About Ms. Melissa Sanford, Esq.

Melissa Sanford has built her career on helping clients in the areas of family law and criminal defense. By focusing primarily on these two areas in her practice, Ms. Sanford has been able to gain extensive experience in the family and criminal court systems, ensuring each of her clients gets the best possible representation for the legal issues that crop up unexpectedly in their lives.

Education and Experience

After obtaining her BA in Political Science from Columbia University, Ms. Sanford attended law school at the Villanova University School of Law in Pennsylvania. Ms. Sanford then went on to serve as the Assistant District Attorney for Hall County for several years. After working as an associate for multiple firms, Ms. Sanford started the Sanford Law Firm, P.C. in 2013. The firm assists clients with a myriad of legal issues, with an emphasis on family law and criminal matters.

Fayetteville Family Law Attorney

Legal issues involving family can be especially difficult. Along with the legal and life ramifications that may stem from them, there are emotional and psychological aspects that can’t be ignored. Ms. Sanford treats every family law situation with the respect and sensitivity it deserves, so you can trust she will not only provide you the best legal advice and representation, but also that you will feel comfortable throughout the proceedings. It’s impossible to eliminate the emotional upheaval of family legal problems, but she does all she can to help minimize their impact on you and your life.

Fayette County Criminal Defense Attorney

If you are facing criminal charges, you can also trust Ms. Sanford to treat your case with the utmost dedication and determination. Nothing about being arrested and facing trial is easy, but by preparing the best possible defense and going to trial with all the facts and absolute conviction, you can reduce some of the burden. When defending clients from criminal charges, Ms. Sanford strives to provide the strongest possible legal defense in order to get you your best possible outcome. Everyone deserves to be represented fairly in the court of law. When you’ve been arrested, Ms. Sanford will help you understand the legal process and the options available to you.

Legal Counsel in Fayetteville, GA

No matter what legal matter crops up in your life, you need representation by someone who understands the rights and processes of the legal system. Based out of Fayetteville, Melissa Sanford provides legal help in the area of family matters, including divorce, child custody, and child support, as well as criminal defense to clients throughout Fayette County, as well as Coweta, Spalding, Pike, Upson, Carroll, Clayton and South Fulton Counties.

Whether you seek family legal counsel or are facing criminal charges, Ms. Sanford will treat you and your case with the respect you deserve, and will work to ensure all your legal rights are upheld and to get you the best possible outcome.

 

Awards

Reviews for Ms. Melissa Sanford, Esq.

Have you consulted or hired this lawyer?

Leave a review about your experience with this lawyer.

Write a Review

Overall Rating
Showing 1-1 of 1 client reviews from Lawyers.com
Lawyers.com Rating Snapshot
5 stars
100%
4 stars
0%
3 stars
0%
2 stars
0%
1 star
0%
What do people say on Lawyers.com?
Communication
5.0
Quality of Service
5.0
Responsiveness
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
Divorce
Posted by Haru
September 22, 2025
Hired Attorney

I was the financial stakeholder for my sisters contested divorce case. It was complicated due to being tied to another legal issue. We came from a previous family law firm that milked us for every penny (over $14,500 in just 6 months without mediation or court). When my sister found Attorney M. Sanford we were already mentally exhausted and simply on edge. Since our previous attorneys did not provide the work they charged us for, it was like starting all over again. However, despite Attorney Sanford’s hourly rate being the same as the previous attorney, her charges actually made sense, the work performed showed results. Within 3 months she got my sister’s case to mediation and ended the divorce. I personally believe it was a good outcome for my sister. Sanford even used left over funds in the retainer to help cover mediation fees. She is compassionate but realistic & firm. Someone my sister really needed. Thank you so much & I highly recommend her.

 

Services

Areas of Law

  • Family Law 1
    • Divorce
  • Criminal Law 1
    • Juvenile Law
  • Other 2
    • Adoption
    • Custody

Experience

  • Bar Admission & Memberships
    Admissions
    2000, Georgia
    2006, Maryland
    Memberships
    State Bar of Georgia
    Maryland Bar Association
    Fayette County Bar Association.
  • Education & Certifications
    Law School
    Villanova University School of Law
    Class of 2000
    J.D.
    Other Education
    Columbia University
    Class of 1997
    B.A.
    Political Science
    Legal Certifications
    Guardian Ad Litem, Mediator
Case type is required.
I am is required.
First name is required.
Last name is required.
A valid zip code is required.
Country is required.
State is required.
A valid city is required.
A valid email address is required.
A valid phone number is required.
Message is required.
0/1000 characters

By clicking the Submit button, you agree to the Terms of Use, Supplemental Terms and Privacy Policy. You also consent to be contacted at the phone number you provided, including by autodials, text messages and/or pre-recorded calls, from Lawyers.com and its affiliates and from or on behalf of attorneys you request or contact through this site. Consent is not a condition of purchase.

You should not send any sensitive or confidential information through this site. Emails sent through this site do not create an attorney-client relationship and may not be treated as privileged or confidential. The lawyer or law firm you are contacting is not required to, and may choose not to, accept you as a client. The internet is not necessarily secure and emails sent though this site could be intercepted or read by third parties.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA. See Google’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.

Thank you! Your message has been successfully sent.

For your records, a copy of this email has been sent to test@test.com.

Summary of Your Message
Case Type:
I am a/an:
First Name:
Last Name:
City:
Zip Code or Postal Code:
State:
Country:
Phone Number:
Message:

Attorneys FAQs

  • What year was this attorney first admitted to the bar?
    Ms. Melissa Sanford, Esq. was admitted in 2000 to the State of Georgia.
  • Is this attorney admitted to the bar in more than one state?
    Yes, Ms. Melissa Sanford, Esq. is admitted to practice in Georgia and Maryland.
  • What law school did this attorney attend?
    Ms. Melissa Sanford, Esq. attended Villanova University School of Law.