How Do You Buy Land Without Paper Trail?

Q: Any ideas on buying a retreat without any paper trail? Off-shore banks? Dummy corporations? Land in kid's names? Trusts? Even cash transactions are registered / deeded. Would not expect to sell the property later.

A: Without giving legal advice, The Other Chris wrote: Do *NOT* attempt to deed land to a minor child. In most states minors can take title to land, but they can not deed it away. If you ever wanted to sell it, it is usually necessary to go to court to have yourself legally appointed Guardian of the child. (Being his parent is not enough). Foreign companies have to go through more paperwork and documentation than you can imagine to take title to real property in the US. The troubles with a trust vary from state to state. In most states, a Trust can't take title because it is not a legal entity. The land is

usually deeded to an individual as Trustee for the Trust. Corporations are usually OK, but it isn't hard to find out who the Corporation belongs to (it's public record) and can be a tax concern. You could take title in a freind's name, but you better REALLY trust him because he could sell it without your permission; or if a lien goes against his name (like Federal taxes) it attaches to the property...Not too mention the tax concerns. Now I'm supposed to tell you to seek legal counsel. The Other Chris The aforementioned opinions are not to be construed as legal advice and do not represent the views of my employer. If anyone has any suggestions, I'd like to hear them.