We have not found any cost information for this lawyer
Melissa N. Smart
About Melissa
Biography
Ms. Smart is Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
Ms. Smart is a founding partner and family law attorney at Smart & Malone Family Law Group, PLLC located in Katy, Texas. Ms. Smart is admitted to practice law in the State of Texas and the State of California. Ms. Smart's practice is exclusively dedicated to family law, including divorce matters, contested child custody matters, child and/or spousal support, complex property division, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, domestic/family violence matters, parentage matters, and modification matters. Melissa N. Smart represents clients at all stages in family law matters including uncontested cases, litigated cases, and mediated cases.
Ms. Smart is a professional mediator.
Ms. Smart is an active member of the State Bar of Texas and the State Bar of California.
Ms. Smart is a proud member of the Texas Bar College.
Ms. Smart served as the 2017 Chairperson of the Family Law Section of the San Mateo County Bar Association. She was Co-Chair in 2016.
Ms. Smart was named a "Rising Star" in family law by Super Lawyers on the basis of peer recognition and professional achievement for years 2015 - 2022. She was named "Rising Star" in family law by Super Lawyers in Northern California for years 2015 - 2020. She was named "Rising Star" in family law by Super Lawyers in Texas for years 2021 - 2022.
In 2014, Ms. Smart was awarded an honor advocate award at the American Academy of Matrimonial Laywers’ Trial Practicum.
Ms. Smart received her Juris Doctor from Golden Gate University School of Law where she graduated with Highest Honors and with a graduating rank of first in her class. Ms. Smart served as an associate editor and writer for the Golden Gate University Law Review and as a member of the Moot Court Board. In 2012, Ms. Smart received the Scribes American Society of Legal Writers Award for excellence in legal writing. Ms. Smart holds a Masters Degree in Philosophy.
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.
Search our directory
Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.
Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.
Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.
Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Texas for 7 years
State: Texas
Acquired: 2018
No misconduct found
Licensed in California for 13 years
State: California
Acquired: 2012
No misconduct found
Location
Smart & Malone Family Law Group, PLLC
21218 Kingsland Blvd., Katy, TX, 77450
Ad
Transform legal challenges into solutions.
Connect now to review your situation.
Melissa N. Smart's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
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.
Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 5 of 6 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge
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 anonymous | February 12, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Determined and professional
Ms. Smart is experienced in California and Texas law which was very helpful in my case. She listened to my concerns and helped me through the emotional aspect and legal process. Ms. Smart stayed determined and professional which helped win my case.
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...
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...
Posted by anonymous | June 04, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Worth every penny
Ms. Smart helped me to navigate through a contentious and gratuitously lengthy divorce. I needed an advocate who would protect my child and protect my assets. From the initial consultation through the final judgment, Ms. Smart treated my case as though it were her own experience. She set realistic ex...
Melissa N. Smart's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
Stacey Schliffer
Family lawyer
Sheena Tran
Family lawyer
Victoria Lewis
Family lawyer
Adam Neufer
Family lawyer
Experience
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 CollegeMember
2020 - Present
Fort Bend County Bar AssociationMember
2020 - Present
Family Bar of Fort BendMember
2018 - Present
State Bar of TexasMember
2017 - Present
San Mateo County Bar Association, Family Law SectionChair
2016 - Present
San Mateo County Bar Association, Family Law SectionCo-Chair
2012 - Present
San Mateo County Bar AssociationMember
2012 - Present
State Bar of California
2012 - Present
San Mateo County Bar Association, Family Law SectionMember
2012 - Present
San Mateo County BarristersMember
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