Ellingson Law, APC

Ellingson Law, APC Estate planning attorney Jennifer L. Ellingson, Esq. serves Chico, CA and Northern California. Visit our website: http://www.diducalaw.com/

This page provides educational insights and guidance to help individuals and families make informed decisions about planning ahead. Di Duca | Ellingson, APC, is dedicated to providing legal service and counsel. Whether you are seeking advice on the management of your business, operational and regulatory issues that impact your business affairs, construction law, litigation, or estate and successi

on planning, DI DUCA | ELLINGSON, APC has the practical business and legal experience to address your particular needs and concerns.

05/28/2026

Is your estate plan still valid if the law changes?
It depends.

Changes in California estate planning laws can impact how certain documents function, how assets are handled, or whether your plan still aligns with current legal requirements.

Even if your estate plan is technically still valid, it may not work the way you originally intended.

That is why it is important to review your plan periodically, especially after legal updates or major life changes. A quick review can help ensure your wishes are still clearly protected.

If it has been a while since you updated your estate plan, it may be time to take another look.

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

This is a common concern when dealing with estate administration.In most cases, debts are not directly inherited by fami...
05/26/2026

This is a common concern when dealing with estate administration.

In most cases, debts are not directly inherited by family members. Instead, debts are typically paid from the estate before assets are distributed to beneficiaries.

However, certain situations, such as co-signed accounts or joint debts, may create personal responsibility.

Understanding how debts are handled during probate in California can help families avoid confusion and better prepare for the process.

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

If a beneficiary passes away before you, it can create complications in how your assets are distributed.Depending on how...
05/21/2026

If a beneficiary passes away before you, it can create complications in how your assets are distributed.

Depending on how your estate plan is written, assets may pass to alternate beneficiaries, be redistributed according to specific terms, or fall back into your estate and potentially go through probate in California.

Without updated documents, this situation can lead to delays, confusion, or outcomes that may not reflect your original intentions.
Regularly reviewing your estate plan helps ensure your wishes are carried out clearly.

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

In estate planning, how your assets are titled can be just as important as the documents you create.Asset ownership dete...
05/19/2026

In estate planning, how your assets are titled can be just as important as the documents you create.

Asset ownership determines whether property goes through probate in California, how it is transferred, and who ultimately receives it. In some cases, beneficiary designations or ownership structure can override instructions in a will.

Small details, like outdated beneficiaries or incorrectly titled assets, can lead to delays, confusion, and unintended outcomes.
A well-structured estate plan ensures your assets, titles, and documents all work together.

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

Myth: Estate planning is something you do once and never revisit.Truth: Estate planning in California should evolve as y...
05/14/2026

Myth: Estate planning is something you do once and never revisit.
Truth: Estate planning in California should evolve as your life changes.

Major life events, such as marriage, divorce, new children, changes in assets, or even moving, can impact how your estate plan should be structured. Outdated documents can lead to unintended outcomes, delays, or complications during probate.

Regularly reviewing your estate plan helps ensure everything stays aligned with your current situation and goals.

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

This is one of the most common estate planning questions in California, and the answer depends on several factors.Califo...
05/12/2026

This is one of the most common estate planning questions in California, and the answer depends on several factors.

California is a community property state, which means certain assets may pass to a surviving spouse. However, not everything automatically transfers, especially when separate property, children, or blended family situations are involved.

Without a clear estate plan, the distribution of assets may be determined by California probate laws rather than your personal wishes.

Creating a plan ensures your spouse and loved ones are protected and that your intentions are clearly carried out.

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

Losing a loved one is already overwhelming. Navigating probate in California and handling legal responsibilities at the ...
05/07/2026

Losing a loved one is already overwhelming. Navigating probate in California and handling legal responsibilities at the same time can make things even more difficult.

Many families unintentionally create delays or complications by waiting too long to begin the legal process, misunderstanding how assets are owned, overlooking debts, or trying to manage everything on their own.

Understanding these common mistakes can help families avoid unnecessary stress, reduce delays, and move through the estate administration process more smoothly.

Having the right guidance during this time can make a meaningful difference.

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

Understanding the difference between a grantor trust and a non-grantor trust is an important part of estate planning in ...
05/05/2026

Understanding the difference between a grantor trust and a non-grantor trust is an important part of estate planning in California.

A grantor trust is typically controlled by the person who created it, while a non-grantor trust is treated as a separate entity for tax and legal purposes. Each structure comes with different implications for control, taxation, and long-term planning.

Choosing the right type of trust depends on your goals, your assets, and how you want your estate managed over time. This is where thoughtful planning can make a significant difference.

If you are exploring trust options, it can help to understand how each structure fits into a broader estate plan.

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

04/30/2026

If you already have a trust, it is important to understand what it actually includes.

A “bare bones” trust may:
• Lack detailed instructions
• Miss important protections
• Leave gaps in how assets are handled

Not all trusts are created with the same level of planning.

Reviewing your documents can help ensure your plan truly works when it is needed.

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

After a divorce, updating your estate plan is an important next step.You may need to:• Remove your former spouse from yo...
04/28/2026

After a divorce, updating your estate plan is an important next step.

You may need to:
• Remove your former spouse from your will or trust
• Update beneficiary designations
• Revoke and replace your Power of Attorney
• Review your Advance Health Care Directive
• Update life insurance policies

Outdated documents can lead to unintended outcomes.

A review ensures your plan reflects your current wishes.

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

Choosing the right estate planning attorney matters.Our goal is to:• Listen carefully to your concerns• Provide clear an...
04/23/2026

Choosing the right estate planning attorney matters.

Our goal is to:
• Listen carefully to your concerns
• Provide clear and practical guidance
• Help you feel confident in your plan

We appreciate every client who trusts us with such important decisions.

📍 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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