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Michael T Kleps

Probate Attorney at Bellingham, WA

5.0   6 reviews
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  • Licensed for 17 years
    State WA
    Acquired 2005
    Status
    Active No misconduct found

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

Kind and Knowlegable
Nat
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired Attorney
Michael is a kind, empathetic attorney-- one who blows the jokes about lawyers away
Jamesa
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired Attorney
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About Michael

Learn Michael’s areas of practice.

4
Practice areas
  1. Elder law
    25%
    Various types of power of attorney documents; Special Needs Trusts; Wills; Trusts; Estate Administration; Probate; Guardianship

    16 years, 200 cases

  2. Estate planning
    25%
    Wills; Trusts; Pet Trusts; Special Needs Trusts; Power of Attorney;

    16 years, 200 cases

  3. Probate
    25%

    16 years, 100 cases

  4. Trusts
    25%

    16 years, 100 cases

I accept cases regarding Estate Planning, Estate and Trust administration and Elder Law.

I am also a member of the following professional organizations:

- Whatcom County Bar Association
- Washington State Bar Association (WSBA)
- Elder Law Section of the WSBA
- Real Property, Probate, and Trust Section of the WSBA
- Northwest Washington Estate Planning Council
- National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys
- Elder Service Providers

Photos and videos

Photos and videos

Contact Michael

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Kleps Law Office
114 W. Magnolia St., Ste. 400
Bellingham, WA, 98225
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Reviews

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5.0 / 5.0
  6 customer reviews
5 Star
 
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Posted by Nat | March 6, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Kind and Knowlegable
Mr. Kleps was very helpful and kind when we had to go through what was my first probate. He understood our financial realities. He encouraged us to do what we could on our own, and was there 100% for the tasks that were beyond our capabilities. I highly recommend.
Posted by Jamesa | June 21, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Michael is a kind, empathetic attorney-- one who blows the jokes about lawyers away
I have a traumatic brain injury. I was referred to him by the attorney who helped me to finally get social security disability after 6 years. That attorney referred me to Michael when I got my "back-pay" from SSD; and helped me to understand how getting a large amount of money could create financial havoc in my life-- losing my home in a public housing unit, losing my state paid caregiver 30 hrs. a week, and losing my state insurance that covers what my medicare never would. He did all of this in a kind, patient way; without ever making me feel like he was "timing" our first consultation or even counting every second when he did the paperwork. He is my favorite attorney ever, I have to say; and I have dealt with a few throughout my life. Thank you Michael!!!!
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Posted by anonymous | February 19, 2015
Personable and professional
We were happy with the knowledge and experience Michael provided in preparing a will, Durable Power of Attorney and Health Care Directive for my husband and I. He was personable, respectful and listened to our concerns and wishes and helped us with the wording, offered advice concerning tax laws and beneficiaries, and provided our documents in a timely manner.
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Posted by anonymous | November 12, 2008
Pleased with service and results
I was quite pleased with the service Michael kleps provided. He drew up for me a Last Will and Testament that exceded my expectations. I felt well taken care of and I will trust Mr. Kleps with all my legal matters in the future.
Posted by anonymous | November 11, 2008
Client Review
Michael provided us with documents in a timely manner and was very professional in his overall tone in person and via email. I appreciated his ability to research and find out more information about things that were important to me and my husband (ex. pet trust). I will use his services again when I need to.
Posted by anonymous | November 10, 2008
Wills for Shearers
Mr. Kleps was friendly, knowledgeable, interested in our case, and timely. We appreciate his help with getting our will current. And we will call him again should we need legal advice.
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Cost

Rates
  • Hourly Rates $ 225-225 per hour
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 9.5 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Attorney
  • Kleps Law Office
  • 2021 - Present
  • Attorney
  • Carmichael Clark, P.S.
  • 2013 - 2021
  • Attorney
  • Kleps Law Office, PLLC
  • 2007 - 2013
  • Attorney
  • Whatcom County Public Defender's Office
  • 2005 - 2006
  • Legal Extern
  • Honorable Michael P. Price, Superior Court Judge
  • 2004 - 2004
View all work experience

Education

  • Gonzaga University School of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 2004
  • University of Oregon
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 2001

Legal Cases

  • Commercial Fire Protection v. Ebenal
  • Successful Settlement

Associations

  • National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys
  • Member
  • 2012 - Present
  • Northwest Washington Estate Planning Council
  • Board of Directors/Member
  • 2009 - Present
  • Elder Law Section WSBA
  • Member
  • 2009 - Present
  • Real Property, Trust and Estate Law Section
  • Member
  • 2009 - Present
  • Elder Service Providers
  • Member
  • 2009 - Present
  • Whatcom County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2005 - Present
  • Washington State Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2005 - Present
  • Whatcom County Law Library
  • Board Member
  • 2010 - 2014
  • Washington State Bar Association, Pro Bono and Legal Aid Committee
  • Member
  • 2010 - 2011
  • Whatcom Family and Community Network
  • Treasurer
  • 2009 - 2013
  • Whatcom Young Professionals
  • Member
  • 2008 - 2010
  • Young Lawyers Association
  • Member
  • 2005 - 2010
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • Spanish

Honors and Awards

  • Rising Star
  • SuperLawyers
  • 2018
  • Rising Star
  • SuperLawyers
  • 2014
  • Pro Bono Publico
  • Washington State Bar Association
  • 2009

Publications

  • Gonzaga Journal of International Law
  • Associate Editor
  • 2004
View all publications

Speaking Engagements

  • NBI CLE
  • Probate - Why each step is important
  • 2014
  • WEA-Retired Seminar
  • Death - You only get to do it once so plan for it
  • 2013
  • Seminar for Attorneys
  • Estate Administration Procedures: Why Each Step is Important
  • 2013
  • NW Regional Council Staff Retreat
  • Elder Law Issues
  • 2012
  • A FACES NW Event - Special Needs Planning
  • Special Needs Planning
  • 2010
  • Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center - In-service
  • Elder Mediation
  • 2010
  • Monthly Educational Seminar
  • Special Needs Planning
  • 2010
  • WCC Paralegal Course
  • Small Law Practice
  • 2010
  • Washington Alzheimer's Society's fall Conference
  • Alzheimer's Disease
  • 2010
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (11)
Given (18)
Endorse Michael
Edward S. Alexander headshot
Edward Alexander
Probate Attorney | Jul 28
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. Michael is a great guy and a great lawyer. I have known him for years. I highly recommend him."
Nicholas B Berning headshot
Nicholas Berning
Estate planning Attorney | Jan 26
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I've known Michael for nearly eight years and have always been impressed by both his reputation in the legal community and his exceptionally friendly and professional personality."
David M Neubeck headshot
David Neubeck
Elder law Attorney | Feb 18
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"Although Michael and I were opposing counsel, he was pleasant to work with and had a real understanding of the legal and human issues involved with the case."
Henri S Vanderhage headshot
Henri Vanderhage
Estate planning Attorney | Feb 17
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have known Michael since law school. He is thorough in his understanding of the law, and is good at explaining difficult concepts. His personality makes him a very easy person with whom to work. I have referred my friends to him for estate planning and elder law issues."
Roy N Martin headshot
Roy Martin
General practice Attorney | May 07
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Michael is smart, honest and conscientious. I have no doubt he does great work for his clients. His practice includes estate planning, probate and elder law. He's a great guy -- easy going, upbeat and unpretentious. I always enjoy crossing paths with him. I'm glad to have Michael in our legal community, both as a colleague and as a resource to whom I can refer clients, knowing full well he'll take good care of them."
Rajeev D Majumdar headshot
Rajeev Majumdar
Elder law Attorney | Sep 01
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"Michael Kleps is not only a consumate professional and an incredibly intelligent man, but he has a well honed sense of justice and compassion. If you are looking for an attorney to help you through a difficult time and who will be able to guide you through planning for the future, Michael is the attorney for you."
Michael James Heatherly headshot
Michael Heatherly
Estate planning Attorney | Sep 01
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer's work. I know Michael Kleps as a dedicated, knowledgeable, honest lawyer. He is a keen advocate for his clients while maintaining a high level of professionalism among his colleagues."
John Keay headshot
John Keay
Estate planning Attorney | Jun 29
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Michael is an excellent attorney who is committed to serving his clients' needs. He has a keen understanding of Elder Law, Estate Planning, and related issues. You couldn't ask for a more professional or kind lawyer than Michael and I highly recommend his services."
Daelyn Rochelle Julius headshot
Daelyn Julius
Estate planning Attorney | Jun 15
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Mr. Kleps is an attorney who is always willing to give 110%. This is exhibited by his constant need to understand not only the upcoming changes within the law but also the cutting edge methodologies, enabling him to best utilize the law to his client's advantage. Additionally, Michael is one of the rare attorneys that actually takes the time to thoroughly explain the legal process and its ramifications to his clients. Michael's exuberance and professionalism is also noted through his active participation in the community, he continually helps out not only other attorneys in need but also those less fortunate. Because of these reasons and much, much, more it is an honor to call Mr. Kleps a colleague."
James Charles Haigh headshot
James Haigh
Estate planning Attorney | Jun 10
Relationship: Other
"Michael & I had adjoining offices in an office suite for six months and I have worked with Michael on several Bar Association committees. I have had many conversations with him about various legal issues and he has impressed me with his breadth of knowledge, skills and his commitment to his clients. He is always professional and I commend his enthusiasm - he is a pleasure to deal with. I highly recommend Michael."
Alexander Floyd Ransom headshot
Alexander Ransom
Estate planning Attorney | Jun 26
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I met Michale Michael through a professional organization we both belong to. Being solo practitioners, we quickly developed a close bond; and "talk shop" on a regular basis. I am impressed with Michael's depth of knowledge of Elder Law and the legal profession in general. He is a likeable, professional, and hardworking attorney who takes care of his clients."
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Bellingham Probate Lawyer Michael T Kleps
Michael T Kleps
Probate Attorney
Bellingham, WA
Licensed for 17 years
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