Chelsea Renee Pistone

Chelsea Pistone founded Pistone Family Law to give Orange County and surrounding Southern California County families something the process rarely offers: a clear view of what is happening and what comes next. She is one of a small number of California attorneys certified as a Family Law Specialist by the State Bar, and she practices family law exclusively.

Her Approach

Chelsea's default is settlement. Most family law matters can be resolved without a trial, and the ones that settle early tend to leave families in better shape — financially and otherwise — than the ones that don't.

That default only works if the other side believes you are prepared to go to court. So she prepares every case as though it will be heard: discovery done properly, disclosures verified rather than accepted, and a clear theory of the case before the first hearing. In practice that produces better settlements. When it doesn't, the case is ready for litigation.

She is also direct about cost. Family law proceedings can consume money that a family needs for the years after the case ends, and Chelsea would rather a client keep it. That means conservative billing, telling clients when a fight is not worth having, and being honest early when the likely outcome is not the one they were hoping for.

Certified Family Law Specialist Certified by the State Bar of California, Board of Legal Specialization.

Certification requires years of practice concentrated in family law, a written examination beyond the bar exam, continuing education, and favorable review by other attorneys and judges in the field. Only a small percentage of California attorneys hold it.

Professional Memberships

State Bar of California

Orange County Bar Association

Association of Certified Family Law Specialists

Prior experience Before founding Pistone Family Law

Chelsea was previously a Partner at an established Southern California family law firm. Earlier in her career she clerked for a criminal judge at the Orange County Superior Court and interned with the Orange County District Attorney's Office.