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 Virginia 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 Richmond?

Horace is licensed in Virginia. Matters governed by Virginia 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 Van Smith, Child Custody Attorney in Richmond, Virginia

Over 18 years of legal practice · focused on Child Custody, Divorce, and Elder Law

Smith Strong, PLC

Richmond, VA

Practicing child custody in Richmond since 2008.

18+: Years practicing
1: Bar admission

Practices in

Child Custody Divorce Elder Law Estate Planning Family Law POA +2 more →

Are you Horace Van 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

Based in: Richmond, VA
Experience: over 18 years
Known for: Child Custody · Divorce · Elder Law

Handles Child Custody, Divorce, and Elder Law matters from Richmond, VA.
Over 18 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Areas of practice

Horace's practice areas in Richmond

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

Child Custody cases in Richmond, Virginia

Horace takes child custody matters in Richmond, Virginia. 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 Richmond, Virginia

Horace takes divorce matters in Richmond, Virginia. 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.

Elder Law cases in Richmond, Virginia

Horace takes elder law matters in Richmond, Virginia. 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.

Estate Planning cases in Richmond, Virginia

Horace takes estate planning matters in Richmond, Virginia. 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.

Family Law cases in Richmond, Virginia

Horace takes family law matters in Richmond, Virginia. 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

Horace Van Smith, child custody attorney serving Richmond

Horace Van Smith is an attorney based in Richmond, VA. The practice focuses on Child Custody, Divorce, and Elder Law. Horace has over 18 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Smith Strong, PLC. Horace works from Richmond, Virginia and takes on child custody matters across the region.

Horace Van Smith is a lawyer practicing divorce & separation, child custody, family and 5 other areas of law. Horace has been licensed for 18 years. Horace practices at Smith Strong, PLC in Richmond, VA.

How Horace handles child custody matters

Who Horace represents

Horace reviews new inquiries case-by-case for child custody, divorce, and elder law matters in Richmond and the surrounding Virginia area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Horace studied and practices

William & Mary Law School
JD · 2007

Jurisdictions

Horace's state bar admissions

Virginia
2008 · ACTIVE

Horace studied at JD in William & Mary Law School.

Law school and academic background

Horace completed JD in William & Mary Law School. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Horace runs in Virginia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Locations

Horace Van Smith's office in Richmond

Horace's primary office is at 5803 Staples Mill Rd., Richmond, VA, 23228. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Smith Strong, PLC

5803 Staples Mill Rd.

Richmond, VA 23228

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Horace Van Smith

Horace has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Horace Van 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 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 Richmond, Virginia

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 Van Smith

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 Virginia 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 Richmond?
Horace is licensed in Virginia. Matters governed by Virginia 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 Richmond, Alexandria and Arlington in Virginia

Horace handles child custody matters throughout Virginia. 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 Richmond handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.