Service Area

Estate Planning & Probate Attorney in Newport Beach, CA

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

Sophisticated Wealth Preservation for Coastal California’s Premier Estates

Newport Beach is an international symbol of luxury, known for its world-class harbor, exclusive island communities, and some of the most valuable real estate in the world. Whether you are managing a custom oceanfront estate in Newport Coast, a legacy property on Lido Isle, or a multi-generational family home in Corona del Mar, your estate plan must be as exceptional as the life you have built.

At the Law Offices of W. Steven Chou, we bring over 25 years of experience to the families and business leaders of Newport Beach. Attorney Steven Chou understands that for residents in communities like Pelican Hill, Crystal Cove, and Big Canyon, wealth preservation is about more than just a document, it is about securing your privacy and protecting your assets from unnecessary tax and court intervention.

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Local Expertise in the Orange County Probate System

While Newport Beach is home to the Harbor Justice Center, it is important to note that as of 2026, the Orange County Superior Court has centralized its probate operations. Navigating the local court landscape requires an attorney who stays current with these procedural shifts.

Probate Court Location
Most probate, trust, and conservatorship matters for Newport Beach residents are heard at the Costa Mesa Justice Complex (3390 Harbor Blvd).
High-Value Estate Oversight
Estates in neighborhoods like Harbor Island and Linda Isle often involve complex assets that require a meticulous legal approach. We handle everything from "Probate Examiner Notes" to specialized valuation petitions, ensuring your case remains on track and avoids the 12 to 18-month delays common in the public system.
Maintaining Privacy
Our primary goal for our coastal clientele is to utilize Revocable Living Trusts to bypass the court entirely, keeping your financial details out of the public record and away from unwanted scrutiny.
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Custom Strategies for Newport Beach Real Estate

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In a market where home values frequently reach the multi-million dollar range, the “entity” of the family home requires strategic protection:

Proposition 19 & Property Tax Management
In affluent enclaves like Balboa Island and Cameo Shores, inheriting a property can trigger a massive tax reassessment. We implement strategies to protect your family's tax basis, ensuring that your heirs can afford to keep the property you've worked so hard to maintain.
Trust Funding for Waterfront Assets
A trust is only effective if your assets are properly titled. We assist with the critical task of funding trusts with unique Newport assets, including high-value real estate, private docks, and business interests located near Fashion Island or the Newport Center.
Advanced Tax Planning
For estates approaching or exceeding federal exemption limits, we offer sophisticated tools like Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts (ILITs) and Family Limited Partnerships (FLPs) to mitigate estate tax exposure.

A Bilingual Advocate for a Global Coastal Community

Newport Beach is home to many international families and global executives. Attorney W. Steven Chou’s ability to provide counsel in both English and Chinese is a critical asset for multi-generational families in communities like Dover Shores and Newport Heights. We bridge the gap between complex California probate codes and your family’s personal values, ensuring that every generation is informed and every legacy is secure.

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Safeguard your coastal estate

Secure Your Newport Beach Legacy

The Law Offices of W. Steven Chou believes in transparent communication and a level of service that matches the standards of your community. You won’t be navigating the law alone; you will work directly with Attorney Chou to build a plan that reflects your unique circumstances.

Is your high-value Newport Beach property currently structured to minimize 2026 tax liabilities?

Schedule Your Consultation
(714) 367-8460
La Palma Office (Headquarters)
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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