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 - 4 of 4 reviews | Responsiveness
Posted by Dai | September 03, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
The attorney who took the bull by the horns
You don't know what you don't know. However, you do know when something is not working out. With that said, I went through a couple of attorneys before being represented by Melody Petitt with Hargrave Family Law and that made all the difference. I will start off saying that the divorce process is ...
Posted by anonymous | August 04, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody
Outstanding advocate
Melody was the shining beacon of hope for me from the moment she returned my call. From day 1 she made me feel valued and understood. Throughout the process she kept me up to date and communicated with me regularly. She quickly responded to e-mails, texts and phone calls and always provided useful...
Posted by anonymous | July 23, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Ms. Petit is a Life Saver!
I had contacted Melody Petit at O'Neil Wysocki law firm about a year ago regarding my divorce case. I had filed for divorce and withdrew my I-130 petition to sponsor my ex for adjustment of status to permanent residency in the United States. As a result, in efforts to either save the marriage (to gai...
Posted by Sarah | August 18, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Divorce
I hired Melody Petitt for my recent divorce case. I couldn't be happier with the outcome. Melody was honest with me about what a judge would decide if my ex and I couldn't settle, and she was open about the costs involved in my particular case. Melody was a great communicator throughout the entire p...
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
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Family lawyer
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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