How much does it cost to hire Chelsea for a estate litigation case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Chelsea walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does Chelsea offer a free consultation?

Chelsea charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Chelsea's office. Some estate litigation attorneys offer free consults — check Chelsea's current terms during booking.

How long do estate litigation cases in California typically take?

Simple estate litigation matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Chelsea gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Chelsea take my case if I'm outside Costa Mesa?

Chelsea is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Chelsea will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

What should I bring to my first meeting with Chelsea?

Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Chelsea will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Chelsea accepting new estate litigation clients right now?

Chelsea's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Chelsea Margot Healey, Estate Litigation Attorney in Costa Mesa, California

Over 10 years of legal practice · focused on Estate Litigation, Estate Planning, and Probate · 5.0/5 rating from 16 verified client reviews

AssociateatSlovak Baron Empey Murphy & Pinkney LLP

Costa Mesa, CA

Practicing estate litigation in Costa Mesa since 2016.

10+: Years practicing
5.0 ★: 16 client reviews
5: Bar admissions

Practices in

Estate Litigation Estate Planning Probate Trusts Wills

Are you Chelsea Margot Healey?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

Claim this profile — free

Quick answer

Chelsea Margot Healey is an associate based in Costa Mesa, CA. The practice focuses on Estate Litigation, Estate Planning, and Probate. Chelsea has over 10 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Slovak Baron Empey Murphy & Pinkney LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 16 client reviews.

Based in: Costa Mesa, CA
Experience: over 10 years
Known for: Estate Litigation · Estate Planning · Probate

Handles Estate Litigation, Estate Planning, and Probate matters from Costa Mesa, CA.
Over 10 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Chelsea's practice areas in Costa Mesa

Chelsea concentrates on estate litigation, estate planning, probate, trusts, and wills. Each area below outlines the kind of case Chelsea handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Estate Litigation cases in Costa Mesa, California

Chelsea takes estate litigation matters in Costa Mesa, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Chelsea agrees to represent you.

Estate Planning cases in Costa Mesa, California

Chelsea takes estate planning matters in Costa Mesa, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Chelsea agrees to represent you.

Probate cases in Costa Mesa, California

Chelsea takes probate matters in Costa Mesa, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Chelsea agrees to represent you.

Trusts cases in Costa Mesa, California

Chelsea takes trusts matters in Costa Mesa, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Chelsea agrees to represent you.

Wills cases in Costa Mesa, California

Chelsea takes wills matters in Costa Mesa, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Chelsea agrees to represent you.

Biography

Chelsea Margot Healey, estate litigation attorney serving Costa Mesa

Chelsea M. Healey is the driving force leading SBEMP’s Trust, Estate, and ProbateDepartment in Orange County, California. She has a diverse practice representing high net worthindividuals and their families with respect to all aspects of gift, estate, charitable planning, andgeneration-skipping wealth transfer tax planning.

In addition, Chelsea advises clients in connection with complex probate and trust litigationmatters throughout California. She handles cases across the full spectrum of trust and probatelaw, including prosecuting and defending traditional contests challenging the validity of a will ortrust. Chelsea also regularly consults with executors, administrators, and trustees in probate andtrust administration matters.

Chelsea’s dedication to her clients’ needs is a hallmark of her caring nature coupled withtechnical expertise and zealous advocacy to benefit her clients.

Chelsea was selected as a Southern California Rising Star by Super Lawyers for 2023 and 2024,as well as a Top Lawyer for Wills, Trusts, and Estates by Palm Springs Life Magazine. Chelseawas previously honored in Palm Springs Life’s 40 under Forty. Additionally, Chelsea was listedas a Power Attorney in Orange Coast Magazine in May 2023.

PUBLICATIONS

10 To Do Items for Success in Law School, The National Jurist, September 2015

Working with Chelsea on a estate litigation matter

Clients Chelsea works with

Chelsea reviews new inquiries case-by-case for estate litigation, estate planning, and probate matters in Costa Mesa and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Chelsea studied and practices

University of Miami School of Law
J.D. · 2016
University of San Diego
B.B.A. Business · 2013

Jurisdictions

Chelsea's state bar admissions

United States Distri
2017 · ACTIVE
United States Distri
2017 · ACTIVE
United States Distri
2017 · ACTIVE
United States Distri
2017 · ACTIVE
California
2016 · ACTIVE

Chelsea studied at J.D. in University of Miami School of Law and B.B.A. Business in University of San Diego.

Law school and academic background

Chelsea completed J.D. in University of Miami School of Law and B.B.A. Business in University of San Diego. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Chelsea runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Chelsea's legal honors and published work

Chelsea has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

Chelsea Margot Healey's office in Costa Mesa

Chelsea's primary office is at 650 Town Center Drive, Suite 1400, Costa Mesa, CA, 92626. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Slovak Baron Empey Murphy & Pinkney LLP

650 Town Center Drive, Suite 1400

Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Chelsea Margot Healey — 5.0/5 rating from 16 verified client reviews

Every review below is from a verified client of Chelsea. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing estate litigation attorneys in Costa Mesa.

5.0

16 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Chelsea Margot Healey claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Chelsea Margot Healey — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new estate litigation attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Chelsea usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Chelsea charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Chelsea's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Chelsea will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a estate litigation attorney in Costa Mesa, California

A short list to run through before you commit: How many estate litigation matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Chelsea

Chelsea discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in estate litigation practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every estate litigation matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Chelsea confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Chelsea's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many estate litigation practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Chelsea Margot Healey

How much does it cost to hire Chelsea for a estate litigation case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Chelsea walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Chelsea offer a free consultation?
Chelsea charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Chelsea's office. Some estate litigation attorneys offer free consults — check Chelsea's current terms during booking.
How long do estate litigation cases in California typically take?
Simple estate litigation matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Chelsea gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Chelsea take my case if I'm outside Costa Mesa?
Chelsea is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Chelsea will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Chelsea?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Chelsea will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Chelsea accepting new estate litigation clients right now?
Chelsea's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Estate Litigation attorneys serving Costa Mesa, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California

Chelsea handles estate litigation matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified estate litigation attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Chelsea's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these estate litigation attorneys in Costa Mesa handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.