Melody M. Petitt
About Melody
Biography
Attorney Melody Petitt, with more than a decade of experience in family law, excels in meeting the unique needs of diverse clients. Her dedication to her practice is underscored by her commitment to providing personalized, compassionate service during high-stress times. Melody’s clients consistently commend her strategic, honest approach and deep understanding of the law, earning her recognition such as the 2021 AVVO Client’s Choice Award and a Distinguished Rating from Martindale-Hubbell. Melody’s career began at the Texas Attorney General’s Office, where she served as an Assistant Attorney General, before she managed her successful firm in Beaumont, Texas, for 14 years. She currently leads her practice in McKinney, Texas, offering a full range of family law services, from pretrial negotiations to appeals. Melody graduated from Texas A&M University, Commerce, with a degree in Political Science, and acquired her Juris Doctor from Baylor University School of Law, gaining inclusion in the Harvey M. Richey Moot Court Society. An active member of several professional associations, including the Dallas County Bar and Collin County Attorney Moms, she also actively engages in speaking engagements that enrich the legal community and is committed to educating others. In her personal life, Melody enjoys reading and fostering rescue dogs.
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Always
Payment Methods
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Texas for 23 years
State: Texas
Acquired: 2002
No misconduct found
Location
Petitt Family Law
450 Century Parkway, Ste. 273, Allen, TX, 75013
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Melody M. Petitt's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
21 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge
Posted by Taylor | November 08, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Knowledgeable and Professional
Melody was easy to work with, listened to what I had to say, and helped me navigate a complicated divorce. Her knowledge of the law made it easy to feel confident in our case. She was very professional and could not have been more thorough. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a great a...
Posted by Darryl | April 08, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Family
Out State Guardian!!
As a single father living in a different t state, Melody was knowledgeable about Family Law regarding my specific circumstance. She was personable and well versed in jurisdictional law in Texas and interprets the law similarly to the Court. Melody was respectful of my want to minimize cost but did...
Posted by anonymous | June 21, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody
Money Pit
She may have many years under her belt. It says she has been an attorney for 19 years, but she still needs $3500 to do 10 hours of research on a custody case? In my opinion she did not know how to handle my specific case and instead of relaying that from the beginning she continued. I feel she always...
Melody Petitt
Replied last June 21, 2021I am accustomed to working with people through an exceptionally difficult period of time in their lives, and do what we can to help our client's prepare for the next chapter. If you have a complaint regarding legal services provided to you, please contact our office directly, so that we can have an opportunity to discuss your concerns with you. While we are unable to comment specifically regarding this case in a public forum because of client confidentiality, we invite you bring your concerns to the attention of our firm's Client Care Coordinator.
Posted by Natalie | February 02, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Divorce
Melody picked up my divorce case when she first joined the new law firm in Dallas. She was very detailed, personable, understanding and explained the details of my case in great depth to ensure I understood every line of my decree. I felt very comfortable discussing very personal issues with her, e...
Posted by Jermaine | April 05, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody
Great Lawyer
I hired Mrs. Petitt during a child custody battle for my daughter. Mrs. Petitt was straight forward and honest with me from day one. She did not tell me things that I wanted to hear just to get my business. She is very good and Knowledgeable in divorce & Separation, Family issues. I am very thankful...
Melody M. Petitt's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. Melody is an excellent attorney. She is very experienced, is extremely knowledgeable on the law and procedure, and holds herself to the highest ethical standards. I highly recommend Melody for any family related matters."
"I endorse this lawyer. I practiced opposite Melody in a number of cases when she practiced in SETX. She was always prepared and courteous, and she was always a zealous advocate for her clients. She’s an extremely competent attorney."
"Very positive disposition!"
"Melody is calm, calculated and intelligent. She is not one to shy away from a fight and she is always able to remain composed. Her experience, knowledge and passion for what she does is apparent on all of her cases."
"Melody is a caring and thoughtful lawyer. She's not afraid of the courtroom, but counsels clients to reach agreements when it serves them best. Creative and smart... a fantastic combination!"
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Family lawyer
Divorce and separation lawyer
Estate planning lawyer
Family lawyer
Family lawyer
Personal injury lawyer
Family lawyer
Personal injury lawyer
Personal injury lawyer
Family lawyer
Unknown lawyer
Experience
Honors
2025
Distinguished, Martindale-Hubbell
2021
Client's Choice, Avvo
Work Experience
2019 - 2022
Attorney, Hargrave Family Law
2016 - 2016
Attorney, Zinda Law Group, PLLC
2016 - 2019
Associate Attorney, O'Neil Wysocki
2002 - 2004
Attorney General, Office of the Attorney General - Child Support Division
Associations
2019 - Present
Collin County Attorney MomsMember
2017 - Present
Collin County Bar AssociationMember
2017 - Present
Dallas County Bar AssociationMember
2005 - Present
State Bar of Texas, Family Law SectionMember
2002 - Present
State Bar of TexasMember
2005 - 2016
Jefferson County Bar AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Successfully represented father in child custody dispute
Obtained writ of attachment for a mother when father wrongfully withheld the child
Obtained a decision awarding father 50/50 possession schedule of child
Successfully helped client (wife) to retain her retirement accounts
Education
2001
JD - Juris Doctor
1998
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2021
Anti-SLAPP
2013
Polishing Your Practice Skills
Publications
2021
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
In 2025, times are financially hard. Will a cohabitation agreement protect me if I move in with a long-term girlfriend?
11 Jun 2025
Interstate Child Custody Jurisdiction Change Request?
22 Jul 2021
Is there any statute in Dallas County that says a woman can't move on even when her ex refuses to sign papers?
25 Jun 2021