Melinda K. Small

Melinda grew up in Columbus, Ohio and graduated from The Ohio State University in 2003 with her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. Immediately after graduating from Ohio State, Melinda attended Capital University Law School's Graduate Paralegal Program, where she earned her Graduate Certificate in 2004, with honors.

After working in the corporate sector for several years, Melinda transitioned to a paralegal role with another Columbus law firm in 2007, focusing exclusively on domestic relations. In 2010, Melinda joined Wolinetz, Horvath & Brown, LLC (then Wolinetz Law Offices, LLC) as a paralegal.

In 2018, with the full support of the firm's partners, she returned to Capital University Law School to pursue her Juris Doctor. Melinda continued to work full-time as a paralegal, while pursuing her law degree as a part-time evening student. She graduated in January of 2022, cum laude.

While in law school, Melinda focused her elective coursework on domestic relations, earning a concentration in Children and Family Law. She was also awarded two CALI Excellence for the Future Awards, which are given to the highest scoring student in law school classes at participating institutions. An avid reader, researcher, and writer, both of Melinda's CALI Awards were earned for writing courses.

As an attorney, Melinda focuses the majority of her practice on domestic relations, including divorce, dissolution, child custody proceedings, post-decree matters, child and spousal support, and prenuptial agreements. Melinda also works closely with Attorney Wolinetz on estate planning, civil litigation, and business/corporate matters.

She is a member of the American Bar Association (Young Lawyers Division), the Ohio State Bar Association (Family Law Committee; Litigation Section), the Columbus Bar Association (Family Law Committee), and the Women Lawyers of Franklin County.

Outside of the firm, Melinda serves on the Board of Directors for Veteran Companion Animal Services, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to improving the lives of both rescue dogs and military veterans in need, by matching and placing shelter dogs with veterans and their families.