Business Details
24 Years
experience
Your Trusted Estate Planning Attorney in Agoura Hills, CA
Stephens Law Group, established in 2002, specializes in estate planning, trust administration, and probate law. With over two decades of experience, our certified legal specialists provide tailored solutions for families, high-net-worth individuals, and business owners across California. Our practice combines technical expertise in complex estate matters with a commitment to clear communication, ensuring clients understand their legal options. We maintain active memberships in professional organizations like the California State Bar Trusts & Estates section and the Conejo Valley Estate Planning Council.Our team prioritizes personalized service, offering annual plan reviews and comprehensive guidance through all stages of estate planning. Client testimonials consistently highlight our thoroughness, professionalism, and ability to simplify complex legal concepts. We serve communities throughout Ventura County and Los Angeles County, including Agoura Hills and Westlake Village.
Services
Estate Planning
Probate Services
Trust Administration
Wills & Trusts
Cross-Border Planning
Details
- Year established: 2002
Highlights and features
- Certified specialist in estate planning, trust, and probate law
- Personalized approach with annual plan reviews
- Specialized expertise in cross-border estate planning
- Transparent flat-fee pricing for estate planning services
- Proven track record with 20+ years of client testimonials
Associations and certifications
- California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization
- Conejo Valley Estate Planning Council
- Pepperdine Network of Estate Planning Professionals
What people say
Extremely thorough
Knowledgeable attorney
Patient and professional
Highly recommend
Expert in estate planning
Services
Estate Planning
Our comprehensive estate planning services create legally sound frameworks for asset distribution. We specialize in customized trust-based planning, will preparation, and advanced directives that protect family interests while minimizing tax liabilities. Our certified specialists help clients establish durable powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and property transfer strategies that ensure long-term security for beneficiaries across California and beyond.
Probate Services
We guide executors and beneficiaries through California's probate process with expert legal representation. Our services include estate inventory management, debt resolution, tax compliance, and court documentation preparation. With deep knowledge of probate codes, we help settle estates efficiently while protecting client interests during contested proceedings or complex asset distributions in both Los Angeles and Ventura Counties.
Trust Administration
Our trust administration services ensure proper execution of estate plans according to grantor intentions. We assist trustees with tax filings, beneficiary communications, asset management, and property transfers. The firm handles special needs trusts, charitable trusts, and pet trusts while maintaining strict compliance with California's trust administration requirements and fiduciary responsibilities.
Wills & Trusts
We create customized wills and trust documents that establish clear estate distribution frameworks. Our services include pour-over wills, living trusts, and specialized trust structures for unique assets like vacation homes and business interests. We ensure proper property transfers through deeds and change of ownership reports while maintaining compliance with California's estate planning regulations.
Cross-Border Planning
Our cross-border estate planning addresses complex international asset protection needs. We develop strategies for clients with multinational assets, focusing on tax optimization and compliance with foreign inheritance laws. The practice incorporates specialized trust structures and coordination with international legal professionals to ensure seamless estate execution across jurisdictions for high-net-worth individuals and business owners.
People
James D. Stephens
Attorney & Certified Specialist
Certified by the California State Bar in estate planning, James has practiced since 1997. He founded the firm in 2002 after working at a prominent celebrity estate planning firm. A Pepperdine graduate, he specializes in complex estate strategies for families and business owners while maintaining active roles in local estate planning councils.
Questions
What documents are included in a typical estate plan?
Our trust-based plans typically include Family Trusts, Wills, Powers of Attorney, Healthcare Directives, and property transfer documents.
Why use a Deed and PCOR for property transfer?
These documents properly transfer real estate to trusts while maintaining California's property tax protections under Proposition 13.
What are your fee structures?
Estate planning uses flat fees, probate follows state-mandated rates, and trust administration offers flexible billing options.
What's the cost for estate planning?
Trust-based plans range from $5,600 to $8,500 depending on complexity and asset distribution requirements.
Do you charge extra for document services?
No additional fees apply for notarization, recording, or document storage services.
How often should trusts be updated?
We recommend annual reviews to ensure estate plans remain current with changing circumstances and tax laws.
