Melissa Megan Willem

Melissa Megan Willem

also known as Melissa Megan Villemaire

3.4
Rating: 7.8

Licensed for 15 years

Family Lawyer at Manahawkin, NJ
Practice Areas: Family, Real Estate, Estate Planning

182 N. Main Street, Manahawkin, NJ

About Melissa

Biography

Practice Areas

3

Practice Areas

Family 50%

Divorce and Non-dissolution Matters, Litigation, Negotiation and Modification of Alimony and Child Support, Equitable Distribution, Custody and Parenting Time Issues, QDROs, Domestic Violence Matters, DYFS/DCPP Litigation, Premarital Agreements

50%
Real Estate 30%

Residential Real Estate Transactions (Sales and Purchases), Use and Occupancy Agreements, Tenancy and Lease Agreements, Refinances, Transfer of Title Ownership, Preparation of Conveyance Documents relating to Title to Real Property

30%
Estate Planning 20%

Preparation of Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorneys, Healthcare Directives, Burial Instructions

20%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in New Jersey for 15 years

State: New Jersey

Acquired: 2010

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Willem Law, LLC

182 N. Main Street, Manahawkin, NJ, 08050

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Melissa Megan Willem's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

3.4 /5.0

5 Client Reviews

5 star (3)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (2)

Posted by April | July 14, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Stay Clear! Took my retainer and did not provide

After reading another recent review, Melissa seems to work unethically and take money from people and run. I gave a hefty retainer fee for an easy divorce case and did not get services worth that fee!! I got a constant run around, severe lack of communication, and excuses for missed meetings. I respe...ctfully asked for at least half my retainer back and nothing.

Posted by Sarah | April 23, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Felt More Like Family than My Lawyer

After years of battling with my children's father in and out of court, I never thought that I would feel as supported or as prioritized as Melissa Willem has made me feel. I have worked with many lawyers for a variety of different reasons during the last 20 years - from buying and selling my homes, m...unicipal court tickets, help with handling my family members estates, my divorce and then the custody and support motions that came after. I was represented by three different family lawyers over the years before I even met Melissa. After having those experiences through the years, I can truly say that I have never met a lawyer like Melissa, and honestly didn't think lawyers cared about much more than getting their bills paid. But with Melissa, I never felt this way for even a moment. From the moment I first spoke with Melissa and decided to retain her (during COVID), I felt like she was on my side and fought for me regardless of how much money I had or how hard the process became. She was honest with me, always explained complicated legal issues in a way that I could understand, and always made me feel important and prioritized. She even talked me through very difficult and overwhelming situations at night and on weekends. I felt supported and heard and will be forever grateful for her support through very stressful times, especially when my ex-husband would relapse or the police became involved. She was patient and understanding and kind. I was able to rebuild my life and focus on my children because of the perspective and advice she offered me in the few years I have known her - even when we were not in Court or getting ready to go to Court. I highly recommend Melissa, you will not be disappointed!

Posted by Ciara | February 12, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Took my retainer and never spoke to me again

I retained Melissa Willem to represent me in a child custody case and she took my retainer and then never answered any phone calls or responded to any emails. She didn’t even show up to court which was virtual ! She left me high and dry without legal representation and still won’t return my calls. I ...DO NOT RECOMMEND MELISSA WILLEM !

Posted by Angela | September 15, 2022 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Highly Recommended for Many Reasons

I hired Melissa for a case and it was a positive experience from the very first interaction. Melissa & her assistant were always timely with correspondence, went above & beyond to accommodate my hearing disability, and won my case in court! If you are looking for a lawyer who is passionate, determine...d & energetic about her job & clients- look no further and definitely hire Melissa Willem.

Posted by Megan Marie | April 16, 2021 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Divorce Attorney

Melissa Willem represented me in what turned out to be an extremely difficult divorce last year. I was nervous about retaining an attorney, since I have heard so many horror stories about attorneys who don’t listen and just pile up legal fees higher and higher without caring. But Melissa changed th...at perspective right from the start. I felt comfortable with her from the moment I met her, and that never changed throughout my whole case. She was always honest and up front about what to expect so that I would be prepared for potential outcomes, but always fought for what was best for me and my children. She was understanding and compassionate and always went above and beyond to help me through difficult parts of my case, more than what you would expect from your lawyer. She always explained complicated issues in a way that I could understand and spent as much time as I needed to feel comfortable with whatever action we had to take. I would absolutely highly recommend Melissa, without question!

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Melissa Megan Willem's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Melissa
Kristen S Henninger headshot
Kristen Henninger

Family lawyer | Feb 16

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. I have worked with Ms. Willem as co-counsel and as an adversary. She is an excellent and zealous advocate for her clients. She is bright, sharp, quick on her feet, and a pleasure to work with."

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Experience

Rating:  7.8 (Very Good)

Honors

2021

New Jersey Super Lawyer Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2020

New Jersey Super Lawyer Rising Star, Super Lawyers

Work Experience

2020 - Present

Owner, Willem Law, LLC

2018 - 2020

Partner, Novins, York & Jacobus

2011 - 2011

Associate, Hobbie, Corrigan and Bertucio

2011 - 2017

Associate, Novins, York & Jacobus

2010 - 2011

Law Clerk to Presiding Judge of Family Part and Law Division, Ocean County Courts

2009 - 2010

Judicial Extern to Presiding Judge of General Equity Division, Ocean County Courts

2008 - 2009

Legal Intern, Law Office of Kathleen Browning Sheridan

Associations

2015 - Present

Ocean County Bar Association, Family Law Committee

Member

2012 - Present

Ocean County Bar Association

Member

2012 - 2020

New Jersey Bar Association

Member

2010 - 2013

Ocean-Monmouth Family Law American Inn of Court

Member

Education

2010

Rutgers Law School

JD - Juris Doctor

2007

Kean University

BS - Bachelor of Science

Avvo Rating

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