Ellingson Law, APC

Ellingson Law, APC Estate planning attorney Jennifer L. Ellingson, Esq. serves Chico, CA and Northern California.

This page provides educational insights and guidance to help individuals and families make informed decisions about planning ahead.

An estate plan does not necessarily expire, but that does not mean a 10-year-old plan still reflects your life today.Mar...
09/03/2026

An estate plan does not necessarily expire, but that does not mean a 10-year-old plan still reflects your life today.

Marriage, divorce, new children or grandchildren, changes in assets, a move, or changes in the people you originally named can all be reasons to revisit your documents.

Even if nothing major has changed, periodically reviewing your California estate plan can help you confirm that it still accomplishes what you intended.

Not sure whether yours needs an update? An estate plan review is a good place to start.

📍 Serving Chico and Northern California
📞 (530) 343-3454
🌐 jellingsonlaw.com

Unmarried couples in California do not always have the same automatic legal protections as married spouses.Without an es...
09/01/2026

Unmarried couples in California do not always have the same automatic legal protections as married spouses.

Without an estate plan, your partner may not have the authority you expect to make financial or health care decisions for you, and they may not automatically inherit your property.

A California estate plan can help you intentionally name the people you want involved, protect shared assets, and make your wishes clear.

Read more on our blog: https://www.jellingsonlaw.com/estate-planning-for-unmarried-couples/

📍 Serving Chico and Northern California
📞 (530) 343-3454
🌐 jellingsonlaw.com

08/27/2026

Is making an estate plan really worth the cost?

A thoughtful estate plan is an investment in clarity, protection, and peace of mind. Without one, your loved ones may face additional court involvement, delays, expenses, and uncertainty during an already difficult time.

Estate planning allows you to choose who will manage your affairs, make decisions on your behalf, and receive your assets. The cost of planning now may help prevent far greater financial and emotional costs later.

📍 Serving Chico and Northern California
📞 (530) 343-3454
🌐 jellingsonlaw.com

Signing your trust is an important milestone, but your work may not be complete.The next steps may include transferring ...
08/25/2026

Signing your trust is an important milestone, but your work may not be complete.

The next steps may include transferring appropriate assets, reviewing property titles and financial accounts, coordinating beneficiary designations, and revisiting the plan as your family, finances, and goals change.

Ongoing attention helps your trust remain aligned with your intentions.

📍 Serving Chico and Northern California
📞 (530) 343-3454
🌐 jellingsonlaw.com

Creating and signing a trust is only part of the estate planning process. Funding a trust generally means transferring a...
08/20/2026

Creating and signing a trust is only part of the estate planning process. Funding a trust generally means transferring appropriate assets into the trust or otherwise coordinating them with the plan.
Without proper funding, some assets may remain outside the trust and may not be handled as intended. Because every asset is different, it is important to receive guidance before changing titles or beneficiary designations.
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📍 Serving Chico and Northern California
📞 (530) 343-3454
🌐 jellingsonlaw.com

Marriage, separation, and divorce can affect more than your immediate circumstances. These changes may also impact your ...
08/18/2026

Marriage, separation, and divorce can affect more than your immediate circumstances. These changes may also impact your trust, beneficiary designations, property ownership, and chosen decision-makers.

Reviewing your estate plan after a major relationship change can help ensure that your documents continue to reflect your current wishes and protect the people who matter most.

Read more on our blog: https://www.jellingsonlaw.com/how-to-protect-assets-from-divorce/

📍 Serving Chico and Northern California
📞 (530) 343-3454
🌐 jellingsonlaw.com

We are grateful for every client who trusts our team with such important decisions.We are committed to making the estate...
08/13/2026

We are grateful for every client who trusts our team with such important decisions.

We are committed to making the estate planning process informative, helpful, and approachable for the families we serve.

📍 Serving Chico and Northern California
📞 (530) 343-3454
🌐 jellingsonlaw.com

A complete estate plan involves more than deciding who will receive your assets. It also identifies trusted people who c...
08/11/2026

A complete estate plan involves more than deciding who will receive your assets. It also identifies trusted people who can carry out your wishes and make important decisions when needed.

Your trustee manages assets held in your trust. Your executor administers your estate under your will. Your healthcare agent makes medical decisions on your behalf if you cannot make or communicate them yourself.

Choose people who are trustworthy, responsible, and prepared to serve. Clear selections can give you and your loved ones greater confidence in the future.

📍 Serving Chico and Northern California
📞 (530) 343-3454
🌐 jellingsonlaw.com

Yes, an estate plan can generally provide different amounts to different children. Families may choose unequal distribut...
08/06/2026

Yes, an estate plan can generally provide different amounts to different children. Families may choose unequal distributions for many reasons, including differences in financial need, prior gifts, caregiving responsibilities, or other personal circumstances.

The key is to document your intentions clearly and structure your plan carefully. Thoughtful planning can help reduce confusion and conflict later.

📍 Serving Chico and Northern California
📞 (530) 343-3454
🌐 jellingsonlaw.com

Blended families often have unique estate planning needs. A thoughtful plan can help protect a surviving spouse, provide...
08/04/2026

Blended families often have unique estate planning needs. A thoughtful plan can help protect a surviving spouse, provide for children from prior relationships, and reduce the risk of future misunderstandings.

Clear instructions can make all the difference. If your family structure has changed, it may be time to review whether your estate plan still reflects your wishes.

Read more on our blog: https://www.jellingsonlaw.com/estate-planning-for-blended-families/

📍 Serving Chico and Northern California
📞 (530) 343-3454
🌐 jellingsonlaw.com

Address

383 Connors Court STE H
Chico, CA
95926

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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