I was born and raised in Northeast Texas and after graduating from East Texas State University in 1996, I worked as a paralegal for Foley & Coley until December of 2000 when I relocated to Houston to attend South Texas College of Law. While in law school, I worked full time for Crain, Caton & James, a large law firm in downtown Houston. In December of 2005, I graduated from South Texas College of Law and passed the Texas Bar in February 2006. I was licensed to practice law by May of 2006.
I had a successfully practice in East Texas until April 2023 when God led me to be closer to my children and moved me to Gods country and my forever home in West Columbia, Brazoria County Texas.
I practice in the areas of guardianship, probate and family law. I am also a licensed mediator. I would love to get to know your story and assist you with any needs you may have in these areas.
- South Texas College of Law
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- Attorney
- Law Offices of Melissa O'Neal, P. C.
- - Current
- Successful practice in Family Law, Guardianship, Probate and Estate Planning in Wood County Texas until May 2023 when I relocated to Brazoria County Texas. I will continue to practice in the same areas with a focus on Guardianship.
- Sr. Paralegal
- Crain Caton & James
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- Sr. Paralegal at a large Houston Firm before relocating back to East Texas to practice law after obtaining law degree.
- Paralegal
- Foley & Colley
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- Worked as a paralegal in a Tyler Law Firm until I moved to Houston to go to Law School.
- Guardianship
- State Bar of Texas
- State Bar of Texas # 24047821
- Member
- Current
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- Texas
- State Bar of Texas
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- Credit Cards Accepted
- Arbitration & Mediation
- Business - Arbitration/Mediation, Consumer - Arbitration/Mediation, Family - Arbitration/Mediation
- Estate Planning
- Guardianship & Conservatorship Estate Administration, Health Care Directives, Wills
- Family Law
- Adoption, Child Custody, Child Support, Father's Rights, Guardianship & Conservatorship, Paternity, Prenups & Marital Agreements, Restraining Orders
- Divorce
- Collaborative Law, Contested Divorce, Military Divorce, Property Division, Same Sex Divorce, Spousal Support & Alimony, Uncontested Divorce
- Probate
- Probate Administration, Probate Litigation, Will Contests
- Real Estate Law
- Commercial Real Estate, Condominiums, Easements, Eminent Domain, Homeowners Association, Land Use & Zoning, Mortgages, Neighbor Disputes, Residential Real Estate, Water Law
- English
- Q. Can I prevent my ex from moving my 14 year old son out of state? (Texas)
- A: What she is able to do depends on what your Order says. You can always file for a modification of the current order if the current order does not allow such protection of your son. What the court would do would be largely dependent on the County and what belief's or biases the Judge you would be before. You should definitely seek an attorney and get the ball rolling on modification if your order does not have a geographic restriction to prevent the move out of state. If it does you would need to file enforcement as soon as she moves.
- Q. My 12 year old has my maiden name but wants to change his last name to his dad’s last name. Can we do that?
- A: Yes. You would need to file an "Original Petition for Change of Name of Child". It is a fairly straightforward and simple suit. The father is entitled to service on the suit because the child is a minor and would have to be served or waive service if he is in the picture and agreeable.
- Q. I was served paper from a constable today stating the state is filing chapter 161 on me for a child I did not know I had
- A: I would add that you can request DNA in these circumstances to determine for certain if the child is yours. If you qualify you should be able to get a court appointed attorney where the state is trying to terminate your rights.