How much does it cost to hire Melissa for a child custody case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Melissa walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does Melissa offer a free consultation?

Melissa charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Melissa's office. Some child custody attorneys offer free consults — check Melissa's current terms during booking.

How long do child custody cases in Kansas typically take?

Simple child custody matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Melissa gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Melissa take my case if I'm outside Overland Park?

Melissa is licensed in Kansas. Matters governed by Kansas law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Melissa will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

What should I bring to my first meeting with Melissa?

Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Melissa will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Melissa accepting new child custody clients right now?

Melissa's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Melissa Ann Kelly, Child Custody Attorney in Overland Park, Kansas

Over 30 years of legal practice · focused on Child Custody, Child Support, and Criminal Defense · 4.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

MemberatThe Kelly Law Firm, L.L.C.

Overland Park, KS

Practicing child custody in Overland Park since 1996.

30+: Years practicing
4.0 ★: 1 client review
3: Bar admissions

Practices in

Child Custody Child Support Criminal Defense Divorce DUI/DWI DV Defense +9 more →

Are you Melissa Ann Kelly?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

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Quick answer

Melissa Ann Kelly is a member based in Overland Park, KS. The practice focuses on Child Custody, Child Support, and Criminal Defense. Melissa has over 30 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at The Kelly Law Firm, L.L.C.. Rated 4.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Overland Park, KS
Experience: over 30 years
Known for: Child Custody · Child Support · Criminal Defense

Handles Child Custody, Child Support, and Criminal Defense matters from Overland Park, KS.
Over 30 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with Peer Reviewed.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Melissa Ann Kelly

Melissa concentrates on child custody, child support, criminal defense, divorce, and dui/dwi. Each area below outlines the kind of case Melissa handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Child Custody cases in Overland Park, Kansas

Melissa takes child custody matters in Overland Park, Kansas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Melissa agrees to represent you.

Child Support cases in Overland Park, Kansas

Melissa takes child support matters in Overland Park, Kansas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Melissa agrees to represent you.

Criminal Defense cases in Overland Park, Kansas

Melissa takes criminal defense matters in Overland Park, Kansas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Melissa agrees to represent you.

Divorce cases in Overland Park, Kansas

Melissa takes divorce matters in Overland Park, Kansas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Melissa agrees to represent you.

DUI/DWI cases in Overland Park, Kansas

Melissa takes dui/dwi matters in Overland Park, Kansas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Melissa agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Melissa Ann Kelly — Over 30 years of Kansas child custody experience

Melissa Kelly Schroeder is the sole practitioner of The Kelly Law Firm L.L.C. and has been practicing law for over 20 years. In 2000, she founded The Kelly Law Firm L.L.C. in Overland Park, Johnson...

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How Melissa handles child custody matters

Who Melissa represents

Melissa reviews new inquiries case-by-case for child custody, child support, and criminal defense matters in Overland Park and the surrounding Kansas area.

Credentials

Melissa Ann Kelly's legal education and bar admissions

Washburn University of Topeka
J.D. · 1995
Kansas State University
B.S. · 1993

Jurisdictions

Melissa's state bar admissions

Missouri
1999 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1996 · ACTIVE
Kansas
1996 · ACTIVE

Melissa studied at J.D. in Washburn University of Topeka and B.S. in Kansas State University.

Law school and academic background

Melissa completed J.D. in Washburn University of Topeka and B.S. in Kansas State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Melissa runs in Kansas is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Melissa Ann Kelly

Melissa has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

Peer Reviewed

Legal awards and honors

Peer Reviewed.

Affiliations

Melissa's professional memberships and bar associations

Kansas City Metropolitan, Topeka, Johnson County, Kansas and American Bar Associations
membership

Locations

Melissa Ann Kelly's office in Overland Park

Melissa's primary office is at 8417 Santa Fe Dr., Ste. 104, Overland Park, KS, 66212. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

The Kelly Law Firm, L.L.C.

8417 Santa Fe Dr., Ste. 104

Overland Park, KS 66212

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Melissa Ann Kelly — 4.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Melissa. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing child custody attorneys in Overland Park.

4.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Melissa Ann Kelly claims this profile.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Melissa Ann Kelly — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new child custody attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Melissa usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Melissa charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Melissa's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Melissa will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a child custody attorney in Overland Park, Kansas

A short list to run through before you commit: How many child custody matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Melissa

Melissa discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in child custody practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every child custody matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Melissa confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Melissa's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many child custody practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Melissa Ann Kelly

How much does it cost to hire Melissa for a child custody case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Melissa walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Melissa offer a free consultation?
Melissa charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Melissa's office. Some child custody attorneys offer free consults — check Melissa's current terms during booking.
How long do child custody cases in Kansas typically take?
Simple child custody matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Melissa gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Melissa take my case if I'm outside Overland Park?
Melissa is licensed in Kansas. Matters governed by Kansas law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Melissa will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Melissa?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Melissa will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Melissa accepting new child custody clients right now?
Melissa's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Child Custody attorneys serving Overland Park, Wichita and Topeka in Kansas

Melissa handles child custody matters throughout Kansas. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified child custody attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Melissa's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these child custody attorneys in Overland Park handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.