We are pulling together THE ACADEMY’S GREATEST HITS—1993 through 2013. There are eight courses that we’ll be offering to non-Members at no charge during our 20th year, (Members feel free to sign up and review!). Each week we’ll give you the summary of ONE course. You can begin the course any time you want. Once […]

In this video blog, Associate Director of Education, Steve Hartnett discusses how Credit Shelter and Beneficiary Trusts include many benefits, potentially including asset protection. Learn what provides the best asset protection in such a trust.Stephen C. Hartnett, J.D., LL.M.Associate Director of EducationAmerican Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc.9444 Balboa Avenue, Suite 300San Diego, California 92123Phone: […]

After consulting with hundreds of Seminar marketers over the past 6 years, one of the most often neglected tasks is making reminder calls to prospects scheduled to attend seminars. If you, or one of your office staff isn’t making reminder calls, not only are you at risk for having a higher no-show rate, but more […]

Capacity for our upcoming July 17th non-member Webinar is filling up…. Over 250 registered so far! If you haven’t had the opportunity to register yet, we have included some of the details for you. This Webinar is intended for entrepreneurial attorneys interested in creating increased revenue in their law practice and quality of life. It […]

Windsor v. U.S. held that same-sex marriages respected by the state of residence of a couple will be respected for federal purposes. This means that such couples now qualify for using the federal gift and estate tax marital deduction and for filing joint tax returns, among other benefits. Couples who are married in states that […]

In this video blog, Associate Director of Education, Steve Hartnett, discusses the importance of basis in Medicaid planning. Medicaid Planning is complicated and involves many issues, including income tax basis.Stephen C. Hartnett, J.D., LL.M.Associate Director of EducationAmerican Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc.9444 Balboa Avenue, Suite 300San Diego, California 92123Phone: (800) 846-1555www.aaepa.com

Albert Einstein is credited with saying “Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one.” If reality is an illusion, what is real? What we believe, or perceive, is real to each of us. Perception may vary from person to person, just as taste varies, but what we perceive is what we believe. That […]

For 20 years, the American Academy has helped attorneys from all backgrounds transform their struggling practices into thriving, profitable law firms while living fulfilling lives outside of the office. If your law practice is not where you envision it should be, financially or structurally, then you don’t want to miss our upcoming free attorney Webinar […]

All estate planning attorneys know that Congress raised the applicable exclusion to $5.25 million for federal purposes. Years and years ago, the majority of states had “pick-up” taxes. In other words, they only had a tax to the extent of a federal credit for state death taxes. The federal credit was phased out about a […]

While 60% of people indicate making sure their family is not burdened by tough decisions is “extremely important,” 56% have not communicated their end-of-life wishes. According to this 2012 survey of Californians by the California HealthCare Foundation, people expect family Members to read their minds on end-of-life care preferences. Unfortunately, this means too many people […]