Melissa O'Neal

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.

• Credit Cards Accepted

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. Can we take legal action for insurance policy change causing missed treatments?

March 28, 2025

A: An Oklahoma attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for three weeks. I'm very sorry for the loss of your mother. I'm afraid it does not sound like the strongest of cases. That doesn't mean I don't sympathize with your family. I find it upsetting that the marketplace and other entities involved were not more attentive and sensitive to the importance and urgency of coverage here. But from a legal standpoint of asserting damages at trial, I'd anticipate that the defense would raise arguments to try to diminish the role of several missed treatments in the grand scheme of things. But that's only my individual opinion. I'd recommend reaching out to Oklahoma attorneys to try to arrange a free initial consult and get their opinions. Despite my quick analysis, the fact remains that I believe these circumstances would upset jurors to sympathize with your family. Good luck ... Read More

Q. Should I pursue full uninsured coverage for a 4-year-old accident?

March 26, 2025

A: A Texas attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for over two weeks. You ask many good questions, but a meaningful response would result in a memo several pages in length. It isn't clear if you are represented by an attorney. If you are, these are things to sit down and discuss in detail with them. You say that you filed a claim. Do you mean you filed suit? I can't advise on Texas procedural law, but I believe the statute of limitations for accidents in Texas is two (2) years, based on information readily available to anyone online. You have a good UM (uninsured - underinsured) policy - good for you for your foresight in arranging that. All those issues with job, limp, loss of intimacy, quality of life - those deserve detailed review by an experienced attorney. Consider arranging a free initial consult. I hope things take a turn for the better with you. Good luck ... Read More

Q. Do I have a case under continuous treatment if my surgeon doesn't assist further?

March 24, 2025

A: I'm sorry for your ordeal with this matter. From a textbook standpoint, you could make that argument under the continuous treatment doctrine. However, from a practical standpoint, many law firms are not enthusiastic about relying on the doctrine in settings that extend beyond the statute of limitations. You could reach out to law firms to discuss. If a law firm expressed preliminary interest, I believe they would not commit to representation without a thorough page-by-page review of relevant file documents. But this is only my individual opinion. See what other attorneys say. That's the best way to answer your question. I hope you are able to arrange the medical care you are seeking here. Good luck ... Read More