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

audio-img Listen to Stephen give the Estate Planning basics on the Financially Tuned Radio Show

How To Set Up Your Estate Plan

Estate Planning and Living Trust

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.

Estate Planning and Living Trust

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.

Estate Planning and Living Trust with Stephen Wood

Review Call

Review your drafts with Stephen.

Sign your Estate Planning and Living Trust

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.

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

Santa Maria

204 E. Enos Dr. Santa Maria, CA 93454
(805) 623-7139

Betty Brumer
Betty Brumer
2024-05-30
Steven Wood is very thorough and answers all questions that I can understand
Raj Gujral
Raj Gujral
2024-04-23
Stephen 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 Longshore
Benjamin Longshore
2024-04-09
Stephen 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.
Sheila C.
2024-02-28
Stephen 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 Reilly
Stephanie Reilly
2024-02-25
At 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 Honek
Kenny Honek
2024-02-16
Great experience. Provided really good explanations of options for trusts with pros/cons. Easy to work with and very timely. Highly recommended!
Georganne Weiss
Georganne Weiss
2024-01-24
I 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 Palacios
Ruth Palacios
2023-12-15
It 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 Goetze
Andrew Goetze
2023-12-14
I 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 Tort
Rho Tort
2023-11-16
Mr 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.