Licensed for 13 years

State CO

Acquired 2010

Status
Active No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Martha James Hartney

Estate planning Attorney at Boulder, CO

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Review for Martha Hartney

Great Experience on Every Level

Worked with Martha after my mom passed away. Legal stuff is not my thing, but Martha described everything clearly, and she calmly shepherded me through. I appreciate that her fee was for the package, not hourly, so I didn't have to worry about how much time we spent. She kept the big picture in mind, too--that it's not just about money and legal documents, but about facing death and considering what you want your non-monetary legacy to be. She even does a video interview with you about what you want that legacy to be, to leave for loved ones. I found Martha friendly, accepting, and creative. My impression is that she also really knows her stuff. The pandemic hit in the middle of our process, and Martha quickly figured out how to work everything online, including notarizing documents. I'm grateful to Martha for all her help!

About Martha

Learn Martha’s areas of practice.

Practice areas

Estate planning

40%

13 years, 500 cases
Trusts

40%

13 years, 400 cases
Wills and living wills

20%

13 years, 500 cases

Hartney Law is an estate planning practice helping Colorado adventurous and entrepreneurial families plan for an uncertain future so they can stop worrying and start living. Also a mother and entrepreneur, Martha opened the practice to serve the people she loves because she is committed to helping parents live a full live fearlessly and with joy and to making sure children are completely cared for if something happens to their parents.

Hartney Law's unique approach to estate planning has been called "enjoyable," "warm, caring, knowledgable," and "an unexpected treasure." Many clients feel their estate planning process was far more rewarding than they ever thought it could be. Our practice philosophy attends not just to the letters and numbers of planning for the worst, but also attends to the deeper needs to ensure our children know they were loved and have access to our inner wealth, not just our monetary wealth.

Martha graduated from the University of Denver while being a full time mother of two sons. She focused her studies on family, juvenile, and estate law and served in the Boulder County District Attorney’s Office; Larimer County Domestic Courts; and the Rocky Mountain Children’s Law Center. Martha has served as a pro bono guardian ad litem representing abused and delinquent children. After law school, she was certified as a Child & Family Investigator through the Colorado Bar Association. She has also supported new mothers as a La Leche League Leader and been an advocate of attachment parenting and natural parenting.

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Hartney Law, LLC

4450 Arapahoe Avenue

Suite 100

Boulder, CO, 80303

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Reviews

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5.0 / 5.0

24 customer reviews

5 Star

100%

4 Star

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Posted by Matt | April 9, 2022

Review for Martha Hartney

Martha has been a trustworthy and competent resource for our family since 2011. She goes the extra mile as needed. I highly recommend her legal services. Thank you Martha.

Posted by Kathleen | June 10, 2020

Great Experience on Every Level

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Posted by Peter | April 19, 2020

Best Estate Planning Lawyer in Boulder

Martha is highly knowledgeable and will do everything right for you. In addition, she is just a pleasure to work with. And her approach to estate planning is entirely unique. My wife and I felt complete confidence and trust in her. We came away not only with an estate plan, but with an experience of knowing ourselves better and a legacy. She answered all of our questions and was very responsive to our needs and questions. Highest recommendation..

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Posted by Mark | March 10, 2020

Estate planning you can trust

After the passing of my spouse it became apparent I needed to tie up some loose ends. How fortunate I found someone I could relate to and trust to lead me through the process and responsibility I had to my family. She made it make sense. I new after meeting and working with Martha I was in good hands. She was thorough and empathetic to my personal situation. I'll always be grateful. Thank you Martha for taking such good care of me!

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Response from Martha Hartney June 10, 2020

Thank you, Mark. It was a blessing and a pleasure to work with you!

Posted by anonymous | June 16, 2018

Martha was awesome to work with in setting up our estate plan

It was a pleasure to meet with Martha with my wife and to sort out our estate planning for our two young boys. Turned the process into a pleasure. So glad to have it sorted out for them in case the worst happens. Thanks Martha!

Response from Martha Hartney July 19, 2018

Thank you so much! Planning doesn't have to be painful. It can be a joy.

Posted by Rebekah | November 21, 2017

Estate Planning Made Meaningful

Not only did Martha make the process easy to understand and accessible, she made it meaningful! My partner and I are so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with Martha. What peace of mind!

Posted by Sarah | June 16, 2017

Fantastic Trust Planning!

Martha and her team at Hartney Law did a fantastic job taking care of our growing family! Martha's approach to estate planning was thoughtful, compassionate, and educational. With Hartney Law's help we were able to put into place trusts to protect our assets and plans that consider our young family in more ways than simple legal documents - we documented parts of who we are and what we want our legacy to be if we can't be here to pass that message on in person. We feel Hartney Law is a great resource to our community and would highly recommend their services.

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Posted by anonymous | January 27, 2017

Very nice experience

Martha is down to earth, real, and not a stick-up-the-you-know-what lawyer type. She tells it like it is and is very helpful in a comfortable atmosphere. We felt as good as we possibly could when doing the tough job of estate planning and wills. She was great!

Response from Martha Hartney May 3, 2017

Thank you for your review! We're aiming to raise the bar!

Posted by Meighan | December 28, 2016

Definitely Recommend

Martha was amazing throughout the whole process - educated, knowledgeable, and caring. Her estate planning was brilliant, and she worked with all of my financial advisors to make sure everything went smoothly.

Response from Martha Hartney December 29, 2016

Thank you Meighan! It has been such a pleasure to work with you and offer this care and support for your family!

Posted by anonymous | December 21, 2016

Great Experience!

Martha was fantastic and the estate planning process with her was informative and enjoyable. Highly recommended!

Response from Martha Hartney May 3, 2017

Thank you so much for your review! We're doing our best to make a process that has been traditionally dry and boring more interesting and enjoyable!

Posted by Chris | October 29, 2016

Martha is the future of Trusts & Estate planning!

Martha gives you state-of-the-art comprehensive estate planning that leaves nothing out! From temporary guardianship documents to videotaped messages for your children, and every conceivable legal device in between-- she makes sure you have the level of services that fit your unique situation and budget. Light years better than the assembly line process we experienced with our previous T&E attorney.

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Response from Martha Hartney May 3, 2017

Thank you, Chris! It was a pleasure working with you and your family to do this work in a good (and enjoyable) way.

Posted by Susan | August 25, 2016

A True Joy to Work with

Martha is an exceptional listener. She really wants to understand your needs and desires for your estate and your children. She respected our wishes and worked to have our estate plan match as closely to our wishes as legally possible. Marta made sure we understood everything that was going on and why some things were not possible. I really liked that things worked in steps and that we had the chance to get a visual representation during each step so we could make any adjustments along the way. She is thoughtful and asks probing questions (that you don't have to answer) but that make you think about things you may not have considered when first making the plan. The other nice thing is that she is flexible with her time and will work around your schedule. She does not have a "one size fits all" mentality. She is definitely not the 3 piece suit lawyer, which I think put my husband at ease the most. The binder that we received seemed so overwhelming, but she went through it and it was not that difficult to understand. The nicest part was the video at the end. While my husband hated the idea, afterward he was glad that we did it and we agreed that we should do one every so often not only as an update to our will and trust, but also just as a gift to our kids. We cannot recommend her more highly to anyone seeking a lawyer with a heart and a head.

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Response from Martha Hartney September 8, 2016

Thank you so much for your kind words. I aim that every good word written about the firm is well earned! It was a pleasure to work with you.

Posted by Patrick A. Budin | August 6, 2016

Excellent Encounter with Martha James Hartney

Martha was very polite and professional throughout the phone consult. She patiently took the time to listen to my entire legal situation. After hearing all the facts Martha recommended a elder law group that she felt was better suited to meet my specific legal needs at this point in my life. I very much appreciate her honesty and respect she displayed at the time she gave me the referral.

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Posted by Susan | July 28, 2016

Outstanding attorney!

Martha helped my husband and me with estate planning. Her approach to estate planning was much more thorough than our previous wills. And yet Martha explained the process in very easily understandable terms and clearly defined the decision points. In particular the child protection planning piece filled a gap and made us confident that our children will be cared for in the way we want, no matter what may happen. Martha is extremely knowledgeable and compassionate about what can be uncomfortable topics. We feel that her approach was so comprehensive that these documents will work for the rest of our lives. We highly recommend Martha Hartney!

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Posted by J | May 12, 2016

Thorough, knowledgeable, and compassionate

We were extremely pleased with Martha and her wonderful staff throughout the process of completing our estate planning. She was generous with her time spent with us, patient with our questions, and detailed in her work. The opportunity to leave a "living legacy" with the video for our child feels like the best gift of all. I would highly recommend her!

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Response from Martha Hartney May 16, 2016

Thank you so much for your thoughtful review! We thoroughly enjoyed being of service to you and your family!

Posted by anonymous | May 9, 2016

excellent

I recently planned my estate with Martha. As a single mother I was looking for a lawyer that would address any potential contingencies. I am certain that my estate and my children will be well protected in the event of my demise. I highly recommend her and her firm as they are professional, approachable, thorough and knowledgeable. You could not ask for a better firm in this arena!

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Posted by Nick | April 25, 2016

Love this Group!

Martha and her team were very professional and a blast to work with. They took the time to really get to know my wife and I, and the things we wanted in our Trust. I'd recommend Martha to anyone looking for a trustworthy attorney.

Posted by Diane | March 3, 2016

Hartney Law

I used Hartney Law for Estate Planning and a Living Will. The firm had been recommended to me and I couldn't have been more pleased. Martha places a high priority on educating her clients. She and her helpful staff did this clearly and patiently. Each step is discussed, guidance is given and decisions are made before moving to the next step. The last step of the Living Will process that Martha employs is the "Legacy" portion. This is a taped discussion, more personal than business, of what you would like your heirs to know about you and your history. The entire process was done with sensitivity and kindness. I truly appreciated Hartney Law.

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Posted by Ashley | February 10, 2016

The only person I would want setting up my kid's future

We met with Martha to do our estate plan because we have a child. She walked us through understanding every legal detail about our needs and what the plan sets up for us and out little one's future. The best part about her offering over other estate planners is the legacy video. She walks you through an interview to leave to your kids about the things you want them to know about you and about life. It was a touching experience and we are so glad that we did it.

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Response from Martha Hartney March 20, 2017

Thank you, Ashley. It was such a pleasure to be part of this intention for your family's future!

Posted by Amanda | February 7, 2016

Awesome Job!

Martha did an amazing job explaining everything in detail. She is very family oriented. She was prompt for all our meetings and had everything ready to go. She's very knowledgeable, professional, and personable (which you don't always get with lawyers!). We have recommended her to our friends.

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Cost

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

Principle Attorney
Hartney Law, LLC
2010 - Present

Estate Planning Mentor
New Law Business Model
2011 - 2015

Education

Conscious Dying Institute
Certification: Sacred Passage Doula
2017

University of Denver Sturm College of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2009

University of Memphis
BA - Bachelor of Arts
1988

Legal Cases

Single Dad, One Child
This client has a trust-based plan that makes sure someone else is managing his son's inheritance until he is old enough to do so on his own.

Adventurous Family with Kids
This family is protected from court proceedings and have passed on their resources carefully and mindfully.

International Family Estate Plan
Clients' plan ensures children are cared for by local guardians while international travel and repatriation occurs, providing resources without court intervention or hassle.

View all legal cases

Associations

Boulder County Estate Planning Council
Member
2014 - Present

Colorado Bar Association
Uniform Trust Code Drafting Committee
2013 - Present

American Bar Association
Member
2010 - Present

Colorado Bar Association
Member
2010 - Present

Boulder Bar Association
Member
2009 - Present

Thompson G. Marsh American Inn of Court
Member
2009 - Present

Boulder County Bar Association
Member
2009 - Present

American Inns of Court
Member
2008 - Present

Colorado Bar Association
Member
2006 - Present

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Languages Spoken

English

Honors and Awards

Best of the West - Attorney
Yellow Scene Magazine
2017

Best of the West - Attorney
Yellow Scene Magazine
2015

Best of the West - Attorney
Yellow Scene Magazine
2014

Best of the West - Attorney
Yellow Scene Magazine
2013

Best of the West - Attorney
Yellow Scene Magazine
2012

Best of the West - Attorney
Yellow Scene Magazine
2011

Monty McKinney Award
AAAAs of California
1993

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Publications

Boulder Lifestyle Magazine
Ask the Expert
2016

www.estateplanning.com
Message in a Bottle
2012

www.estateplanning.com
Letter to an Ex
2012

Wealthcounsel Quarterly
WealthCounsel
2011

View all publications

Speaking Engagements

Thompson G. Marsh American Inn of Court Presentation
Estate Planning is for Everyone/Yes, this Means You!
2018

WealthCounsel Symposium 2017
The Illumination Interview
2017

WealthCounsel Symposium 2016
The Art and Power of Capturing Meaning in Your Practice
2016

Thompson G. March American Inn of Court Presentation 2016
The IP of Mashups & Remixes
2016

Parent Support Group
Kids' Protection Planning for Parents
2015

BCSIS Coffee Talk
Estate Planning for Parents
2015

Ongoing
Kids' Protection Planning for Busy Parents
2011

View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (19)

Given (16)

Endorse Martha

Roxane Peyser

Estate planning Attorney | Sep 08
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Peter Fabish

Estate planning Attorney | May 09
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Martha is the absolute best at what she does. Not only has she mastered the legalities of estate planning, but she provides so much more with her legacy services. Could not recommend her any more highly."

John Hoelle

Estate planning Attorney | May 04
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"As a fellow attorney and also a client, I can attest that Martha is far from a typical lawyer. She looks way past the basic law in service of helping families protect both their financial wealth and their true wealth (the legacy they leave future generations). On top of all that, she is committed to forward-thinking ways to serve people in a way that is clear, reliable, and predictable in terms of the expense."

Meghan Freed

Estate planning Attorney | Apr 14
Relationship: Other

"Martha is a fantastic person and a top-notch estate planning attorney. In addition to her legal skills, Martha has figured out how to protect and preserve her client's human, intellectual and spiritual assets."

Todd Stoneman

Estate planning Attorney | Apr 13
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Martha is awesome. She is approachable and creative, two essential traits in making an excellent attorney. I have known Martha for close to ten years now, working with and around her during that entire time; I can honestly say that she is one of the best in our profession. I am super proud to call her a colleague and a friend. I endorse Martha one zillion percent!"

Bonnie Bowles

Estate planning Attorney | Apr 13
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Martha is a fabulous, personally attentive estate planning attorney. Highly recommended."

Keith Davis

Unknown Attorney | Mar 28
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I recommend Martha highly. She is well known and respected in the estate planning and probate community. She has proven to be an effective communicator and leader among the planning and probate Bar. She is great!"

Zachary Setzer

Estate planning Attorney | Oct 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Martha is a great estate planning attorney and is one of only a few in the area that commits to giving her clients more than just a set of legal documents. She's a great advisor and a true leader and innovator in the field."

Wendi Temkin

Estate planning Attorney | Jun 29
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Martha for several years through various professional organizations and committees and have been consistently impressed by the skill and compassion she brings to everything she does. She is a great asset to our legal community and I know her clients love working with her."

John Gaertner

Family Attorney | Jan 22
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Gina Weinberger

Estate planning Attorney | Jul 30
Relationship: Co-worker

"Martha is an experienced, compassionate, creative attorney who truly enjoys her work. As a mentor, she has been vital to my professional development."

Marc Carlson

Estate planning Attorney | Aug 13
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Martha is an ethical and highly competent attorney in estate planning who cares that her clients receive the best estate plan for their circumstances, goals, and needs. She is excellent with blended families and younger families."

Byron Hammond

Estate planning Attorney | Jul 29
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Dagmar Pollex

Estate planning Attorney | Apr 27
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Martha's commitment and passion for providing top-notch estate planning to her clients is most impressive. She combines a high level of experience and knowledge in the estate planning field along with great interpersonal skills and communication. I would definitely refer friends and family to her without hesitation."

Sal Quintana

Estate planning Attorney | Jan 06
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Martha is a great trust and estate lawyer and is very active in Colorado;s legal community. She brings great enthusiasm and experience to the estate planning arena."

Jennifer Moheyer

Estate planning Attorney | Jun 06
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"You will never meet a more productive and patient "trusted advisor" for your family's legal, financial, emotional and mental well-being. If you have kids, you must ABSOLUTELY meet with Martha, she has the most BRILLIANT protection plans for busy parents to know that their kids are cared for in emergencies. TWO-THUMBS UP!!"

Mark Solomon

Estate planning Attorney | Jun 06
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I met Ms. Hartney this year and could immediately see her dedication to her clients and passion for what she does. Estate planning never seemed as exciting and possible before we talked. Also, as a parent myself, I could tell that genuinely cared when we discussed my children and my plans for their future estate planning. I will be recommending Ms. Hartney to my own clients."

Sara Lewis

Estate planning Attorney | Jun 22
Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer. Martha is an extremely hard worker and has a caring, compassionate personality. Martha is very interested in doing what's best for her clients, and I wouldn't trust anyone else to do my estate plan."

Joshua Benn

Estate planning Attorney | May 03
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Martha is one of the most creative and intelligent attorneys I have ever met. She cares deeply about each client, which translates into personal and zealous advocacy."

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Mediation

Mediation

Child custody

Divorce and separation

Family

Estate planning

Estate planning

Estate planning

Estate planning

Estate planning

Estate planning

Criminal defense

Divorce and separation

Teresa DeFord

Estate planning

Mark Solomon

Criminal defense

Joshua Benn

Personal injury

Avvo Contributions

17 Legal Answers 2 Legal Guides

VIDEO LEGAL GUIDE
Why Didn't Prince Have an Estate Plan?
02 May 2016
VIDEO LEGAL GUIDE
How to Select an Estate Planning Attorney
22 Apr 2016
Q&A
How do I appoint a non-relative as legal guardian of my daughter?
01 May 2016
Q&A
As above
30 Apr 2016
Q&A
Can I sell this house that is held in a revocable trust in SC and purchase a house in NC....keeping it in the trust?
30 Apr 2016

Martha James Hartney

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