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

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

Does Horace offer a free consultation?

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

How long do child custody cases in Florida 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. Horace gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Horace take my case if I'm outside Daytona Beach?

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

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

Is Horace accepting new child custody clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Horace Smith, Jr., Child Custody Attorney in Daytona Beach, Florida

Over 59 years of legal practice · focused on Child Custody, Criminal Defense, and Divorce · 4.4/5 rating from 3 verified client reviews

MemberatSmith Hood Bigman

Daytona Beach, FL

Practicing child custody in Daytona Beach since 1967.

59+: Years practicing
4.4 ★: 3 client reviews
5: Bar admissions

Practices in

Child Custody Criminal Defense Divorce DUI/DWI DV Defense Family Law +2 more →

Are you Horace Smith, Jr.?

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

Horace Smith, Jr. is a member based in Daytona Beach, FL. The practice focuses on Child Custody, Criminal Defense, and Divorce. Horace has over 59 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Smith Hood Bigman. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.

Based in: Daytona Beach, FL
Experience: over 59 years
Known for: Child Custody · Criminal Defense · Divorce

Handles Child Custody, Criminal Defense, and Divorce matters from Daytona Beach, FL.
Over 59 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Horace takes on

Horace concentrates on child custody, criminal defense, divorce, dui/dwi, and dv defense. Each area below outlines the kind of case Horace handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Child Custody cases in Daytona Beach, Florida

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

Criminal Defense cases in Daytona Beach, Florida

Horace takes criminal defense matters in Daytona Beach, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Horace agrees to represent you.

Divorce cases in Daytona Beach, Florida

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

DUI/DWI cases in Daytona Beach, Florida

Horace takes dui/dwi matters in Daytona Beach, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Horace agrees to represent you.

DV Defense cases in Daytona Beach, Florida

Horace takes dv defense matters in Daytona Beach, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Horace agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Horace Smith, Jr. — child custody lawyer in Daytona Beach

Mr. Horace Smith, Jr. is a lawyer practicing criminal trial law, marital and family law, personal injury and 12 other areas of law. Horace received a B.A. degree from Florida State University in 1964, and has been licensed for 59 years. Horace practices at Smith Hood Bigman in Daytona Beach, FL.

How Horace handles child custody matters

Who Horace represents

Horace reviews new inquiries case-by-case for child custody, criminal defense, and divorce matters in Daytona Beach and the surrounding Florida area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

Samford University, Cumberland School of Law
J.D. · 1967
Florida State University
B.A. · 1964

Jurisdictions

Horace's state bar admissions

U.S. Court of Appeal
1981 · ACTIVE
U.S. Supreme Court a
1971 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1968 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1968 · ACTIVE
Florida
1967 · ACTIVE

Horace studied at J.D. in Samford University, Cumberland School of Law and B.A. in Florida State University.

Law school and academic background

Horace completed J.D. in Samford University, Cumberland School of Law and B.A. in Florida State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Horace runs in Florida is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

Horace has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

Horace's professional memberships and bar associations

Charter member, Dunn Blount Inns of Court
membership

Locations

Horace Smith, Jr.'s office in Daytona Beach

Horace's primary office is at Fifth Third Bank Bldg., 444 Seabreeze Blvd., Ste. 900, Daytona Beach, FL, 32118-3953. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Smith Hood Bigman

Fifth Third Bank Bldg., 444 Seabreeze Blvd., Ste. 900

Daytona Beach, FL 32118-3953

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Horace Smith, Jr. — 4.4/5 rating from 3 verified client reviews

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

4.4

3 client reviews

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

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Horace Smith, Jr. — 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 Horace usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a child custody attorney in Daytona Beach, Florida

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 Horace

Horace 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. Horace confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Horace'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 Horace Smith, Jr.

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

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

More counsel

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