Secure Your Legacy with Peace of Mind

Protect Your Loved Ones with Expert Estate Planning and Incapacity Protection

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DO YOU FACE THESE COMMON ISSUES?

Worried About Probate?

Probate can be a long and expensive process, causing unnecessary stress for your loved ones. Wouldn’t you prefer your assets to be distributed quickly and efficiently without court involvement?

Concerned About Taxes?

Without proper planning, your estate could face significant taxes, reducing what your heirs receive. Wouldn’t you rather minimize the tax burden and ensure more of your assets go to your loved ones?

Protecting Your Beneficiaries

Are you worried about how your assets will be handled by minor children, disabled family members, or heirs who aren’t financially savvy? Estate planning can ensure they’re protected according to your wishes.

Ensuring Your Wishes Are Followed

Without an estate plan, state laws decide how your assets are distributed and who will care for your dependents. Do you want to make sure your personal wishes are respected and legally upheld?

HOW CAN WE HELP

Estate Planning

Estate Planning ensures your assets go to whom you want, when you want, and how you want. It involves setting up a will or trust and naming trusted individuals to care for you and your loved ones if you become disabled. Without a plan, the government will step in, leading to court involvement, high legal fees, potential taxes, and vulnerability to financial predators and creditors. Despite the clear benefits—saving time, stress, and money—procrastination is the biggest hurdle. Many people know they need an Estate Plan but don’t know where to start.

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.

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.

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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 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.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT WOOD LAW

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FAQ

What is estate planning and why is it important?

Estate planning involves creating a will or trust to determine how your assets will be distributed after your death. It’s important because it ensures your wishes are followed, reduces legal complications, and protects your loved ones from the stress and costs associated with probate and potential taxes.

What happens if I die without an estate plan?

If you die without an estate plan, your assets will be distributed according to state laws, which may not align with your wishes. This process, called intestate succession, often involves probate court, which can be time-consuming, expensive, and stressful for your loved ones.

How can estate planning protect my family if I become incapacitated?

Estate planning includes documents like a durable power of attorney and a healthcare directive, which appoint trusted individuals to make financial and medical decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. This ensures your preferences are respected and your family’s needs are taken care of.

When should I start estate planning?

It’s never too early to start estate planning. Major life events such as marriage, having children, or acquiring significant assets are key times to begin or update your plan. Procrastination is common, but the sooner you start, the better you can protect your assets and loved ones.

OUR REGULAR UPDATED BLOG

What Californians Need to Know About the Oregon Estate Tax

May 19, 2024

Of all the states, Oregon has (rightfully) earned a reputation for having one of the most complex and far reaching estate tax structures. Any individual who owns property in Oregon, (even if they have never been a resident of the state!) may unexpectedly be subject to an estate tax at death. Here, we’ll break down how the Oregon estate tax works, how it affects you, and what strategies you can use to mitigate any effects the tax may have on you.

What Does a Trustee Do Anyway?

May 19, 2024

If a loved one asks you to act as a trustee of their trust, it is because they trust you to be able to handle their affairs in their place. They believe you can exercise strong, fair, and independent judgement when necessary. Although the position of trustee can be a whirlwind of responsibilities and duties, we’ll do our best to summarize what you need to know so you can carry out this important role.

Biden’s Budget Bill (and it how it might apply to you)

May 19, 2024

Recent headlines have been dominated by discourse surrounding Biden’s proposed $3.5 Trillion “Build Back Better” plan, and the recent negotiations looking to trim it. Here’s a quick update on where those negotiations stand, and how the bill may affect you.