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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 two girls and enjoys surfing, backpacking, and anything else that gets him outdoors. He is also very active in his community and church.
2
Practice Areas
Sometimes
State: California
Acquired: 2011
No misconduct found
Showing 1 - 5 of 14 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Jo-Anne | November 20, 2024 | Hired Attorney
Stephen was superb to work with as we redid our Living Trust. I would give him a 10 out of 5. Listened to our needs, gave us thoughts to make it even better and was so caring and patient. I would recommend Stephen to everyone. A man of tremendous integrity who exceeded our expectations each step of...
Posted by Danielle | August 25, 2020 | Hired Attorney
We consulted with Stephen then hired him to redo our estate plan. Everything was handled over email. Stephen showed up at our home for the signing. Much appreciated. Nice job, nice guy.
Posted by Frances | October 10, 2019 | Hired Attorney
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 effici...
Posted by anonymous | May 21, 2019 | Hired Attorney
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...
Posted by John R. | March 13, 2019 | Hired Attorney
Signed sealed and delivered SNT in 1 month. No hassles. Stephen has kind and understanding disposition.
"Stephen is both caring about the work he does and knowledgeable in his specialty of estate planning, trust, and probate law. I speak from experience, having studied with Stephen for the certified specialist exam administered by the California Bar in 2015. Not only did Stephen understand complex estate planning concepts, but he was able to explain them in an understandable way...an important skill to have when working with clients. On a personal note, I know Stephen to be a faithful family man of strong character, and I have no hesitation recommending others to him."
"I endorse this lawyer. He is very calm, assuring and knowledgeable. He provides peace of mind to his clients. He deeply he cares about his clients."
"Stephen Wood is very knowledgeable and truly cares about his clients and helping them find the best solutions for their individual needs. I regularly refer clients to Stephen to assist with Medi-Cal related concerns. All of my referrals have had nothing but great things to say about their experience working with Stephen. I have high expectations of fellow attorneys when referring my own clients to them. Stephen has beyond exceeded my expectations and I am very happy to have met him. I fully trust that my clients are in good hands when sending them to Stephen to help with issues that are beyond the scope of my own practice."
"Stephen is an excellent estate planning and elder law attorney who cares deeply about his clients and their goals. I endorse Stephen without reservation."
"Stephen is an ethical, caring attorney who has excellent attention to detail. I hired him on a large project for which he managed a staff of contract attorneys with tact and efficiency. I endorse him without hesitation."
Trusts lawyer
Estate planning lawyer
Estate planning lawyer
Family lawyer
Litigation lawyer
Trusts lawyer
2018 - Present
Owner, Wood Law
2013 - 2018
Attorney, CunninghamLegal
2012 - 2013
Attorney, Collins & Associates, LLC
2012 - Present
Grey LawVolunteer Attorney
2011 - Present
J. Reuben Clark Law SocietyCo-chair
2011
JD - Juris Doctor
2008
BA - Bachelor of Arts
2016
Alternatives to Conservatorship
2015
Special Needs Estate Planning: Who Will Care When I'm Not There?
2015
Top 10 Estate Planning Mistakes
2015
8 Medi-Cal Planning Mistakes
2021
2020
2020
2016
2016
French
Legal Answers
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