How much does it cost to hire Melisa for a family law case?

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

Does Melisa offer a free consultation?

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

How long do family law cases in Florida typically take?

Simple family law 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. Melisa gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Melisa take my case if I'm outside Miami?

Melisa is licensed in Florida. Matters governed by Florida law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Melisa 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 Melisa?

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. Melisa will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Melisa accepting new family law clients right now?

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

Melisa Pena, Family Law Attorney in Miami

Quick answer

Melisa Pena is a partner based in Miami, FL. The practice focuses on Family Law, Immigration, and Personal Injury. Melisa has over 14 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Jarbath Pena Law Group.

Based in: Miami, FL
Experience: over 14 years
Known for: Family Law · Immigration · Personal Injury

Handles Family Law, Immigration, and Personal Injury matters from Miami, FL.
Over 14 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Areas of practice

Melisa's practice areas in Miami

Melisa concentrates on family law, immigration, and personal injury. Each area below outlines the kind of case Melisa handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Family Law cases in Miami, Florida

Melisa takes family law matters in Miami, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Melisa agrees to represent you.

Immigration cases in Miami, Florida

Melisa takes immigration matters in Miami, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Melisa agrees to represent you.

Personal Injury cases in Miami, Florida

Melisa takes personal injury matters in Miami, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Melisa agrees to represent you.

Biography

Melisa Pena, family law attorney serving Miami

Melisa Pena is a partner based in Miami, FL. The practice focuses on Family Law, Immigration, and Personal Injury. Melisa has over 14 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Jarbath Pena Law Group. Melisa works from Miami, Florida and takes on family law matters across the region.

Melisa Pena is an attorney of Peruvian decent admitted to practice law in Florida and the Southern District of Florida. She received her Juris Doctorate from Florida International University College of Law and received her Bachelors of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Florida International University. She practices in the area of Family Law, Immigration Law and Civil Litigation. Ms. Pena was a legal intern with the Florida International University Immigration and Human Rights Clinic where she represented low-income immigrant clients in federal immigration court. She advocated on behalf of clients with human rights violations. She assisted in several clinics including TPS, DACA, and Citizenship. and matters before international human rights bodies, U.S. federal courts, and in other contexts. Ms. Pena was a Florida Bar Fellowship recipient. She worked as an intern at Catholic Charities Legal Services, a Pro Bono organization dedicated to providing legal aid to low income individuals with immigration issues. Since law school Ms. Pena has worked directly with detained immigrants in removal proceedings. In her free time, she regularly volunteers with non-profit and community organizations to help indigent and underrepresented immigrant adults and children.

Working with Melisa on a family law matter

Melisa Pena is an attorney of Peruvian decent admitted to practice law in Florida and the Southern District of Florida. She received her Juris Doctorate from Florida International University College of Law and received her Bachelors of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Florida International University. She practices in the area of Family Law, Immigration Law and Civil Litigation. Ms. Pena…

Who Melisa represents

Melisa reviews new inquiries case-by-case for family law, immigration, and personal injury matters in Miami and the surrounding Florida area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Melisa studied and practices

Florida International University, College of Law
J.D. · 2011

Jurisdictions

Melisa's state bar admissions

Florida
2012 · ACTIVE

Melisa studied at J.D. in Florida International University, College of Law.

Law school and academic background

Melisa completed J.D. in Florida International University, College of Law. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Melisa runs in Florida is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Locations

Melisa Pena's office in Miami

Melisa's primary office is at One Flagler Building, 14 NE First Avenue, Suite 600, Miami, FL, 33132. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Jarbath Pena Law Group

One Flagler Building, 14 NE First Avenue, Suite 600

Miami, FL 33132

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Melisa Pena

Melisa has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

No reviews yet

Only verified clients who have consulted with Melisa Pena can leave a review.

Schedule your consultation

Hiring guide

How to hire Melisa Pena — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

Melisa charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Melisa'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; Melisa will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a family law attorney in Miami, Florida

A short list to run through before you commit: How many family law 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 Melisa

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every family law 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. Melisa confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

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

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Melisa Pena

How much does it cost to hire Melisa for a family law case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Melisa walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Melisa offer a free consultation?
Melisa charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Melisa's office. Some family law attorneys offer free consults — check Melisa's current terms during booking.
How long do family law cases in Florida typically take?
Simple family law 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. Melisa gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Melisa take my case if I'm outside Miami?
Melisa is licensed in Florida. Matters governed by Florida law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Melisa 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 Melisa?
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. Melisa will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Melisa accepting new family law clients right now?
Melisa's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by Florida residents in the last few months, answered by family law attorneys like Melisa Pena. Each link opens the full answer thread.

Can grandparents seek custody in Florida?
My daughter is struggling with substance abuse, and I’m worried about my 5-year-old granddaughter’s safety. I live in Florida, and I would like to know if I can file for custody. A
1 verified answer · Family Law · Florida
Can I request a domestic violence restraining order in Hawaii?
I've been in an abusive relationship and I live in Hawaii. I’m terrified for my safety and need to know if I can file for a domestic violence restraining order. What steps do I nee
1 verified answer · Family Law · Hawaii
Are verbal agreements enforceable in New York custody cases?
I had an informal verbal agreement with my ex about custody arrangements for our son, but now she wants to change it. I live in New York, and I’m not sure if this verbal agreement
1 verified answer · Family Law · New York
How do I enforce a child support order in Michigan?
My ex-husband hasn’t paid child support in over three months, and I’m in Michigan. I’m at my wit's end trying to support our two kids and need to know how I can enforce our child s
1 verified answer · Family Law · Michigan
What is the process for adopting a child in Illinois?
My partner and I want to adopt a child in Illinois, and we’re excited but overwhelmed by the process. We’re unsure about what paperwork we need to file and how long the entire proc
1 verified answer · Family Law · Illinois
How is child custody determined in Ohio?
I’m going through a tough divorce in Ohio, and my ex and I are already arguing about custody of our 9-year-old daughter. I want to have a clear understanding of how custody is dete
1 verified answer · Family Law · Ohio

Areas served

Family Law attorneys serving Miami, Tampa and Orlando in Florida

Melisa handles family law matters throughout Florida. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified family law attorneys in that community.

Melisa Pena, Family Law Attorney in Miami, Florida

Quick answer