Melissa O'Neal Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›

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.

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

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Texas

State Bar of Texas

Since 2006

Attorney

Law Offices of Melissa O'Neal, P. C.

2006 - 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

2000 - 2006

Sr. Paralegal at a large Houston Firm before relocating back to East Texas to practice law after obtaining law degree.

Paralegal

Foley & Colley

1995 - 1999

Worked as a paralegal in a Tyler Law Firm until I moved to Houston to go to Law School.

South Texas College of Law

2005

State Bar of Texas  # 24047821

Member

Current

Guardianship

State Bar of Texas

2014

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?

November 15, 2023

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

November 13, 2023

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.

Q. I have custody papers that has him with that says he has supervised visitation that I can choose when and who due to his

October 23, 2023

A: If your current order states you must live in the county you are located in or contiguous counties and you move out of state you are in violation of the courts order. He would have to file an enforcement of the order but a court could make you return in order to keep custody of your child. It would be better if you were pro-active and filed a modification to change the order and considering the circumstances the court would probably grant that modification. Depending on the judge if you violate the order the consequences could be minimal or severe.