Service Area

Estate Planning & Probate Attorney in Los Angeles County, CA

Who We Are

Protecting the Legacies of the Nation’s Largest and Most Diverse County

Los Angeles County is a region of immense scale, home to world-renowned cultural landmarks and a vast tapestry of residential communities. Whether you are safeguarding a historic estate in San Marino, managing a family home in Cerritos, or planning for a modern business legacy in Long Beach, the protection of your assets requires a deep understanding of the California Probate Code as interpreted by the Los Angeles Superior Court.

At the Law Offices of W. Steven Chou, we have dedicated over 25 years to serving families and business owners throughout Los Angeles County. Attorney Steven Chou provides the high-level expertise of a regional firm combined with a personalized, bilingual approach that ensures your family’s unique interests are protected under the law.

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Navigating the Los Angeles Superior Court System

In Los Angeles County, estate matters are primarily centralized, which can be daunting without experienced legal counsel. Understanding where and how your case will be heard is critical to a favorable outcome.

The Stanley Mosk Courthouse
Most formal probate, trust litigation, and conservatorship matters for LA County residents are heard at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse in Downtown Los Angeles.
Complex Filing Requirements
The LA County probate department is known for its rigorous standards. We specialize in addressing the specific "Probate Notes" and examiner requirements that can often stall a case for months if not handled with precision.
Avoiding the Courtroom
Given the significant backlogs in the LA court system, our primary goal is to utilize Revocable Living Trusts to keep your family’s affairs strictly private and entirely out of the public court record.
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Comprehensive Services for Los Angeles County Residents

We offer a full suite of legal solutions tailored to the 2026 California legal landscape, ensuring your plan is current and enforceable:

Estate Planning & Wealth Preservation
We assist LA County residents in building comprehensive estate plans that go beyond a simple will. By creating a customized Trust Package, we ensure your medical wishes, financial affairs, and the ultimate distribution of your assets are clearly documented and legally binding.

Probate & Trust Administration
If you have been appointed as an executor or trustee in Alhambra, Torrance, or Glendale, we provide the professional guidance needed to fulfill your fiduciary duties. We handle the technical aspects of marshaling assets, notifying creditors, and preparing final accountings for the court.

Specialized Real Estate Petitions
For many LA County families, the primary residence is the most valuable asset. We utilize Heggstad Petitions to “fix” trusts that were never properly funded and Spousal Property Petitions to fast-track the transfer of community property, often saving heirs thousands in statutory probate fees.

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A Bilingual Advocate for a Global Metropolis

Los Angeles County is a global crossroads, and our services reflect that diversity. Attorney W. Steven Chou is one of the few local practitioners offering full legal services in both English and Chinese. This allows us to serve as a bridge for multi-generational families in communities like Arcadia, San Gabriel, and Monterey Park, ensuring that the first generation’s intentions are perfectly captured and protected for the next.

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We are Local

Serving All of Los Angeles County

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From our convenient offices in La Palma and Irvine, we are strategically positioned to serve clients throughout the LA basin, including:

The San Gabriel Valley
San Marino, Alhambra, Pasadena, and Arcadia.
The Gateway Cities
Cerritos, Whittier, Lakewood, and Downey.
The South Bay
Long Beach, Torrance, and Rancho Palos Verdes.
Safeguard your future

Secure Your Los Angeles Legacy Today

With over two decades of practice in the LA court system, Attorney W. Steven Chou offers the experience you need and the transparency you deserve. Don’t leave your life’s work to the uncertainty of a court-appointed administrator.

Is your Los Angeles home protected from the 2026 probate backlogs?

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.