$ 500-500 per hour
PRO
Virtual Consultation Available
Katti Esp has practiced law in Bellingham since 1996, designing and implementing individualized estate plans and assisting clients with the probate process. She collaborates with families and individuals and their financial planners to retain the greatest amount of wealth for family, friends, and charities. Katti also helps her clients limit the assets transferred to the government or unintended beneficiaries. She develops estate plans designed to reduce federal and state estate and gift taxes.
Katti Esp also assists her clients with transferring closely held family businesses and regularly assists non-citizens with their estate plans. She is licensed to practice law in Washington and California.
Katti Esp received her Master of Laws in Taxation from the University of Florida. She earned her Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, from Gonzaga University School of Law, where she received academic honors for her achievements in estate planning and secured transactions. Katti graduated fromWestern Washington Universitywith a Bachelor of Arts degree. In 2013 Katti received the Estate Planning Law Specialist designation from the Estate Law Specialist Board, Inc. an organization accredited by the American Bar Association.* In 2012, Katti received the Accredited Estate Planner designation from the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils.*
* The Supreme Court of Washington does not recognize certification, of specialities in the practice of law and the certification, award or recognition is not a requirement to practice law in the state of Washington.
4
Practice Areas
30 years
30 years
30 years
30 years
$ 500-500 per hour
Always
State: Arizona
Acquired: 2017
No misconduct found
State: California
Acquired: 2002
No misconduct found
State: Washington
Acquired: 1996
No misconduct found
Unknown
301 Prospect St., Bellingham, WA, 98225-4001
estateplanningesp.com23 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 15 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge
Posted by anonymous | December 11, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Estate Planning
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...
Posted by Kris | February 02, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Probate
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....
Posted by Veronica | March 24, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Estate Planning
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 Arleen | February 25, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Wills & Living Wills
Personable and Professional
In 2015, a friend recommended Katti Esp to write a Last Will and Testament for my husband and I. She was extremely pleasant, thorough, and professional. It eased our minds to create this Will and leave instructions for our family. In September of 2017, my father passed away. He and my mother (who...
Posted by anonymous | September 29, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Estate Planning
Clear Explanations
I've worked with Katie twice, once in 2013 when she helped me create a Will and other documents, including setting up a Trust, and recently when I update the information. Her advice, suggestions, and clear verbal and written communications smoothed out the process.
"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."
"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."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. She is a leader in our community. I respect her judgment and knowledge of the law."
"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."
"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."
Unknown lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
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
2000 - Present
Owner, Wealth Retention Services
1999 - 2000
Associate Attorney, Egger Betts Austin Johnson, PLLC
1996 - 1999
Associate Attorney, Brett & Daugert, PLLC
1996 - Present
Northwest Washington Estate Planning CouncilMember
1996 - Present
Washington State Bar AssociationMember
2015 - 2016
Northwest Washington Estate Planning CouncilImmediate Past President
2014 - 2017
National Association of Estate Planners and CouncilsVolunteer on annual conference committee
2014 - 2015
Northwest Washington Estate Planning CouncilPresident
2013 - 2014
Northwest Washington Estate Planning CouncilVice President
2009 - 2009
Whatcom County Bar AssociationPresident
2008 - 2008
Whatcom County Bar AssociationVice President
2008 - 2011
Northwest Washington Estate Planning CouncilDirector
2005 - 2008
Lutheran Campus MinistriesBoard Member
2002 - 2003
Northwest Washington Estate Planning CouncilImmediate Past President
2001 - 2002
Northwest Washington Estate Planning CouncilPresident
2000 - 2003
Whatcom County Red Cross ChapterBoard Member
2000 - 2001
Northwest Washington Estate Planning CouncilVice President
1999 - 2001
Washington Women LawyersVice President of Leadership Development
1998 - 2000
Northwest Washington Estate Planning CouncilDirector
1996 - 2015
Whatcom County Bar AssociationMember
1996
LL.M - Master of Laws in Taxation
1995
JD - Juris Doctor
1992
BA - Bachelor of Arts
2015
Wills and Estate Planning
2014
Wills and Estate Planning
2013
Wills and Estate Planning
2013
Estate planning
2012
Taking the Fear Out of Wills and Estate Planning
2011
Taking the Fear Out of Wills and Estate Planning
2010
Taking the Fear Out of Wills and Estate Planning
2010
Goal Setting and Four Habits of Referability
2010
Beneficiary Designations and Titling
2009
Taking the Fear Out of Wills and Estate Planning
2009
Top 11 Things to Watch Out for in Estate Planning
2009
Goal Setting and Four Habits of Referability
2008
Niche Practice
2008
Taking the Fear Out of Wills and Estate Planning
2008
Wills and Estate Planning
2007
Taking the Fear Out of Wills and Estate Planning
2006
Taking the Fear Out of Wills and Estate Planning
2005
Taking the Fear Out of Wills and Estate Planning
2004
Taking the Fear Out of Wills and Estate Planning
2004
The Use of FLLC and FLLP in Estate and Gift Planning: Current Updates
2003
Taking the Fear Out of Wills and Estate Planning
2002
Taking the Fear Out of Wills and Estate Planning
2001
Taking the Fear Out of Wills and Estate Planning
2000
Taking the Fear Out of Wills and Estate Planning
1999
Taking the Fear Out of Wills and Estate Planning
1995
English