I know this is an old thread so take it for what its worth.
Actually you can't do the "Mr. & Mrs." thing here in the U.S. either. There is a legal term, which indirectly goes to what is being suggested; the term is “Piercing the Corporate Veil”.
The only way you are supposed to be able to “Piercing the Corporate Veil” is to prove "gross Negligence". Now, every state has there own version of "gross Negligence", so picking the right state to incorporate in is a must (CA not so hot, but Nevada hasn't had a single "piercing" in something like 30-40years) That’s all I really know on the piercing subject.
As for layering companies. Sure it’s not done as much as before, but there are different layering strategies that do work, and are designed to insulate you from asset seizer or losses from excessive lawsuits.
thanks
Michael T.
"If you don't stand for something, chances are, you'll fall for anything!"