Matthew E Smith, Probate Attorney in Westport, Connecticut
Over 20 years of legal practice · focused on Probate and Trusts
Associate
Westport, CT
Practicing probate in Westport since 2006.
- 20+
- Years practicing
- 4
- Bar admissions
Are you Matthew E Smith?
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Quick answer
Matthew E Smith is an associate based in Westport, CT. The practice focuses on Probate and Trusts. Matthew has over 20 years of legal experience.
- Based in
- Westport, CT
- Experience
- over 20 years
- Known for
- Probate · Trusts
- Handles Probate and Trusts matters from Westport, CT.
- Over 20 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Matthew E Smith: Matthew E Smith is an associate based in Westport, CT. The practice focuses on Probate and Trusts. Matthew has over 20 years of legal experience.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Matthew takes on
Matthew concentrates on probate and trusts. Each area below outlines the kind of case Matthew handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Probate cases in Westport, Connecticut
Matthew takes probate matters in Westport, Connecticut. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Matthew agrees to represent you.
Trusts cases in Westport, Connecticut
Matthew takes trusts matters in Westport, Connecticut. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Matthew agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Matthew E Smith — probate lawyer in Westport
Matthew E Smith is an associate based in Westport, CT. The practice focuses on Probate and Trusts. Matthew has over 20 years of legal experience.
Matthew E Smith is a lawyer practicing trusts and estates, probate litigation / probate controversies. Matthew received a B.A. degree from Harvard University in 1999, and has been licensed for 20 years. Matthew practices in Westport, CT.
How Matthew handles probate matters
Matthew E Smith is a lawyer practicing trusts and estates, probate litigation / probate controversies. Matthew received a B.A. degree from Harvard University in 1999, and has been licensed for 20 years. Matthew practices in Westport, CT.
Who Matthew represents
Matthew reviews new inquiries case-by-case for probate and trusts matters in Westport and the surrounding Connecticut area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Columbia Law School
J.D. · 2005
Harvard University
B.A. · 1999
Jurisdictions
Matthew's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court,
2012 · ACTIVE
Connecticut
2011 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
2008 · ACTIVE
New York
2006 · ACTIVE
Matthew studied at J.D. in Columbia Law School and B.A. in Harvard University.
Law school and academic background
Matthew completed J.D. in Columbia Law School and B.A. in Harvard University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Matthew runs in Connecticut is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
Matthew E Smith's office in Westport
Matthew's primary office is at 60 Church Ln, Westport, CT, 06880-3505. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Matthew E Smith
Matthew has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
No reviews yet
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Matthew E Smith — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new probate attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Matthew usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Matthew charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Matthew'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; Matthew will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a probate attorney in Westport, Connecticut
A short list to run through before you commit: How many probate 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 Matthew
Matthew discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in probate practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every probate 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. Matthew confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Matthew's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many probate practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Matthew E Smith
How much does it cost to hire Matthew for a probate case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Matthew walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Matthew offer a free consultation?
Matthew charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Matthew's office. Some probate attorneys offer free consults — check Matthew's current terms during booking.
How long do probate cases in Connecticut typically take?
Simple probate 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. Matthew gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Matthew take my case if I'm outside Westport?
Matthew is licensed in Connecticut. Matters governed by Connecticut law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Matthew 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 Matthew?
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. Matthew will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Matthew accepting new probate clients right now?
Matthew's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Probate attorneys serving Westport, Hartford and Stamford in Connecticut
Matthew handles probate matters throughout Connecticut. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified probate attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated probate attorneys in Connecticut
If Matthew's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these probate attorneys in Westport handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.
