American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys - Interviewed/Quoted In - AAEPA

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Interviewed/Quoted In

  • Steve Hartnett was interviewed by the LA Times in the article, "Heirs of the Wealthy Escape Estate Tax." Steve confirms the uncertainty surrounding how congress will resolve the estate tax issue. July 17, 2010

  • Steve Hartnett was quoted in Jeanne Sahadi’s article, "Estate Tax in Limbo," on CNNMoney.com. With the confusion surrounding what will happen to the estate tax next year, Steve Hartnett confirms that it is not clear how estate tax and step-up rules will be in 2011. June 18, 2010

  • Steve Hartnett was quoted in the article, "How to Be a Good Executor," in the Faster Times. Multiple experts weigh in on the responsibilities and potential liabilities of being an executor of someone’s estate. April 26, 2010

  • The Family Plot blog quoted Steve Hartnett in the March 31, 2010 post, "How to Insure Funeral Plans Are Carried Out." Steve recommends three methods for having your wishes carried out, but he encourages sharing your plans in advance so they are not a shock to your loved ones. March 31, 2010

  • Steve Hartnett was quoted in the USA Today article, "Prenuptial Agreements: Unromantic, But Important." Laura Petrecca's article explores how prenuptial agreements are slowly gaining acceptance in society as couples are getting married later in life with more financial assets and people are entering into second and third marriages. With the divorce rate at 50 percent, people are looking to protect their assets in case the happily ever after does not work out. March 8, 2010

  • Steve Hartnett was quoted in Charles Wallace's article, "Small Business Owners Face Estate Tax Dilemma," on DailyFinance.com. With the uncertainty of the estate tax many small business owners are worried if their businesses can survive if they pass away. Steve recommends that now is the time for small business owners to look into other estate planning options available such as giving some of their assets to their children. February 8, 2010

  • Steve Hartnett's prediction is mentioned in the Baltimore Sun article, "Look out for confusion over end of estate tax." The article explores why states aren't waiting for Congress to resolve the issue and are taking matters into their own hand. Without an estate tax it's possible heirs can be unintentionally disinherited or assets distributed differently due to the language of the documents. January 26, 2010

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“I was moved to share a recent story from my practice. I am sure you hear things like this all the time but I still wanted to share. As a new attorney (new to the practice of law and new to Estate Planning), I started my practice with the Academy. I often find myself relying on Education to feel comfortable in assisting clients or anytime something is or even 'feels' new. The end of last year, I had a case that was very different I emailed Education about the client's problem. Not only did I receive an answer back but Steve took time to talk me through the fact pattern and send me fact scenarios to run through with the client, not only helping me understand the law but what I needed to do to assist the client and properly draft the document. Last week, I had a lunch and learn with the advisor that referred the client to us and she commented that without my knowledge she sent the plan and documents to her brokerage company's attorney. They told her that it was the 'most thorough and complete estate work they have seen in years.' Needless to say, the advisor will be sending me additional work in the future. I am sure you hear things like this all the time but I really appreciated the time all the Academy staff takes to invest in our practice and lives and felt compelled to share this story.”

Melanie L. — Virginia Member