Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Estate Planning Resource in Bellingham
The NW WA Estate Planning Council (NWEPC) has served as a cornerstone for estate planning professionals in northwestern Washington since its founding in 1966. Our organization brings together attorneys, trust officers, accountants, insurance specialists, and financial planners who share a commitment to collaborative estate planning. We prioritize educational excellence, offering members opportunities to earn continuing education credits through expert-led meetings held five times annually at the historic Chuckanut Manor. Our interdisciplinary approach ensures clients receive comprehensive solutions tailored to their unique needs. As a non-profit corporation, we maintain rigorous standards for membership, fostering collegiality and professional growth among practitioners. Our mission extends beyond educationwe provide a trusted directory of qualified professionals to help the public connect with experts in Whatcom, Skagit, San Juan, and Island Counties.With decades of collective experience, our members exemplify expertise in estate planning strategies, tax implications, and asset protection. We uphold transparency in operations and maintain affiliations with national organizations like the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils to enhance our credibility and resources. Our dedication to ethical practices and client-centered solutions has solidified our reputation as a respected authority in the field. By bridging diverse professional perspectives, we ensure both practitioners and clients benefit from holistic, forward-thinking estate planning approaches.
Services
Estate Planning Education
Professional Networking
Continuing Education Credits
Member Directory Access
Event Sponsorships
Details
- Year established: 1966
Highlights and features
- We have over 50 years of experience in estate planning education.
- Our team includes attorneys, accountants, and financial planners.
- We offer continuing education credits for professionals.
- We provide a directory of qualified estate planners.
- We foster collaboration among interdisciplinary professionals.
Associations and certifications
- National Association of Estate Planners & Councils
Services
Estate Planning Education
We deliver specialized estate planning education through expert-led meetings, covering topics like tax strategies, asset protection, and legal documentation. Our programs help professionals stay current with industry standards while providing the public with actionable insights. This service ensures both practitioners and clients benefit from up-to-date, comprehensive planning knowledge.
Professional Networking
Our council facilitates networking opportunities for estate planning professionals, fostering collaboration between attorneys, accountants, and financial planners. These interactions enhance interdisciplinary teamwork, enabling practitioners to offer holistic solutions. Clients gain access to a vetted network of experts committed to ethical, client-centered planning.
Continuing Education Credits
We provide continuing education credits through our biannual meetings, featuring speakers on current estate planning trends. These sessions meet professional development requirements for attorneys, CPAs, and financial advisors. By maintaining rigorous educational standards, we ensure our members deliver compliant, high-quality services to clients.
Member Directory Access
Our online directory connects the public with qualified estate planners in northwestern Washington. Users can locate attorneys, trust officers, and financial specialists based on expertise and location. This service streamlines access to trusted professionals, ensuring clients find tailored solutions for their planning needs.
Event Sponsorships
We organize educational events and networking gatherings, including annual meetings at the historic Chuckanut Manor. These events feature expert speakers on estate planning topics and provide opportunities for professional collaboration. Sponsors gain visibility while supporting the growth of the planning community.
People
Genissa M Richardson
President
Attorney at True North Legal Services, PLLC with extensive estate planning experience. Advocates for collaborative legal solutions in northwestern Washington.
Kathleen Petrzelka
Vice President - Program Chair
Skagit Valley College Foundation representative focused on educational programming for estate planning professionals. Promotes interdisciplinary collaboration and continuing education.
Sara LC Hulford
Secretary
Elder law attorney at Meyers, Neubeck & Hulford with expertise in estate planning and client advocacy. Committed to ethical, personalized legal solutions.
Chad VanDyken
Treasurer
CPA and CFP at Larson Gross PLLC specializing in financial planning integration. Ensures fiscal responsibility while bridging accounting and estate planning needs.
Jeffery Pleet
Director - Community Outreach
Accredited estate planner at Casey Pleet Wealth Management. Focuses on connecting clients with comprehensive planning resources and community education initiatives.
Questions
What is the Northwest Washington Estate Planning Council's primary mission?
Our mission is to provide quality education, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and connect the public with qualified estate planning professionals in northwestern Washington.
How can I find a qualified estate planner in the region?
Use our online member directory to locate attorneys, accountants, and financial planners specializing in estate planning across Whatcom, Skagit, San Juan, and Island Counties.
Are your educational events open to non-members?
While events primarily serve members, first-time potential members are welcome as guests. Check our event calendar for details on specific programs.
What professional designations do your members hold?
Our members include attorneys, CPAs, CFPs, and Accredited Estate Planners (AEP). Many hold additional certifications in specialized planning areas.
How does the council support interdisciplinary collaboration?
We organize regular meetings and networking events that bring together professionals from legal, accounting, and financial planning backgrounds to share expertise and best practices.
