Melissa O'Neill, formerly Melissa Steen, is a member of Jones Foster’s Trust & Estate Litigation and Private Wealth, Wills, Trusts & Estates practice groups. She represents clients in a range of matters involving trust and estate disputes as well as contested and uncontested guardianship proceedings.
Melissa has successfully handled guardianship cases on behalf of both the alleged incapacitated person and concerned family members seeking guardianship. Her advocacy in court has led to favorable outcomes, including protecting vulnerable individuals from exploitation and securing court affirmation of the alleged incapacitated person's documented choice of guardian, agent under a durable power of attorney, or healthcare surrogate.
In uncontested guardianships, Melissa has petitioned for the prompt appointment of guardians for elderly adults and young adults with disabilities, ensuring they receive the support and protection they need. Following their appointment as guardian, she continues to assist her clients by guiding them through the administrative and procedural requirements under Florida law for a smooth transition.
Melissa’s trust and estate litigation practice includes successfully representing clients involving claims of undue influence, lack of capacity, and breach of fiduciary duty. She approaches complex family and financial disputes with legal insight and empathy, which has resulted in favorable judgments and settlements for her clients.
Melissa is involved in several legal organizations, including the Florida Association for Women Lawyers Palm Beach County chapter, where she is a member of its FAWL in Love With GAL Committee; The Florida Bar’s Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section; and the Palm Beach County Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Section. She has been selected by her peers for recognition in several industry publications, including The Best Lawyers in America “Ones to Watch” list, as a Florida Super Lawyers Rising Star, and on Palm Beach Illustrated’s “Top Lawyers” list.
Melissa earned her Juris Doctor degree and graduated cum laude from the University of Florida Levin College of Law where she served as a notes advisor for the Florida Law Review, a student research assistant in the area of criminal law, and a teaching assistant in the areas of legal writing and appellate advocacy. Additionally, she gained valuable experience as an intern for the Honorable James Rooney of the Supreme Court in the 9th Judicial District of New York.
