Stephen Michael Waltar

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.