Melissa Stones-Smith
Attorney at Law, M.S. Psychology
Melissa Stones-Smith is a Montana native licensed to practice in the state of Montana and in the United States District Court for the State of Montana.
Melissa holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and a Master’s degree in Psychology in addition to her law degree, which she earned from the University of Montana. With a history of paralegal work in family law prior to becoming an attorney, Melissa brings essential experience to her work with clients. She is a passionate advocate for parents throughout the state facing challenging custody matters.
Practice Areas
Parenting Plans
Melissa Stones-Smith assists clients in developing, modifying, and enforcing parenting plans through mediation or litigation, advocating for outcomes that support the child’s best interests. She also handles emergency parenting actions, interstate jurisdictional disputes under the UCCJEA, and international custody matters involving the Hague Convention.
Third-Party Parenting
In third-party parenting actions under § 40-4-228, MCA, Melissa Stones-Smith advises and represents both petitioning non-parents and opposing parents. Her work focuses on navigating the complex legal standards governing non-parental contact or custody while safeguarding the child’s best interests and the constitutional rights of parents.
Divorces
Melissa Stones-Smith represents parents in divorces involving children, focusing on the fair division of marital assets and debts while safeguarding resources needed for the children’s day-to-day lives and future needs. She helps clients structure property settlements that align with parenting arrangements and support long-term family stability.
Adoption
Melissa Stones-Smith guides clients through all stages of adoption, including stepparent adoptions, direct parental placements, and agency-based placements. She ensures compliance with Montana’s legal requirements and handles necessary consents, terminations, and court proceedings with clarity and care.
FAQ
-
A one-hour consultation with Melissa Stones-Smith costs $450. Payment is required in advance of the appointment.
-
All consultations are scheduled by calling Timm Law Firm’s office at 406-752-3366.
-
Melissa primarily works remotely, so consultations will be held by phone unless alternative arrangements are made at the time the appointment is booked.
-
Melissa handles cases in Flathead, Lincoln, Missoula, and Sanders counties of Montana.*
*In-person appearances at courthouses outside of Flathead County, Montana may be subject to travel fees.
-
Timm Law Firm launched and staffs Kalispell’s only in-person family law clinic, established in partnership with Montana Legal Services Association. Focused exclusively on family law, the clinic operates monthly to expand access to legal services in the Flathead Valley. All firm attorneys are required to volunteer their time, allowing us to assist as many people as possible throughout the year. Because of this commitment, we are not able to accept pro bono representation outside the clinic.
The Montana Legal Services Clinic manages scheduling and intake for the monthly clinics. To sign up, start by applying for services by using the link below: