Katti Telstad Esp

PRO

Katti Telstad Esp

5.0
Rating: 9.9

Licensed for 29 years

Estate planning Lawyer at Bellingham, WA
Practice Areas: Estate Planning, Probate, Wills & Living Wills, Trusts

301 Prospect St., Bellingham, WA

Virtual Consultation Available

About Katti

Biography

Assisting Clients With The Probate Process & In Designing & Implementing Estate Plans.

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Estate Planning 40%

29 years

40%
Probate 20%

29 years

20%
Trusts 20%

29 years

20%
Wills and Living Wills 20%

29 years

20%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Hourly Rates

$ 500-500 per hour

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check

Awards

Platinum Client Champion
Distinguished Peer Review Rating
Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2014

Licenses

Licensed in Arizona for 8 years

State: Arizona

Acquired: 2017

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in California for 23 years

State: California

Acquired: 2002

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in Washington for 29 years

State: Washington

Acquired: 1996

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Wealth Retention Services

301 Prospect St., Bellingham, WA, 98225-4001

estateplanningesp.com

Katti Telstad Esp's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

23 Client Reviews

5 star (23)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by anonymous | December 11, 2023 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Katti was the right choice for us

My husband and I had put off updating our estate for too many years. We were dreading creating or managing a revocable living trust when in our 80s. We asked for "simple" for ourselves and our executor. Katti understood. Our intentions are clearly stated and easy to understand in the final docum...ents. I can't imagine a better experience when planning or updating plans for these inevitable events.

Posted by Kris | February 1, 2021 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Probate Made Simple

Katti and her assistants maneuvered what could have been a very messy probate into a very clear, concise and palatable experience. She was thorough, fair and offered good insight into each step of the way. My wife and I have utilized her expertise not only for probate but for our own personal will.... I highly recommend Katti for a trustworthy experience and the piece of mind that goes with hiring competent counsel.

Posted by Ellen | April 5, 2020 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Katti Esp

Katti Esp In December of 2018 I suffered the devastating sudden loss of my husband of 45 years. Left with no will, no insurance and major business debt, I was led to Katti Esp. Thanks to her compassion, professionalism and amazing talents, I was able to sleep nights! It was over a year of probate an...d Katti was able to decrease my debt by what I call a miraculous amount. She is worth every $$ you pay. Thanks so much Katti!

Posted by Veronica | March 23, 2020 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

recommendation

This lawyer amended our revocable trust several times, and prepared the estate tax returns on my husband;s death. As a former CPA who specialized in estate work I was impressed by her knowledge, and approach to her clients. She has been worth every penny spent.

Posted by Angela | February 19, 2020 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Best Attorney in Bellingham for Estate Planning

As an attorney myself, I knew I wanted the best attorney to help my family prepare our wills and power of attorney forms. Katti and her staff were extremely helpful and patient with all of our detailed questions. I wouldn't hesitate to use her again, but probably won't need to since our wills were ...done so well!

See All Client Reviews

Katti Telstad Esp's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Katti
Dominique Y Zervas-Foley headshot
Dominique Zervas-Foley

Estate planning lawyer | Feb 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I heartily endorse Katti. The clients I've referred to her have consistently told me that Katti did a good job explaining things to them in simple language so that they understand what their estate plan is about. I will continue, with full confidence, to refer clients to her. Also, as a fellow attorney, Katti has always been ready to assist and share her knowledge."

Emily Rose headshot
Emily Rose

Probate lawyer | Jun 23

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Katti really knows her stuff when it comes to wills, trusts and probate matters. Equally importantly, she is willing and happy to share her expertise with other attorneys as well as the public."

Carrie M. Coppinger headshot
Carrie Coppinger

Estate planning lawyer | May 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Not only to endorse Katti Esp, but I frequently send my clients and friends to her for assistance with their estate planning needs. Everyone I have referred to her has shared with me their appreciation for her efficiency and professionalism."

Michael T Kleps headshot
Michael Kleps

Estate planning lawyer | Aug 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work. She is a leader in our community. I respect her judgment and knowledge of the law."

Jeffrey Alan Lustick headshot
Jeffrey Lustick

Estate planning lawyer | Aug 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I really admire Katti Esp's knowledge and experience in the estate practice field. She's an outstanding lawyer who brings compassion and zeal to all of her clients' matters."

David Alan Nelson headshot
David Nelson

Elder law lawyer | Jun 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work. Katti is an exceptional attorney. She is competent in her field of work. She has a great staff and her work output is timely. She truly cares about the welfare of her clients."

View All Endorsements
Carrie M. Coppinger headshot
Carrie Coppinger

Unknown lawyer

David Alan Nelson headshot
David Nelson

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.9 (Superb)

Honors

2019

Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2017

Accredited Estate Planner, National Association of Estate Planners & Councils

2016

Estate Planning Law Specialist, Estate Law Specialist Board, Inc. an organization accredited by the American Bar Association

2010

Champions of Justice, Pro Bono Direct Representation Award, Law Advocates

Work Experience

2000 - Present

Owner, Wealth Retention Services

1999 - 2000

Associate Attorney, Egger Betts Austin Johnson, PLLC

1996 - 1999

Associate Attorney, Brett & Daugert, PLLC

Associations

1996 - Present

Northwest Washington Estate Planning Council

Member

1996 - Present

Washington State Bar Association

Member

2015 - 2016

Northwest Washington Estate Planning Council

Immediate Past President

2014 - 2017

National Association of Estate Planners and Councils

Volunteer on annual conference committee

2014 - 2015

Northwest Washington Estate Planning Council

President

2013 - 2014

Northwest Washington Estate Planning Council

Vice President

2009 - 2009

Whatcom County Bar Association

President

2008 - 2008

Whatcom County Bar Association

Vice President

2008 - 2011

Northwest Washington Estate Planning Council

Director

2005 - 2008

Lutheran Campus Ministries

Board Member

2002 - 2003

Northwest Washington Estate Planning Council

Immediate Past President

2001 - 2002

Northwest Washington Estate Planning Council

President

2000 - 2003

Whatcom County Red Cross Chapter

Board Member

2000 - 2001

Northwest Washington Estate Planning Council

Vice President

1999 - 2001

Washington Women Lawyers

Vice President of Leadership Development

1998 - 2000

Northwest Washington Estate Planning Council

Director

1996 - 2015

Whatcom County Bar Association

Member

Education

1996

University of Florida, Fredric G. Levin College of Law

LL.M - Master of Laws in Taxation

1995

Gonzaga University School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1992

Western Washington University

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2015

Whatcom Community College Community Education

Wills and Estate Planning

2014

Whatcom Community College Community Education

Wills and Estate Planning

2013

Whatcom Community College Community Education

Wills and Estate Planning

2013

Two-part Estate Planning Seminar

Estate planning

2012

Whatcom Commmunity College - Community Education

Taking the Fear Out of Wills and Estate Planning

2011

Whatcom Community College Community Education

Taking the Fear Out of Wills and Estate Planning

2010

Whatcom Community College Community Education

Taking the Fear Out of Wills and Estate Planning

2010

New Lawyer Education Program

Goal Setting and Four Habits of Referability

2010

Estate Planning: "Let Your Will be Known"

Beneficiary Designations and Titling

2009

Whatcom Community College Community Education

Taking the Fear Out of Wills and Estate Planning

2009

Red Flags for Specialty Areas

Top 11 Things to Watch Out for in Estate Planning

2009

New Lawyer Education Program

Goal Setting and Four Habits of Referability

2008

Wills and Trusts for the Generalist

Niche Practice

2008

Whatcom Community College Community Education

Taking the Fear Out of Wills and Estate Planning

2008

Moneywise Women 2008

Wills and Estate Planning

2007

Whatcom Community College Community Education

Taking the Fear Out of Wills and Estate Planning

2006

Whatcom Community College Community Education

Taking the Fear Out of Wills and Estate Planning

2005

Whatcom Community College Community Education

Taking the Fear Out of Wills and Estate Planning

2004

Whatcom Community College Community Education

Taking the Fear Out of Wills and Estate Planning

2004

Washington State Bar Association

The Use of FLLC and FLLP in Estate and Gift Planning: Current Updates

2003

Whatcom Community College Community Education

Taking the Fear Out of Wills and Estate Planning

2002

Whatcom Community College Community Education

Taking the Fear Out of Wills and Estate Planning

2001

Whatcom Community College Community Education

Taking the Fear Out of Wills and Estate Planning

2000

Whatcom Community College Community Education

Taking the Fear Out of Wills and Estate Planning

1999

Whatcom Community College Community Education

Taking the Fear Out of Wills and Estate Planning

Publications

1995

31 Idaho Law Review 1071 Community Property Rules or American Indian Tribal Law - Which Prevails?

Languages

English

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution