Melissa N. Smart

Melissa N. Smart

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 13 years

Family Lawyer at Katy, TX
Practice Areas: Family, Child Custody, Child Support, Divorce & Separation

21218 Kingsland Blvd., Katy, TX

About Melissa

Biography

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer


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Licenses

Licensed in Texas for 7 years

State: Texas

Acquired: 2018

Eligible to Practice in Texas

No misconduct found

Licensed in California for 13 years

State: California

Acquired: 2012

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Smart & Malone Family Law Group, PLLC

21218 Kingsland Blvd., Katy, TX, 77450

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Melissa N. Smart's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

15 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (15) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 6 reviews | Divorce & Separation

Posted by Brian | July 14, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Professional & Methodical - Highly Recommend

I have utilized Melissa’s services and expertise on several occasions and every time, have been more than pleased with her professionalism and knowledge, but also her ability to ensure that I felt as comfortable as I could during the (very difficult) process of divorce and court. She does so with an ...honest and forthcoming nature, responding quickly to any emails or phone calls and ensuring that she is open about potential outcomes. I, and my family, are grateful for her efforts and dedication. I highly recommend Melissa for any matters pertaining to family law.

Posted by Chris | July 07, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Melissa Smart was amazing!

Melissa Smart was amazing. She responded quickly, was very detailed and looked out for my best interest. At a time when emotions are already high and things are very stressful she was very calm and understanding and helped navigate my divorce. I highly recommend working with Melissa.

Posted by Benjamin | January 06, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

The right lawyer

From the moment I started my divorce, it felt like a relentless uphill battle. I was filled with anxiety, unsure of whom to trust. But then I had my initial consultation with Melissa. Meeting her was like finding a lighthouse in a storm. She not only calmed my fears but also gave my case a clear dir...ection. My situation with my spouse was challenging, marked by a one-sided power dynamic that left me feeling trapped and manipulated. But Melissa became my fiercest ally, fighting tooth and nail to ensure I received an equitable outcome. During our mediation, the mediator affectionately referred to Melissa as a pitbull, highlighting her tenacity and unwavering determination to fight for a better outcome. Throughout this long journey, (and it has been long)she helped me regain my composure, allowing me to face each challenge with newfound confidence. Melissa is truly one of a kind! Her dedication and tireless work ethic shone through every step of the process. I felt supported and empowered as we navigated through long weeks that turned into months, paving the way for a new beginning. I sincerely hope I never have to hire a divorce lawyer again, but If I do she will be the first person I call.

Posted by Katherine | May 04, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Most amazing person/lawyer that I have ever met

Mel Sobel was a beacon of strength in one of the most difficult times in the life of our family. She was not only able to provide what I would consider some of the most knowledgeable legal advice, but she was able to understand the nuances that come with a divorce of over 35 years. She dealt with a v...ery difficult opposing attorney with fines and grace. I cannot say enough of how wonderful she is.

Posted by Gilbert John | April 17, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Truly outstanding, highly recommended

Melissa represented me through a challenging divorce, and I'm very thankful that she was my attorney. She handled every curveball my ex- threw at us with skill and finesse, and demonstrated an innate ability to see (and thus prepare for) what might be coming our way. Beyond her legal experience and ...expertise, and perhaps more importantly, is Melissa's capacity to relate on human terms. Divorce is a scary thing, and it's very difficult to know what to expect when you haven't been through it before. Melissa did an outstanding job of preparing me for the more emotional side of the process, and was a comforting voice during the most stressful phases of my case. She listens very well, and has the empathy to understand how disruptive the divorce process can be to normal life. The last thing you want to worry about in a difficult family court case is the competence of your attorney; with Melissa, I always felt prepared and confident. I highly recommend her!

See All Client Reviews

Melissa N. Smart's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Melissa
Elaine Hall-Yee Dai headshot
Elaine Dai

Family lawyer | Sep 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Zelikha J. Dost headshot
Zelikha Dost

Family lawyer | Aug 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Sheena L. Tran headshot
Sheena Tran

Family lawyer | Jun 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Stacey Marie Schliffer headshot
Stacey Schliffer

Child custody lawyer | Dec 07

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Melissa was very professional and responded promptly to my correspondence and calls in the matter in which I served as opposing counsel. I would recommend Melissa in child custody matters."

Victoria King Lewis headshot
Victoria Lewis

Family lawyer | Mar 30

Relationship: Supervised lawyer

"I endorse this lawyer."

Adam Wade Neufer headshot
Adam Neufer

Divorce and separation lawyer | Apr 09

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer."

Kimberly A. Madigan headshot
Kimberly Madigan

Family lawyer | Feb 05

Relationship: Supervised lawyer

"I endorse this lawyer."

Nancy Maria Martinez headshot
Nancy Martinez

Family lawyer | Feb 02

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Melissa is intelligent, pragmatic and very well prepared. I loved having her as my opposing counsel because she was so on top of things and was so well prepared. She is very personable and represents her clients well."

View All Endorsements
Stacey Marie Schliffer headshot
Stacey Schliffer

Family lawyer

Sheena L. Tran headshot
Sheena Tran

Family lawyer

Victoria King Lewis headshot
Victoria Lewis

Family lawyer

Adam Wade Neufer headshot
Adam Neufer

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2024

Board Certified in Family Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization

2022

Rising Star, SuperLawyers

2021

Rising Star, SuperLawyers

2020

Rising Star, SuperLawyers

2019

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2018

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2017

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2016

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2015

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2014

Honor Advocate Award (Trial Practicum), American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers

2012

J. Lani Bader Award for Academic Excellence, Golden Gate University School of Law

Work Experience

2025 - Present

Founding Partner / Attorney, Smart & Malone Family Law Group, PLLC

2020 - 2025

Family Law Attorney, The Springer Law Firm

2016 - 2020

Associate Attorney, Madigan & Lewis, LLP

2015 - 2016

Associate Attorney, Seeley Family Law Practice, APC

2012 - 2015

Associate Attorney, Seeley & Madigan, LLP

2011 - 2011

Judicial Extern, San Francisco County Superior Court, Unified Family Court

2011 - 2011

Legal Intern, San Francisco County Superior Court, Family Law Facilitator's Office

2010 - 2010

Legal Intern, San Mateo County Superior Court, Family Law Facilitator's Office

Associations

2022 - Present

Texas Bar College

Member

2020 - Present

Fort Bend County Bar Association

Member

2020 - Present

Family Bar of Fort Bend

Member

2018 - Present

State Bar of Texas

Member

2017 - Present

San Mateo County Bar Association, Family Law Section

Chair

2016 - Present

San Mateo County Bar Association, Family Law Section

Co-Chair

2012 - Present

San Mateo County Bar Association

Member

2012 - Present

State Bar of California

2012 - Present

San Mateo County Bar Association, Family Law Section

Member

2012 - Present

San Mateo County Barristers

Member

Education

2012

Golden Gate Univ SOL

JD - Juris Doctor

2009

San Francisco State University

MA - Masters

2003

Washington St Univ

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2016

2016 Holiday Luncheon, Family Law Section

Highlights for 2017

Publications

2009

Masters Thesis (SFSU) The Attainment of the Good Life: Two Approaches to Perfection

Languages

English

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
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