About The American Academy
A Legacy of Excellence Since 1992
The American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys was established in 1992 by Armstrong & Fisch, one of the nation’s most successful estate planning law firms. After decades of serving thousands of families, the firm expanded its impact by sharing its proven estate planning systems and strategies with attorneys across the country.
Today, the Academy is a national organization dedicated to advancing excellence in estate and legacy planning. Through research, education, and professional development, the Academy equips its members with the tools and resources needed to deliver superior estate planning services.
Commitment to Continuing Education
Academy members are held to rigorous professional standards. Each member is expected to complete a minimum of 36 hours of continuing legal education annually in estate, tax, probate, and elder law subjects.
To support this requirement, the Academy provides more than 40 hours of continuing legal education each year, ensuring members remain current with evolving laws and strategies.
The Academy has been recognized by respected consumer publications including:
- Money Magazine
- Consumer Reports
- Suze Orman, in 9 Steps to Financial Freedom
For more than two decades, the Academy has been a trusted and respected resource for both attorneys and consumers nationwide.
Why Academy Members Stand Apart
Focused Estate & Legacy Planning
Members concentrate their practice specifically in estate planning, reinforcing their expertise daily by serving individuals and families focused on preserving wealth for future generations.
Ongoing Professional Training
Members receive continuing, estate-specific legal education to ensure their advice reflects the latest laws, strategies, and best practices.
Nationwide Network
Academy members serve clients across the United States, with representation available in most major metropolitan areas.
Superior Client Care
Many members offer expanded services, including in-home consultations, designed to meet each client’s unique needs.
Comprehensive & Coordinated Planning
Academy members recognize that estate planning should not exist in isolation.
- Estate plans
- Legacy plans
- Financial strategies
All should work together cohesively.
Members often collaborate with clients’ financial advisors to ensure coordinated planning and long-term effectiveness.
Consumers are encouraged to verify membership through the Academy’s official directory at www.aaepa.com.
Education & Community Engagement
As leaders in estate planning education, many Academy members regularly conduct seminars and educational events in their communities. These seminars provide valuable insight into:
- Estate planning strategies
- Tax law changes
- Legacy planning techniques
- Wealth preservation methods
Members also provide consumer alerts and special reports covering important updates in estate and tax law.
Services Commonly Offered by Academy Members
Academy members provide guidance across a broad spectrum of estate and legacy planning services, including:
Advanced Planning
Family Limited Partnerships, Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts, Charitable Remainder Trusts, and other advanced strategies.
Asset & Creditor Protection
Strategies to safeguard your estate and protect heirs from potential risks.
Divorce & Remarriage Protection
Planning solutions to protect beneficiaries in complex family situations.
Estate & Legacy Wealth Planning
Customized estate plans designed to distribute assets according to your wishes and preserve generational wealth.
Living Trusts & Wills
Preparation of customized documents tailored to your family’s needs.
Long-Term Health Care Planning
Advance directives and medical planning strategies.
Probate Assistance & Trust Administration
Guidance during estate settlement, whether or not a will exists.
Retirement & Tax Planning
Structuring tax-deferred accounts and implementing strategies to reduce estate tax burdens.
Special Needs Planning
Tailored planning to protect family members with special needs.
Structured Buy-Out Planning
Succession strategies for land, business interests, and family assets.
Ongoing Document Review & Updates
Regular estate plan reviews to maintain effectiveness as laws and life circumstances change.
Disclaimer
The American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys is a membership organization that provides educational and practice management resources to its members. The Academy does not render legal, accounting, or other professional services. Academy members are independent attorneys and are not employees or agents of the Academy. The Academy does not certify or test the competency of any member attorney.
