Michael T Kleps

Michael T Kleps

5.0
Rating: 9.4

Licensed for 20 years

Elder law Lawyer at Bellingham, WA
Practice Areas: Elder Law, Estate Planning, Probate, Trusts

114 W. Magnolia St., Ste. 400, Bellingham, WA

About Michael

Biography

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Elder Law 25%

Various types of power of attorney documents; Special Needs Trusts; Wills; Trusts; Estate Administration; Probate; Guardianship

19 years | 200 cases

25%
Estate Planning 25%

Wills; Trusts; Pet Trusts; Special Needs Trusts; Power of Attorney;

19 years | 200 cases

25%
Probate 25%

19 years | 100 cases

25%
Trusts 25%

19 years | 100 cases

25%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Hourly Rates

$ 225-225 per hour


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.

search module image

Search our directory

Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.

chat module image

Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.

Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.

Chat with

Licenses

Licensed in Washington for 20 years

State: Washington

Acquired: 2005

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Kleps Law Office

114 W. Magnolia St., Ste. 400, Bellingham, WA, 98225

Ad

Transform legal challenges into solutions.

Connect now to review your situation.

The Avvo Rating explained

display-bg

The Avvo Rating explained

Michael T Kleps's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

6 Client Reviews

5 star (6)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by Nat | March 6, 2020 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this 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 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this 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!!!!

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.

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.

See All Client Reviews

Michael T Kleps's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Michael
Edward S. Alexander headshot
Edward Alexander

Probate lawyer | 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 lawyer | 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 lawyer | 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 lawyer | 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 lawyer | 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 lawyer | 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 lawyer | 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 lawyer | 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 lawyer | 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 lawyer | 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 lawyer | 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."

View All Endorsements
Edward S. Alexander headshot
Edward Alexander

Litigation lawyer

David M Neubeck headshot
David Neubeck

Guardianship lawyer

Nathan L Mcallister headshot
Nathan Mcallister

Unknown lawyer

Carrie M. Coppinger headshot
Carrie Coppinger

Personal injury lawyer

Roy N Martin headshot
Roy Martin

Divorce and separation lawyer

Rajeev D Majumdar headshot
Rajeev Majumdar

Litigation lawyer

John Keay headshot
John Keay

Family lawyer

Lauren Elizabeth Trent headshot
Lauren Trent

Family lawyer

Michael James Heatherly headshot
Michael Heatherly

Personal injury lawyer

Ziad Iskandar Youssef headshot
Ziad Youssef

Criminal defense lawyer

Daelyn Rochelle Julius headshot
Daelyn Julius

Criminal defense lawyer

James Charles Haigh headshot
James Haigh

Insurance lawyer

Katti Telstad Esp headshot
Katti Esp

Estate planning lawyer

Alexander Floyd Ransom headshot
Alexander Ransom

Elder law lawyer

Aaron Lukoff headshot
Aaron Lukoff

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.4 (Superb)

Honors

2018

Rising Star, SuperLawyers

2014

Rising Star, SuperLawyers

2009

Pro Bono Publico, Washington State Bar Association

Work Experience

2021 - Present

Attorney, Kleps Law Office

2013 - 2021

Attorney, Carmichael Clark, P.S.

2007 - 2013

Attorney, Kleps Law Office, PLLC

2005 - 2006

Attorney, Whatcom County Public Defender's Office

2004 - 2004

Legal Extern, Honorable Michael P. Price, Superior Court Judge

Associations

2012 - Present

National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys

Member

2009 - 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

2005 - Present

Whatcom County Bar Association

Member

2005 - Present

Washington State Bar Association

Member

2010 - 2014

Whatcom County Law Library

Board Member

2010 - 2011

Washington State Bar Association, Pro Bono and Legal Aid Committee

Member

2009 - 2013

Whatcom Family and Community Network

Treasurer

2008 - 2010

Whatcom Young Professionals

Member

2005 - 2010

Young Lawyers Association

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Commercial Fire Protection v. Ebenal

Successful Settlement

See More Legal Cases

Education

2004

Gonzaga University School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

2001

University of Oregon

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2014

NBI CLE

Probate - Why each step is important

2013

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

2012

NW Regional Council Staff Retreat

Elder Law Issues

2010

Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center - In-service

Elder Mediation

2010

WCC Paralegal Course

Small Law Practice

2010

Washington Alzheimer's Society's fall Conference

Alzheimer's Disease

2010

Monthly Educational Seminar

Special Needs Planning

2010

A FACES NW Event - Special Needs Planning

Special Needs Planning

Publications

2010

Kleps Law Office Newsletter Burial or Cremation Planning

2010

Kleps Law Office Newsletter Health Care Directives

2009

Kleps Law Office Newsletter Self-Settled Special Needs Trusts

2009

Kleps Law Office Newsletter Guardianships for Adults

2004

Gonzaga Journal of International Law Associate Editor

Languages

Spanish

Activity

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