Melissa's experience includes divorce, custody, property division, alimony, modification of orders, and beyond, including more serious issues like orders of protection. Just as every family is unique, so is each family's legal case. Melissa understands the complexities and sensitives of family law and thus tailors her services and legal strategy to each client's unique needs.
Earning her law degree magna cum laude from Arizona Summit Law School, Melissa also served on the law review, where she gained experience in legal research and persuasive writing. Before law school, Melissa worked in the criminal justice system and earned her undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Sociology from Virginia Wesleyan University.
Melissa is the proud mother of four precocious and amazing children. In her free time, she and her husband enjoy traveling with their children, baking, and caring for their animals.
RECENT REPRESENTATIVE MATTERS
- Represented the wife in a contentious divorce in which the husband filed a supersedeas bond preventing the wife from selling or touching the $2.3M in real estate she was awarded as part of the divorce pending husband’s appeal. Melissa prevailed, winning her client the ability to move forward with selling some of the real estate, plus winning an additional $12,000.
- Obtained attorney’s fees and costs for her client in a case before the Arizona Court of Appeals, where the husband attempted to modify the PSA (property settlement agreement) in which he had previously agreed to pay half of the $2,700/month mortgage. Melissa argued that the PSA is an uncontested document, and the court found in favor of Melissa’s client and ordered the husband to adhere to the PSA and pay all reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs.
- Obtained emergency orders without notice for a client whose ex-spouse was physically and mentally abusing their minor children.
- Obtained final orders for our client, awarding her sole legal decision-making of the child, virtually all parenting time, over $11,000 in back child support, and $800 a month in support moving forward.
- Received a favorable ruling from the Arizona Court of Appeals affirming our client’s award of spousal maintenance and award of a portion of the charitable lead annuity trust (CLAT). The husband appealed the trial court ruling, arguing that our client should receive nothing. The Court of Appeals disagreed.
ASSOCIATIONS & MEMBERSHIPS
- Arizona Women Lawyers Association, Steering Committee Member; Co-Chair of Mother's Forum
- Arizona Thurgood Marshall Inn of Court, Member
- Business Network International (BNI) Arizona, Strike Chapter Member
HONORS & AWARDS
- Phoenix Magazine, Top Lawyer, Family Law, 2024
- National Trial Lawyers, Top 25 National Women Trial Lawyers, 2024
- National Trial Lawyers, Top 30 Matrimonial and Family Trial Lawyers, 2024
- Avvo Clients' Choice Award, 2022, 2023, 2024
COMMUNITY & PHILANTHROPY
- Maricopa County Bar Association, Volunteer, 2013-Present
- Wills for Heros, Volunteer, 2013-2020
- Probate Lawyers Assistance Project, Past Volunteer
News
- Phoenix Magazine Names 11 G&K Attorneys to 2024 Top Lawyers - September 3, 2024
- Melissa Benson Secures Two Major Victories For Family Law Clients - August 22, 2024
- Gallagher & Kennedy lures family law practice from another Valley firm - August 5, 2024
- Gallagher & Kennedy Welcomes Lateral Legal Team, Establishing the Firm’s Family Law Practice - August 1, 2024
events
- “Criminal Issues in Family Law: Fraud, Computer Crimes, Domestic Violence, and More,” Presenter, National Business Institute (NBI), April 16, 2024
Anonymous
Avvo
From our initial consultation to the final resolution, Melissa [Benson] demonstrated unparalleled intelligence, strategic acumen, and legal expertise. Melissa's profound understanding of family law, coupled with her ability to navigate complex legal issues, was evident at every stage of my case. ... I would highly recommend Melissa to anyone seeking exemplary legal representation in family law matters.
Gary
Avvo
Mrs. [Melissa] Benson is a life saver! I was entering into a world of uncertainty as I was on the verge of losing my son ... having her represent me was the best decision I've ever made! ... My family and I can't thank her and her staff enough! With her, you're in very good hands. Thanks again Mrs. Benson! You saved me and my son!
Dolores
Avvo
Melissa [Benson] is such an amazing attorney. She is very smart, yet heartfelt and humble. I can't explain how understanding she was with my case and showed so much empathy. She and her team were quick with responses and were always able to explain things to me. They showed that I was not just another case and made me feel heard and special. I am forever thankful that we crossed paths and that I was able to have someone who was there to fight for me.
Kevin
Avvo
My wife and I hired Melissa Benson to help us with a long-shot attempt to adopt the biological brother of our daughter whom we adopted from their parents in 2017. ... Melissa did everything under the law and even consulted multiple colleagues trying to help us... I would recommend Melissa Benson to anyone who is looking for representation from someone who will understand your situation not just from a legal side but also from a personal and emotional side. Thank you Melissa! We LOVE you.
Robert
Avvo
... Melissa [Benson] has an incredible mind and talking with her and working with her just constantly reinforced that my kids and I were in safe hands. She is professional, sincere, and ... doesn’t pander to you, and keeps things very transparent and realistic. ... My case was certainly an exception by every measure according to the statistics, and I couldn’t be more blessed. I know Melissa was the reason my case was an exception. ... Melissa was amazing, a fighter for fathers out there, and I cannot recommend her more to anyone out there.
Mark
Avvo
Melissa Benson is an excellent lawyer. I’ve had a few others over the years and she is by far the best I’ve ever had! She is very skilled, knowledgeable with the law, works very diligently, efficiently towards your case like no other I’ve experienced! She gets results and takes action like I’ve never experienced or had with lawyers in the past. I highly recommend Mrs. Benson and promise you will not be disappointed with the devotion, and effort she puts into your case. This amazing lady gets things done and is very a skilled lawyer! I promise she will handle your case with ease and work very hard to get you the results you desire or hope for. She puts her heart into her job and it shows!!
Terrell
Avvo
Melissa [Benson] is extremely intelligent & professional. She took on my divorce/custody case & to say the least it was ugly & complex. She made sure as a man I had a voice in this process & nothing would be dictated by my now ex-wife. We spent hours preparing for trial & it paid off. Thank God for her. I'm amazed at her insight in handling legal issues & grateful for her aggressive approach. I highly recommend her to anyone needing law representation.
Anonymous
Avvo
I cannot thank Melissa [Benson] enough for her dedication to my very complicated case. If it wasn't for her listening ear and guidance, I wouldn't have been able to make it through. She was empathetic, handled my meltdowns well, and gave me a look into family law and the justice system that I did not have before. I also learned a lot from her as a person. We were able to secure a positive outcome in the case. I highly recommend her!
Melinda
Avvo
Melissa [Benson] was so helpful and professional. She never made me feel as if I was just “another case” on her docket. She actually cares about her clients and goes above and beyond for her clients. She is amazing at dealing with difficult opposing parties and is always prepared with an answer or if she isn’t sure, she is honest and tells you, finds out and then gets back in a timely manner. I recommend her to anyone that needs to go through family court.
Judy
Avvo
I would recommend Ms. [Melissa] Benson to anyone that needed an excellent attorney. She has been with me through the horrible issues and explained my options fully every step. I know Ms. Benson will fight for me and has the knowledge to win my case. My respect and confidence in Ms. Benson has no bounds & there aren't enough words to express my faith in her. Five stars is not enough, she is an attorney that goes beyond what is required & I'm so grateful I have her as my attorney.
Anonymous
Avvo
Melissa [Benson] is beyond compassionate and extremely knowledgeable on family law ensuring my son is advocated for and protected. I went many years without the right representative ... but Melissa is helping to ... resolve my case and finally bring me peace of mind. I'm forever grateful to her and her amazing team! Invaluable.
Heather
Avvo
I came to Melissa [Benson] while in a desperate situation ... to protect my children. Melissa's history as a sex offender prosecutor and victim's advocate make[s] her skill set and expertise unique and extremely valuable. Her proactive approach saved me and my children from having to face court and ... tons of fees. Having Melissa as my legal representative gave me such peace of mind ... . I could not be more pleased with her work!
Joe
Avvo
Getting a divorce can be a stressful situation. Melissa [Benson] made it as pain-free as possible [and] she was very responsive and honest. I highly recommend Melissa.
Noah
Avvo
[Melissa Benson] is definitely your Fiercest Family lawyer and there’s no one I’d rather refer than Melissa ... she and her team are so compassionate and definitely know what they are doing.