How much does it cost to hire Elaine for a child custody case?

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

Does Elaine offer a free consultation?

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

How long do child custody cases in Pennsylvania typically take?

Simple child custody 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. Elaine gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Elaine take my case if I'm outside Philadelphia?

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

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

Is Elaine accepting new child custody clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Elaine Smith, Child Custody Attorney in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Over 51 years of legal practice · focused on Child Custody, Child Support, and Divorce · 1.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

MemberatLaw Office of Elaine Smith & Adam M. Horwitz

Philadelphia, PA

Practicing child custody in Philadelphia since 1975.

51+: Years practicing
1.0 ★: 1 client review
1: Bar admission

Practices in

Child Custody Child Support Divorce Family Law

Are you Elaine Smith?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

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Quick answer

Elaine Smith is a member based in Philadelphia, PA. The practice focuses on Child Custody, Child Support, and Divorce. Elaine has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Law Office of Elaine Smith & Adam M. Horwitz. Rated 1.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Philadelphia, PA
Experience: over 51 years
Known for: Child Custody · Child Support · Divorce

Handles Child Custody, Child Support, and Divorce matters from Philadelphia, PA.
Over 51 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Elaine Smith

Elaine concentrates on child custody, child support, divorce, and family law. Each area below outlines the kind of case Elaine handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Child Custody cases in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Elaine takes child custody matters in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Elaine agrees to represent you.

Child Support cases in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Elaine takes child support matters in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Elaine agrees to represent you.

Divorce cases in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Elaine takes divorce matters in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Elaine agrees to represent you.

Family Law cases in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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

Biography

About Elaine Smith — Over 51 years of Pennsylvania child custody experience

Elaine Smith is a lawyer practicing family law, domestic relations, divorce and 2 other areas of law. Elaine received a M.A. degree from Bryn Mawr College in 1970, and has been licensed for 51 years. Elaine practices at Law Office of Elaine Smith & Adam M. Horwitz in Philadelphia, PA.

How Elaine handles child custody matters

The kind of cases Elaine takes

Elaine reviews new inquiries case-by-case for child custody, child support, and divorce matters in Philadelphia and the surrounding Pennsylvania area.

Credentials

Elaine Smith's legal education and bar admissions

Temple University
J.D. · 1975
Bryn Mawr College
M.A. University · 1970

Jurisdictions

Elaine's state bar admissions

Pennsylvania
1975 · ACTIVE

Elaine studied at J.D. in Temple University and M.A. University in Bryn Mawr College.

Law school and academic background

Elaine completed J.D. in Temple University and M.A. University in Bryn Mawr College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Elaine runs in Pennsylvania is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Affiliations

Elaine's professional memberships and bar associations

Philadelphia
Family Law Section Executive Committee, 1982-1986, 1991, 1994, 2001 and 2002 Section Chair, 1989 Custody Committee, Chair, 1999-2002, 1984 and 1985 Section Vice Chair, 1988 Treasurer, 1987 Secretary, 1985 Co-Chair, Committee on Cultural Diversity, 1995-19 · membership

Locations

Elaine Smith's office in Philadelphia

Elaine's primary office is at Academy House, Suite 110, 1420 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19102. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Law Office of Elaine Smith & Adam M. Horwitz

Academy House, Suite 110, 1420 Locust Street

Philadelphia, PA 19102

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Elaine Smith — 1.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Elaine. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing child custody attorneys in Philadelphia.

1.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Elaine Smith claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Elaine Smith — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a child custody attorney in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

A short list to run through before you commit: How many child custody 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 Elaine

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every child custody 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. Elaine confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

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

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Elaine Smith

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

Areas served

Child Custody attorneys serving Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Harrisburg in Pennsylvania

Elaine handles child custody matters throughout Pennsylvania. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified child custody attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Elaine's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these child custody attorneys in Philadelphia handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.