Is an irrevocable trust ever considered not to be an asset of the settlor? I know it can be considered a separate legal entity, but is what the trust holds considered to be an asset of the grantor, for bk purposes, etc.
If the assets are really beyond the reach of the settlor, it's not an asset of the settlor for BK purposes.
Mr. Stone is correct. Once the trust is truely irrevocable, it is no longer an asset of the settlor. If the settlor is the beneficiary, however, the beneficial interest may have some value and be subject to bankruptcy jurisdicition.