About Melissa Fox, Esq.

Family Law Attorney

Melissa Fox is a family law attorney at ADZ Law, LLP., a female founded family law firm located in San Mateo.

Melissa understands that when people seek help from a family law attorney, they are often amid the most turbulent and unsettling time of their life. That understanding has informed Melissa’s practice, to lead with empathy and care as she works towards solutions that meet her clients where they are. Melissa is committed to meeting her clients’ needs through thoughtful negotiation but is prepared to litigate when it is in their best interest. She prioritizes ensuring her clients feel heard and supported throughout the process, whether in or outside the courtroom. She believes that the legal process should be as clear and informed as possible, and she is dedicated to guiding her clients through it with care and understanding.

Melissa’s family law practice spans a wide range of areas, including dissolution of marriage, prenuptial agreements, child custody, spousal and child support, domestic violence restraining orders, and complex property division. She handles both high-conflict litigation and collaborative negotiations, always prioritizing her clients’ best interests and ensuring they feel informed and educated about their choices.

Melissa’s background in public interest and social justice law informs her approach to family law. She is committed to achieving just outcomes, and her prior work in public service has given her a strong foundation in advocating for vulnerable populations. Before joining ADZ Law, Melissa worked for Bay Area Legal Aid and Disability Rights California, followed by a clerkship with a Santa Clara County Family Law Judge, the Honorable James Towery (Ret.), which gave her invaluable insight into the inner workings of family law courts.

Melissa earned her Juris Doctor from Santa Clara University School of Law in 2018, where she was an Emory Merit Scholar and recipient of the Justice John Paul Stevens Fellowship. During law school, she focused on public interest work, particularly assisting low-income individuals.

Recognized for her skill and dedication, Melissa has been named a Super Lawyers® Northern California Rising Star for 2023 and 2024, an honor awarded to only 2.5% of attorneys in California.

Melissa also volunteers her time to provide pro bono representation for asylum seekers through Jewish Family and Community Services, serves as a volunteer attorney for the Family Violence Law Center’s Pro Bono Domestic Violence Clinic, and volunteers with Elevate Community Center to educate and supervise Santa Clara University School of Law Students as they assist community members are free legal advice clinics.

When not practicing law, Melissa enjoys live music, gardening (or a sorry excuse for it), and spending time outside with her husband and rescue dog.

Office Address: 2000 Alameda de las Pulgas, Suite 161, San Mateo, CA 94403
Email Address: [email protected]
Office Number: 650-458-2300
Website: adzlaw.com

From Elisabeth D.:

"Saturday’s presentation was incredibly informative and empowering, thanks to you, Gina & Vanessa :-)"

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From Michelle R.:

"Being in the process of divorce (or even thinking about it) it's scary. A reliable source of information is crucial to feel empowered and make good, long-term decisions. Second Saturday opens a honest discussion so we can face our worst fears, have a plan, and understand how the divorce process works. Mark and Dana manage to be professional and share accurate and thorough information while understanding the turmoil, grief and deep challenges we are going through. I strongly recommend this workshop for anyone who needs information, hope, resources, a clearer picture or all of the above."

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From Sarah B.:

"Attending the workshop has given me great knowledge and confidence in navigating a very complicated and emotional process for myself and my family. Mark and his team of therapists and attorneys gave a overview of details that were so insightful and helpful and felt that when the workshop was over I was feeling more postive and optimistic to the next steps. The resources and comfort that was shared by the other women was inspirational and felt at ease sharing my struggles and story. This was so helpful and I am grateful that Mark Flowers has created for the support in the community."

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From Doreen C.:

"Thank you for holding these workshops. They are a great resource for us women during this difficult time. Sometimes all you need is a little support to climb that mountain."

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From Amy Laughlin, Family Law Attorney on why she volunteers at Second Saturday:

"I think there is a lot of fear around divorce. Fear of uncertainty. Fear of what the future will bring. Fear of the process. I was fearful once, myself, when I went through the process prior to becoming a divorce attorney. No one can take away uncertainty about the future, but I learned I can help alleviate fear regarding the process of getting a divorce. Knowledge is power. And when I provide knowledge to people about the process, I can see some of their fear melt away. I love helping people in this way."

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