Cougar Elder Law Lawyers

We help families and business owners plan for now and the future. This is done through estate planning and business planning. Our process is to educate clients about opportunities - and problems - they or their family may encounter down the road. Next, we help them identify their priorities and goals, and then develop a plan to accomplish those goals. This sometimes involves using advanced legal structures and techniques, but we keep the explanations straight forward and understandable. After all, a great plan isn’t that great if you don’t understand it. Quality planning that you understand is...

Matthew Philbrook is a graduate of Clark College, Washington State University, and Gonzaga University School of Law. He has been a member in good standing of the Washington State Bar Association since 2001, and Oregon State Bar Association since 2005.

Matthew entered a career in law with a passion for protecting the legal rights of those in our community, with a competitive approach. He formed Philbrook Law Office, located in Vancouver and Battle Ground, Washington, in 2005, with the goal of championing the rights of people wrongfully injured or in legal jeopardy. Matthew’s years of dedicated service to his clients has...

I decided to become a lawyer after many years in education in Los Angeles. I was everything from a substitute teacher with a Kindergarten class to teaching English and P.E. to students just out of juvenile hall or on probation. After my time teaching, I knew that I wanted to continue to help others, but in a different way. I attended school to become a lawyer, attending Willamette University in Salem, Oregon. I enjoyed law school incredibly, and also excelled at it. Being a lawyer continues that good feeling for me. I get to do something I am passionate about...

Nick Alexander is a Vancouver native, growing up in this great city before leaving for college and law school. After passing the bar, he had an opportunity to return to the area that he loves and has been practicing law in Clark County ever since. Prior to founding Vancouver Wills and Trusts Nick was an associate attorney for the law firm of Greenen & Greenen, and later an Executive Trust Officer at InTrustment NW where he was a professional Trustee, administering trusts and estates. With experience and an ever growing passion for family and community, Nick is eager to help...

Priest and Ellis PLLC is a Vancouver WA law firm, whose attorneys practice Divorce and Family Law, Criminal Law, and Guardianship and Estate Planning law. We practice law with a better perspective. We emphasize building strong relationships with clients, based on good communication and using negotiation and litigation skills to achieve favorable results. Our specific areas of practice are diverse and include divorce, collaborative law, child custody, modifications, paternity, child support, criminal defense, DUI, domestic violence, felony charges, guardianships, probate, wills and trust, and much more. Call today to schedule a lawyer consultation in our convenient...

AA Comparative Literature, BYU. Provo, UT BA Sociology, Loretta Heights College. Denver, CO MA Creative Writing/Poetry, Rutgers Graduate School. Newark, NJ JD Doctor of Jurisprudence, University of Utah College of Law. SLC, UT Certified Mediator, Washington Mediation Association, 2009 - present. Certified Lifecycle Celebrant in Funerals/Memorials, Ceremonies for Healing. Reiki Master, 2009 - present. Ordained Minister with First Nation Church-Cherokee 2014 - present. Formed McKELL GRAFF, PLLC: March, 2003 Associate Attorney, WALSTEAD MERTSCHING, PLLC 2002-2003 JD Paralegal and Mediator, STEVEN ALLEN SMITH, PC 1999-2002 Adjunct Professor: Weber State University, Ogden, UT Salt Lake Community College, SLC, UT Rutgers Law School, Newark, NJ Rutgers College of Arts and Sciences, Newark, NJ University of Medicine and...

In practice in Washington since 2001 and Oregon since 2002, Ms. McCaulley has years of legal experience assisting with the issues that can impact lives at all stages. While she often works with the elderly, disabled, and terminally ill, her practice is not confined to any stage of life. She has diverse legal experience in estate planning (e.g., wills, trusts, and community property agreements, etc.), guardianships, probate administration, small businesses formation (e.g., Corporations and LLCs), contract review and negotiation, establishing non-profits (help with 501(c)(3) filings), employment law issues, etc. Carol obtained her J.D. from Lewis & Clark (formerly...

Born and raised in Clark County, Alexa was born into a family of lawyers (her father and grandfather) who valued relationships and giving back to the local community. She studied music and social work in college, graduating from the University of Washington with a B.A. in Social Welfare.

Alexa worked in the field of guardianships as a Guardian ad Litem and served as an instructor and co-organizer of the Clark County Guardianship Guardian ad Litem Training. She was licensed as both a Title 11 and Title 26 Guardian ad Litem.

Alexa became a paralegal, and while working at the Salmon Creek...

Michael "Mick" Frey was born in Longview, Washington. He began his legal career as an intern in his Father's firm, Donald W. Frey, P.S. which he then joined as an associate in 1996. He continues to share office space with his Father, and Wesley S. Johnson. Mick's practice focuses on dispute resolution and litigation of issues in property rights, real estate, probate, estate planning, guardianships and advising small businesses. Mick is married and has one daughter. To set up an office or phone consultation, you may Email Mick: mick@attorneyfrey.com

Paul Premack is a Certified Elder Law Attorney through the National Elder Law Foundation. He was a founding member of the Council of Advanced Practitioners of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, and has been a NAELA member since 1989. His practice encompasses estate planning for individuals, couples and families of all ages, probate to assist surviving heirs when a family member dies, and elder law to assist clients with specific legal challenges. Paul is a Geriatric Scholar via the University of Texas Health Science Center. Paul has written the legal column for Hearst Newspapers. His column...

Mr. Armstrong was formerly a Government Trial Lawyer with over 1000 victories and a 75% win ratio in state and appellate hearings. His perspective can give you well-rounded advice because he served as a prosecutor, defense counsel and advisor for WA state agencies. Mr. Armstrong helps you understand and use the strong arm of the law to your advantage. His advice is proven but more importantly, understandable. His simple background in Oklahoma City allows him to break down complete legal issues into understandable options to protect your empire. Mr. Armstrong has studied International and Administrative Law in London, England, France, Italy...

After being admitted to the Washington State Bar Association, Ms. Ramirez practiced law in the private sector with emphasis on family law, bankruptcy, estate planning and elder law matters. Ms. Ramirez compassionately advocates on behalf of her clients while she assists them in successfully resolving difficult disputes and navigating through litigation and complex legal issues.

Professional Memberships/Organizations
Ms. Ramirez is licensed to practice in the State of Washington and the United States District Court. She is also a member of the following professional associations:
Washington State Bar Association, Member
King County Bar Association, Member
Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association, Member

Education
Seattle University School of Law,...

I am curious about your story and want you to feel heard throughout your legal process, whether it is estate planning, a probate, a guardianship application, or something else. I want to level with you so I can give you quality advice that helps you move forward. About me: I live in Lakewood, Washington with my husband, but grew up in British Columbia. I am very active in my church, and I got a puppy in 2023 so I could compete in dog agility. If you are curious about me, please don't hesitate to call. I would love to know...

Lisa Kremer's practice focuses primarily on estate planning, probate, and guardianship. She particularly enjoys working with families to try to resolve issues with a minimum amount of stress and turmoil. Lisa also advises businesses, particularly on trademark, copyright and privacy issues, including HIPPA compliance.

Lisa began her professional career as a journalist. She was an award-winning reporter for The News Tribune. In 2005 she decided to move from writing about people’s problems to helping solve them. She commuted from Tacoma to the University of Washington School of Law in Seattle and graduated in 2008.

Lisa is a Trustee of the Tacoma-Pierce County...

JAMES F. CHRISTNACHT was admitted to practice law in the state of Washington in 1984 after having attended the University Of Puget Sound School Of Law. Mr. Christnacht has engaged in the general practice of law since his admission to the bar. He is admitted to practice before the Washington State Courts, Federal District Court and the Puyallup Tribal Court. His practice has included personal injury, probate, guardianship, wills and estate planning, will contests and estate litigation, misdemeanor criminal defense and traffic matters, real estate, and business law. Mr. Christnacht is a second generation lawyer. Having grown up with...

June is a graduate of Seattle University School of Law in 2000 and University of Washington School of Law in 2003, receiving J.D. and LL.M in Tax respectively. She was admitted to practice in Washington State in 2000. In her early career, she served business owners in matters involving tax, real estate, business transaction, business litigation, probate, and estate planning in Olympia. Her practice currently is focused on (collaborative) family law, estate planning, and probate. June is a firm believer in collaborative approach in resolving family law issues. As a trained collaborative divorce attorney, she is able to...

Darol Tuttle is an elder law attorney in Seattle, WA, Kirkland, WA and Tacoma, WA. Darol is an accredited attorney with the Veterans Administration, a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, and the Washington State Bar Association, Elder Law Section. Education: • J.D., Seattle University, 1996 • B.A., University of Washington, 1993 • B.A., Washington State Univ., 1986 Professional Affiliations: • National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys • Elder Counsel • Washington State Association for Justice • Elder Law Section, Washington State Bar Assoc. • Pierce County Bar Association • Washington...

Mr. Brown is admitted to practice in Washington and California and has been practicing law for over 45 years. He is the managing partner at Phillips, Krause & Brown. His practice emphasizes Elder Law which includes estate planning, Medicaid planning and qualification, preparation of wills, trusts (including special needs trusts), durable powers of attorney and other documents, probate, guardianship and litigation in those areas. Professor Brown has also handled numerous adult protection and tort claims for elderly, incapacitated and injured people including several cases where the verdict or settlement amount exceeded $1,000,000. Mr. Brown is a member...

I provide legal services to the greater Kitsap and Pierce Counties with a modern approach. I have a innovative vibrant firm with high-energy attitude and an out of the box creative approach to client interaction and management. I talk to people in plain English and translate the confusing legal terms into understandable concepts.

Emigrating from Japan in 1981, I was thoroughly convinced that life in the USA offered the values and virtue I so desired. After deciding to make America my home, I was able to start a construction company by 1984. By 1986, I was building homes and since then I have been serving the company as president. I have been involved with hundreds of projects and have an extensive hands-on knowledge of construction methods, processes, and the full range of governmental issues that too often implicate today's builders. The company's main business has been land development and...

Mr. Kenney has over twenty six years helping families, individuals & business owners with estate planning, asset protection, wealth preservation, business planning & real estate transactions. Mr. Kenney has created thousands of estate & asset protection planning documents, which include wills, powers of attorney, health care powers of attorney, living wills, other advance medical directives, revocable living trusts, dynasty trusts, safe harbor trusts, irrevocable trusts, gifting trusts, educational trusts, retirement plan trusts, IRA trusts, charitable trusts, charitable lead trusts, charitable remainder trusts, private foundations, 501c3 charities, qualified personal residence trusts, grantor retained annuity trusts, family limited partnerships, (FLP) domestic asset protection...

Lisa Ellis was admitted to the Washington Bar in 2000. She is the Principal of Ellis Law, LLC which serves clients in Bellevue, WA and surrounding Puget Sound communities. Lisa's practice is focused on providing specialized estate planning for older adults, estate planning, representation in adult guardianships and probate administration. Lisa received her undergraduate degree at Whitman College and law degree at The University of Oregon where she was an executive editor of The Oregon Law Review. Lisa was an Attorney Advisor at the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), a position she entered through the U.S....