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About Stephen
Biography
I've written a book entitled, "Smart Estate Planning in Washington--What You Really Need to Know." For more information, you can preview it at
Mr. Waltar was born in Boston, Massachusetts but grew up in eastern Washington. He moved to Seattle in 1980 to attend college where he graduated from Seattle Pacific University, cum laude, earning dual degrees in English Literature and Religion in 1984. He received his Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary in 1988. Mr. Waltar returned to Seattle and attended law school at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma. The school was acquired by Seattle University during the three years of his attendance. That means he has two Juris Doctorate diplomas for the price of one—from the University of Puget Sound and Seattle University School of Law.
Mr. Waltar was admitted to the Washington State Bar in 1994 and is also admitted to practice in United States District Court, Western District of Washington. He is also a member of the American Bar Association. Prior to establishing his own law firm, Mr. Waltar spent four years at an exclusive Estate Planning law firm in Seattle. He founded Stephen M. Waltar, PS in 2000 and is the principal shareholder.
Mr. Waltar limits his law practice to areas associated with Estate Planning, including trusts, estate tax law, wills, probate, asset protection planning, business succession planning, charitable giving, and disability planning. He is a popular and entertaining speaker at Estate Planning seminars and has taught both professionals and lay people Estate Planning and charitable giving. Mr. Waltar has given hundreds of seminars and talks. He has taught various college courses as an adjunct professor at Seattle University and the University of Washington. Mr. Waltar has published numerous articles and has spoken to many private and public employees, as well as to community, civic and religious groups. He has been a co-host and guest on various radio programs. Mr. Waltar is a widely acclaimed speaker and seminar leader in the field of Estate Planning. He is appreciated for his ability to reduce complex legal principles into understandable concepts. He often says he has the “Mind of an Attorney and the Heart of a Pastor.”
He and his wife and two daughters live in Kirkland, Washington. Mr. Waltar enjoys getting away to ski at their condo in Sun Valley, Idaho. He enjoys playing most sports and coaching girls’ basketball.
His book can be purchased from his office, via his website, and the University of Washington Book Store in Seattle or Bellevue.
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Estate Planning
40%
32 years | 2,000 cases
Probate
25%
32 years | 50 cases
Trusts
15%
32 years | 1,000 cases
Wills and Living Wills
15%
32 years | 2,000 cases
Fees and Rates
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Washington for 31 years
State: Washington
Acquired: 1994
No misconduct found
Location
Legacy Estate Planning, LLC
2320 130th Avenue NE, Suite 230, Bellevue, WA, 98005
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Stephen Michael Waltar's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 6 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Jack and Mary | December 1, 2016 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
An Estate Planning Law Firm
We felt he was very thorough and professional. We are extremely happy with the way they put together our living will and trust and would recommend him to anyone.
Posted by anonymous | July 21, 2016 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Knowledgeable and experienced
Stephan Waltar is very knowledgeable and experienced in estate planning. He is the author of two books on the subject, both of which I read and found to be clearly written and very helpful. I felt that he wrote these books because he truly cared about people being well protected and informed. ...
Posted by Arty | October 10, 2010
Great Easy experience
Stephen and his staff made our Estate Planning an easy task. This is something that my wife and I put off for years; and Stephen made it painless. Don't put off your Estate Planning anymore - help your loved ones to stay out of probate court!
Posted by Michael | September 20, 2010
First Time Estate Plan
Steve and his staff were extremely helpful and responsive during the entire process. He also had great advice and put together a very comprehensive plan for me and my family. I definitely recommend Steve Waltar and his team if you are looking to put together a comprehensive estate plan.
Posted by anonymous | July 5, 2010
review for Stephen Waltar
We consulted him for estate planning. He was well informed, thorough and professional. He took the time to answer our questions.
Stephen Michael Waltar's Lawyer Endorsements
"I was first introduced to Steve through the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys. Subsequent to that I have had meetings with a financial planner with whom Steve has had mutual clients. The planner's experience with Steve is very similar to mine. Steve is well versed in estate planning and how to help clients determine what is most important to them and then how to best implement a plan that achieves the clients' goals. I have found Steve to be a sincere lawyer who truly wants the best for his clients. I recommend him to anyone looking for an estate planning lawyer in Washington state."
"Stephen is a fellow member of the American Estate Planning Attorneys. His reputation with clients and knowledge of sophisticated estate planning stategies is unparalleled in his area."
"Stephen Waltar is an exceptional attorney. His main practice areas are Estate Planning, and the preparation of Wills and Trusts. He has been an excellent resource for me and my practice, and I do not hesitate to refer him when the occasion arises."
"I know Steve through the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys. Steve is extremely passionate about his work and an excellent attorney. I highly recommend him for any and all of your estate planning needs."
"Stephen and I are both members of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, which is a professional organization of highly trained attorneys practicing exclusively in estate planning law. We share ideas, experiences, and education with each other. Stephen is an excellant attorney and I would recommend him to any of my clients who needed estate planning work in the Seattle area."
"I endorse this lawyer. They are an expert in the field of estate planning."
"Steve is a fellow member of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys and an extremely knowledgeable professional in the fields of estate planning and elder law. He is always helpful in sharing his expertise with other members of the Academy and has been recognized by his fellow attorneys for his efforts. He will provide excellent service to any client fortunate enough to retain him."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. I have know Steve for many years through our common association with the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys. Steve is experienced with a wealth of knowledge in the field of estate planning and elder law. His dedication and hard work makes him one of the premier estate planning attorneys in Bellevue, Wa."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. I have known Steve a number of years through the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys. He is a dedicated professional and cares deeply for his clients. I would be very comfortbale referring a client to wokr with Steve."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. I have known Steve for several years. We have collaborated on several estate planning issues. He is easy to talk to and an excellent estate planning attorney."
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Experience
Honors
2018
Client Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2017
Academy Fellow, American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys
Work Experience
2000 - Present
Managing Attorney, Legacy Estate Planning, LLC
2000 - Present
Managing Attorney, Stephen M. Waltar, PS
2016 - 2017
Weekly Radio Show Host of "Legacy Planning", Legacy Estate Planning, LLC
Associations
2016 - Present
Pro Law Firms (aka CLC) (employer benefit program)
2006 - Present
American Academy of Estate Planning AttorneysExecutive Member
2000 - Present
East King County Estate Planning CouncilMember
1994 - Present
Washington State Bar AssociationMember
1994 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember
Education
1998
Princeton Theological Seminary
Master of Divinity
1993
University of Puget Sound School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1984
Seattle Pacific University
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2017
7 Costly Mistakes & Insurance Solutions
Seven Costly Mistakes
2016
Public Sweep
Legacy Wealth Planning
2016
Member Presentation
Estate Planning Update
2016
Industry Update
7 Costly Mistakes
2015
Public Sweep
Legacy Estate Planning
2010
Wills and Living Trusts
Legacy Wealth Estate Planning
2010
Wills & Trusts
Legacy Estate Planning
2010
Ruth's Chris
Wills and Trusts
2010
Kirkland Marriott Courtyard
Legacy Wealth Estate Planning
2010
Hidden Valley Conference Room
Wills & Trusts
2010
Estate Planning for 2010 and Beyond
Legacy Estate Planning
2010
Edward Jones - Sarah Taylor @ Park Place Lucia's
Preparing Your Estate Plan
2010
Bellevue Sheraton
Legacy Estate Planning
2009
Legacy Estate Planning
Estate Planning
2009
Estate Planning for Certified Financial Planners
Preparation for the CFP Exam
2008
Why Most Estate Plans Don't Work
Estate Planning Myths
2008
Estate Planning for Financial Planners
Estate Planning for CFPs
2008
Advisors Continuing Education
Washington Overview of Probate and Trusts
Publications
2016
CLE Coursebook
Grantor Trusts from Start to Finish
2012
Book
Legacy Wealth Planning
2010
American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys
Legacy Wealth Estate Planning Seminar
2009
American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys
Smart Estate Planning In Washington
2008
American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys & Stephen M. Waltar, PS
Legacy Wealth Planning Seminar
2008
Book
Smart Estate Planning in Washington
1999
Institute for Paralegal Education
Advanced Issues in Probate for the Paralegal in Washington
Languages
English
Spanish
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides