Terence B. Smith, Child Support Attorney in Chicago, Illinois
Over 42 years of legal practice · focused on Child Support and Family Law · 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Cir. Ct. of Cook Co.
Chicago, IL
Practicing child support in Chicago since 1984.
- 42+
- Years practicing
- 4.4 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you Terence B. Smith?
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Quick answer
Terence B. Smith is a cir. ct. of cook co. based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Child Support and Family Law. Terence has over 42 years of legal experience. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Chicago, IL
- Experience
- over 42 years
- Known for
- Child Support · Family Law
- Handles Child Support and Family Law matters from Chicago, IL.
- Over 42 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Terence B. Smith: Terence B. Smith is a cir. ct. of cook co. based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Child Support and Family Law. Terence has over 42 years of legal experience. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Terence's practice areas in Chicago
Terence concentrates on child support and family law. Each area below outlines the kind of case Terence handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Child Support cases in Chicago, Illinois
Terence takes child support matters in Chicago, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Terence agrees to represent you.
Family Law cases in Chicago, Illinois
Terence takes family law matters in Chicago, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Terence agrees to represent you.
Biography
Terence B. Smith, child support attorney serving Chicago
Terence B. Smith is a cir. ct. of cook co. based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Child Support and Family Law. Terence has over 42 years of legal experience. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review. Terence works from Chicago, Illinois and takes on child support matters across the region.
Terence B. Smith is a lawyer practicing family law, child support. Terence B. received a A.B. degree from California State University, Sacramento, and has been licensed for 42 years. Terence B. practices in Chicago, IL.
Working with Terence on a child support matter
Terence B. Smith is a lawyer practicing family law, child support. Terence B. received a A.B. degree from California State University, Sacramento, and has been licensed for 42 years. Terence B. practices in Chicago, IL.
Who Terence represents
Terence reviews new inquiries case-by-case for child support and family law matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Terence studied and practices
University of the Pacific J.D.
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California State University, Sacramento A.B.
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Jurisdictions
Terence's state bar admissions
Illinois
1984 · ACTIVE
Terence studied at — in University of the Pacific J.D. and — in California State University, Sacramento A.B..
Law school and academic background
Terence completed — in University of the Pacific J.D. and — in California State University, Sacramento A.B.. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Terence runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Terence's legal honors and published work
Terence has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Locations
Terence B. Smith's office in Chicago
Terence's primary office is at 10458 S. Campbell, Chicago, IL, 60655-1019. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Terence B. Smith — 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Terence. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing child support attorneys in Chicago.
4.4
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Terence B. Smith claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Terence B. Smith — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new child support attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Terence usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Terence charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Terence'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; Terence will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a child support attorney in Chicago, Illinois
A short list to run through before you commit: How many child support 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 Terence
Terence discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in child support practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every child support 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. Terence confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Terence's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many child support practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Terence B. Smith
How much does it cost to hire Terence for a child support case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Terence walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Terence offer a free consultation?
Terence charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Terence's office. Some child support attorneys offer free consults — check Terence's current terms during booking.
How long do child support cases in Illinois typically take?
Simple child support 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. Terence gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Terence take my case if I'm outside Chicago?
Terence is licensed in Illinois. Matters governed by Illinois law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Terence 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 Terence?
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. Terence will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Terence accepting new child support clients right now?
Terence's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Child Support attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois
Terence handles child support matters throughout Illinois. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified child support attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated child support attorneys in Illinois
If Terence's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these child support attorneys in Chicago handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.
