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

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

Does Mark offer a free consultation?

Mark charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Mark's office. Some child custody attorneys offer free consults — check Mark'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. Mark gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Mark take my case if I'm outside Lake Wales?

Mark 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 — Mark 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 Mark?

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

Is Mark accepting new child custody clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Mark Hudson Smith, Child Custody Attorney in Lake Wales, Florida

Over 41 years of legal practice · focused on Child Custody, Divorce, and Family Law · 4.3/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews

MemberatHunt & Smith Law Firm, P.A.

Lake Wales, FL

Practicing child custody in Lake Wales since 1985.

41+: Years practicing
4.3 ★: 2 client reviews
2: Bar admissions

Practices in

Child Custody Divorce Family Law General Insurance Personal Injury

Are you Mark Hudson 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

Mark Hudson Smith is a member based in Lake Wales, FL. The practice focuses on Child Custody, Divorce, and Family Law. Mark has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Hunt & Smith Law Firm, P.A.. Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.

Based in: Lake Wales, FL
Experience: over 41 years
Known for: Child Custody · Divorce · Family Law

Handles Child Custody, Divorce, and Family Law matters from Lake Wales, FL.
Over 41 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with BV Distinguished.

Areas of practice

Mark's practice areas in Lake Wales

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

Child Custody cases in Lake Wales, Florida

Mark takes child custody matters in Lake Wales, 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 Mark agrees to represent you.

Divorce cases in Lake Wales, Florida

Mark takes divorce matters in Lake Wales, 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 Mark agrees to represent you.

Family Law cases in Lake Wales, Florida

Mark takes family law matters in Lake Wales, 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 Mark agrees to represent you.

General cases in Lake Wales, Florida

Mark takes general matters in Lake Wales, 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 Mark agrees to represent you.

Insurance cases in Lake Wales, Florida

Mark takes insurance matters in Lake Wales, 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 Mark agrees to represent you.

Biography

Mark Hudson Smith, child custody attorney serving Lake Wales

Mark Hudson Smith is a lawyer practicing personal injury, insurance litigation, city and 5 other areas of law. Mark received a B.S. degree from Florida State University in 1982, and has been licensed for 41 years. Mark practices at Hunt & Smith Law Firm, P.A. in Lake Wales, FL.

Mark's approach to child custody cases

Clients Mark works with

Mark reviews new inquiries case-by-case for child custody, divorce, and family law matters in Lake Wales and the surrounding Florida area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Mark studied and practices

Florida State University College of Law
J.D. · 1984
Florida State University
B.S. · 1982

Jurisdictions

Mark's state bar admissions

Florida
1985 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1985 · ACTIVE

Mark studied at J.D. in Florida State University College of Law and B.S. in Florida State University.

Law school and academic background

Mark completed J.D. in Florida State University College of Law and B.S. in Florida State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Mark runs in Florida is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Mark's legal honors and published work

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

BV Distinguished

Legal awards and honors

BV Distinguished.

Affiliations

Mark's professional memberships and bar associations

The Florida Bar Polk County Trial Lawyers Association (Member, Board of Directors) Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers The Association of Trial Lawyers of America
membership

Locations

Mark Hudson Smith's office in Lake Wales

Mark's primary office is at 225 E. Park Ave., Lake Wales, FL, 33859-1260. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Hunt & Smith Law Firm, P.A.

225 E. Park Ave.

Lake Wales, FL 33859-1260

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Mark Hudson Smith — 4.3/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews

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

4.3

2 client reviews

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

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Mark Hudson 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 Mark usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a child custody attorney in Lake Wales, 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 Mark

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

Payment methods and payment plans

Mark'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 Mark Hudson Smith

How much does it cost to hire Mark for a child custody case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Mark walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Mark offer a free consultation?
Mark charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Mark's office. Some child custody attorneys offer free consults — check Mark'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. Mark gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Mark take my case if I'm outside Lake Wales?
Mark 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 — Mark 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 Mark?
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. Mark will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Mark accepting new child custody clients right now?
Mark'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 Lake Wales, Miami and Tampa in Florida

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