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First, because caviar comes from sturgeon (see PSA below). But really, we’re flipping the old caviar 🔗 wealth association on its head. Asset protection trusts have traditionally only been for millionaires with offshore lawyers and accounts. The Caviar Trust changes that, democratizing elite asset protection such that it's accessible to everyone, not just the wealthiest few.
PSA: Don't be like Christian Slater in Curb. Please always consume true caviar responsibly, if at all. Sturgeon have survived tens of millions of years and multiple mass extinction events 🌎 yet humans nearly wiped them out for their eggs in a cosmic blink. All 26 remaining sturgeon and paddlefish species are threatened with extinction ⚠️ the majority of them are critically endangered ⚠️ and even conservation-minded aquaculture has been a mixed bag for these magnificent creatures’ continued survival 🐠 🌎
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Sure. This page is intended to provide a broad overview of the purpose and mechanics of the Caviar Trust in a methodical way that hopefully everyone can understand. If you are already familiar with the basics of trusts and asset protection, you are free to go straight to The Agreement. In either case, we are here to help.
PROTECT YOUR WEALTH 🔒 SAFEGUARD YOUR FUTURE
For decades, trusts have been an asset protection tool available only to the ultra-wealthy. High costs, complex rules, and million-dollar minimums have kept ordinary people locked out.
The Caviar Asset Protection Trust changes that.
This isn’t a legal loophole. It’s not a sketchy offshore scheme. And it’s not just for millionaires. This is the law of George Washington’s and Thomas Jefferson’s and James Madison’s and Pharrell's land. This is Virginia law — clear, tested, and accessible — and it’s been specially set up to work for you, whether you need to protect $5,000 or $5 billion.
The Caviar Trust is democratizing asset protection.
Use the same tools that wealthy families have relied on for generations — to protect your wealth and safeguard your family’s future.
LOW $350 SETUP FEE
FUND WITH AS LITTLE AS $5,000
WHAT IS THE CAVIAR TRUST?
The Caviar Trust is a Virginia Qualified Self-Settled Spendthrift Trust (QSSST) — a modern, streamlined irrevocable trust designed for everyday individuals and families. It works like a secure vault: once you place funds or property inside, they are legally separated from you. That separation protects your assets from creditors, lawsuits, and impulsive spending. You decide how much is protected in trust, and for how long.
THE CAVIAR TRUST GUARANTEE ☑️
- Strong, VA-based statutory trust framework
- Clear and straightforward setup process
- Unheard of $350 setup fee + low annual fees
- Professional, fiduciary investment oversight
- Flexible initial funding starting at $5,000
- Flexible lock-up periods starting at 3 years
- Protection from others (e.g. creditors)
- Self-protection (e.g., impulsive spending)
🟰 THE RIGHT MIX OF PROTECTION
THE BOTTOM LINE
Virginia isn’t the Wild West of trust law — it’s the Gold Standard for people who want serious protection that lasts. The Caviar Asset Protection Trust uses Virginia’s framework to give you a safe, durable, and responsible way to lock in and protect your hard-earned savings.
Virginia isn’t trying to out-compete Delaware or Nevada for billionaires. Instead, it built a strong framework for honest asset protection that would make Thomas Jefferson himself proud. That’s what makes the Caviar Trust so safe, affordable, and accessible for regular people, not just the ultra-wealthy.
WHO IS THE CAVIAR TRUST FOR?
The Caviar Trust isn’t for people trying to hide assets or play shell games, and it’s not for billionaires (though it’s set up in such a way that it'd work perfectly and seamlessly for them too).
The Caviar Trust was crafted for people who want to protect their savings, build discipline, and pass on wealth responsibly.
You’ve worked hard for your money, but ensuring that it's always safe and being used wisely can be a constant source of worry. The Caviar Trust is a versatile tool designed to provide security and peace of mind for a variety of needs.
It's your money. Now with the Caviar Trust, it's securely protected for the future.
SOME COMMON SCENARIOS
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THE OVER-SPENDER
Protecting yourself from yourself — whether that’s impulse shopping, fads, gambling, or risky investments.
Lisa’s Story
Lisa’s husband has a long history of sports betting. Unfortunately, the story always ends with his FanDuel deposit going up in smoke. Lisa sets aside $25,000 in a Caviar Trust with a 7-year lock. For the first time in a long time, she has peace of mind knowing this money is safely invested, untouchable, and will be there when their family needs it.
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THE PRUDENT PARENT
Passing down the legacy you spent your life building with guardrails, ensuring the money lasts and isn’t squandered.
Barbara’s Story
Barbara, a baby boomer with three adult children, worries her kids might spend too quickly if they inherit large sums all at once. She places $100,000 into three separate Caviar Trusts, each with a 5-year lock. Now, each child’s share is both protected and invested responsibly (and she'll reassess their spending habits in five years!).
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THE (NEWLY) SAVVY SAVER
Protecting long-term assets (including BTC) from lawsuits or unexpected claims, without elite costs or complexity.
David’s Story
David, 28, wants to save for a future home down payment, but first he needs to break the habit of impulsively dipping into his savings. (He has a particular affinity for fine dining and international travel.) He puts $10,000 into a Caviar Trust with a 4-year lock, guaranteeing the money will be professionally managed and available when he’s ready.
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THE CONCERNED CHILD
Safeguarding an elderly parent or other relative from scams, while still allowing a steady, livable budget.
Ben’s Story
Ben sets up a 3-year Caviar Trust for his elderly mom, who has increasingly been targeted by phone scams and aggressive sales pitches. Now she lives comfortably on the same fixed budget, with the bulk of her savings locked away, protected from scammers and opportunists. She keeps her independence — and he gets some peace of mind.
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HOW DOES THE CAVIAR TRUST WORK?
The old way of setting up a trust was slow, expensive, and exclusive. The Caviar Trust dispenses with all of that nonsense. Instead of million-dollar minimums, multi-layered fees, and hidden expenses, you get a clear, affordable structure designed for everyday people.
The Caviar Trust has been painstakingly crafted to be simple, transparent, and straightforward, from initial intake to end-of-term distribution. Your one-time setup fee and simple annual fee cover everything you need to get protected and stay protected.
STEP-BY-STEP 🛠️ GUIDE
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1️⃣
Consider your circumstances — financial and otherwise — as well as your primary purpose(s) for creating the trust. We can help during a free consult. -
2️⃣
Select a term length (minimum 3-year, with the option to extend later). During this period, your assets are untouchable — protected by your fiduciaries under VA law. -
3️⃣
Pay the one-time setup fee and fill out a short online form on your phone or computer. No legal jargon — just names, beneficiaries, and your distribution plan. -
4️⃣
We customize the trust agreement and walk you through the steps for executing the affidavit (online notary services are included with the setup fee).
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5️⃣
Transfer your chosen initial funding amount (as little as $5,000) into the trust account. You’ll receive confirmation when funds are (1) secured in trust, and (2) invested. -
6️⃣
Sit back and relax while your assets are overseen by the trust’s fiduciary investment advisor, and stay apprised of investment activity with monthly and annual reports. -
7️⃣
You are free to keep funding your trust during its term. You’ll receive statements, tax reporting support, and direct access to your trustee(s) if you have any questions. -
🎱
When the initial term ends, you decide: (1) receive your funds (principal + growth); (2) extend the term; or (3) direct funds to beneficiaries. Or let the 🎱 decide!
COST & ACCESSIBILITY 📈
| Scroll left to right | CAVIAR TRUST | TRADITIONAL TRUST |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum to Start |
$5,000
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$500k-$1M+
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| One-Time Setup Fee |
$350
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$3,000-$10,000+ for "custom" trust agreement
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| Annual Fees |
0.8%-2.0% "all-in" graduated fee schedule covers admin + investment fees 🌐 BTC fees are even lower, just 0.3%-0.5%
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Fees vary; complex fee schedules; $5k-10k+ annual minimums; typically unavailable for less than $500k in trust assets
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| Lock-Up / Term |
3-year minimum, easily extendable
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Often perpetual or generational
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| Accessibility |
Individuals, couples & families of all income levels
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High net-worth to ultra high net-worth individuals & families
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| Setup Time |
3-5 days via online intake & execution of trust agreement
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3-6 months; in-person meetings potentially required
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🙋♀️🙋♂️ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We know trusts can feel complicated, so we’ve gathered the most common questions people ask about the Caviar Trust. In this section, you’ll find Plain English answers about:
- Access and control
- What happens at the end of your trust term
- Who can be a beneficiary
- How taxes work
- Investment management
- Funding your trust with Bitcoin
- What if you live outside Virginia
Our goal is to make sure you understand exactly how the Caviar Trust works — no jargon, no hidden surprises.
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The settlor creates and funds the trust.
The trustee is responsible for managing the trust's assets under the trust's terms. They have a fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of the settlor and beneficiaries.
Beneficiaries are the people the settlor chooses to benefit from the trust. Here, the settlor is also a beneficiary — that’s what makes this a self-settled trust.
The investment advisor is a licensed fiduciary who manages the trust’s assets. Their duty is to preserve and responsibly grow the funds, in line with a the investment policy statement (IPS). Importantly, they must act in the best interest of the trust and its beneficiaries — by law, not preference.
Old creditors are people or businesses the settlor already owed money to before the settlor transferred assets into the trust. Old creditors have up to 5 years to challenge transfers.
New creditors are people or businesses who come along after the settlor transferred assets into the trust (e.g., a lawsuit, accident, or new debt). New creditors cannot reach trust assets, starting on day one.
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No, not at your own discretion. Once funds are in, they’re locked until your chosen term ends (minimum 3 years). That’s the very feature that makes the trust effective — neither you nor outside creditors can tap it prematurely.
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When your trust term ends, you have full authority to decide what happens next:
- Receive your funds (plus growth)
- Extend the term for some or all of your assets
- Redirect some or all of your assets to beneficiaries
This flexibility is a core part of the Caviar Trust's design.
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Yes. You can transfer additional funds into your trust (any amount, any time).
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Nearly anyone: children, grandchildren, siblings, parents, nieces/nephews, or even non-relatives. You decide who benefits, and you set the rules for when and how they benefit.
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Your named beneficiaries (spouse, children, heirs) inherit at the end of the trust term. The trust doesn’t vanish; it simply carries out the plan you set via your successor beneficiary(ies).
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Yes, or they may choose to set up the trust in one spouse's name, with the other spouse named as beneficiary. There are pros and cons to each approach, and we can help determine which makes more sense for your particular situation.
- Co-Settlors: Cleaner if assets are jointly owned, but each spouse’s creditors can scrutinize all contributions. Avoids later disputes about “whose funds” are in the trust, since both parties contributed.
- One Settlor + Spouse as Beneficiary: Stronger creditor protection, especially if one spouse has more exposure (doctor, business owner, etc.). If the settlor dies, the trust agreement can provide for the spouse as successor/primary beneficiary, making the transition seamless.
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The trust doesn’t dissolve (whether it was set up jointly or in one spouse's name). Assets stay protected until the end of the term and then distribute per your original instructions. In reality, courts and lawyers often prefer to negotiate a settlement where one spouse gives up rights to the trust in exchange for other assets, to simplify administration.
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No. You don’t need to change your address or residency. As long as your trust has a Virginia trustee and states that Virginia law governs, it falls under Virginia’s protective umbrella. You can live in any state, while the Caviar Trust "lives" in Virginia.
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Virginia balances accessibility with credibility. Unlike some “loophole states,” it requires a 5-year lookback period. During this time, old creditors can challenge transfers, but new creditors cannot. This approach makes it court-respected and sustainable — especially for everyday families.
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A qualified trustee and an independent registered investment advisor oversee all trust assets. They are legally required to act in your best interest as fiduciaries. Investments follow a conservative “preserve and grow” policy.
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No — the whole point is smart protection, not speculation. The trust follows a standard Investment Policy Statement (IPS) focused on stability. Risky assets (like penny stocks or leveraged crypto) are excluded. If you have significant assets held in trust, the trustee and investment advisor may consider implementing a personalized, broad-based, alternative investment strategy (e.g., 10% more aggressive than the "default" strategy).
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No. By default, the Caviar Trust does not purchase or invest in cryptocurrency. If you want Bitcoin held in trust, you must opt in specifically, and you must transfer Bitcoin that you already own into the trust (i.e., Bitcoin purchases will not be made on your behalf).
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Yes. You can contribute Bitcoin directly into your trust. It’s then safeguarded under the same protections as cash or other assets. (Remember: while you may transfer Bitcoin that you already own into the trust, Bitcoin purchases will not be made on your behalf.)
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- The Caviar Trust uses Proton Wallet, a self-custodial, end-to-end encrypted wallet with Swiss privacy protections.
- Private keys and seed phrases are encrypted and never readable by Proton.
- Assets are held in segregated wallets, so each Caviar Trust client’s BTC is walled off from others.
- Keys are split into sealed backups with strict multi-layered access controls.
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Yes. In fact, it is arguably safer than keeping it on an exchange. The trust adds:
- Legal separation of ownership (BTC is titled to the trust, not you).
- Trustee oversight and fiduciary duty.
- Documented provenance and sanctions screening (we comply with OFAC rules to ensure clean deposits).
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Potentially — but it isn't too complicated. During your lifetime, the IRS treats a self-settled trust as a grantor trust. That means any income generated by the trust (e.g., realized capital gains) flows back to you and is reported on your normal Form 1040. No “double taxation” and clean pass-through reporting.
The trust has an EIN and files an information return (Form 1041). Filing the trust's annual information return is one of the trustee's duties, with all costs covered by the annual fee.
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In most cases, the trust converts into a non-grantor trust and files/pays taxes as a separate entity on undistributed income. (K-1s would be issued to beneficiaries in the event of any income being distributed during the trust term.)
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Of course. The Caviar Trust is a qualified self-settled spendthrift trust under Virginia law. That means:
- You are a beneficiary, but you can’t raid funds early at your own discretion.
- Creditors are blocked from new claims once money is in (old creditors have five years from the date assets are transferred into the trust).
- The trust is legally binding, professionally managed, and tax-compliant.
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Absolutely. The Caviar Trust is built on established legal principles of Virginia statutory trust law. Proceeding with Sturgeon Law PLC means it will be administered by an independent qualified Virginia trustee and investment advisor, who will work together to ensure full legal compliance and effectiveness every step of the way.
TAKE THE NEXT 🥾 TODAY
THE CAVIAR TRUST: DESIGNED FOR 🫵
THE KEY IS YOURS
🗝️ ➡ 👨🏿⚕️👨🏼🚒👩🏽🎨👩🏿🔬👨🏽✈️👨🏾🌾👩🏽🎤👩🏼🍳🧙🫵
The Caviar Trust is a modern, streamlined irrevocable trust designed for regular individuals and families — not just the ultra-wealthy. It provides the same powerful legal shield as traditional trusts, without the million-dollar minimums or prohibitive fees.
Think of it as a secure vault for your assets: once funds or property go in, they’re legally separated from you — protected from creditors, lawsuits, and even your own impulses. You decide how and when the funds are ultimately distributed, ensuring your financial goals are met for yourself and/or your loved ones.
The key is accessibility. Everyone deserves the tools to protect what they’ve worked hard to build.
Protect What Matters — Starting Today. For less than the cost of a new smartphone, you can establish a structure that safeguards your assets for years to come. Stop worrying about the “what ifs” and take the first step toward lasting peace of mind.
Take the Next Step. The Caviar Trust Agreement framework is provided below — at no cost — for you to study and use. It’s not legal advice, just a clear, Virginia-based foundation you can:
- Download, read, and analyze
- Take to your own lawyer or trustee
- Adapt to your goals & circumstances
If you’d like to talk anything over or take the next step, we’re here to help with answers, as well as trustee services and administration.
Set up your Caviar Trust in minutes — and protect your future for years.
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⚖️ DISCLAIMERS ⚖️
The Caviar Asset Protection Trust Agreement is a stone carved from the boulder of Virginia law. Certain areas of the stone have been left smooth, ready for your own inscriptions. These are straightforward choices — names, dates, and terms — not complex legal doctrines. The foundation is fixed; the final touches are yours.
If you’d like to dig into the source code behind the Caviar Trust, here are the most relevant sections:
- Va. Code § 64.2-743
- Va. Code § 64.2-745.1
- Va. Code § 64.2-745.2
Glossary of Terms
- Settlor / Grantor → The person who creates and funds the trust.
- Trustee → The person or institution managing the trust’s assets and making sure the rules are followed.
- Beneficiary → The people the settlor chooses to benefit from the trust (including the settlor).
- Irrevocable Trust → A trust you can’t just “take back.” Once funded, assets stay protected until the term ends.
- Spendthrift Clause → A legal shield that keeps creditors (and beneficiaries) from raiding trust funds early.
- Settlor's Affidavit → A short sworn statement affirming the settlor understands how the trust works and is financially healthy when funding the trust.
- Lookback Period → A 5-year window where old creditors can challenge contributions. After that, they’re fully "seasoned" and fully protected.
Irrevocable Trust Structure
The Caviar Asset Protection Trust is irrevocable. Once assets are transferred, they cannot be discretionarily withdrawn until the end of the chosen term.
Investment Risk
Assets are managed under fiduciary oversight with a focus on preservation and steady growth. All investments involve risk, including potential loss of principal.
Fees
Setup and annual fees are disclosed in advance. Actual costs depend on amount of assets under trust management and special circumstances (if any).
Tax Considerations
The trust has its own EIN and files informational tax returns (Form 1041). All realized income reported on settlor's Form 1040. After settlor's death, trust beneficiaries may receive tax forms (e.g., Schedule K-1). Consult your tax advisor for personalized guidance.
No Guarantee of Outcomes
Asset protection results depend on your circumstances and applicable law. While Virginia law provides strong protections, outcomes can vary.
Not Legal or Tax Advice
This material is for educational purposes only. It is not legal, tax, or investment advice. Always consult your own qualified advisors.
Out-of-State Visitors
Trusts are drafted under Virginia law and intended to be administered by a qualified Virginia trustee. We do not provide legal advice on other states’ laws (e.g., probate, spousal rights, or state-level taxation).
The information on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed by viewing this website or submitting an inquiry. Please consult with a qualified attorney to discuss your specific situation and needs.
