How much does it cost to hire Matthew for a adoption 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 adoption attorneys offer free consults — check Matthew's current terms during booking.

How long do adoption cases in Virginia 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. 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 Fairfax?

Matthew 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 — 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 adoption clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Matthew Howard Smith, Adoption Attorney in Fairfax, Virginia

Over 21 years of legal practice · focused on Adoption, Alimony, and Child Custody · 3.0/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews

Managing PartneratLivesay & Myers, P.C.

Fairfax, VA

Practicing adoption in Fairfax since 2005.

21+: Years practicing
3.0 ★: 2 client reviews
4: Bar admissions

Practices in

Adoption Alimony Child Custody Child Support Civil Rights Divorce +8 more →

Are you Matthew Howard 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

Matthew Howard Smith is a managing partner based in Fairfax, VA. The practice focuses on Adoption, Alimony, and Child Custody. Matthew has over 21 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Livesay & Myers, P.C.. Rated 3.0 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.

Based in: Fairfax, VA
Experience: over 21 years
Known for: Adoption · Alimony · Child Custody

Handles Adoption, Alimony, and Child Custody matters from Fairfax, VA.
Over 21 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Matthew takes on

Matthew concentrates on adoption, alimony, child custody, child support, and civil rights. Each area below outlines the kind of case Matthew handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Adoption cases in Fairfax, Virginia

Matthew takes adoption matters in Fairfax, 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 Matthew agrees to represent you.

Alimony cases in Fairfax, Virginia

Matthew takes alimony matters in Fairfax, 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 Matthew agrees to represent you.

Child Custody cases in Fairfax, Virginia

Matthew takes child custody matters in Fairfax, 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 Matthew agrees to represent you.

Child Support cases in Fairfax, Virginia

Matthew takes child support matters in Fairfax, 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 Matthew agrees to represent you.

Civil Rights cases in Fairfax, Virginia

Matthew takes civil rights matters in Fairfax, 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 Matthew agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Matthew Howard Smith — adoption lawyer in Fairfax

Matthew Howard Smith is a lawyer practicing family law, divorce, child custody and 33 other areas of law. Matthew received a degree from University of Notre Dame in 2002, and has been licensed for 21 years. Matthew practices at Livesay & Myers, P.C. in Fairfax, VA.

Working with Matthew on a adoption matter

Who Matthew represents

Matthew reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adoption, alimony, and child custody matters in Fairfax and the surrounding Virginia area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

American University
J.D. · 2005
University of Notre Dame
Government · 2002

Jurisdictions

Matthew's state bar admissions

U.S. District Court,
2013 · ACTIVE
District of Columbia
2007 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
2006 · ACTIVE
Virginia
2005 · ACTIVE

Matthew studied at J.D. in American University and Government in University of Notre Dame.

Law school and academic background

Matthew completed J.D. in American University and Government in University of Notre Dame. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Matthew runs in Virginia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

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

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

Matthew's professional memberships and bar associations

American Bar Association Arlington County Bar Association Fairfax County Bar Association American Society of Legal Advocates
membership

Locations

Matthew Howard Smith's office in Fairfax

Matthew's primary office is at 11325 Random Hills Road, Suite 100, Fairfax, VA, 22030. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Livesay & Myers, P.C.

11325 Random Hills Road, Suite 100

Fairfax, VA 22030

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Matthew Howard Smith — 3.0/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews

Every review below is from a verified client of Matthew. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing adoption attorneys in Fairfax.

3.0

2 client reviews

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

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Matthew Howard 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 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 adoption attorney in Fairfax, Virginia

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 Matthew

Matthew 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. 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 adoption practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Matthew Howard Smith

How much does it cost to hire Matthew for a adoption 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 adoption attorneys offer free consults — check Matthew's current terms during booking.
How long do adoption cases in Virginia 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. 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 Fairfax?
Matthew 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 — 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 adoption 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

Adoption attorneys serving Fairfax, Richmond and Alexandria in Virginia

Matthew handles adoption matters throughout Virginia. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified adoption attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Matthew's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these adoption attorneys in Fairfax handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.