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 5 reviews | General Knowledge

Posted by Gina | September 05, 2025 | Hired Attorney

Exceptional Attorney Who Truly Delivers!

Melissa is an exceptional attorney—professional, knowledgeable, and truly dedicated to her clients. She guided me through a difficult process with clarity and compassion, always keeping me informed and confident in the next steps. I highly recommend her to anyone seeking strong and reliable legal rep...resentation.

Posted by Jon | February 22, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Extremely satisfied

Melissa was referred to me from a work colleague. From the first consultation I found her to be professional, knowledgeable and definite about options of how to proceed. She was creative in ensuring we pursued an ‘alternate’ course of action, which ultimately prevailed. She was always willing to disc...uss options for each step of the process, patient in explaining the ‘why’ for each option and proactive in our approach, which was very important to me, rather than simply adopting a reactive ‘defense’ stance. She obviously has a good grasp of how a judge would consider my case. Finally, she was always prepared and knew in great detail the documentation exchanged between the parties which ensured I was always assured that she was focused on my case. I would highly recommend her.

Posted by Michael C. | March 24, 2023 | Hired Attorney

Confident, straight forward and professional - just what you need.

From my first consultation meeting, I was confident that Melissa would represent me professionally and fairly. She was assured, non-judgmental, thorough and easy to communicate with. Melissa and Diane guided me through all the steps, and clarified the overall process, including expected case timi...ng and costs. It may be a challenging time for you, though you can feel safe in the knowledge that Melissa and Diane will represent you very well. ....and with Connie up front, you will always be warmly welcomed. I thoroughly recommend their services.

Posted by Aden | October 21, 2022 | Hired Attorney

Melissa Smart - my exceptional experience

This is the second time I engaged The Springer Law firm. On this occasion I worked with Melissa Smart. From the initial consult through resolution of the matter I was impressed with Melissa's competence, manner, and professionalism. She was able to clearly and succinctly explain to me the legal la...ndscape, the variety of paths forward, and her recommendations for a successful outcome. I am happy to say she achieved what we sought without delay or unnecessary billable time. I recommend Melissa and if I need legal services again I will first seek out this attorney and her firm.

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.

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

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

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  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution