Have a State Bar Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law set up your will or trust.
We help people have peace of mind knowing they are not leaving behind a mess for their loved ones when they're gone, but a legacy they can be proud of and the assurance that someone has their back if incapacity strikes.
EXPLORE
Listen to Stephen give the Estate Planning basics on the Financially Tuned Radio Show
Listen to Stephen give the Estate Planning basics on the Financially Tuned Radio Show
How To Set Up Your Estate Plan
Schedule A Complimentary Consultation
You will receive a questionnaire to fill out and bring to your no cost consultation. This questionnaire will ensure that the time spent during your consultation is most effective.
Attend Your Complimentary Consultation
Stephen will ask questions and answer your questions to understand your needs and to go over the design of your estate plan.
Review Call
Review your drafts with Stephen.
Sign Your Estate Plan
Stephen will go over all of your documents with you at the signing and your documents will be notarized.
About Stephen
Stephen is a State Bar of California Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust, and Probate Law. To earn the designation of a Certified Specialist, Stephen passed a second bar exam and was favorably recommended by his peers as an expert in his legal field. Only .6% of attorneys in California are Certified Specialists in Estate Planning, Trust, and Probate Law.
For over a decade, Stephen has prepared hundreds of estate plans and administered countless trusts. Through his experience, he has gained valuable insight into how to craft a top-notch estate plan that avoids the common pitfalls others make. Stephen doesn’t view estate planning as a transaction, but a relationship. Clients appreciate his clear explanations of the law, his guidance and the fact that he is always there for his clients even after their estate plan is signed.
He received his J.D. from the William S. Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawai`i where he graduated near the top of his class. He completed his undergraduate education in French Studies and Anthropology at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. Stephen is fluent in French.
He loves spending his free time with his wife and three kids and enjoys surfing, backpacking, and anything else that gets him outdoors. He is also very active in his community and church. Stephen also has a YouTube channel where you can learn more about estate planning in California.
Our Services
Clarity. Confidence. Integrity.
-
Living Trusts and Estate Planning
-
Special Needs Trusts
-
Trust Administration and Probate
Estate Planning
Estate Planning means setting up a will or trust to give what you have to whom you want, the way you want and when you want. It also means naming people you trust to take care of you and your loved ones if you become disabled. Estate Planning is essential for everyone. So essential in fact that the government creates a plan for you if you don't. Although well meaning, countless drawbacks exist with the government's plan, such as court involvement, substantial legal fees, potential taxes, and leaving yourself and loved ones vulnerable to financial predators and creditors. The amount of time, stress, and money that you can save by setting up an Estate Plan is clear. The most common hurdle to Estate Planning is procrastination. Most people know they need to do it, but don't know where or how to start.
Special Needs Trusts
If you have a child or other loved one with special needs, you know very well the hard work that goes into making sure your loved one is well cared for and receives all the opportunities they need to succeed in life. A Special Needs Trust is a powerful tool that ensures your loved one is cared for after you are gone and that they still maintain their government benefits. Stephen has given numerous presentations to different special needs advocacy groups about special needs trusts and helped countless families set up a special needs trust for their loved one.
Trust Administration and Probate
When someone dies, whether or not they have a trust, there is work to be done. If there is a trust, we will advise the Trustee on their legal duties and help them through the entire process. If someone dies without a trust, a probate will likely be needed if the estate has real property or is valued at more than $150,000. For smaller estates, there is an easier process to transfer assets to heirs. Regardless of your situation, if a loved one has died, we are here to help.
- - Ensure the ones you care about most are taken care of in the event of your death or incapacity.
- - Protect the assets you pass on to your heirs from divorce, creditors, and financial predators.
- - Appoint who can make health care decisions on your behalf if you are unable.
- - Save your estate tens of thousands of dollars in probate costs.
- - Avoid paying a large amount of unnecessary taxes.
- - The list goes on and on...
If you have a child or other loved one with special needs, you know very well the hard work that goes into making sure your loved one is well cared for and receives all the opportunities they need to succeed in life. A Special Needs Trust is a powerful tool that ensures your loved one is cared for after you are gone and that they still maintain their government benefits. Stephen has given numerous presentations to different special needs advocacy groups about special needs trusts and helped countless families set up a special needs trust for their loved one.
When someone dies, whether or not they have a trust, there is work to be done. If there is a trust, we will advise the Trustee on their legal duties and help them through the entire process. If someone dies without a trust, a probate will likely be needed if the estate has real property or is valued at more than $150,000. For smaller estates, there is an easier process to transfer assets to heirs. Regardless of your situation, if a loved one has died, we are here to help.
Main Office in Newbury Park and Satellite Office in Santa Maria
Newbury Park
3255 Old Conejo Rd, Suite 110 Newbury Park, CA 91320
(805) 716-5366
Betty Brumer2024-05-30Steven Wood is very thorough and answers all questions that I can understand
Raj Gujral2024-04-23Stephen was very easy to work with and has a very pleasant personality. This makes it very easy to be open about your concerns with estate planning. He was very thorough in his work and has been responsive to my follow up questions as well. I would highly recommend using him. The entire process was very smooth.
Benjamin Longshore2024-04-09Stephen consistently treats both his clients and peers with kindness and respect. As a real estate appraiser, I can personally attest to his meticulous attention to detail, coupled with his ability to simplify the process for his clients. Whenever I've collaborated with them on valuation needs, I've found them well-prepared and consistently impressed by Stephen and his team's professionalism and care.
Sheila C.2024-02-28Stephen was so professional, explained everything in great detail and is just the nicest person...setting up our trust was easy and seamless with Stephen answering all questions and having answers for all of our "what if" scenarios. Definitely recommend Wood Law for your estate planning
Stephanie Reilly2024-02-25At last! Finally found a fantastic estate attorney! I can’t say enough good things about Stephen Wood at Wood Law! He’s knowledgeable, responsive and professional! We updated our trust and learned a few things from him that we will benefit from in the future. Thanks Stephen!
Kenny Honek2024-02-16Great experience. Provided really good explanations of options for trusts with pros/cons. Easy to work with and very timely. Highly recommended!
Georganne Weiss2024-01-24I recently moved to Ventura County and had asked a group of local friends to recommend a Wills and Trust Attorney. Without hesitation one of the ladies piped up with Stephen Wood. I knew her situation was somewhat complicated by some difficult family situations as is mine, so I was relieved to have a referral name said with confidence. And let me tell you, she was so right! Stephen and his assistant Brittany are above and beyond professional, knowledgeable, efficient, and importantly (for me) personable. No need to look further, you have arrived at the best!
Ruth Palacios2023-12-15It was a distinct pleasure working with Stephen at Wood Law. Right away, Stephen put us at ease and took us step by step in preparing our Family Trust and Wills. Stephen offered us his ongoing support. It was a very positive experience.
Andrew Goetze2023-12-14I found Stephen Wood to be knowledgable, thorough, and able to explain concepts in simple terms. What more could you ask for in a trust attorney? I highly recommend Stephen Wood for estate planning needs.
Rho Tort2023-11-16Mr Wood is the best! Explained everything in detail and very patient. We're so lucky to have found him. Knowledgeable on all aspects of creating a living trust. Highly recommend.