Service Area

Estate Planning & Probate Attorney in Long Beach, CA

Who We Are

Protecting the Legacies of the Waterfront and Beyond

Long Beach is a city of distinct character, from the historic charm of California Heights to the exclusive waterfront estates of Naples Island and Belmont Shore. As one of California’s largest and most diverse cities, Long Beach requires an estate planning approach that is as multifaceted as its neighborhoods. Whether you are safeguarding a craftsman home in Belmont Heights, a luxury high-rise in Downtown Long Beach, or a family estate in Bixby Knolls, your plan must be tailored to the specific local legal environment.

At the Law Offices of W. Steven Chou, we have spent over 25 years helping Long Beach families navigate the complexities of Los Angeles County probate and estate law. Attorney Steven Chou provides a bilingual, personalized approach that ensures your life’s work is preserved for the next generation, free from unnecessary court intervention.

Elegant legal office with a close-up of golden scales of justice on a sleek dark desk.

Navigating the Los Angeles County Probate Court System

While Long Beach is home to the Governor George Deukmejian Courthouse, probate matters for Long Beach residents are generally centralized within the Los Angeles Superior Court system.

The Stanley Mosk Courthouse
Most formal probate, trust litigation, and conservatorship matters for Long Beach estates are heard at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse in Downtown Los Angeles.
Local Expertise
Navigating the "Stanley Mosk" can be daunting for the uninitiated. We are deeply familiar with the specific "Probate Notes" and filing requirements unique to LA County. We work to ensure your case moves efficiently, aiming to avoid the 12 to 18-month delays common in Southern California.
Proactive Trust Planning
Our primary goal for Long Beach families is to implement Revocable Living Trusts that bypass the court system entirely, keeping your family’s private financial affairs out of the public record.
A wooden gavel and legal book represent justice in a court setting, emphasizing order and legal authority.
brown concrete pillars indoors

Specialized Planning for Long Beach Neighborhoods

Discover the beauty of a scenic lakeside town surrounded by mountains and forests.

Long Beach’s diverse residential landscape requires a customized approach to asset protection and estate succession:

Waterfront & Island Estates (Naples & Belmont Park)
In these high-value coastal enclaves, Proposition 19 tax planning and specialized Trust Funding for waterfront property are essential. We help you protect your family's property tax basis, ensuring your heirs can afford the coastal lifestyle you've built.
Historic Districts (Bixby Knolls & California Heights)
For owners of historic and character homes, we ensure your estate plan accounts for the unique nature of your property while providing modern probate protection.
Modern Professionals (Downtown & Eastside)
For the city’s business owners and professionals, we offer Business Succession Planning to ensure your commercial interests, whether near the Port of Long Beach or in the Long Beach Airport corridor, are seamlessly transitioned.

A Bilingual Advocate for Long Beach’s Global Community

Long Beach is celebrated for its international spirit. Attorney W. Steven Chou is proud to offer bilingual services in both English and Chinese. In communities throughout Long Beach, being able to explain complex 2026 legal updates to both the older generation and their adult children is essential. We bridge the gap between cultural values and strict California legal codes, ensuring every member of your family is protected.

Team of young professionals engaged in collaborative work at a modern office setting.
Safeguard your legacy today

Secure Your Long Beach Legacy

The Law Offices of W. Steven Chou is committed to transparent communication and clear, fixed-fee structures. We believe that your legacy shouldn’t be left to a court-appointed stranger or lost to preventable taxes.

Is your Long Beach home protected from the public and costly probate process?

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.

© 2026 Law Offices of W. Steven Chou All rights reserved.