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 nearly 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.
Stephen 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. Stephen 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.
What people are saying about Wood Law
"Stephen is personable, kind, competent, articulate, customer-oriented, and a true professional. He carefully explained each step involved in our request to update our family trust. He is honest, trustworthy, and has his customers' best interests in mind. He provided sound legal, business, and tax advice when we were uncertain of choices to make because of complex requirements. The finished product we received was high-quality and well-organized. Highly recommended to all."
Robert J."When my mom moved from Florida to California, she chose Stephen Wood to redo her Living Will/Trust and update the fact that my dad had passed. I went to the 'signing' of this new Will/Trust to meet Stephen. Since my mom was 82 years old at the time, I worried that she could be an easy target for scamming. Having just completed my own Living Will and Trust (I live in Utah) the process was fresh in my mind. Stephen was kind and professional regarding every aspect our meeting. He patiently answered my millions of questions and consistently insured that my mom understood everything we were talking about. He did a great job setting up her Living Will and Trust. When my mom's health began to rapidly decline, he was instrumental in guiding us on how to protect her. He is very knowledgeable in all aspects of Living Wills and Trusts and how to protect assets. I reviewed everything my mom and I did with Stephen to my own Utah attorney and he praised him for his thorough works! Besides being thorough, honest and trustworthy, the icing on the cake is that he returns your phone call, email or text message in a timely fashion. His fees are reasonable and he is genuinely a nice guy and a pleasure to work with."
Rhonda D."My husband and I selected Stephen Wood, Esq to handle our estate planning documents. He was knowledgeable, patient with all our questions and very responsive. We had interviewed a few people but it was clear when talking with Stephen that he was a great fit for our needs. He helped educate us on any tax potential situations, understanding the ins and outs of a trust and even went through scenarios that could happen to make sure we understood and were comfortable. He also was flexible in working with us on our timelines for certain needed documents as well as helping us with a few forms for our young adult children. Stephen is an obvious choice, book with confidence."
Traveler A."This letter is written regarding our relationship with you in the process of originating our Estate Plan, Family Trust and Personal wills. We have been extremely pleased with your work and both Ilah and I have found you to be Professional, Insightful, and Caring in a very personal and professional manner. Your follow through has been very good. We wanted to thank you for your advice and assistance."
Ted and Ilah H."My Wife and I chose Stephen Wood to establish our family trust. We found he was extremely knowledgeable, professional and trustworthy. Prior to Stephen, my Wife and I thought setting up a family trust was going to be a confusing and time consuming process. Not so with Stephen. He was quick to answer all questions and expedite the process. He is highly recommended. Thank you again Stephen!"
Josh"Stephen Wood is a very capable and knowledgeable attorney, great to work with. He helped us create our Estate Plan, Advanced Healthcare Directives and updated our Special Needs Trust. He very patiently explained all the ins and outs and offered sound advice. We learned how beneficiaries of your IRAs, usually your children, can be protected further with a simple built-in trust. We also were encouraged to think through the tax implications for our heirs, and we learned when a retirement trust can be useful. We were very impressed with Stephen's organization and efficiency; he walked us through the next steps, and we felt that all angles were explored and addressed. We liked his personalized services in customizing our estate plan, and we recommend him highly."
Ratan B."We stumbled upon Stephen Wood of Wood Law when our father passed away. We had no idea what steps to take in dealing with estate and trust issues, and Stephen was a tremendous help. He made himself available to answer our many (often clueless) questions, and handled everything in a timely and efficient manner. Our situation was complicated due to one family member wishing to buy others out on property, and Stephen networked with lenders and title officers to make this confusing process significantly easier. During our initial consult, he told us what these cases usually cost, and he was spot on in his estimate. Invoices were clear and accurate. Finding someone knowledgeable and professional made all the difference to us. We can't recommend him highly enough."
Fran H."I highly recommend Stephen. I found him through an article he had written online. It was such an informative, well written and meticulous article that it propelled me to contact him, He's an extremely knowledgeable attorney. He answered all of my questions expertly, thoroughly and patiently, making sure I understood all the legal ramifications. I felt well assured with Stephen's legal guidance and keen expertise. But what makes him particularly distinctive and unique is his extraordinary kindness and decency. He's just a really wonderful person. And that makes him truly special!"
H H.Prompt and courteous. Steven took great care of us and answered all our questions. He took care of retitling the property with the county. Offered suggestions to make sure our estate plan was complete.
Gina L.Helped my mother with her trust. Very knowledgeable, freindly and once he realized it is as difficult for my mother to travel, came to her house to finalize the paperwork. I highly recommend.
Gary A."Wood Law provides very high quality estate law services, with friendliness, kindness and excellent customer service. Stephen Wood is highly knowledgeable and helped me create a special needs trust to make sure my daughter would be taken care of should anything happen to me. I spoke to other attorneys but I selected Wood Law because it was obvious they knew the topic better than the others. Stephen made it easy and convenient, and provided me with guidance and help to make sure the documents reflected exactly what I wanted to happen upon my passing. Once completed, he helped me with all the beneficiary forms to make sure my trust was properly effectuated. I highly recommend Wood Law for all your estate planning needs."
StellaStephen setup SNT for us with very little effort on our part. Communications with his office is easy with no phone menu trees or phone tag. Gets back promptly so you don't feel lost. Expect a 4" thick Trust binder when you are done.
John R."I found Stephen Wood a skilled attorney in the area of wills, special needs trusts and limited conservatorship. He is kind and gentle in his approach and during our consultation I felt he was very trustworthy. He has genuine concern for special needs individuals and the family. I would not hesitate to refer any friend or acquaintance Stephen's excellent service"
Lee P."Stephen was my attorney with a Trust distribution. He was very helpful with handling what I couldn't and did it in a timely manner. I would refer him to someone that needs someone who is very professional."
Vicky"Stephen helped us plan our estate and we couldn't be more pleased with the result. He walked us through step by step and was incredibly patient. He is trustworthy, not to mention competent, and we give our full recommendation to him."
Rachel"We found your new Trust to be spot on. It was very easy to read due to being so well organized. We would heartily recommend others to your services. You covered all the details, including our Special Needs."
Chuck K."It's been such a pleasure navigating this trust preparation process with you! Thank you not only for your professional guidance, but also for your genuineness. You are such a kind and engaging soul."
Linda"We needed our estate plan done and were referred to Stephen. He clearly explained our options and expertly guided us through the process. He is a very skilled, honest and knowledgeable attorney."
Marie"Getting our affairs in order seemed completely overwhelming. The thought of dealing with a lawyer also seemed stressful. However, Mr. Stephen Wood Put us completely at ease. Very trustworthy, works hard, and fees were way more competitive than any of the other attorneys we contacted. Highly recommend!"
Lisha