Practice areas: Family Law; view more
Licensed in Texas since: 2018
Education: Golden Gate University School of Law
Selected to Super Lawyers: 2025 - 2026 
Selected to Rising Stars: 2015 - 2022 Call today:
346-651-2189
Smart & Malone Family Law Group, PLLC
21218 Kingsland BlvdKaty, TX 77450 Visit website
Melissa N. Smart is a highly regarded family law attorney, recognized for her dedication to the field and her comprehensive understanding of complex legal matters. Admitted to the bar in both Texas and California, she has cultivated a reputation for excellence in family law. After spending eight years practicing in San Francisco, she relocated to Texas in 2019, where she co-founded Smart & Malone Family Law Group, PLLC, in Katy, Texas. She extends her practice to greater Katy and Houston, including Harris County, Fort Bend County, Montgomery County, Galveston County, Austin County, Tarrant County, Waller County, Brazoria County and more.
Ms. Smart's practice is focused on family law, encompassing areas such as divorce, child custody, property division and family violence. Her approach is strategic and client-centered, ensuring each case is handled with the utmost care and attention. She is adept at navigating high net worth and complex property division cases, as well as contested child custody issues. Her ability to collaborate with other professionals and her understanding of unique family dynamics highlight her commitment to delivering exceptional legal services.
Throughout her career, Ms. Smart has been actively involved in her professional community. She served as chair and co-chair of the Family Law Section of the San Mateo County Bar Association. Her accolades reflect her dedication to the legal profession and her peers' recognition of her achievements. She has also received a perfect “10.0” rating on Avvo.
In 2024, Ms. Smart achieved board certification in family law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, further underscoring her proficiency in the field. She is also a member of the Texas Bar College Society of Legal Scholars and holds a professional mediator certification. Originally from Washington state, she graduated first in her class from Golden Gate University School of Law in San Francisco, demonstrating her academic excellence and commitment to the legal field.
Practice areas
Family LawFocus areas
Alimony & Spousal Support, Child Support, Custody & Visitation, Dissolution, Divorce, Domestic Violence, Marital Property, Name Change, Paternity, Prenuptial Agreements, Same Sex Family Law
- 100% Family Law
First Admitted: 2012, California
Professional Webpage: https://www.smartmalone.com/team/melissa-smart/
Bar / Professional Activity
- State Bar of Texas, Texas Bar College, Society of Legal Scholars, 2024
- Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, 2024
- Family Bar of Fort Bend, 2024
- Fort Bend County Bar Association, Member, 2024
- State Bar of Texas, Member, 2018
- San Mateo County Bar Association, Family Law Section, Co-Chair, 2016
- San Mateo County Bar Association, Barristers Section, Member
- San Mateo County Bar Association, Family Law Section, Member
- Chair, Family Law Section, San Mateo County Bar Association, 2017
- State Bar of California, Member, 2012
Special Licenses / Certifications
- Licensed in State of California, 2012
- Professional Mediator, Manousso Mediation, 2025
- Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, 2024
- Licensed in State of Texas, 2018
Pro bono / Community Service
- Volunteer Attorney - Status Conference Fridays San Mateo County Superior Court
Educational Background
- San Francisco State University, Master of Arts in Philosophy
- Washington State University, Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy
Scholarly Lectures / Writings
- Former Associate Editor and Writer for the Golden Gate University Law Review, Golden Gate University School of Law
Honors
- Named as a "Rising Star" in family law by Super Lawyers, Northern California 2015 — 2020; Texas 2021 - 2022, Super Lawyers
- Member, Moot Court Board, Golden Gate University School of Law
- Honor Advocate Award at the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers’ Trial Practicum, 2014
- Winner of Golden Gate University School of Law’s Moot Court Competition
- J. Lani Bader Award for Academic Excellence, Golden Gate University School of Law
- Scribes American Society of Legal Writers Award, Golden Gate University School of Law
These comments were made by fellow attorneys during the annual nomination process.
“Brilliant”
“Brilliant with impeccable ethics. She is strong, yet compassionate for her clients. Works so hard to achieve the goals the client desires. She really is a legal powerhouse.”
“Melissa has become Board Certified which reflects her superior intellect and command of the law. She cares about her clients and puts forth every effort to ensure the client's positions are zealously represented.”
“Melissa does her homework, is wickedly smart, and cares about her clients. She maintains professional demeanor at all times and works zealously to obtain optimal results for her clients.”
“Melissa Smart is our Associate Attorney and we are so fortunate to have her. Melissa is one of the most efficient, hard working, and reliable lawyers I know. Melissa is a force to be reckoned with and the San Mateo County Family Bar is lucky to have her.”
Selections
- Super Lawyers: 2025 - 2026
- Rising Stars: 2015 - 2022
