for building wealth, protecting our future, and staying private.”

 

“We feel empowered knowing that we’re starting off on the right foot, with everything aligned to our values and goals.”

Own Nothing, Control Everything: The Power of Private Trust

Ever heard the saying “own nothing, control everything”? It’s not just a catchphrase for the wealthy elite—it’s a strategy. And it’s one that’s easier to use than you might think. This idea is at the core of private trusts, a tool designed to help you protect your assets, while still being in control.

 

Whether it’s your home, business, investments, or that prized vintage car collection, a private trust gives you a way to secure your property without it being in your name. And, here’s the kicker: you can “still” manage everything without technically owning it. Let’s break it down.

 

What Is a Private Trust?

 

In simple terms, a private trust is an agreement where you (the grantor) hand over ownership ofyour assets to a trustee—someone you trust to manage them according to your instructions. Even though you’ve handed over ownership on paper, you’re still the one calling the shots.

 

Think of it like appointing someone to hold your place in line while you go grab a coffee—you’re not losing your spot, just making sure it’s safe.

 

The benefits?

 

Protection from Liability: When your assets are held in a trust, they’re not in your name, making it harder for creditors or lawsuits to get to them.
Privacy: Unlike a will, which can become public record, a trust remains private, keeping your business out of the spotlight.
Flexibility: You still control what happens with your assets, but you’re doing it in a way thatprotects them.

 

Why “Own Nothing, Control Everything”?

 

The idea behind this phrase is simple: when you don’t “own” your assets, they can’t be takenaway in the same way. If someone wants to come after your stuff, they’ll find that it’s not actually “your” stuff—at least, not on paper.

 

Instead, the trust holds ownership, while you maintain control. This separation of ownership from control is a tried-and-true strategy that the wealthy have been using for generations. And it’s not just for billionaires—anyone can take advantage of it.

 

It’s Not Just for the Ultra-Wealthy

 

You don’t need to own half of Wall Street to benefit from a private trust. Everyday families are using trusts to:

 

  • Protect their homes and savings from potential legal threats or unexpected life events.
  • Pass down wealth to the next generation while minimizing taxes and avoiding probate.
  • Keep control of their business while shielding it from personal liabilities.

 

So, whether you’re looking to protect your family home, secure your retirement, or safeguard
your investments, private trusts offer a practical solution. It’s about peace of mind—knowing
your assets are protected, but still within your control.

 

The Elite’s Playbook (Now, Yours Too)

 

The ultra-wealthy have mastered the art of protecting their wealth with trusts. Families like the Rockefellers have been using them for decades, and while it’s a tool often associated with highnet-worth individuals, the principles apply to anyone looking to secure what they’ve built.

 

Now, it’s your turn to take a page out of their playbook.

 

Why Consider a Private Trust?

 

  • Shield Your Assets: A trust provides a layer of protection against legal claims and creditors.
  • Ensure Privacy: Unlike other legal tools, a trust keeps your affairs out of the public eye.
  • Plan for the Future: Make sure your hard-earned assets are passed on to the people you care about, not eaten up by taxes or probate fees.

 

At EQT, we specialize in helping individuals and families use private trusts to protect and manage their wealth. Whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been thinking about asset protection for a while, we’re here to help you understand how a private trust can fit into your strategy.

 

Interested in Learning More?

 

Let’s talk about how a private trust can protect your assets and give you the control you need without the risks of ownership. Get in touch today.

 

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