State Years

Colorado - CO 26 years

Nevada - NV 27 years
Licensed for 26 years

State CO

Acquired 1997

Status
Active No misconduct found
Licensed for 27 years

State NV

Acquired 1996

Status
Active No misconduct found

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

Kirk D Kaplan

Probate Attorney at Las Vegas, NV

About
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Reviews
Cost
Resume

Excellent Lawyer

Mr Kaplan is the best

About Kirk

Learn Kirk’s areas of practice.

Practice areas

Probate

55%

Crest Key provides a robust probate help from filing documents with the court, preparing accountings according to the Nevada law, and preparation of final individual income tax returns (Form 1040) and the fiduciary returns for the estates (Form 1041), and Estate Tax returns (Form 706). Information filed in court flow to information provided to heirs and to the IRS. There is no loss in translation between law, accounting and tax because we are actively practicing attorneys and expert CPAs.
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26 years
Estate planning

30%

Crest Key, as a law and accounting firm, we not only help family prepare for and navigate life changing events, but help clients plan for and prepare individual income tax returns. That means that estate planning clients who choose to use our services get a free annual trust review when picking up their federal taxes. There is no loss in translation between law, accounting and tax because we are actively practicing attorneys and expert CPAs.
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26 years
Trusts

15%

Crest Key, in addition to establishing numerous trusts, we also provide a robust help with trust administration, preparing accountings according to the Nevada law, and preparation of final individual income tax returns (Form 1040) and the fiduciary returns for the trust (Form 1041), and Estate Tax returns (Form 706). Information flows to beneficiaries and to the IRS. There is no loss in translation between law, accounting and tax because we are actively practicing attorneys and expert CPAs.
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26 years

I CONCENTRATE UPON IMPROVING THE LIVES OF EVERYONE WHO I CAN HELP WITHIN THE AREAS OF MY PRACTICE.

Many times individuals who seek legal help also need accounting and tax assistance, and vice versa. The sad thing is individuals are usually required to seek assistance from professionals in at least two different disciplines - legal and accounting/tax. The problems with that are legal and accounting professionals think differently and have different goals even though both profess to have the client's interest in mind. The reason is many times each professional cannot appreciate the importance the other has to contribute.

The solution is to have a professional that actively practices both legal and accounting/tax disciplines. That way you have a professional that looks at issues from multiple view points.

Since I am an attorney and a CPA actively practicing law and accounting/tax, I think in all disciplines simultaneously and as such there is no loss in translation when creating and implementing a strategy. Whether that strategy is creating an estate plan, a complex business structure, or reporting the transaction to proper authorities, legal and accounting/tax disciplines are combined in one place for your benefit.

Awards

Client's Choice

2020 2019 2017 + 2 ...

Top Contributor

2020 2017 2015

Photos and videos

Contact Kirk

Crest Key Legal and Accounting

(702) 381-6449 Office

6980 O'Bannon Drive, Suite 100

Las Vegas, NV, 89117

crestkey.com/

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Reviews

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5.0 / 5.0

109 customer reviews

5 Star

98%

4 Star

3 Star

2 Star

1 Star

Client's Choice

Client's Choice is an Avvo award granted to attorneys with a significant number of client reviews over 4 stars in a given year.

Posted by anonymous | August 3, 2022

Excellent Lawyer

He helped me with my will which had many complected parts. At first I thought he was over priced but came to realize he was worth every penny.

Posted by Arlene | July 30, 2022

Mr Kaplan is the best

Kirk Kaplan was recommended to me several years when my best friend died suddenly and I had to be guardian of her estate and 90 tear father. Always professional and explained everything to me. As it turned out his mother and I were in the same womans organization. I hired Kirk to be my own personal attorney at that time. Always available to speak with you and give you the best advise.for your personal circumstances. I just adore this man and have the highest respect for him

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Posted by Kurt | January 7, 2022

SO FAST, SO CLEARLY STATED

I feel so fortunate to have found Avvo and to have received such a prompt and insightful reply. It was a short, but excellent (free) consult in the area of trusts and taxes. I would surely hire him should the need arise.

Posted by Anastasia | December 30, 2021

Perfect fit!

We were referred by a magician friend in the local Las Vegas magic community for a CPA to assist in correcting previously prepared income tax returns for me and my husband and for my husband’s business. My husband and I are entertainers and needed a CPA who understands tax preparation for entertainers. My friend referred me to Kirk because he is an attorney and CPA. He also told me Kirk is also a magician. When we visited with Kirk, we found him to be personable, listened to our concerns, and was quickly able to understand how to correct our tax returns. Paul, one of Kirk’s accounting staff, worked closely and was responsive to us in collecting and organizing our information. Once we provided all the requested information, our amended returns were quickly prepared. We also like how Kirk was able to explain to us the structure of my husband’s business and how it affects our estate plan. I would recommend Kirk because he thinks as a CPA and attorney at the same time. And, also because he is a magician and is a part of the magic community.

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Response from Kirk Kaplan January 4, 2022

Thank you. The help the both of you asked for was within the areas of law, accounting, and tax we handle for clients daily. There is no loss in translation among the three areas here. I enjoyed our chats about Magic.

Posted by Tammy | January 2, 2021

Death and Taxes

They say, there are only two certainties in life: Death and Taxes. However, thanks to Estate Attorney Kirk Kaplan my husband and I will not need to worry about the former any longer. Attorney Kaplan and his staff made the process of creating a Living Trust and Wills stress-free--all the while, providing insight and guidance on details that neither one of us would have considered otherwise. AND, it was all accomplished during COVID. Kudos

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Posted by Thomas | December 14, 2020

Trusted Advisor

I'm my practice I don't normally come across complex issues in the area of estate and trust work, I had a situation where decedent was an American citizen and had both foreign and US beneficiaries and also held real property in the US and Canada. Mr Kaplan helped me get values of all of the properties for estate tax compliance purposes, calculate proper withholding for the amount sent to foreign beneficiaries, I'm glad I found Mr. Kaplan, as he assisted me to hold back taxes from the foreign beneficiaries because as trustee I could have been liable, Furthermore, Mr. Kaplan brought in outside tax professionals from Canada who helped structure payments to the foreign beneficiaries to reduce taxes in their home country,

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Posted by Christopher | October 30, 2020

Professional and supportive guidance thru process...

When a close friend passed away in another state from where I reside, I was tasked with being executor of his will in Las Vegas. As I did not know lawyers in Vegas, I was fortunate to be guided to Kirk Kaplan thru a friend that knew and suggested him . After a phone conversation with Kirk, I felt comfortable and confident he was the lawyer to guide me thru what turned out to be a challenging legal journey. Meeting Nevada State laws and working thru courts with current covid shutdown, all were expertly handled by Kirk and his team. He explained everything along the way, putting me at ease, as he guided me thru the complicated court process and paper work, . I am thankful to Kirk and his team to have resolved my legal needs with such class and style and relieve a tremendous amount of my stress along the way. I can and do highly recommend him!

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Posted by Jonathan | October 29, 2020

An 'Amazing' and truly professional experience with Kirk Kaplan!

With the sudden and unexpected death of a friend, we found ourselves in the position of having to settle the deceased's estate and execute his will. Since this was a new experience for us, we were at a bit of a loss as what to do next. Fortunately, a 'friend of a friend' knew someone who was both a Nevada based attorney and a skilled probate specialist! We met with Kirk and found him to be well informed and ready to assist. Sometimes you hire an attorney, and after the initial meeting, you feel like 'just another client / case'... well this was NOT like that with Kirk Kaplan! Throughout the rather lengthy process: (Full Probate, selling a house, accounting , settling tax issues, etc;) Kirk and his team were always available by both phone and for in person meetings. He kept us well informed as to what would happen next. Even with fees and expenses, there were no hidden surprises. Kirk always evaluated the costs and benefits of every choice we made and advised us completely. Documents and court filings were made available to us and explained in layman's terms for our easy understanding. In short, Kirk Kaplan has my highest recommendation! '

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Posted by Joan | June 28, 2020

Great Job, Clear Advice

I hired Kirk Kaplan to look into my mother's estate for me. He was excellent at explaining everything, and letting me know why and how the process worked. I can really appreciate getting one's affairs done early and the pitfalls that can happen if not. I will definitely be hiring him soon to get my estate in order.

Posted by Stephanie | May 29, 2020

Great Service from a Distance

We had to open an ancillary probate in Nevada to sell some property out of state. Crest, and Kirk Kaplan specifically, came recommended to me from our real estate agent. In the midst of going through the courts, the COVID-19 crisis hit. However, it felt as if Kirk and his team, especially Carla, never skipped a beat. They worked to get paperwork signed, notarized, and filed with the county court quickly and efficiently, even in the middle of a global pandemic. Carla responded quickly and always had answers to my questions. The distance (and the quarantine) did not slow them down. I am grateful for Kirk and Carla's service to my family, for their expertise and advice, and for their care.

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Posted by Mary | November 30, 2019

Stellar Experience

Very please! Kirk was able to answer all my questions in great detail. I appreciated the use of his white board to illustrate as a visual aid, the answers to my complex questions. The Trust that fit my needs was comprehensive, solid and timely. Carla was wonderful with facilitating the appointments and documents. I did much research before choosing Kirk, it paid off. I absolutely recommend. Kirk and Carla don't dissappoint!

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Posted by anonymous | November 30, 2019

Probate for my sister's estate

He explained what he was going to do. The time it should roughly take, and the cost to do his work. So during the actual process, I was not surprised and this made the probate process easier.

Posted by Rolf | November 26, 2019

A very thorough, well informed, reliable and extremely pleasant lawyer.

By American standards I am a "Non-Resident-Alien". This status entails complexities that not too many U.S. lawyers are familiar with. My task was to find someone, from my base in Asia, to ensure that the documentation for a home purchase in the U.S. will be not only bullet-proof but also tax efficient. We also needed health care directives and a Last Will. So I turned to Avvo. Atty. Kirk was one of 3 lawyers who responded: I selected him based on other clients' reviews. I am happy: The choice was excellent. We signed a mountain of documents today - after an initial long distance interview, a number of emails and 2 meetings in Las Vegas. Atty. Kirk has a team of efficient assistants, Carla and Mae Lin, who also made significant contributions to the positive conclusion of the task at hand. Thank you, all!

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Posted by Dean | September 9, 2019

Excellent Probate Choice

My sister and I were in need of a Probate lawyer for our sibling who passed away in Las Vegas. We were both from out of state and had to select an attorney from afar. After calling and interviewing a number of attorneys in Las Vegas Kirk stood head and shoulders above the rest in his knowledge of the Probate process, and his interest in informing potential clients about the process. Kirk and his staff were extremely timely, and clear throughout the entire process about what they were doing and about what the client needed to do. Correspondence with Kirk's staff was also very seamless when the process required exchanging information and documents. Kirk managed to take a process that could have added significant extra stress into one that went very smoothly and removed one thing from our plate at a very painful time! Kirk and his staff exceeded our expectations in every way! You cannot go wrong with Kirk and his staff if you need a Probate attorney.

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Posted by Dale and Vicky | August 31, 2019

Very Knowledgeable

Professionalism of Kirk was so appreciated.He mad us think about things we never had thought of. He covered everything was professional and kind and understanding and he followed through . It was a pleasure to work with him OK

Posted by Jun | July 12, 2019

Excellent lawyer

I’m so glad I found Kirk. He is a very experienced and knowledgeable in his field. He also spend time to listen to me, understand my concern, explain what’s going on and his strategy. He is very good at crashing the “other party” in a smart way. I really appreciate his help and kindness. My life is much better now thanks for his excellent work!

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Posted by Byron | July 9, 2019

Elko Property

Kirk Kaplan and his amazing staff took care of a probate of estate of my late father. Being I live in North Highlands Ca. they handled everything to resolve these issues . His assistant Mi Lin was exceptional kept me up to date as things happened was so helpful with ever question I had . What a great experience .

Posted by Cynthia | June 6, 2019

Fantastic Experience

I worked with Kirk Kaplan's office on a probate matter and am so glad I did. Kirk and his entire staff were welcoming, knowledgable, efficient and personable. Kirk made sure I understood what needed to happen, why it needed to happen, and provided me with a realistic timeline and regular updates throughout the process. I am so grateful for the support I received from Kirk and his staff (especially Carla) and would not hesitate to recommend him.

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Posted by John | June 3, 2019

Probate Consultation

We are from out of state. We had a family member pass away in Las Vegas and came to take care of funeral and personal details. We were not sure if we needed to do Probate so we contacted Crest Key and spoke with Carla, the receptionist. She set us up with an appointment and e-mailed the necessary paperwork to start the process. She was extremely kind and compassionate. We met with Mr. Kirk Kaplan to see if Probate was needed. He discussed the pros and cons of following up with creditors of our deceased family member, our duties to collect assets and that we were not responsible for his debts. We appreciated his kindness and expertise and answering all our questions and concerns.

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Posted by Veronica | May 31, 2019

Thank you

I was intimidated walking into Kirk Kaplan's Firm because it was my first time seeking legal help, and was pleasantly relieved at how warmly I was greeted by his polite staff. I appreciate that Mr. Kaplan thoroughly explained all the aspects of setting up a Trust Fund, checking in periodically to ensure we understood and ask if we has questions. I am very happy to have met Mr. Kaolan and his professional team. Thank you.

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Cost

Resume

AVVO RATING 9.7 (Superb)

Work Experience

Manager
Crest Key Legal and Accounting
2008 - Present

Senior Associate in Tax and Estate Planning
Jone Vargas
2005 - 2008

Partner for Tax
Chavez & Koch, CPAs
2003 - 2005

Education

Thomas M. Cooley Law School
JD - Juris Doctor
1996

Regis College
BS - Bachelor of Science
1986

Regis College
BS - Bachelor of Science
1986

Legal Cases

Minor Heir Interest Protected
Significant Distribution to Minor Heir

Associations

WealthCounsel
Member
2008 - Present

Nevada Society of CPAs
Member
1992 - Present

American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Member
1992 - Present

Nevada WealthCounsel Forum
President
2012 - 2014

Nevada Legal Services
Director and Chair of Finance Committee
2010 - 2019

View all associations

Languages Spoken

English

Honors and Awards

AV Preeminent Rated
Martindale-Hubbell
2020

Top Contributor - Probate
Avvo
2015

Client Rating
Martindale-Hubbell
2015

Client Rating
Martindale-Hubbell
2014

AV Preeminent Rated
Martindale-Hubbell
2014

Top Lawyer
Desert Companion Magazine
2014

Top Lawyer
Desert Companion Magazine
2013

Top Lawyer
Vegas Inc.
2013

Pro Bono Attorney of the Year
Nevada Legal Services
2012

Top Lawyer
Desert Companion Magazine
2012

AV Preeminent Rated
Martindale-Hubbell
2009

View all awards

Publications

DC Press
What Do I Do After My Loved One Dies: How To Probate An Estate In Nevada
2015

Originally published in the official journal of the Clark County Bar Association, COMMUNIQUÉ (October 2013, Vol. 34, No. 10). All rights reserved.
Offer in Compromise – A Method to Permanently Settle Taxes Due
2013

Speaking Engagements

Realtor Continuing Education
Probate In Nevada and Foreign Investment In Real Property Transfer Act
2019

Spring Event
Trust Administration
2017

Fall Event
Mitigating Fiduciary Litigation
2017

WealthCounsel
Accounting under Nevada Revised Statutes
2015

Keller Williams, Realtor Training
Business Planning
2015

Estate Planning 101
Estate Planning
2015

State of Nevada Radio Program
Can Families Avoid Feuding Over Heirlooms?
2014

Nevada WealthCounsel Forum May Event
Legislative Update on Nevada Probate and Trust Statutes
2013

View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (9)

Given (7)

Endorse Kirk

Michael Doland

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

"The analysis I just reviewed in an answer of Mr. Kaplan was among the best in my ten years of participation on Avvo. It was full of analysis and customized to the needs of the Avvo asker. These are exactly the qualities there every client would look for when hiring an attorney."

Barry Siegel

Estate planning Attorney | Apr 26
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Kirk Kaplan Because he cares deeply about his clients and has expert knowledge in his field. If you hire Kirk to represent you, you are in great hands."

Logan Brown

Tax Attorney | Jun 21
Relationship: Friend

"Kirk is a colleague of mine in an estate planning national study group called e.planners. At our group's recent summer meeting in Minneapolis, I found Kirk's knowledge and insight into tax and estate planning to be very helpful to me. I endorse Kirk."

Keith Lyons

Estate planning Attorney | Aug 04
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse Kirk Kaplan as one of the top Trust and Estate attorneys in the State of Nevada. I have worked with him on several complex matters and have found that his background as an Attorney and a licensed Certified Public Accountant allows him to provide detailed tax advise to his clients. Furthermore, his accounting skills allow him to identify issues with clients' financial records whether those issues are the result of negligence or fraud. For complex Trust and Estate cases you cannot find a better attorney than Kirk Kaplan."

Darcy Houghton

Estate planning Attorney | Aug 19
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I would like to endorse Kirk Kaplan. For years, Kirk and I have served together as Board Members for the Wealth Counsel NV Forum. Kirk is committed to providing a best in class practice and to meeting the needs of his clients. Additionally, having his CPA, gives Kirk an added understanding of the tax ramifications of plans."

Michael Pariente

Estate planning Attorney | May 14
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Kirk Kaplan is a brilliant lawyer and CPA whom I have referred my clients to with estate or tax law issues. I have known him for nearly ten years and he is also my lawyer for my own trust and someone I call when I have questions about tax law."

Sean Cleary

Business Attorney | Dec 20
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. A brilliant, trustworthy and highly respected attorney in the legal community."

Christian Lassen

Unknown Attorney | Dec 15
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."

Michael Potter

Estate planning Attorney | Jan 14
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I've known Kirk as a fellow member of WealthCounsel who serves not only the public in Las Vegas but his fellow attorneys as well as a key player in the Nevada WealthCounsel forum. Kirk's calm demeanor and professional approach to problem-solving combined with his many other skill sets make him a valued legal, tax and business advisor. He is a credit to the Legal Profession."

View more endorsements

Barry Siegel

Estate planning

Logan Brown

Estate planning