Yacolt Estate Planning 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...

After serving overseas in the United States Army, Robert M. Gregg attended Western Washington University in Bellingham, WA. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science 1978 and continued on to Willamette University College of Law and was awarded his Juris Doctor degree in 1981. Mr. Gregg was admitted to the Oregon State Bar, joined the Oregon Trial Lawyers Association and accepted a position with the Oregon Department of Revenue in 1981. In 1982, Mr. Gregg was admitted to the Washington State Bar Association and he and his young family moved back to his hometown of Vancouver, WA, to open...

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...

Kirsten A. Samwel founded her law firm with a genuine desire to solve client problems effectively and efficiently. Her motivation lies in helping clients through their legal issues compassionately, while advocating on behalf of those clients in a tough and competent manner. Kirsten has a reputation for being an approachable, open-minded attorney. She is someone you can talk to and is a bright, well-qualified lawyer who dedicates herself to achieving her client’s goals. Kirsten Samwel is a trusted counselor and attorney at law whose practice area emphasizes...

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...

John Lutgens has been practicing law in Southwest Washington and the Portland metropolitan area since 1992. After graduating from Willamette University, College of Law in 1992, he joined the Portland firm of Sims & Sims. While at Sims & Sims he practiced in criminal defense, personal injury, estate planning & probate, real estate law, commercial fishing law, business transactions, and litigation. Since 1994, when John Lutgens opened his firm in Vancouver, Washington, he has practiced in multiple areas, including plaintiff’s personal injury, criminal defense, estate planning & probate, business formation and transaction, family law, bankruptcy, and real...

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...

David joined Kurtz & Paradis in April 2018 after previously practicing at Jackson, Jackson & Kurtz, Inc. in Battle Ground, WA from 2013 to 2018. As an undergraduate, he attended Washington State University. David went on to attend and graduate from Gonzaga University School of Law and was admitted to the Washington State Bar Association in October 2013. While in law school, David worked at the University’s legal aid clinic, which provides legal services for low-income people and non-profit organizations. Currently, David primarily focuses on the areas of estate planning, probate, trust administration, and real estate transactions. In his...

In 1997, Tim started his own solo practice. Tim has represented various clientele in his over 24 years of practicing including average consumer debtors, small businesses, large fitness club, fortune 100 company, the FDIC, and non-profit corporations. He’s been married for over 27 years and has three children. Tim has enjoyed coaching his children through various Clark County youth organizations including coaching his sons’ football teams with Clark County Youth Football for 10 years, coaching his children's Catholic Youth Organization basketball teams for 10 years, Hot Shots basketball, Salmon Creek Little League baseball, CYO swimming, and Salmon Creek soccer...

I am an attorney who specializes in Estate Planning and Uncontested Probate. I help people set up Wills, Trusts, and Powers of Attorney. To give my clients peace of mind, I create custom plans to address their specific goals and concerns. As I narrowly focus on this area of law, I have expertise beyond that of a general practitioner. Also, I provide services on a flat-fee basis whenever possible, so that clients do not have to worry about being billed every time they have a quick question. What also differentiates me from other attorneys is that I train financial...

I am an attorney who specializes in comprehensive Estate Planning and Uncontested Probate. I help people set up Trusts, Wills, and Powers of Attorney. To give my clients peace of mind, I create custom plans to address their specific goals and concerns. As I narrowly focus on this area of law, I have expertise beyond that of a general practitioner. Also, I provide services on a flat-fee basis whenever possible, so that clients do not have to worry about being billed every time they have a quick question. What also differentiates me from other attorneys is that I train financial advisors,...

Kenneth V. Hoffman received his Juris Doctor degree, cum laude, from Cleveland Marshall Law School. He is licensed in the State and Federal Courts of Washington and Ohio. He began his legal career in the trust department of Ameritrust Corporation, at the time the largest bank holding and trust company in Ohio. Mr. Hoffman was hired by the Clark County based Northwest National Bank in 1979 to establish and administer its trust department. He was responsible for all aspects of probate and trust administration, investment and taxation, and also served as in house counsel for the...

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

Craig graduated from Willamette University College of Law in 1996, and has been practicing law in Cowlitz County since that time. His experience includes handling complex Real Estate, Business (Corporation, LLC, Partnership), Construction Law, Injury Law (Auto Accidents, Uninsured Motorists, Insurance Claims, Motorcycle Accidents, Wrongful Death, Pedestrian Accidents, Slip/Trip and Fall, Personal Injury), Probate, Contracts, Guardianships, Estate Planning matters (Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney), and Landlord/Tenant (representing Landlords).

On a more personal level, Craig enjoys family time, tennis, the outdoors and youth soccer and basketball.

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...

I'm a transactional and litigation attorney, and I love my job. About 90% of my clients have legal issues involving real property and personal property, which includes estate planning and wills, trust estates, probate estates, guardianship estates, insurance settlements, debt collection, short sales, deeds in lieu, cash for keys, residential and commercial leases, landlord-tenant disputes, real estate transactions, property contract disputes, real estate LLCs and trusts, corporate stock sales, and investment property. These matters fit neatly into three categories: People, Property, and Business. I have an incredible wife, Abby, and two beautiful children, Benjamin and Leah. I enjoy woodworking,...

Since starting my practice in 2003, I have emphasized the provision of competent legal services at a cost which is adjusted for the client's particular situation. Hiring a lawyer is expensive for many reasons, but to the extent possible, I have tried to right size the fees we charge the client with the client's household income.

I focus my practice primarily in the family law area and have a great deal of experience in divorces, annulments, legal separations, child support modifications, parenting plan modifications and non parental custody cases.

A brief bit about me...

I am the first person in my...

Practicing law in Washington and Oregon for 20 years in the areas of domestic and international tax law, simple and complex estate planning, business formations, business transactions, family succession and legacy planning.

Over the course of his career, Mark Arend has filled the shoes of a businessman, a U.S. Air Force fighter pilot, and an attorney. Using his diverse vocational background, he helps clients facing high-tension, complex, and adversarial family law matters. Some of his practice areas include child custody, domestic violence, child support, relocation, high net worth divorce, and military family law.

Mark’s approach to family law is based on common sense, strong ethical standards, and the highest level of professionalism. His goal is simple: to “do better” for his clients than any other legal representative would do. Mark is...

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...

Michael T. Smith advises individuals and companies of all types and sizes regarding the proper formation and structure of a business entity (corporation, limited liability company, etc.), their general business and corporate matters, issues related to the purchase or sale or lease of real property and transactions to purchase or sell their business. Michael also focuses his practice on assisting people prepare their estate plan, including wills, trusts, community property agreements, durable powers of attorney, health care directives, and helping families navigate and administer a loved one's estate in probate proceedings. Michael can also assist with guardianship proceedings for loved ones...

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...

I'm a proud Pacific Northwest native. After double majoring in both English and History at the University of Washington, I attended the University of Washington School of Law. Over the past few years, I have worked in the following areas of law: estate planning, probate, personal injury, and real estate. My firm currently focuses on estate planning. When not working on client matters, I explore the outdoors by hiking, backpacking, and snowboarding.

Laurie Robertson has been practicing family law since 1996. As a seasoned and aggressive divorce lawyer, she is extremely familiar with Washington state's complicated laws. She is a compassionate and caring attorney driven by results, and she knows her way around the court room.

Attorney Robertson's extensive experience and legal knowledge allow her to serve a range of client needs. Laurie earned her B.A in psychology at Rutgers University, New Jersey. She earned her J.D. at New York Law School in New York City. After law school, she relocated to Atlanta, Georgia and worked for a firm which focused on family...

Roger Schweinler has over 25 years of experience in handling family law matters in Pierce County.

Roger is dependable and reliable, and provides a comforting atmosphere for his clients. He is experienced in litigating complex dissolution cases, as well as highly conflicted custody cases. He is also aware that dispute resolution can be a beneficial tool in reaching amicable settlements.

He is extremely well qualified in the mediation of family law issues. Mr. Schweinler's overall goal is to provide competent and reliable representation in order to obtain the best possible results for his clients.