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Estate Planning & Probate Attorney in Laguna Woods, CA

Schedule Your Consultation
(714) 367-8460
Who We Are

Protecting the Legacies of Irvine’s Premier Communities

Laguna Woods is a community where life experience and legacy meet. With approximately 90 percent of the city located within the premier gated community of Laguna Woods Village, residents enjoy a unique resort-style lifestyle. Whether you are living near the 27-hole championship golf course, enjoying the views from the high-rise Towers, or residing in a peaceful manor in United Mutual or Third Mutual, your estate plan is the most important tool you have to protect your autonomy and your heirs.

At the Law Offices of W. Steven Chou, we have spent over 25 years specifically addressing the needs of the Laguna Woods community. Attorney Steven Chou understands the financial requirements and unique property structures of “The Village,” providing clear, bilingual, and transparent legal counsel to ensure your final wishes are honored without the need for public court intervention.

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Navigating Probate and Trust Administration in Laguna Woods

For residents of Laguna Woods, legal matters regarding decedent estates are handled by the Superior Court of California, County of Orange. Understanding the local court landscape is vital for an efficient outcome.

Probate Court Location
Most probate, trust, and conservatorship matters for Laguna Woods are heard at the Costa Mesa Justice Complex (3390 Harbor Blvd).
The Towers and Senior-Specific Issues
We specialize in Incapacity Planning for Laguna Woods residents. This ensures that if your health changes, you have a hand-picked agent to manage your affairs, preventing the need for a court-ordered Probate Conservatorship, which can be a public and intrusive process.
Streamlined Service
With our deep familiarity with Orange County’s local probate rules, we work to avoid the 12 to 18-month delays common in the court system, focusing instead on expedited petitions and affidavits.
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Custom Planning for the Unique Structures of Laguna Woods Village

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Living in a specialized 55+ community like Laguna Woods Village presents unique legal “entities” that standard estate plans may overlook. We tailor our services to match your specific housing type:

Co-ops (United Mutual)
Unlike traditional real estate, co-op ownership involves a "stock certificate" and a "mutual occupancy agreement." We ensure your Revocable Living Trust is properly structured to hold these unique interests, allowing for a seamless transfer to your beneficiaries.
Condominiums and Detached Homes (Third Mutual)
For owners of single-family homes or condos, we focus on Trust Funding to ensure the property title is correctly transferred. This is the only way to protect your home's equity from the mandatory statutory fees of the probate court.
High-Rise Living (The Towers/Mutual No. Fifty)
We assist residents of The Towers with specialized planning that addresses their unique service agreements and asset structures, ensuring their legacy remains secure while they enjoy the village’s resort amenities.

A Bilingual Partner for Laguna Woods’ Diverse Families

Laguna Woods Village is home to residents from all over the world. Attorney W. Steven Chou’s ability to provide services in both English and Chinese is a critical asset for multi-generational families. We understand that in communities near Gate 1 or Gate 5, family communication is key. We offer a respectful, personalized environment where complex legal concepts are explained clearly to all stakeholders, ensuring your legacy is understood and protected.

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Safeguard your retirement home

Secure Your Legacy in Laguna Woods

The Law Offices of W. Steven Chou believes in transparent communication and clear fee structures. Whether you are spending your days at the Performing Arts Center or the Equestrian Center, your mind should be at ease knowing your legal affairs are in expert hands.

Is your Laguna Woods property correctly titled within your trust?

Schedule Your Consultation
(714) 367-8460
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Irvine Office
Estate Planning
Estate Administration
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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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