Jennifer Elliott
Ms. Elliott, has 30 years of legal experience in many areas of law. Beginning as a legal secretary, she earned her Certification in Paralegal Studies from the California State University system before attending law school and passing the California bar exam in 2002.
Exclusively practicing law in the areas of estate planning, probate, and trust administration since 2005, Ms. Elliott creates customized estate plans that keep your assets out of probate court and keeps your family together. Ms. Elliott earned the highly sought after credential from the State Bar of California as a Certified Specialist in Probate, Estate, and Trust law. Only the top 1% of attorneys earn this certification. Click here for additional information about this certification.
A member of Wealth Counsel, a nationwide lawyers association of 4,000 estate planning professionals, Ms. Elliott provides her clients best-in-class estate planning technology for their documents. As well as keeping up to date on the law, Ms. Elliott also teaches Wealth Counsel continuing education classes and has authored legal articles and books for attorneys. Ms. Elliott regularly leads seminars for legal professionals as well as the public to educate the community on protecting their assets and loved ones.
Ms. Elliott is admitted to practice law as an attorney and counselor at law in all courts in the State of California as well as in the United States District Court and Federal Courts. Previously handling trials and litigation in administrative courts, Ms. Elliott has represented probate clients in Southern California Superior Courts for twenty years.
A real estate broker since 2008, Ms. Elliott has been licensed by the California Bureau of Real Estate since 1991 as both a salesperson and broker. Handling both listings and purchases has given Ms. Elliott a broad knowledge of real estate which deepens her understanding of estate law.
Ms. Elliott is involved in her community and serves as a Director for the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce and Commissioner of Beaches, Parks, and Recreation for the City of San Clemente. She is also involved in the San Clemente Downtown Business Association, St. Clements By-The Sea Episcopal Church, and the Ocean Institute of Dana Point.
Associations & Organizations
Jennifer stays healthy and sharp by regularly running marathons and spending time with her family. Professionally, she is a member of many respected organizations.
- California Bar Association
- California Bar Trusts and Estates Section
- Wealth Counsel for Estate Planning Professionals
- City of San Clemente Commissioner - Beaches, Parks and Recreation
- Orange County Bar Association
- Board of Directors for San Clemente Chamber of Commerce
- San Clemente Downtown Business Association
- President of the High Desert Bar Association, 2011-2012
- Real Estate Broker Licensed by CA Department of Real Estate
- Orange County Board of Realtors
- California and National Associations of Realtors
- Professional Advisory Member for The Ocean Institute
- Pier Pride Legacy Committee Member for the San Clemente Pier
- Endowment Committee for St. Clement's By The Sea Episcopal Church
- Author of Estate Planning Strategies
- Golden Ole for 2021 & 2022
The Ocean Estate Law Team
Michelle Lepich
Michelle Lepich is an associate attorney practicing Estate Planning and Trust Administration. Michelle grew up in La Mirada, California. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from UCLA in 2009. She earned her Juris Doctor degree from Loyola Law School, Los Angeles in 2013, and was admitted to the State Bar of California the same year.
During law school, Michelle became a certified mediator. She also participated in the VITA tax program, in which she assisted low-income individuals with their annual tax filings. Michelle has been on the board of the Orange County Bar Association’s Elder Law and Special Needs Section and was their 2017 Chair.
Michelle enjoys getting to know her clients and building lasting relationships with them. It is her primary goal to provide each client with peace of mind regarding the future of their estate. In her spare time, Michelle enjoys traveling, spending quality time with family, and playing with her dog Marty, a very energetic Wheaten Terrier.
Kathy Heitmann
Kathy has worked as a probate paralegal for county law firms since 1988. She earned her Paralegal certificate from Coastline College and her Bachelor of Arts from Cal State Fullerton. From her 30 years of experience, Kathy brings extensive knowledge of probate and trust administration.
Vanessa Saltos
Vanessa is equipped with 19 years of legal experience and 10 years of financial experience, working with attorney Jennifer Elliott for the majority of this time. She is a notary public and tax preparer licensed by the California Tax Education Council. Vanessa speaks Spanish fluently.
Deborah Blaine
Deborah has worked as a paralegal for Orange County law firms since 2011. She earned her paralegal certificate from the University of San Diego, and her bachelor's and master's degrees from Pepperdine University. With over 11 years of legal experience, Deborah has extensive knowledge of estate planning, probate and trust administration.
Bethany Bonin
Bethany's background includes 15 years in business development and operations as well as customer/client care. She earned her Bachelor's of Science degree from California State University San Marcos and brings both her educational knowledge and work experience to her position at Ocean Estate Law.
Hana Garabedian
Hana earned her Bachelor's Degree in Marketing from Cal State University Fullerton in 2023. Hana's education in this field has been an asset to the firm as we expand our marketing and social media presence including providing more legal education information to keep our clients current on the law. Hana assists the front office as well as spearheads the launch of our new podcast series.
Victoria Dickerson
Victoria has over six years of client care experience. Her priorities are to promote supportive and helpful customer service throughout the entire process.
Olivia Erickson
Olivia has more than 7 years of customer service experience in various industries, including managerial roles, and is passionate about helping others. Olivia provides quick and friendly support to our clients and all members of the staff as our Legal Assistant.
Why You Should Hire An Estate & Planning Attorney
You deserve the attention of an experienced estate and probate attorney to plan for your future. Some people think they’ll save money with online do-it-yourself legal services or with a paralegal. Online legal services and paralegals are not licensed by the State Bar of California and do not carry insurance. The cost to cure the mistakes of a paralegal or online service can be greater than the attorney’s fee. If the mistakes are not discovered until a death occurs it is too late. Incorrectly prepared documents may require an expensive probate. Taxes may be assessed due to inadequate planning. Choose an experienced attorney who protects her bar license and reputation with years of satisfied clients.
Other people choose to hire a financial advisor to prepare their wills and trusts. This is not their area of expertise. They have no legal training. We won’t give you investment advice and it is illegal for them to give you legal advice.
Perhaps your church or group has a company who visits once a year to draft estate plans. Do you really get to meet with an attorney, or just a notary public? Will they be available to you when life changes and you need to amend your documents?
Choose an attorney with a full time office. Choose an attorney you can call and speak to directly. Choose an attorney you can develop a personal relationship with who gets to know your wishes and your family. Choose Jennifer Elliott, of Ocean Estate Law.
After serving over 2000 clients, Ocean Estate Law is proud of its 5 Star Rating!
"Jennifer and her team were very quick to respond to our request. They came highly recommended and I had already known Jennifer through her community involvement with San Clemente, so we felt really safe making a decision to go with her company for our estate plan. We are so glad to have this plan in place for our family. Thank you!"
Leisa Reid
"Jennifer Elliott and her team were fantastic. They answered all our questions and made a sometimes sensitive subject...Death and Taxes an easy process. They walk you through all the scenarios that you would never think of and build a Trust that fits you and your family."
Wayne Ostrander
"Jennifer and associates were so helpful with everything we needed. They were extremely professional and informative with the changes we needed to make in our trust. Would highly recommend!!"
Barton Brown
"Really simple process. The team at Ocean Estate Law is responsive, easy to deal with, professional....and clear. They seem to be available for any question. Really great to do business on such an important topic with a local firm."
Tim Gallagher
"The team at Ocean Estate Law is very professional and helpful, but also relaxed and friendly. They made the whole process very easy and understandable. I highly recommend Jennifer and her team."
Barbara Clauss
"Jennifer did an outstanding job and helped us with an existing Trust that needed to be redone. She gave great insight and we are very happy with the service from Ocean Estate Law. Thank you Jennifer."
Aaron & Kris
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