Service Area

Estate Planning & Probate Attorney in Orange County, CA

Who We Are

Sophisticated Legacy Protection Across the OC

Orange County is a region defined by its diverse landscape, from the coastal luxury of the Riviera to the master-planned excellence of the South County hills. Whether you are managing a family estate in San Clemente, a tech-driven portfolio in Costa Mesa, or a historic home in Fullerton, your assets are subject to the specific nuances of the California Probate Code as administered by the local court system.

At the Law Offices of W. Steven Chou, we have dedicated over 25 years to serving families and business owners throughout Orange County. With offices in La Palma and Irvine, Attorney Steven Chou provides the high-level expertise of a regional firm combined with the personalized, bilingual attention that ensures your family’s unique story is protected for generations.

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Navigating the Orange County Superior Court

In Orange County, all probate-related matters, including wills, trusts, and conservatorships, are heard within the Superior Court of California, County of Orange. Understanding the logistics of this system is the first step toward an efficient resolution.

Centralized Probate Operations
Most formal probate and trust administration cases for OC residents are heard at the Costa Mesa Justice Complex (3390 Harbor Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA).
The "Probate Notes" System
The Orange County court is famous for its rigorous review process. We specialize in clearing "Probate Examiner Notes" before your hearing date, a critical step that prevents your case from being delayed by months.
Avoiding the Backlog
Currently, a formal probate in OC can take 12 to 18 months. We focus on "Entity-Based" planning, such as Revocable Living Trusts, to keep your family out of the Costa Mesa courtroom entirely.
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Comprehensive Services for Orange County Residents

We provide a full suite of legal solutions tailored to the California legal landscape of 2026:

Estate Planning & Wealth Preservation
We help you build a “fortress” around your assets. This includes more than just a will; we create comprehensive Trust Packages that include Power of Attorney and Advance Health Care Directives to ensure you are protected during your life and your heirs are protected after.

Probate & Trust Administration
If you have been named an executor or trustee for an estate in Anaheim, Huntington Beach, or Orange, we provide the professional representation needed to fulfill your fiduciary duties. We handle the marshaling of assets, creditor notifications, and final distributions with total transparency.

Specialized Petitions (Heggstad & Spousal)
If a loved one died with a home that wasn’t properly titled in their trust, or if you are a surviving spouse seeking a faster transfer of community property, we utilize expedited petitions to save your family time and statutory fees.

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A Bilingual Advantage for a Diverse Region

Orange County is a global hub, and our legal services reflect that. Attorney W. Steven Chou is one of the few attorneys in the region offering full services in both English and Chinese. This allows us to facilitate clear communication between multi-generational families in communities like Yorba Linda, Garden Grove, and Tustin, ensuring that the wishes of the first generation are perfectly understood and legally secured for the next.

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We are Local

Serving All of Orange County

From our offices in the North (La Palma) and the South (Irvine), we are conveniently located to serve clients across the county, including:

North OC
Brea, Fullerton, Placentia, and Buena Park.
Coastal OC
Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, and Dana Point.
South OC
Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo, Lake Forest, and Rancho Santa Margarita.
Safeguard your future

Secure Your Orange County Legacy Today

The Law Offices of W. Steven Chou is committed to transparent fee structures and direct access to your attorney. Don’t leave your family’s inheritance to the default rules of the state.

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Disclaimer:

The information provided on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be construed as legal advice for any individual or for any situation or case. The information provided is neither intended to create an attorney-client privilege, nor does viewing this website create an attorney-client privilege.

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