How to Apply for New Membership Information Page

The purpose of this Council is to study and discuss topics germane to the field of estate planning.  Related aspects of estate planning should be considered systematically in a technical and professional  manner.  There are many incentives to becoming a member including continuing education credits, educational information, networking, and many more.

You can read more about membership benefits here: http://www.spokaneepc.org/members/benefits

Memberships are not transferable.  They are issued upon an individual basis, so attendance will be by individual members only.  Applicants must be sponsored by two active SEPC members.  All prospective members must be in good standing with their regulatory and/or professional association.

Each member is expected to attend every meeting, or RSVP 48 hours in advance of the meeting if unable to attend.  Failure to attend three (3) consecutive meetings in a fiscal year, without reasonable excuse communicated to  the Council’s Administrative Assistant at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting, may cause a forfeiture of membership. In such case, no refund will be made on any paid membership fee (see page two of application regarding membership dues).

All prospective members must be in good standing with their regulator and/or professional association and be actively engaged in estate planning and must qualify and apply under one classification of membership:

  • Attorney: A member must hold a Juris Doctor (JD) or equal degree and belong to the Washington and/or Idaho State Bar Association.
  • Certified Public Accountant (CPA): A member must be a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and licensed by the Washington and/or Idaho State Board of Accountancy.
  • Trust Officer: Membership in this classification is limited to trust officers or other individuals working significantly in a fiduciary capacity. Although members are not required to hold any professional designation, the Certified Trust & Financial Advisor (CTFA) is desirable.
  • Life Underwriter: A member must hold the Chartered Life Underwriter® (CLU®) designation and a Washington and/or Idaho life insurance license
  • Development Officer: Membership in this classification is limited to individuals who, on a full-time basis, are actively engaged with respect to charitable and planned giving matters. Although members are not required to hold any professional designation, the Certified Specialist in Planned Giving (CSPG) is desirable.
  • Financial Planner: A member must hold the professional designation Certified Financial Planner TM (CFP®), Certified Public Accountant/Personal, Financial Specialist (CPA/PFS), Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®), or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation and be registered with Washington or Idaho as an Investment Advisor Representative.
  • Allied Profession: A member must be an academician or service specialist whose expertise is directly relevant to estate planning. The Membership Committee will review all applications and recommend individuals for membership as allied professionals on a case-by-case basis. Eligibility for membership in this classification shall be construed narrowly.
  • Emeritus Member: A member must be at least seventy (70) year of age, at least 50% retired and have at least 10 years of active membership in the Corporation OR the member is fully and completely retired, at least 62 years of age, and have at least 10 years of active membership in the Corporation.
  • Student: A member must be a currently enrolled student who is pursuing a degree which would lead them toward eligibility in another membership classification. Membership in this classification is limited to a period of 36 months.

Membership dues are payable by September 1st for the fiscal year July 1st through June 30th and are not pro-rated.  Membership dues for all classifications are $255.00 per year and are due upon approval of membership.  Membership dues incorporate the cost of the four dinner meetings (including the meals) and the full-day seminar in May (including lunch).

Meetings are held five (5) times each year, typically on the second Tuesday of each meeting month, except when requirements of venue or speakers make a change necessary.  Dinner meetings are held in the months of September, November, January and March.  A full-day seminar is held in May.  Meeting information can be found on our website http://www.spokaneepc.org/events.

Please Click Here for Membership Application http://www.spokaneepc.org/members/application 

Before your Application for New Membership can be processed by the Membership Committee the following must occur:

  1. Application signed and dated by prospective new member.
  2. Sponsor signatures required by TWO Current SEPC Members.
  3. Email completed Application and any attachments to admin@spokaneepc.org.
  4. Mail completed Application and any attachments to:​ SEPC, P.O. Box 1656, Spokane, WA 99210-1656​.

What to expect after your membership application has been approved:

  1. You will receive an email from the Membership Committee Chair once your membership application has been received.
  2. The Membership Committee will review your application and submit a recommendation to the Board.
  3. The Board will submit a recommendation to the full membership.
  4. Once approved, you will receive a welcome email from the Membership Chair, with next steps, including how to pay for your membership.

You are welcome to attend a meeting as a guest until your membership is approved.

Thank you for your interest in becoming a member of the Spokane Estate Planning Council!