Reed Howard Olmstead

Bankruptcy and debt Attorney at Grover Beach, CA

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Complete Trust and Assurance

You are in good hands with Reed Olmstead.

I could not have been happier with Mr Olstead's performance. He communicated exactly what the chapter 7 process was and exactly what my options and rights where. He was professional, personable, and efficient. No one likes the idea of having to go through a bankruptcy, and if you are like me you have lots of questions and concerns. Reed Olmstead put me at ease by answering all of those questions and addressed all of my concerns. He made the process simple and painless. Mr. Olmstead completed my chapter 7 in record time, and now I am no longer a slave to debt.

About Reed

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I AM A BANKRUPTCY ATTORNEY WITH OFFICES IN SANTA BARBARA AND GROVER BEACH. CALL NOW FOR A FREE CONSULTATION AT (805) 284-9015!

Reed H. Olmstead’s practice is devoted entirely to bankruptcy and debt resolution. He represents consumer and small business debtors and creditors in cases under chapters 7, 11, and 13. A significant portion of his practice is devoted to representing chapter 7 trustees.

He is a member of the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys, the Santa Barbara County Bar Association, and the San Luis Obispo County Bar Association.

Reed earned his JD at the Santa Barbara College of Law where he graduated with honors. He earned his BA from the University of California, Santa Barbara, majoring in both Law & Society (exploring the impact of the legal system on society) and Philosophy.

In 2014, he was awarded the William J. Lasarow Award, Honoring Outstanding Pro Bono Service to the Community, presented by the Legal Aid Foundation of Santa Barbara County in conjunction with Public Counsel’s Debtor Assistance Project. He is a Supervising Attorney for the Law Student Bankruptcy Assistance Program, a collaboration between the Santa Barbara College of Law and Bankruptcy Court.

Licensed for 12 years

State CA

Status Active

Acquired 2010

Updated 11/29/2022

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

Contact Reed

Law Offices of Reed H. Olmstead

(805) 284-9015 Office

910 Ramona Ave.

Suite G

Grover Beach, CA, 93433

olmstead.law

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Law Offices of Reed H. Olmstead

(805) 284-9015 Office

5142 Hollister Avenue # 171

Santa Barbara, CA, 93111

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5.0 / 5.0

24 customer reviews

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Posted by Cara | February 28, 2015

Complete Trust and Assurance

My experience with Reed was so smooth as far as having my entire bankruptcy process explained and giving me the information I needed to proceed without the fear that accompanies something as enormous as bankruptcy. It was an intimidating endeavor, but Reed made the entire process easy to understand and his knowledge and ability to explain each step made me feel less intimidated . I highly recommend Reed as a trusted advisor and knowledgable guide through the bankruptcy process.

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Posted by Leo | March 7, 2015

You are in good hands with Reed Olmstead.

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Posted by anonymous | November 17, 2016

Calm, knowledgable and fast.

I hired Reed to remove liens on our title (that I didn't know were there) during a refinance. He worked very fast, and the process went off without a hitch. I recommend Reed 100 percent. His is not just knowledgable about the law, but he is a very calm, reassuring presence during what for me was a terrifically stressful period of time.

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Posted by Jeff | November 4, 2016

Thank You Reed. Excellent and Extremely Knowledgeable Bankruptcy Attorney.

I cannot express how truly grateful I am to Reed. He is not only an extremely knowledgeable attorney that steered me in the right direction, he is also very thoughtful and personable making the most trying time in my life somehow bearable. My case was a complicated chapter 7 bankruptcy with extensive amounts of documentation. Somehow he managed to get through it all quickly and he kept an excellent line of communication through the process. With Reed, the process was as quick and painless as Bankruptcy could possibly be. I very highly recommend him if you happen to be in the unfortunate position of needing or even just considering a bankruptcy. Thanks to Reed, I can now begin the process of rebuilding my financial future. Thank you so much Reed.

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Posted by Jon | April 26, 2016

Tremendous help during trying time, highly recommend

From the very first meeting where I felt an immediate sense of relief to the end discharge, I was always given great advice and kept informed every step of the way. I cannot recommend this attorney more highly. Thank you Reed !

Posted by Matt | April 4, 2016

Only the Best

Reed is one of the most comprehensive, competent and knowledgable attorneys you could have representing you in your case. He is detailed oriented and makes sure to be specific and honest about any and all questions or concerns you may have. His knowledge of the law and how to navigate his clients through a successful bankruptcy is unlike no other. Not only does he know the law very well but he will explain the entire process start to finish and make sure you are comfortable and well taken care of. I gladly will not need his services in the future but am thankful for his amazing ability to provide me with a successful bankruptcy and the chance to be successful in life without an unfortunate amount of debt. I will always recommend Reed to anyone for their personal or business bankruptcy needs!

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Posted by anonymous | January 21, 2016

Highly Recommended, Santa Barbara BK Lawyer

I highly recommend Reed Olmstead to anyone going through a bankruptcy. After several consultations in Santa Barabra, Reed was clearly the most knowledgable, responsive and professional lawyer I met with. He guided me through the process, always answered my questions and helped me understand the law and my rights.

Posted by Patrick | October 27, 2015

Fantastic Experience

Reed is exceptionally professional and dedicated to protecting his client's interests. I have never been so comfortable with an attorney, and he achieved results I didn't think were possible. He made our bankruptcy proceedings painless and was patient with us all along the pathway. On top of that, he is brilliant--no small advantage in his field. I would recommend (and have recommended) Reed highly to anyone in need of his services.

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Posted by Lisabeth | October 7, 2015

What a painless experience

I could not be happier of my representation with Reed Olmstead. He made the process painless and easy. Everything was explained very clear to me with kindness and compassion. Mr. Olmstead was always available to answer my questions immediately. I could not be happier with my experience. I am so grateful to have been referred to such professional and kind attorney.

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Posted by VICTORIA | August 25, 2015

Excellent experience - Very helpful with a difficult situation!!

I was referred to Reed Olmstead by my Employee Assistance Program to assist my parents with bankruptcy proceedings. We feel so very lucky to have been referred to him. From the very first call Reed put both myself and my parents at ease. From start to finish the case progressed seamlessly and stress free. Reed was always there to address any questions or concerns. He was with us every step of the way and did everything he promised and more. Very, very highly recommended!!

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Posted by Eric | April 26, 2015

Chapter 8 Begins Thanks To An Amazing Attorney

My bankruptcy attorney was truly remarkable. He did everything right and everything worked out as he promised. He charged me fairly and always took my calls and texts. I watched a dozen cases before mine, most were a mess. When we approached the trustee, I was in and out in minutes and my discharge came as promised. Not a single hiccup and I was the big fish in the room that day. I now consider him a friend. His name is Reed Olmstead.

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Posted by Karin | April 20, 2015

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Santa Barbara

Reed began our positive professional relationship by making one simple gesture: he returned my call. His response was energetic and optimistic. I was referred to him following a botched Ch13 filing, and a regrettable experience with a 'for profit' debt management company. The experiences were like "night and day". I carried a lot of shame regarding bankruptcy and he was very understanding of my fears as he took the load off my shoulders. I was terrified of receiving collection agency calls or lawsuit summons at work. I was not harassed in any way after Reed took my case. He is an expert in the field of bankruptcy, and his confidence was very comforting because of his expectations of the process. Throughout, my inquiries and concerns were answered quickly and respectfully. His skill and experience paid off, and my Ch7 case was discharged. I highly recommend Reed Olmstead, and wish he had been my initial bankruptcy attorney. It would have saved me two years of misery.

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Posted by anonymous | March 8, 2015

Outstanding Attorney

Mr. Olmstead is an great attorney. His customer service skill are outstanding. Whenever I had a question, I received an answer within 1 hour of my emailing. Most of the time it was within minutes. He would explain my whole process as we were working together, in terms that I could understand. HE was quick to get things moving along when they were stagnant.

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Posted by Carol | March 7, 2015

Great!

Reed was always very quick to respond to emails and or phone messages. Very important when going through difficult times.

Posted by anonymous | March 7, 2015

Recommendation for Bankruptcy Attorney - Reed Olmstead

Clearly explained and reviewed the bankruptcy options available to us and what would work best given our circumstance. Made the whole process straight forward and was very timely in following up with us and ensuring any questions we had were addressed. If you believe you may need the assistance of a bankruptcy attorney, we highly recommend that you contact Reed Olmstead.

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Posted by Toni | March 7, 2015

Excellent Lawyer!! Knows his stuff!

Reed is very professional, knowledgeable, informative and very personable. If you have any questions he is always polite and is very prompt in getting back to you with answers. I would recommend Reed to anyone and everyone. I would use Reed again with any of my legal matters in a snap of my fingers. Check him out, give him a call, he will not disappoint you. Thank you Reed for taking care of my legal needs.

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Posted by anonymous | March 5, 2015

Thank You Reed

We appreciated your professionalism and knowledge in helping us resolve our financial issues. You clearly communicated our options and responded promptly to the timelines involved. We appreciated your prompt responses to emails and phone calls. Your follow up on lingering issues were successful. Thank You Reed.

Posted by Lynn | March 4, 2015

Reed

Reed helped our company navigate through two difficult legal situations. He always went out of his way to be sure that we were advised fully to help us make the most advantageous decisions.

Posted by Deborah | March 2, 2015

Top Notch service!

Mr. Olmstead was very knowledgeable and professional in handling my case. Everything was explained up front so I had a good understanding of what to expect during the process. He was always very prompt in responding to me with any questions that came up. I would highly recommend Mr. Olmstead to anyone seeking an attorney in his field.

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Posted by anonymous | February 28, 2015

So happy..

I was at my wits end, no where to turn, then I found Reed. I really needed to file bankruptcy, but was very embarrassed and ashamed. Talked to Reed, met with him,and was so amazed. He let me know I was not alone. Walked me through step by step, never made me feel like a failure. Sure, I had to do my homework, but was more than happy. He helped along the way and always called right back, even on weekends... Answered all my e mails within a few hours. I was never felt left in the dark about anything that was going on or about to happen. He is a very excellent attorney with a kind heart.. I am so thankful to Reed. My life is so much more at ease. Thank you so much....

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AVVO RATING 9.9 (Superb)

Work Experience

Partner
Hurlbett & Olmstead
2012 - Present

Associate Attorney
Hurlbett & Faucher, LLP
2010 - 2012

Judicial Extern
United States Bankruptcy Court Central District Of California
2008 - 2009

Education

Santa Barbara College of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2010

University of California - Santa Barbara
BA - Bachelor of Arts
2003

Associations

San Luis Obispo County Bar Association
Member
2016 - Present

Los Angeles Bankruptcy Forum
Member
2015 - Present

California Bankruptcy Forum
Member
2015 - Present

United States Tax Court
Admitted to Practice
2013 - Present

National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys
Member
2010 - Present

United States District Court for the Central District of California
Admitted to Practice
2010 - Present

American Bankruptcy Institute
Member
2009 - Present

Santa Barbara County Bar Association
Co-section head of the Debtor/Creditor Section
2012 - 2013

Santa Barbara Barristers
Board of Directors
2011 - 2013

William L. Gordon American Inn of Court
Member
2008 - 2009

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Languages Spoken

English

Honors and Awards

Rising Star
Super Lawyers Magazine
2017

Certificate of Appreciation, Consumer Bankruptcy Clinic
The United States Bankruptcy Court, Central District of California
2017

Certificate of Recognition
The United States Bankruptcy Court, Central District of California, Northern Division
2016

Rising Star
Super Lawyers Magazine
2016

Honor Roll of Pro Bono Volunteers
The United States Bankruptcy Court, Central District of California
2016

Honor Roll of Pro Bono Volunteers
The United States Bankruptcy Court, Central District of California
2015

William J. Lasarow Award, Honoring Outstanding Pro Bono Service
Legal Aid Foundation of Santa Barbara County, Central District of California, Northern Division
2014

Certificate of Appreciation, Consumer Bankruptcy Clinic
The United States Bankruptcy Court, Central District of California
2014

Honor Roll of Pro Bono Volunteers
The United States Bankruptcy Court, Central District of California
2014

Honor Roll of Pro Bono Volunteers
The United States Bankruptcy Court, Central District of California
2013

Certificate of Appreciation, Consumer Bankruptcy Clinic
The United States Bankruptcy Court, Central District of California
2013

Honor Roll of Pro Bono Volunteers
The United States Bankruptcy Court, Central District of California
2012

Honor Roll of Pro Bono Volunteers
The United States Bankruptcy Court, Central District of California
2011

Certificate of Appreciation, Reaffirmation Calendar
The United States Bankruptcy Court, Central District of California, Northern Division
2011

Certificate of Appreciation, Consumer Bankruptcy Clinic
The United States Bankruptcy Court, Central District of California, Northern Division
2011

Graduated with Honors
Santa Barbara College of Law
2010

Academic Achievement Award
Santa Barbara College of Law
2009

Academic Achievement Award
Santa Barbara College of Law
2008

Witkin Award for Academic Excellence, Real Property
Witkin Legal Institute/Santa Barbara College of Law
2008

Academic Achievement Award
Santa Barbara College of Law
2007

Witkin Award for Academic Excellence, Legal Writing
Witkin Legal Institute/Santa Barbara College of Law
2007

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Speaking Engagements

I.P. in Bankruptcy Matters: Identifying It, Valuing It, Selling It
Intellectual Property in Bankruptcy Matters
2011

Attorney endorsements

Received (5)

Given (4)

Endorse Reed

Patricia Rodriguez

Bankruptcy and debt Attorney | Mar 01
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Meghann Triplett

Bankruptcy and debt Attorney | Jun 24
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I have worked with Reed as opposing counsel on several cases over the past few years. Reed is a talented attorney and approaches his cases in a smart and efficient manner. He treats his clients with respect and works hard to represent their interests and find creative and efficient solutions often in difficult cases."

Andrew Mansfield

Bankruptcy and debt Attorney | May 25
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Reed is a outstanding bankruptcy lawyer. He is also the type of attorney that represents his clients with great tenacity and yet never loses the ability to work with opposing counsel in a civil and productive manner. Reed's outstanding capabilities have resulted in his representation of Chapter 7 Trustees. He has great insight into the bankruptcy bar and knowledge of the subject area."

G. Brelje

Bankruptcy and debt Attorney | Jan 14
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have worked with Reed on various bankruptcy related issues concerning real property. He is intelligent and knows the Bankruptcy Code, and supporting federal case law, inside and out. I strongly recommend Reed to any potential debtor, creditor, or trustee in the bankruptcy arena."

John Faucher

Bankruptcy and debt Attorney | Feb 10
Relationship: Supervised lawyer

"I endorse this lawyer. From tiny issues in chapter 7 cases to monstrously complicated chapter 11 and trustee cases, Reed is a careful, diligent, and intelligent lawyer. Any debtor, creditor, or trustee can trust him to handle matters well."

Chapter 7 bankruptcy

Bankruptcy and debt

Landlord or tenant

Tax

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Reed Howard Olmstead

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