La Center Probate 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...

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...

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...

Business emphasis general practice serving businesses, business owners and individuals.Business law, divorce and family law, wills, trusts and estates, and several areas of employment law.

Key types of matters handled:

1. Divorce;
2. Non-competition agreements and issues;
3. trust administration disputes;
4. Probates, and probate/will disputes;
5. Business formation and business contracts;
6. Sales of business;
7. Advising employers on employment issues;
8. Wage claims; and
9. Business litigation.

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 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,...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Renee Roman is a seasoned attorney with extensive experience, holding licenses from the Washington State Bar Association. Additionally, she has achieved success as a real estate broker in the state of Washington. Prior to establishing Marine View Law & Escrow PLLC, Renee gained valuable experience in real estate and worked as part of a general practice law firm, specializing in family law, real estate matters, estate planning, and probate. Currently, Renee focuses her practice on real estate law,, estate planning, and probate cases. She is deeply committed to providing top-notch representation and passionately advocates for the rights of her clients. No matter...

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,...

There are few attorneys in the Pacific Northwest who possess as much knowledge and experience in the field of elder law as Eileen Peterson. In fact, she is the only attorney in Pierce County certified as an Elder Law Attorney by the National Elder Law Foundation since the program began in 1994.

Eileen has also served as Chair of the Guardianship Task Force for WSBA Elder Law Section from 2007-2013 and was the recipient of the WSBA Elder Law Exceptional Service Award in 2009. She is a frequent speaker and presenter on a wide range of topics including elder law, guardianship,...

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...

Alan Macpherson’s primary area of practice at GTH is estate planning and taxation. He particularly enjoys working on projects that combine financial and tax as well as legal aspects, such as establishing and monitoring investment LLCs and generation-skipping trusts and helping clients build specific themes into their estate plans, like helping with the education of grandchildren.

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...

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...

I am a resident of Gig Harbor, WA, and have lived in the community for over 20 years. I focus my practice on estate planning, including: wills, trusts, and probate administration.

Conor McCarthy is an experienced Real Estate and Estate Planning attorney, and has spent nearly 15 years helping his clients navigate and resolve complex transactions and disputes. Serving clients large and small, private and public, Conor prides himself on taking the time to listen and fully understand a client’s challenges and goals.

Conor began his career as a civil litigator zealously advocating in contract, construction, real estate, land use and commercial disputes. He then transitioned to become a skilled municipal and transactional attorney negotiating and closing complex commercial and real estate deals, and resolving difficult land use challenges. After managing...

Erin is the founder of the Law Office of Erin R. McCrillis where she practices in the areas of estate planning, estate administration, and trust administration. Erin was admitted to the Washington State Bar in 2018. Erin is a mom and wife. Erin loves to travel and as marathon runner, backpacker, kayaker, and soccer player, she is happiest being active in the outdoors. Erin's proudest accomplishment is hiking 508 miles across the Camino de Santiago.

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...

About Thomas

I have been a practicing attorney in the state of Washington since 1998. Since that time I pride myself in being a problem solver for my clients. Clients come to me with a variety of problems and legal issues. It is my job to help solve those problems and to resolve their issues. Sometimes the answer to the problem is aggressive litigation while other times simple, competent assistance with legal transactions is all that is needed. Regardless of what type of problem or legal issue you have, I am here to help you solve...

Chuck practices in both State and Federal Courts, as well as many Tribal Courts. Chuck is a semi-retired Tribal Court Judge, having acted for 16 years as a judge on specific cases for 32 different Indian Tribes located in the states of Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Idaho, Montana, Wisconsin and Nebraska. Chuck has also been appointed as a Special Master Judge for the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe in Connecticut. On occasion Chuck is still appointed by Tribes to act as a trial or appellate judge.

In addition to Indian law, Chuck has an...