Do HELOCs actually provide asset protection?

[Donald M.]

I've heard that HELOCs provide asset protection. Let's say I own and live in my own residence and take a HELOC (but not withdraw the money). I don't see how this protects me. Can a lawyer not find out that it is a HELOC and that the money was not withdrawn?

Or take a rental property. I am allowed to take a HELOC on it?

In both cases, am I legally protected, or is the idea of a HELOC just that the creditor does not know, and has no way of knowing, that there are any assets to go after?