Ellen Nichole Smith, Adoption Attorney in Garden City, Idaho
Over 27 years of legal practice · focused on Adoption, ADR, and Car Accidents
PartneratSmith Horras, PA
Garden City, ID
Practicing adoption in Garden City since 1999.
- 27+
- Years practicing
- 2
- Bar admissions
Are you Ellen Nichole Smith?
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Quick answer
Ellen Nichole Smith is a partner based in Garden City, ID. The practice focuses on Adoption, ADR, and Car Accidents. Ellen has over 27 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Smith Horras, PA.
- Based in
- Garden City, ID
- Experience
- over 27 years
- Known for
- Adoption · ADR · Car Accidents
- Handles Adoption, ADR, and Car Accidents matters from Garden City, ID.
- Over 27 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Ellen Nichole Smith: Ellen Nichole Smith is a partner based in Garden City, ID. The practice focuses on Adoption, ADR, and Car Accidents. Ellen has over 27 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Smith Horras, PA.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Ellen takes on
Ellen concentrates on adoption, adr, car accidents, child custody, and criminal defense. Each area below outlines the kind of case Ellen handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Adoption
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ADR
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Car Accidents
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Child Custody
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Criminal Defense
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Divorce
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Family Law
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Litigation
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Paternity
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POA
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Probate
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Wills
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Elder Law
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Adoption cases in Garden City, Idaho
Ellen takes adoption matters in Garden City, Idaho. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Ellen agrees to represent you.
ADR cases in Garden City, Idaho
Ellen takes adr matters in Garden City, Idaho. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Ellen agrees to represent you.
Car Accidents cases in Garden City, Idaho
Ellen takes car accidents matters in Garden City, Idaho. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Ellen agrees to represent you.
Child Custody cases in Garden City, Idaho
Ellen takes child custody matters in Garden City, Idaho. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Ellen agrees to represent you.
Criminal Defense cases in Garden City, Idaho
Ellen takes criminal defense matters in Garden City, Idaho. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Ellen agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Ellen Nichole Smith — adoption lawyer in Garden City
Ellen Nichole Smith is a partner based in Garden City, ID. The practice focuses on Adoption, ADR, and Car Accidents. Ellen has over 27 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Smith Horras, PA.
Ellen Nichole Smith is a lawyer practicing car accidents, mediation, criminal law and 9 other areas of law. Ellen received a B.S. degree from University of Idaho in 1996, and has been licensed for 27 years. Ellen practices at Smith Horras, PA in Garden City, ID.
How Ellen handles adoption matters
Ellen Nichole Smith is a lawyer practicing car accidents, mediation, criminal law and 9 other areas of law. Ellen received a B.S. degree from University of Idaho in 1996, and has been licensed for 27 years. Ellen practices at Smith Horras, PA in Garden City, ID.
The kind of cases Ellen takes
Ellen reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adoption, adr, and car accidents matters in Garden City and the surrounding Idaho area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of Idaho
J.D. Theatre · 1999
University of Idaho
B.S. Theatre · 1996
Jurisdictions
Ellen's state bar admissions
Idaho
1999 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1999 · ACTIVE
Ellen studied at J.D. Theatre in University of Idaho and B.S. Theatre in University of Idaho.
Law school and academic background
Ellen completed J.D. Theatre in University of Idaho and B.S. Theatre in University of Idaho. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Ellen runs in Idaho is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Affiliations
Ellen's professional memberships and bar associations
Idaho State Bar (Member, Sections on: Family Law Workers Compensation, 2005—) Idaho Women Lawyers
membership
Locations
Ellen Nichole Smith's office in Garden City
Ellen's primary office is at 5561 N. Glenwood St., Ste. B, Garden City, ID, 83714. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Ellen Nichole Smith
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Ellen Nichole Smith — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new adoption attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Ellen usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Ellen charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Ellen'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; Ellen will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a adoption attorney in Garden City, Idaho
A short list to run through before you commit: How many adoption 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 Ellen
Ellen discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in adoption practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every adoption 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. Ellen confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Ellen's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many adoption practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Ellen Nichole Smith
How much does it cost to hire Ellen for a adoption case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Ellen walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Ellen offer a free consultation?
Ellen charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Ellen's office. Some adoption attorneys offer free consults — check Ellen's current terms during booking.
How long do adoption cases in Idaho typically take?
Simple adoption 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. Ellen gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Ellen take my case if I'm outside Garden City?
Ellen is licensed in Idaho. Matters governed by Idaho law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Ellen 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 Ellen?
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. Ellen will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Ellen accepting new adoption clients right now?
Ellen's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Adoption attorneys serving Garden City, Boise and Coeur D Alene in Idaho
Ellen handles adoption matters throughout Idaho. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified adoption attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated adoption attorneys in Idaho
If Ellen's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these adoption attorneys in Garden City handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





