Katti Telstad Esp, Elder Law Attorney in Bellingham, Washington
Over 30 years of legal practice · focused on Elder Law, Estate Planning, and POA · 4.8/5 rating from 12 verified client reviews
MemberatWealth Retention Services
Bellingham, WA
Practicing elder law in Bellingham since 1996.
- 30+
- Years practicing
- 4.8 ★
- 12 client reviews
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Katti Telstad Esp?
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Quick answer
Katti Telstad Esp is a member based in Bellingham, WA. The practice focuses on Elder Law, Estate Planning, and POA. Katti has over 30 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Wealth Retention Services. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 12 client reviews.
- Based in
- Bellingham, WA
- Experience
- over 30 years
- Known for
- Elder Law · Estate Planning · POA
- Handles Elder Law, Estate Planning, and POA matters from Bellingham, WA.
- Over 30 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Katti Telstad Esp: Katti Telstad Esp is a member based in Bellingham, WA. The practice focuses on Elder Law, Estate Planning, and POA. Katti has over 30 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Wealth Retention Services. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 12 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Katti Telstad Esp
Katti concentrates on elder law, estate planning, poa, probate, and trusts. Each area below outlines the kind of case Katti handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Elder Law
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Estate Planning
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POA
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Probate
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Trusts
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Elder Law cases in Bellingham, Washington
Katti takes elder law matters in Bellingham, Washington. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Katti agrees to represent you.
Estate Planning cases in Bellingham, Washington
Katti takes estate planning matters in Bellingham, Washington. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Katti agrees to represent you.
POA cases in Bellingham, Washington
Katti takes poa matters in Bellingham, Washington. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Katti agrees to represent you.
Probate cases in Bellingham, Washington
Katti takes probate matters in Bellingham, Washington. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Katti agrees to represent you.
Trusts cases in Bellingham, Washington
Katti takes trusts matters in Bellingham, Washington. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Katti agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Katti Telstad Esp — Over 30 years of Washington elder law experience
Katti Telstad Esp is a member based in Bellingham, WA. The practice focuses on Elder Law, Estate Planning, and POA. Katti has over 30 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Wealth Retention Services. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 12 client reviews.
Katti Esp has practiced law in Bellingham since 1996, designing and implementing individualized estate plans and assisting clients with the probate process. She collaborates with families and individuals and their financial planners to retain the greatest amount of wealth for family, friends, and charities. Katti also helps her clients limit the assets transferred to the government or unintended beneficiaries. She develops estate plans designed to reduce federal and state estate and gift taxes. Katti Esp also assists her clients with transferring closely held family businesses and regularly assists non-citizens with their estate plans. She is licensed to practice law in Washington and California. Katti Esp received her Master of Laws in Taxation from the University of Florida. She earned her Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, from Gonzaga University School of Law, where she received academic honors for her achievements in estate planning and secured transactions. Katti graduated fromWestern Washington Universitywith a Bachelor of Arts degree. In 2013 Katti received the Estate Planning Law Specialist designation from the Estate Law Specialist Board, Inc. an organization accredited by the American Bar Association.* In 2012, Katti received the Accredited Estate Planner designation from the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils.* * The Supreme Court of Washington does not recognize certification, of specialities in the practice of law and the certification, award or recognition is not a requirement to practice law in the state of Washington.
Working with Katti on a elder law matter
Katti Esp has practiced law in Bellingham since 1996, designing and implementing individualized estate plans and assisting clients with the probate process. She collaborates with families and individuals and their financial planners to retain the greatest amount of wealth for family, friends, and charities. Katti also helps her clients limit the assets transferred to the government or unintended…
Who Katti represents
Katti reviews new inquiries case-by-case for elder law, estate planning, and poa matters in Bellingham and the surrounding Washington area.
Credentials
Katti Telstad Esp's legal education and bar admissions
Gonzaga University
J.D. University · 1995
Western Washington University
B.A. · 1992
Jurisdictions
Katti's state bar admissions
Arizona
2017 · ACTIVE
Washington
1996 · ACTIVE
Katti studied at J.D. University in Gonzaga University and B.A. in Western Washington University.
Law school and academic background
Katti completed J.D. University in Gonzaga University and B.A. in Western Washington University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Katti runs in Washington is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Katti Telstad Esp
Katti has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Affiliations
Katti's professional memberships and bar associations
Washington State Bar Association (Member, Sections on: Real Property Probate Trust Law Elder Law) State Bar of California
membership
Locations
Katti Telstad Esp's office in Bellingham
Katti's primary office is at 301 Prospect Street, Bellingham, WA, 98225. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Katti Telstad Esp — 4.8/5 rating from 12 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Katti. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing elder law attorneys in Bellingham.
4.8
12 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Katti Telstad Esp claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Katti Telstad Esp — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new elder law attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Katti usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Katti charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Katti's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Katti will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a elder law attorney in Bellingham, Washington
A short list to run through before you commit: How many elder law matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Katti
Katti discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in elder law practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every elder law matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Katti confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Katti's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many elder law practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Katti Telstad Esp
How much does it cost to hire Katti for a elder law case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Katti walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Katti offer a free consultation?
Katti charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Katti's office. Some elder law attorneys offer free consults — check Katti's current terms during booking.
How long do elder law cases in Washington typically take?
Simple elder law matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Katti gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Katti take my case if I'm outside Bellingham?
Katti is licensed in Washington. Matters governed by Washington law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Katti will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Katti?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Katti will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Katti accepting new elder law clients right now?
Katti's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Elder Law attorneys serving Bellingham, Seattle and Spokane in Washington
Katti handles elder law matters throughout Washington. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified elder law attorneys in that community.
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If Katti's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these elder law attorneys in Bellingham handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.
