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Mellanie Suzanne Marshall

Divorce and separation Attorney at Bakersfield, CA

4.4   13 reviews
Licensed for 14 years Virtual consultation available
Licensed for 14 years Virtual consultation available

About Mellanie

Learn Mellanie’s areas of practice.

ARE YOU CURRENTLY GOING THROUGH A DIVORCE? LET ME HELP YOU PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS!

I have been a sole practitioner for almost nine years doing primarily Family Law. I practice in multiple counties including Fresno, Kern, Los Angeles, Sacramento, Santa Barbara, San Luis, Ventura, and Yolo Counties. I have extensive experience. I can aggressively litigate a case or settle it quickly depending on the client's needs. I have experience with all aspects of a family law Divorce case. I have worked the spectrum of different types of cases ranging from no-asset, high-conflict custody cases to high-asset cases.

 

I have experince working with investigators, forensic accountants, and all fields related to child custody determinations.

 

 

Awards

Client's Choice 2016
Client's Choice
2016

Photos and videos

Top Ten Best Female Attorneys
Licensed for 14 years
State CA
Status Active
Acquired 2008
Updated 04/22/2023

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Contact Mellanie

Law Office of Mellanie Marshall Rapozo

Reviews

4.4 / 5.0
  13 customer reviews
5 Star
 
85%
4 Star
 
0%
3 Star
 
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2 Star
 
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1 Star
 
15%
Client's Choice 2016
Client's Choice
Client's Choice is an Avvo award granted to attorneys with a significant number of client reviews over 4 stars in a given year.
Posted by Javier | April 30, 2013
Mellanie Marshall helped me get full custody of my daughter.
After separating from my ex, she began making it difficult for me to see my daughter. I began calling lawyers around town and spoke with Ms Marshall on the phone. Ms Marshall took the time to explain to me what my rights were as a father and agreed to meet me the next day. She showed compassion for me and my daughter, beyond what most lawyers do. Ms Marshall stressed to me the urgency of getting my daughter out of a very negative environment. From the beginning my ex began making false accusations against me. Claiming I kidnapped my daughter, I was a drug addict, and incapable of caring for my child. She also wanted me to undergo a psyche evaluation. From February 09 to November 2010 Ms. Marshal and I fought to keep my ex from shutting me out of my daughters life by making false accusations constantly. After almost two years, a psyche evaluation, and an outpatient drub rehab program to disprove drug abuse allegations, the judge kept my days at 10 overnight visits with my daughter. My ex was trying to offer me only two overnight visits per month. Ms Marshall challenged the biased psyche evaluation that took a year to complete. The evaluator sided with my ex despite no evidence that I could not parent my daughter. But thanks to Ms. Marshall and her staff who prepared an excellent rebuttal, the judge saw the the evaluation was one-sided and determined I was psychologically fit to parent my child. He kept my overnight days at 10. Approximately, four weeks later my ex and her malicious mother made false allegations again, this time to the police claiming I had been abusing my daughter sexually. Ms. Marshall helped me get through these tough times both legally and emotionally, always reassuring me that the truth would prevail. She took a personal interest in my case and fought for me to keep me in my daughters life. A week later at court, with Ms Marshall at my side representing me, after a long day of sorting through the details, Judge McAdams of Yolo County awarded me full custody of my 5 year old daughter Liliana. The Judge saw through all the lies, thanks to Ms. And her staff and finally the truth came out. Ms. Marshall went above and beyond what lawyers normally do for their clients. She took a personal interest in reuniting me with my daughter, establishing reasonable payments plans, maintaining constant communication with me, and reassuring me when things got tough. Most of all, Ms. Marshall showed her compassion and concern for the well-being of my daughter and our family. It has been about two and a half years since I got full custody of my daughter and for that I am very thankful that I chose Mellanie Marshall to represent me.
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Posted by Rob | September 16, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
EXCELLENT
I really cannot say enough positive things about Attorney Mellanie Marshall. When I first realized that I would need legal representation for what was to be a high conflict divorce, I scheduled/consulted to meet with a few attorneys and they really didn't do it for me. Upon meeting with Mellanie I felt that she understood me and was compassionate and understanding towards my case and I wasn't just a number at the DMV. She is also a brilliant legal mind. Sometimes you are lucky to get one of those and she possesses both (compassion/understanding and the legal know how). As soon as I met with her and talking with her for an hour during the initial consult I knew the search was over and that I had found what I was looking for. And as it turns out it is nice being right! She quickly helped me garner 50/50 custody of my daughter and dealt with the many other issues that came up during that timeframe regarding other parties' obstinate and unreasonable attitude and position. She has also been there for me when absurd accusations were being hurled. She has always made herself available to me if I have had questions or concerns. I've told her I don't know how she does it with clients in different places and times, but she has always gotten back to me in a timely manner and kept me informed of the process and current events. I very much appreciate her keeping me in the loop during this stressful time. She has helped reduce a lot of stress and anxiety in a stress/anxiety laden situation. Another very admirable quality about Mellanie is that she advocates not just for her client's best interest, but for that of the child, in my case Savannah. Some attorneys only have their clients best intentions at heart but she possess both, which I think any parent would/should be happy to hear. In short Mellanie has been in my corner every step of the way and my thankfulness for her help during all of this cannot be overstated. Thank you so much for everything you have done and continue to do. To those considering attorneys you really should not pass Mellanie Marshall up and you certainly cannot go wrong with her! 5 star rating from me! R. Gross
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Posted by Shawn | May 3, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Exceptional Attorney!
Put me at ease from day one by explaining my options, rights under CA Law, and best & worst case scenarios, then quickly working my case as soon as I hired her. While I hope to never need her services again I'm sure glad I found her to handle my divorce and will recommend her without hesitation if ever asked about family lawyers in Kern County. Exceptional attorney in all respects!
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Posted by anonymous | January 11, 2020
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
She’s Amazing
I contacted Mellanie about terminating a gaurdianship. She was incredibly easy to talk to and instantly made me feel better just by being so understanding and clear about what the steps were and the best way to go about things. I am relieved I found her and feel she is the best choice to represent me. Hopefully when this is all over I can get my son back home where he belongs. To anyone new to dealing with situations where you need a lawyer please do not hesitate to call her. You will feel at ease after just the first initial consultation! Thank you Mellanie for our phone call yesterday you truly seem like a wonderful person.
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Posted by Carlos C. | January 21, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Dedicated and Caring attorney
I hired attorney Marshall to defend me in a Domestic Violence case. Attorney Marshall did an excellent job during the trial and the court dismissed the restraining order after attorney Marshall tore up my lying ex on direct examination. Other attorneys congratulated attorney Marshall on the excellent job she did after the trial. I highly recommend this attorney.
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Posted by Jessica | January 5, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
So Glad I hired her!
After meeting with several lawyers in Bakersfield, I met with Mellaine and hired her instantly!! She truly is an amazing lawyer and was there for me anytime I needed her. She fought for me to get what I deserved and took all the stress away from getting divorced! She was recommended to me and I will defenitly recommend her to anyone looking for a divorce/ child custody lawyer!!
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Posted by Brett | December 14, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Awesome
She help me navigate the very confusing process of divorce I was very stressed out until I met her she's is a awesome person,,,,
Posted by RG2 | September 13, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Good Person- Great Lawyer
Attorney Review/Reference We live in Texas and our son is stationed at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California Our son got a dear john from his wife the day after he was deployed to the Middle East and informed that she had filed for divorce and she would be sending the papers. While deployed he would call to speak to his two year old daughter and read her a bedtime story. He had to leave these on voicemail as his calls a world away were not picked up. He returned to a tumultuous household six months later and divorce proceedings were initiated by his wife they had been married approximately a year and a half. He had to hire an attorney and chose Ms. Mellanie Marshall. Divorce is a terrible and damaging event to all parties and especially when children are involved. Ms. Marshall was very patient in dealing with a highly frustrated client. As a member of the military he could be deployed or transferred at any time. This was a concern as a custody issue and was emotionally crushed that he might not be a part of his daughter’s life. M.s Marshall provided my son a realistic scenario of the possible outcomes but also was able to remain a calming influence to her client. She thoroughly researched the parties involved to come up with her game plan. She was interested in what was in the best interest of her client as well as the child. She was able to work with the opposing attorney to reach what would have been a reasonable accommodation to reduce the turmoil in the little girl’s life as well as the divorcing couple. The opposing attorney was unable to get her client to be reasonable with conditions that would allow both parents to be involved with the child. As a result, the opposing attorney was unable to work with her client and removed herself as her representative. In court Ms. Marshall was competent, thorough and I believe more than reasonable. The outcome that Ms. Marshall achieved was fantastic. My son has a custodial arrangement that allows him to be an integral part of his daughters’ life. She took a toxic situation and turned it into lemonade. My son has renewed his spirit and his daughter is happy. She now has an opportunity to interact with other children her age at the on base child development center. If you want a good attorney in dealing with a messy divorce situation you can’t go wrong with Marshall Law (firm). Robert and Donna Austin, Texas.
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Posted by anonymous | June 8, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great Results
I hired attorney Marshall to help with custody and she was great! She got me exactly what I asked for. It cost a bit but it was so worth it.
Posted by Tasha | June 8, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
She's Great!
I first contacted Mellanie in a very desperate time in my child custody case, from the very beginning she was like a breath of fresh air. She got right to work, and fought for me and my daughter and got me exactly what I was seeking. Even after my hearing she was still available for bits of advice when I needed them. I highly recommend her!
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Posted by anonymous | May 1, 2012
Awesome! She Turned My Case Around! I Was Awarded $59,000!
When I initially met with Attorney Marshall she gave me a no-nonsense evaluation of my case in language I could understand. She listened to me and understood what my goals and needs were. While I understand that attorneys are expensive, she was well worth it!
Posted by Kenny | August 2, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Bad time at the worst time
I hired Mrs Marshall after reading her website statements that she fights for Father's and fights for what's right and figgts fights fights. The word fights is what drew me to her because someone who will fight is exactly what I needed. But the only thing she will fight for is to take your money. Once I paid the whopping 3500 retaining fee which I guess isn't so bad for a lawyer that does something for you , but after I paid Mrs Marshall she has done absokutdly nothing for me. She won't even respond to my emails at all. This is family law not petty court. Evey word in every email I sent her trying to get answers trying to find a way to make things right , is critical and do important to not only my life but to the life of my little boy, he means the world to me and she will not even take the time to read the words that you write to her. All I ever got was a response from her paralegal saying she will print out the email and place it on Mrs Marshalls desk for her review. Then of course I'd never hear from her. And in court forget it. It was like going alone, actiuslky worse than that it was like going alone and not knowing anythibg about your own case because she doesn't. Finally it got to the point I fired Mrs Marshall and sent her a prefilled substitution of attorney form for her to sign and to send me a bill and balance and finally she responds to me telling me I need counseling and to stop communicating with her or she will get a restrsinjb order against me! Wow! I can't believe this lady, my own lawyer who ii payed told me to stop communicsting with her! She still has not sent me a bill or refunded a dollar! Move on please
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Response from Mellanie Marshall September 3, 2020
Well, I didn't actually tell him to get counseling....the Judge strongly suggested it. I just reminded him that he needed to get some counseling before he went back to court.... Here's what I did for this poor guy. Prior to hiring me, he filed a Response to a request for a Domestic Violence Restraining Order (his ex was tired of the abuse), wherein he admitted to all the allegations. His excuse was basically that she made him do it --which would be sorta funny if he didn't actually mean that. But he really thinks his inability to control his actions and emotions are other people's fault and responsibility. I convinced the Judge to issue a six-month restraining order INSTEAD of the three-year restraining order that she had her pen poised to sign. If you screw your case up BEFORE you get into an attorney's office, you can't really expect them to pull a rabbit out of a hat. BUT I DID. Btw, this guy would send me manifestos on how his ex was doing him wrong (we have all been there, right? minus the manifestos). I am okay with a little hand-holding but I can't and won't charge my clients for therapy sessions - therapists are actually less expensive. Litigation costs and attorney fees are lower if you stick to relevant topics (save the tales of heartbreak and tears for a listener not charging you $300 plus an hour) and let your attorney guide you through the information gathering process. Your story will be told according to the law and facts (relevant facts).
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Posted by Aaron C | October 25, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
WARNING: DO NOT USE THIS ATTORNEY
Mellanie Marshall was hired by me to handle my child custody case. She went on record for my divorce and child support case against my wishes and destroyed my case and cost me my case(s). She gave wrong info, claimed I didn't contest my ex wife taking all of my belongings, lost my child custody and cost a fortune to fight back after I got rid of her. She does what she wants in court and doesn't listen to her client. Most of the time she doesnt even show up, she has someone else show up for her. I sued her and WON! She fled Sacramento and went to Modesto and has again fled Modesto and is now in Bakersfield. She has YET to pay a penny on the suit I won against her and all she does is run.
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Response from Mellanie Marshall October 26, 2018
Thats funny. This guy has a nasty meth problem. He actually wanted me to argue (to the judge) over a flashlight and his dvd movie collection. What a joke. No, what an idiot. Who spends $2000 to fight over a flashlight and DVDs. Yes, I refused to fight over flashlights and DVDs. And, well, as far as losing custody. Put down the meth pipe and stop abusing your kid. And btw, I have never been to Modesto. Get a job. I noticed you posted this at 3:00 a.m. Note to potential clients: if you are a drug addict, do not call me. If you are too stupid to get that you can replace a flashlight and DVDs for $50 but want spend $2000 just to fight....dont call me. And loser, you did not pay me any money. Your meth-memories are inaccurate.
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Cost

Rates
  • Hourly Rates $ 295-350 per hour
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 7.8 (Very Good)

Work Experience

  • Attorney
  • Law Office of Mellanie Marshall
  • 2008 - Present
  • Associate City Planner
  • City of Sacramento
  • 2006 - 2008
  • Environmental Health Inspector
  • Tulare County Environmental Health
  • 2004 - 2006

Education

  • San Joaquin College of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 2008
  • California State University, Bakersfield
  • BS - Bachelor of Science
  • 1994

Legal Cases

  • In Re Toledo
  • Judgment in favor of my client

Associations

  • American Institute of Family Law Attorneys - Top Ten Best Female Attorneys
  • Top Ten Best Female Attorneys
  • 2017 - Present
  • Association of Family and Conciliation Courts
  • Member
  • 2017 - Present
  • National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys
  • Member
  • 2009 - Present
  • State Bar of California
  • Attorney Member
  • 2008 - Present
  • National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys
  • Member Attorney
  • 2008 - Present
  • Capital City Trial Lawyers Association
  • Attorney Member
  • 2008 - Present
  • American Bar Association, Family Law Section
  • Member
  • 2008 - Present
  • Kern County Bar Association
  • Attorney Member
  • 2010 - 2012
  • State Bar of California, Family Law Section
  • Attorney Member
  • 2008 - 2012
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English
  • Spanish

Honors and Awards

  • Client Champion Award
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2019
  • Client Champion Award
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2018
  • Top Ten Best Female Attorneys
  • American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
  • 2017
  • Merit Scholarship
  • Student Bar Association
  • 2006
  • Merit Scholarship
  • Student Bar Association
  • 2005
  • Environmental Law Fellow
  • ABA Environmental Law Section
  • 2004
  • Merit Scholarship
  • Student Bar Association
  • 2004
  • Deans List
  • CSUB
  • 1998
View all awards

Publications

  • Sacramento News and Reviews
  • Top Ten FUBARS
  • 2009

Speaking Engagements

  • Kern County DHS Management Conference
  • Elimination of Need and Dependency
  • 2006

Attorney endorsements

Received (3)
Given (7)
Endorse Mellanie
Family Attorney | Jul 30
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I worked with Mellanie. Her cases are always well prepared and she covers all the issues. I endorse her as you cannot do better than hiring her.She cares about her clients and she knows what she is doing"
Family Attorney | Jan 20
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I worked together on a case with Melanie Marshall and found her to be very loyal and fantastic to work with. Mellanie is a great communicator and very responsive. I highly recommend Melanie."
Family Attorney | Mar 08
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse Ms. Marshall. She knows how to get things done."
Bakersfield Divorce and separation Lawyer Mellanie Suzanne Marshall
Mellanie Suzanne Marshall
Divorce and separation Attorney
Bakersfield, CA
Licensed for 14 years
Virtual consultation available