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Michael P. Jacobs

Probate Attorney at Lynnwood, WA

4.9   30 reviews
Free consultation
Free consultation
  • Licensed for 30 years
    State WA
    Acquired 1993
    Status
    Active No misconduct found

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

About Michael

Learn Michael’s areas of practice.

CALL NOW TO SPEAK WITH AN EXPERIENCED REAL ESTATE ATTORNEY.

For more than 50 years, my firm has looked after the legal needs of our community, and now enjoy serving the children and grandchildren of our original clients. I can help you with resolving basic or complex disputes AND planning for a comfortable future. In my general practice I provide counsel in Business Law, Real Estate, Estate Planning, Medicaid Planning, Probate, and more.

Awards

Client's Choice 2015,2012
Client's Choice
2015 2012

Photos and videos

Contact Michael

Riach Gese Jacobs, PLLC

Reviews

4.9 / 5.0
  30 customer reviews
Client's Choice 2015
Client's Choice
Client's Choice is an Avvo award granted to attorneys with a significant number of client reviews over 4 stars in a given year.
Posted by Bonnie | August 6, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent grasp of the law
Michael Jacobs has helped us with three separate issues and each has had a successful outcome. In addition, Michael has referred us for legal work outside of his scope of practice. Michael Jacobs has the right combination of wisdom and appropriate legal action, on time and specific for what we need.
Posted by John | December 31, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Lien help
We came to Michael looking for help with a lien we filed against a contractor for non-payment. Within a short period of time after demand letters were sent, we received full payment on our contract. I would be more than happy to use Michael Jacobs again in the future if need be.
Posted by Kathy | December 17, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great job
Michael solved my issue successfully with an unscrupulous contractor. He was straight forward, efficient and respected my time and billable hours. I would definitely use him again.
Posted by anonymous | April 17, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Easement dispute
Michael Jacobs represented us in an easement dispute litigation. We are very satisfied with both the favorable outcome of our litigation as well as the high caliber legal service we received from Michael and his staff. We highly recommend Michael to anyone who needs legal service in his areas of practice. Additionally we will not hesitate to retain his service again in the future should such needs arise.
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Posted by anonymous | June 2, 2017
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Honest, Experienced and Skilled!
It was a pleasure working with Mr. Jacobs on a contract dispute. He was easy to talk to and took the time to explain (what turned out to be) a rather complicated legal process. He saved me money in the end! It's definitely worth it to at least talk to Mike about your legal problem. He won't take your money for nothing - he does the job. I also noticed he was well-respected by the court and other lawyers. He keeps his good reputation for a reason - through with his knowledge, honesty and skill. Definitely recommend.
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Posted by Wes | April 3, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Estate Dispute
My spouse died without a Will and her adult children tried to take everything. I hired Mike to represent me and he did a marvelous job. Michael handled himself in a professional manner at all times and was concerned with my well being. This was a tough case with tough people to work with, and Michael really came through in a pinch. I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone I know.
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Posted by Jon | October 23, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Several services and much problem solving
Over many years, Mike saved us from a messed up guardianship by a different attorney for a parent -- Mike fixed it in court. He arranged for TEDRA agreement between siblings for another deceased parent. He has done wills, health care directives, durable POAs and a Partnership Agreement between brothers. Established Land LLC and Apartment LLC and is legal representative for same. Mike is a great in-between when another inherited default attorney for a deceased parent is less than understanding. Mike is sympathetic, smart and a great listener.
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Posted by Judy | September 19, 2016
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Quit Claim Deed
Mr. Jacobs extensively examined my situation during a consultation. He thoroughly explained many options, after explaining some possible actions of which I was unaware. His help has proven to be invaluable, and aided me in resolving the issue. I highly recommend him, and now consider him "my lawyer."
Posted by Frank | December 23, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Estate Processing and Resolution
Mr. Jacobs was hired to process an estate that was developing into a very contentious situation. Mr. Jacobs was quick to insure the Estate was protected and the activity surrounding the estate was compliant. As the process moved forward the hostilities heightened but Mr. Jacobs approached each and every issue with a professional focus and ethic that provided a positive and comforting feeling to his client. He was always quick to keep everyone informed and always made time to communicate with his client. A "five-star" rating system may be the only game in town but by any measurement Mr. Jacobs is "Top Shelf" no matter the system. Mr. Jacobs brought the situation to a 100% successful conclusion and did so with total regard for the human frailties that such incidents in our life bring to bear. Should the need ever arise again, Mr. Jacobs will be the first person I call.
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Posted by Ralph | December 22, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Simply Outstanding
Mike Jacobs did a fantastic job with our Family Trust in getting the results we wanted. We had 6 Siblings, 5 agreeing on the care and payment for my Mother, and 1 against us. Then when my Mother passed he also helped us through the emotional process of settling her Estate and Trust, AGAIN over the objection of our younger Sister. It was a lengthy process, and we again prevailed. Mike was totally the correct choice. I would use him again in a heartbeat. Very professional and quickly responded to all of our requests and kept us balanced. He crushed the opposing Attorney in Court 3X. A pleasure to work with.
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Posted by Jerry | October 5, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Back yard slipping away!!!
Mike did a great job encouraging the builder of my condo to make some corrections that were necessary, or my backyard and fence might have slipped downhill into the neighbors yard. The builder, originally blamed the problem on "mother nature"! Thanks to Mike he changed his position. Great job, reasonable cost.
Posted by Shannon | May 5, 2015
One of the good guys!
When served with a lawsuit, my first reaction was tears. The hunt to find someone who could manage defending my points was overwhelming . . . until I found Mr. Jacobs at Riach Gese Law Firm. He responded to my inquiry within 24 hours, asked for a few details and provided flexibility by accepting payment over the phone once he shared what he felt the best course of action would be for me. His tone was helpful and upbeat, not negative, and never once did he let me slip into despair. Working with him gave me hope for a positive outcome - every step of the way. Mr. Jacobs and his amazing team provided me with specific tasks, steps to follow and each correspondence was clear. Legal terms were explained in laymen's vocabulary and I learned quite a bit about real estate claims during the process. Mr. Jacobs was able to provide a counterclaim that clearly delineated my responsibility for payment and the errors of the plaintiff's claim. The difference in settlement owed was significant and may have saved me from bankruptcy! While I hope to never need someone to defend me again, Mr. Jacobs has certainly restored my faith in the legal system and in humanity as well. There really are friendly, positive citizens in our community who are there to help others and give hope when defeat feels inevitable. Mr. Jacobs is one of the good guys!
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Posted by Janice | February 12, 2015
Compassionate, Professional, Knowledgeable, Kind Listener
2014 was quite a rough year for me having the responsibility of settling my parents estate and executing their will, in the loving manner they would expect. Mike, along with his Paralegal Assistant, Louise, helped me walk through this heartbreaking journey that uncovered sibling fraud behavior with such a caring, compassionate, listening ear as each claim was dealt with and settled. Thank you again, Mike and Louise for you guidance and God Bless.
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Posted by anonymous | January 28, 2015
Michael P. Jacobs
Mr. Jacobs has provided legal advice to me for four years. While always maintaining a professional relationship, he has been honest and forthright. From wills for my husband and I to legal work regarding a property dispute, Mr. Jacobs has been sensible, yet savvy, about handling these different issues. I have always felt comfortable with him whether in a meeting at his office or while he is representing me in the courtroom. Though he has a busy schedule, he has always been timely with his responses to any inquiry that I have had. In addition, he works with a professional and knowledgeable support staff.
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Posted by Steve | January 27, 2015
Aid to a financially abused senior.
We contacted Michael Jacobs for legal help and advice for a senior who is being financially abused. His service was prompt, accurate, and is being effective at helping the senior reclaim their estate. Mr Jacobs has also provided good advice and accountability for the new Power of Attorney. His help has inspired confidence in his work, and has also given hope for a timely resolution to the issues as he navigates the legal system for us. We can see results, and a final resolution is in sight as he carries out the plans that he described to us before action was started.
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Posted by anonymous | April 20, 2014
He Gets Results
I hired Mike Jacobs to help settle my mother’s estate, which was left equally to my sister and me and consisted mostly of a house. My sister had moved into the house after my mother’s death, and refused to cooperate with the sale of the house. Mr. Jacobs successfully had the court appoint a referee who talked my sister finally into vacating the house, the house was sold, and the proceeds were divided. He accomplished what I wasn’t able to accomplish on my own. He was compassionate, communicative, and fair. I would recommend him to anyone involved in trying to settle a difficult legal situation especially between family members.
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Posted by Leila | January 28, 2014
A Good Investment
Mr. Jacobs secured an inheritance to which my family was entitled by law, but the attorney who was administering the estate had interpreted the law otherwise, and was not going to give my family our share of the estate. Mr. Jacobs researched Arizona law (residence of the deceased), and with clarity and graciousness, helped the estate's attorney see the error in her ways. He followed up, to verify that we had received our distribution and see if we had any remaining questions or concerns. So many people think that hiring an attorney is a waste of money or done only as a last-resort. We hired Mr. Jacobs as soon as we saw that the estate's attorney was not responsive to our calls. Even if we had not turned out to be legitimate heirs by law, it would have been worth the fee just to know where we stood. In this case, if we had not hired Mike Jacobs, we would have lost many thousands of dollars that were ours by law.
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Posted by David | January 21, 2014
Successful resolution to complex family conflict
Worked with Mike on a very complex guardianship case. Specifically, Mike was the attorney working with the wife of a man who had advanced Alzhemier's. This was the second marriange for both and both had adult children from a previous marriage. There was conflict between the adult children of the husband and the wife of their father in regards to care that the husband/father was receiving in the home. A contested guardianship hearing resulted in the wife beign appointed as guardian of her husband and I being hired as a geriatric care manager. My role was to supervise the care in the home and report to the court. Thanks to Mike's role in handling conflict before it spun out of controt the result was a successful resolution with mimimial court involvement.
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Posted by Carolyn | July 23, 2013
We needed help to evict our renter's.
Michael P. Jacobs helped us evict our renters. He informed us of our rights, wrote a great eviction letter and explained well the process for eviction. Because we knew exactly what to do, our renters did leave after a 20 day eviction notice to them. We are so grateful it all was done the right way and was so effective. We will not hesitate to contact Michael P. Jacobs again if we should need assistance with other renters for eviction. We consider him our attorney!
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Posted by anonymous | December 6, 2012
Very helpful
I needed to ask an attorney some questions about a contract. I had previously had a very bad experience with another attorney, so I was nervous about this meeting. Mr. Jacobs and his staff were professional at every step. They responded promptly to my questions. Mr. Jacobs came to my meeting prepared and had already reviewed the contract. He was pleasant, knowledgeable and answered all my questions. I recommend him highly and will use him again.
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Cost

Rates
  • Free Consultation 10 minutes
  • Hourly Rates $ 300-325 per hour
  • Pro bono 5 %
  • Retainer Sometimes
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 9.3 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Partner
  • Riach Gese Jacobs, PLLC
  • 1994 - Present
  • Attorney
  • South County Senior Center
  • 1998 - 2010
  • Attorney
  • Lynnwood Senior Center
  • 1998 - 2009
  • Drug Assets Forfeiture Attorney
  • South County Narcotics Task Force
  • 1994 - 1997
  • Prosecuting Attorney
  • City Of Lynnwood Prosecuting Attorney
  • 1993 - 1995
  • Business Editor
  • Law Review, University of Puget Sound
  • 1992 - 1993
View all work experience

Education

  • University of Puget Sound School of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1993
  • University of Washington
  • BS - Bachelor of Science
  • 1988
  • University of Washington
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 1988
  • Shorewood High School
  • 1982
View all education

Legal Cases

  • Estate of Deoneseus, 128 Wash.2d 317
  • for client
  • Sawicki v. Porter, 78 Wn, App 1041
  • For client

Associations

  • United States Court of Appeals For the Ninth Circuit
  • Attorney
  • 1999 - Present
  • King County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1993 - Present
  • Washington State Trial Lawyers Association
  • Member
  • 1993 - Present
  • United States District Court for the Western District of Washington
  • Attorney
  • 1993 - Present
  • Snohomish County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1993 - Present
  • Washington State Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1993 - Present
  • Hillwood Soccer
  • Head Coach
  • N/A
  • Richmond Little League
  • Coach
  • N/A
  • Richmond Little League
  • Board Member
  • N/A
  • Shoreline School District
  • President
  • 2013 - 2015
  • Shoreline School District
  • Past-President
  • 2004 - 2007
  • Shoreline School District
  • Board of Directors
  • 2003 - 2019
  • South County Senior Center
  • President
  • 2001 - 2003
  • Lynnwood Senior Center
  • Legal Clinic Attorney
  • 2000 - 2009
  • South County Senior Center
  • Board Member
  • 2000 - 2009
  • South County Senior Center
  • Legal Clinic Attorney
  • 1995 - 2010
  • South Snohomish County Chamber of Commerce
  • Member
  • 1992 - 2020
  • University of Puget Sound School of Law
  • Law Review Board Member
  • 1992 - 1993
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • Spanish

Honors and Awards

  • Cerificate of Appreciation
  • Shoreline School District
  • 2013
  • Certificate of Appreciation
  • Shoreine School Board
  • 2009
  • Outstanding Advocate Award
  • Syre Elementary PTA
  • 2007
  • Certificate of Appreciation
  • Shoreline School Board
  • 2006
  • Pro Bono Publico Service Commendation
  • Washington State Bar Association
  • 2006
  • Pro Bono Publico Service Commendation
  • Washington State Bar Association
  • 2005
  • Certificate of Appreciation
  • Shoreline School Board
  • 2005
  • Pro Bono Publico Service Commendation
  • Washington State Bar Association
  • 2004
  • magna cum laude
  • University of Puget Sound School of Law
  • 1993
  • Award of Excellence
  • Richmond Little League
  • N/A
View all awards

Publications

  • Snohomish County Bar Association
  • Creditor Claims or "Messing with Creditors"
  • 2017
  • Lorman Education Services publication
  • Prescriptive and Implied Easements
  • 2008

Speaking Engagements

  • Snohomish County Bar Association Probate CLE
  • Creditor Claims in Probate and Trust Administrations
  • 2017
  • Senior Parent Night
  • HIPPA FERPA and POA's For Your Adult Child
  • 2017
  • Advanced Probate CLE
  • Creditor Claims in Probate and Nonprobate Estates
  • 2017
  • Law of Easements: Legal Issues and Practical Considerations
  • Prescriptive and Implied Easements
  • 2008
  • SCSC Estate Planning
  • Estate Planning
  • 2007
  • Law for Small Business Owners
  • Business entities and formation for small businesses
  • 2006
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (6)
Given (4)
Endorse Michael
Probate Attorney | Sep 15
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"We were opposite in a very contentious case and throughout Michael represented his clients well and in a very professional manner. I endorse this lawyer."
General practice Attorney | Jan 28
Relationship: Other
"I endorse this lawyer. I have practiced with Michael for over 15 years. He is intelligent, competent, diligent and liked and valued by the many clients that come to him to solve their legal problems."
Lawsuits and disputes Attorney | Apr 23
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I regularly refer complex civil litigation cases to Mr. Jacobs. He is committed to his Clients' cases and he is respected by attorneys and Judges in the legal community for his knowledge and his professionalism. I would refer my family and friends to his office."
Business Attorney | Dec 20
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I've just completed a project with Michael. We were opposing counsel in a matter. I really appreciated working with Michael. He is an aggressive advocate for his client's interest, but knows how to work cooperatively to solve issues. Michael is smart, well versed in the law, and creative. Michael is a superb lawyer."
Real estate Attorney | Sep 28
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer's work. He was opposing counsel in an emotional termination of partnership case. It was a complex case with numerous legal issues, but the parties had limited resources. He was knowledgeable and professional, and we were ultimately able to reach a settlement without exhausting all of our client's resources"
Business Attorney | Jun 15
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer's work. I have referred dozens of clients to Mr.Jacobs without any complaint. I have personally witnessed Mr. Jacobs' high level of commitment to his clients and his routinely excellent results. I strongly endorse Mr. Jacobs as an exceptional lawyer."
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Criminal defense
Litigation
Real estate
Criminal defense
Lynnwood Probate Lawyer Michael P. Jacobs
Michael P. Jacobs
Probate Attorney
Lynnwood, WA
Licensed for 30 years
Free Consultation