Christopher D. Smith, P.A.

Lakewood Ranch/Sarasota/Bradenton Bankruptcy Firm

This lawyer is licensed to practice in Florida and has no record of discipline from the Florida bar association.*

Firm Overview

Civil law with a major focus on bankruptcy. Other areas of expertise are civil litigation, personal injury, real estate, probate, guardianship, estate planning, corporate representation.

Example cases

Colaizzi. We represented the grandson of a gentleman who was elderly and dying of brain cancer, who in his final months of life was "befriended" by caregivers who convinced the dying man to gift nearly his entire (sizable) estate to the caregivers. We tried the case and obtained a judgment against the caregivers, after establishing that the caregivers had unduly influenced the elderly man before death. Throgmartin. Here, the ex-wife of a formerly successful business man was denied alimony from her ex when he filed bankruptcy, and claimed that his payments to her were simply part of a property settlement agreement. We tried the matter in bankruptcy court and prevailed, and the Court determined the payments were "support" payments that were not discharged in the bankruptcy.

Main Office

Main
5391 Lakewood Ranch Blvd.
Sarasota FL 34240

Phone

(941) 907-4774

Fax

(914) 907-3040

Websites

http://www.smithdine.com

Fees

Free Initial Consultation?

Yes, for bankruptcy, probate and injury cases.

Services Offered For Fixed Fees?

Yes, for certain bankruptcy, probate and estate planning matters, we can do the case on a flat fee.

Hourly Rates

250-270 per hour for attorney, 50-105 for paralegal

Office Information

Office Hours

Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Office Manager

Katherine Aron

Emergency After Hours

Languages Spoken

Is your firm willing to help a client with one discrete part of a case, without taking on the whole case?

Yes, where permitted.

What are your policies about dividing work within the firm to make the process most cost-effective for the client?

We are a small office, so our entire office will be available to work on your file.

How frequently does your firm use mediation, arbitration, or collaborative law to resolve cases?

We use mediation in nearly all litigation cases.

Does your firm provide pro bono legal services or otherwise participate in your community?

In some cases, yes.

What distinguishes your law firm from others?

We believe in achieving the best outcome at the least expense to clients. Example: We could litigate an injury case and recover $50,000 for a client, at an expense of $20,000, and a 75% success rate. Or, we could settle at $30,000 on expenses of $5,000, and a 100% success rate. In most circumstances, negotiating the settlement will be the superior option because it balances the risk, time, and expenses against the client's funds in a manner that best guarantees a recoupment.

What is your firm's point of view regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?

We want our clients to be well informed and to understand the legal basis for our strategy. A well-informed client is usually in a better position to aid in the representation.

Is your firm willing to review documents prepared by clients?

Yes.

Is your firm willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?

In certain limited capacities, yes, provided proper disclosure is made.