Bean Family Law
The Bean Family Law practice excels in offering its clients personalized service of the highest caliber.
Melissa M. Bean:
A Proven Advocate in Family Law
With over two decades of experience in family and domestic law, Melissa M. Bean is a trusted legal advocate for individuals navigating the complexities of divorce, custody, paternity, adoption, modifications, and other family law matters. As one of Utah’s top family law attorneys, she has built a reputation for resolving high-stakes financial and custodial disputes both in mediation and at trial.
Melissa’s background as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) uniquely positions her to provide clients with compassionate yet strategic legal guidance. Prior to her legal career, she spent years working in mental health crisis intervention, teen pregnancy counseling, and adoption services, giving her unparalleled insight into the emotional and psychological aspects of family disputes. This dual expertise allows her to approach cases with a deep understanding of both the legal system and the human impact of family law decisions.
Recognized by Super Lawyers and Utah Legal Elite, Melissa also serves as a Private Guardian ad Litem, Parent Coordinator, Special Master, and Third-Party Coordinator, reinforcing her role as a leader in the field. Whether advocating in court or negotiating settlements, she is dedicated to helping clients achieve fair and lasting resolutions.
Melissa M. Bean:
A Proven Advocate in Family Law
With over two decades of experience in family and domestic law, Melissa M. Bean is a trusted legal advocate for individuals navigating the complexities of divorce, custody, paternity, adoption, modifications, and other family law matters. As one of Utah’s top family law attorneys, she has built a reputation for resolving high-stakes financial and custodial disputes both in mediation and at trial.
Melissa’s background as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) uniquely positions her to provide clients with compassionate yet strategic legal guidance. Prior to her legal career, she spent years working in mental health crisis intervention, teen pregnancy counseling, and adoption services, giving her unparalleled insight into the emotional and psychological aspects of family disputes. This dual expertise allows her to approach cases with a deep understanding of both the legal system and the human impact of family law decisions.
Recognized by Super Lawyers and Utah Legal Elite, Melissa also serves as a Private Guardian ad Litem, Parent Coordinator, Special Master, and Third-Party Coordinator, reinforcing her role as a leader in the field. Whether advocating in court or negotiating settlements, she is dedicated to helping clients achieve fair and lasting resolutions.
Why Choose Melissa M. Bean?
Compassionate Counsel. Relentless Advocacy. Proven Results.
When facing family law challenges, you need an attorney who not only understands the law but also understands you. With over two decades of experience in family law, Melissa Bean has built a reputation as a trusted advocate who provides strategic legal solutions tailored to her clients’ needs.
As the founder of Bean Family Law, Melissa focuses exclusively on divorce, child custody, alimony, modifications, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, and complex marital estates. She is also a Private Guardian ad Litem, Special Master, and Parent Coordinator, ensuring that every case she handles is approached with a focus on fairness, resolution, and long-term stability.
Melissa’s distinguished legal career includes years as a litigator at top Utah law firms, earning recognition as a Super Lawyer and Utah Legal Elite—honors reserved for the top attorneys in the field. Her deep understanding of family law, combined with her background as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, gives her a unique ability to navigate emotionally charged cases with empathy, precision, and a results-driven approach.
As a member of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC) and Utah Collaborative Law, Melissa is committed to minimizing conflict and achieving positive outcomes for her clients, whether through litigation, mediation, or collaborative processes.
When your family’s future is at stake, trust the attorney who combines legal expertise with compassionate guidance.
Why Choose Melissa M. Bean?
Compassionate Counsel. Relentless Advocacy. Proven Results.
When facing family law challenges, you need an attorney who not only understands the law but also understands you. With over two decades of experience in family law, Melissa Bean has built a reputation as a trusted advocate who provides strategic legal solutions tailored to her clients’ needs.
As the founder of Bean Family Law, Melissa focuses exclusively on divorce, child custody, alimony, modifications, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, and complex marital estates. She is also a Private Guardian ad Litem, Special Master, and Parent Coordinator, ensuring that every case she handles is approached with a focus on fairness, resolution, and long-term stability.
Melissa’s distinguished legal career includes years as a litigator at top Utah law firms, earning recognition as a Super Lawyer and Utah Legal Elite—honors reserved for the top attorneys in the field. Her deep understanding of family law, combined with her background as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, gives her a unique ability to navigate emotionally charged cases with empathy, precision, and a results-driven approach.
As a member of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC) and Utah Collaborative Law, Melissa is committed to minimizing conflict and achieving positive outcomes for her clients, whether through litigation, mediation, or collaborative processes.
When your family’s future is at stake, trust the attorney who combines legal expertise with compassionate guidance.
What Our Clients Are Saying
Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I was referred to Melissa, by an attorney that only takes cases that have a reasonable chance of settling. Melissa and Liberty have fought for my son and I through an incredibly challenging 5 year divorce process - finally yesterday getting to a settlement at the judicial settlement conference. To say this was a challenging divorce would be to stretch the bounds of British understatement - it involved all the worst nightmare behaviors that can happen in a contentious custody case, and Melissa helped keep me sane throughout, and got to the best possible outcome for my son and I. Cannot recommend strongly enough. Thanks Team Bean!!Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had been referred to Melissa by a family member who had used her services in the past. Melissa made such a difficult time so smooth and easy to understand. Both she and Liberty were easy to work with, quick to respond, and did everything in their power for the best interest of myself and my toddler. I am forever grateful to the both of them and will always refer them to another party in need.Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My divorce was mired in indecision and confusion. I had been trying and hoping to carry it forward without legal council, which was a big mistake. Bean Family Law was recommended to me by a family member, and I am so glad I reached out. Melissa and her paralegal Liberty are professional, highly efficient, and personable. I would still be stuck without them. Melissa has my trust and respect.Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I found Melissa through word of mouth. She came highly recommended. Melissa represented me for my divorce, and I could not have imagined having anyone else. Liberty on her team was amazing as well. Throughout the process, they kept me calm and well informed. I felt like they really cared about me, and how my life would end up.Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Melissa Bean is amazing. She shot straight with me. She provided some amazing empowerment and some great resources. I left after 30 minutes not needing a retainer. And actually knowing for the first time in a while what direction to take, and how to handle everything.Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have worked with Melissa and her team for my divorce and post-divorce. Her staff and Melissa have always been quick to respond and very knowledgeable when it comes to the process and Utah law. Melissa understands the emotions that come with a divorce and allows her clients to vent, voice concern, cry, and everything in between. I have always felt like my voice and concerns have been heard and Melissa and her team work hard to make sure my children's interest are met first. I would highly recommend Melissa and her team for any divorce litigations you may have. She has a very well-rounded background in all things that come up during divorce proceedings and can view the "whole picture" when emotions run high for her clients.Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had Melissa and her paralegal Liberty represent me in a divorce case and I was thoroughly impressed with both of them. Their attention to detail and the care and compassion they both showed was greatly appreciated. I believe that Melissa also holds a degree as a social worker, a valuable extra which allows her to not only understand you better as a client but also the person on the other side of the isle. No one ever wants to go through a divorce, but if you find yourself in such a situation then I would highly recommend Melissa and Liberty.Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very pleased with the hard work and dedication Melissa provided on behalf of me and my children. Melissa is so organized and professional, I never doubted she had my best interest in mind. Thank you Bean Family law!
Our Services
Alimony and Child Support
Pre-Divorce Planning
Common Law Marriage
Divorce
Child Custody
Valuation and Division of Marital Assets
Paternity
Modifications
Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements
FAQs
Pre-divorce planning can help protect your assets and ensure that your rights are respected. It involves understanding your financial situation, protecting marital assets, and preparing for potential custody issues. Seeking legal counsel before starting the divorce process allows you to strategize and make informed decisions about your future.
Mediation is a process where both parties work with a neutral third-party mediator to resolve disputes without going to court. The mediator facilitates discussions and helps both parties explore solutions. Unlike a judge, the mediator doesn’t make decisions but guides the parties toward an agreement that works for both sides.
Mediation is a process where both parties work with a neutral third-party mediator to resolve disputes without going to court. The mediator facilitates discussions and helps both parties explore solutions. Unlike a judge, the mediator doesn’t make decisions but guides the parties toward an agreement that works for both sides.
Child custody and support arrangements can be modified if there’s a significant change in circumstances, such as a change in income, relocation, or the child’s needs. To initiate a modification, you must file a petition with the court, and it will be decided based on the best interests of the child.
Alimony is determined based on various factors, including the length of the marriage, the standard of living during the marriage, and each spouse’s financial situation. Child support is based on a formula that takes into account each parent’s income, the number of children, and the custody arrangement.