Atty. Paul M. Hattenhauer

Atty. Paul M. Hattenhauer

Paul M. Hattenhauer, a partner with Culp Elliott & Carpenter, P.L.L.C., is chair of the firm’s Estate Planning practice group.

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Profile Summary

About Paul M. Hattenhauer at a glance

Paul M. Hattenhauer is a tax attorney based in Charlotte, North Carolina, practicing at Culp Elliott & Carpenter PLLC. Admitted to practice in North Carolina, North Carolina Bar Association and Florida, The Florida Bar. Educated at University of Miami School of Law (LL.M, 1994) and University of Minnesota (J.D., 1991). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Tax Law (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Litigation and Controversy - Tax (2026). Serands clients in Charlotte, NC and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Paul M. Hattenhauer, a partner with Culp Elliott & Carpenter, P.L.L.C., is chair of the firm’s Estate Planning practice group
  • Mr. Hattenhauer’s practice is focused on providing tax, business, asset protection and estate planning advice for individuals, closely held business owners and fiduciaries
  • He provides counsel in sophisticated estate tax reduction strategies, and advises clients on strategies to arrange their affairs to pay the least amount of tax
  • He is experienced in the creation and funding of family entities and trusts through the use of life insurance and other assets to provide estate tax savings, creditor protection and marital discord protection
  • Mr. Hattenhauer counsels clients in all aspects of trust and estate administration, including the preparation of estate tax returns, tax audits with the Internal Revenue Service and State revenue departments, valuation issues, and will and trust disputes
  • He has extensive experience with family business succession planning, sales and acquisitions of businesses, the formation of business entities and implementation of shareholder’s agreements, and employment and non-competition agreements
  • Mr. Hattenhauer has extensive experience in implementing sophisticated estate plans for high net worth individuals, closely held business owners and their families
  • These plans are tailored to allow the client to pay the least amount of tax within the context of the family’s overall goals and objectives, and include the use of trusts, family partnerships and limited liability companies and charitable entities

Practice Areas Explained

Paul M. Hattenhauer's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Paul M. Hattenhauer handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Tax Law

Tax attorneys handle IRS audits, tax debt, international tax, estate planning, and tax court litigation.

Paul M. Hattenhauer is one of 85,302 tax attorneys indexed nationally. Browse tax attorneys in North Carolina →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in North Carolina

Practicing law in North Carolina. Legal matters in North Carolina are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Charlotte are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate North Carolina state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in North Carolina brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in North Carolina courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional North Carolina attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Charlotte or all attorneys in North Carolina.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Paul M. Hattenhauer

Where is Paul M. Hattenhauer's law office located?
Paul M. Hattenhauer's law practice is located in Charlotte, North Carolina. The firm is Culp Elliott & Carpenter PLLC. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Paul M. Hattenhauer handle?
Paul M. Hattenhauer focuses on tax. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in North Carolina.
Where did Paul M. Hattenhauer go to law school?
Paul M. Hattenhauer earned their education at (LL.M, 1994); (J.D., 1991); (BS, 1988).
How can I contact Paul M. Hattenhauer for a consultation?
You can contact Paul M. Hattenhauer directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Paul M. Hattenhauer received?
Paul M. Hattenhauer's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — Tax Law; Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:; Best Lawyers in America — Litigation and Controversy - Tax; Best Lawyers in America — Trusts and Estates.

Practice Areas

Education

LL.M
University of Miami School of Law
- 1994
J.D.
University of Minnesota
- 1991
BS
Saint John's University
- 1988

Awards

Best Lawyers in America — Tax Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation and Controversy - Tax
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Trusts and Estates
- 2026

Bar Admissions

North Carolina, North Carolina Bar Association
Florida, The Florida Bar

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