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J. Timothy Smith
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J. Timothy Smith
J. Timothy Smith, P.C.
3225 Lorna Road
Hoover, AL 35216
Phone: (205) 823-1650 | Fax: (205) 823-1065
http://www.custodyattorney.com/timsmith/
Compassionate Practice Focusing on You and Your Family
Legal Topic
Family Law
Preferred New Clients
I welcome new clients in all areas of my practice.
Sub-Categories
Family Law
- Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
- Name Changes
- Restraining Orders
- Enforcement Actions
- Child Abuse
- Domestic Violence
- Elder Abuse
- Sexual Abuse
- Adoptions
- Child Support
- Children's Rights
- Custody
- Foster Care
- Paternity
- State Child Protection
- Visitation
- Civil Unions
- Common Law Marriage
- Domestic Partnerships
- Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender Rights
- Living Together/Cohabitation
- Marriage
- Power of Attorney
- Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements
- Colleges & Universities
- Individualized Education Plans
- Private Schools
- Public Schools
- Grandparent Rights
- Termination of Parental Rights
Legal Topic
Divorce
Preferred New Clients
I welcome new clients in all areas of my practice.
Sub-Categories
Divorce
- Alimony/Palimony/Spousal Support
- Annulment
- Child Support
- Custody/Visitation Rights
- Delinquent Support Payments
- Division of Property
- Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution(ADR)
- Restraining Orders
- Uncontested Divorce
Bar Admissions
AL, Dec 1986
Bar Number: ASB-9741-M723
Other Court Admissions
Alabama State Courts, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama and U.S. Supreme Court.
Association Memberships
Alabama State Bar and Birmingham Bar Association and Shelby County Bar Association.
Continuing Education
Throughout my career, I have fulfilled my Continuing Legal Education (CLE) requirements both through teaching at various seminars as well as attendance at a variety of such classes. I always exceed the requirements for CLE credits.
Example Cases
The first rule of law practice is client confidentiality, which would make it difficult for me to relate the specifics of any case. I have been actively involved in a wide variety of cases throughout my career representing both plaintiffs and defendants, mothers and father, as well a number of grandparents seeking rights to visitation with their grandchildren. In all family law cases, I seek to keep the best interest of the children paramount.
Education
Degree:
Juris Doctor
School:
Birmingham School of Law
City:
Birmingham
State:
AL
Year:
1984
Honors:
National Legal Honorary Society
Focus and Accomplishments:
Editor of "The Letter of the Law," the law school newspaper.
Degree:
Bachelor of Science
School:
Auburn University
City:
Auburn
State:
AL
Year:
1978
Focus and Accomplishments:
Finance
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
Alabama
Firm Focus and History
For the past 22 years, I have concentrated the majority of my resources on family law, an area of exceptional importance to the majority of the community. Experience is key to success in any area of the law which is why I chose that specialization. Although I also take great interest in my estate work, and other matters, family law is where my heart lies. Sixteen years ago, I decided that I could best serve my clients though the formation of my own firm. I've never regretted that choice as it has afforded me the opportunity to represent my clients in the way I feel most effective.
My firm was established in 1987.
Previous Employment Summary
Prior to opening my own firm, I was an associate in a larger firm practicing primarily in the areas of litigation and domestic relations.
Activities and Awards
- AV Rated by Martindale-Hubbell
- 2002 Alabama State Bar Pro Bono Attorney Award
- 1995 Recipient Burton Barnes Public Service Award by Birmingham Bar Association
- President, Family Law Section of the Alabama State Bar in 1996
- Young Lawyer of the Year in 1990 and 1991
- Approved to sit as special judge by Alabama Supreme Court
- Former instructor with Birmingham School of Law
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
No one knows more about a given case than the client. It is imperative that the client work closely with the attorney towards a successful outcome. Without cooperation from clients, no attorney can hope to achieve a satisfactory result.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I am always happy to review certain documents prepared by clients. In some cases involving more complex documents, however, I cannot in good conscience review and approve documents prepared by others. It is far too easy for errors to creep in unnoticed under those circumstances. Sometimes the good practice of law requires expert preparation of documents.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
I am always willing to discuss with clients the issues surrounding any case and to advise them as to the desirability of self-representation. Given the complexity of the legal system, however, the important issues involved in family law often simply do not lend themselves to self-representation.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I have always been concerned about the welfare of children in our society. As a family law practitioner, it has always been my hope that I can make a difference in that regard.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
My 22 years of experience as a practicing attorney, coupled with my community service activities and political activities, has given me a well-rounded level of expertise which I believe is of benefit to my clients.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
As a family law practitioner, I always hope to keep everyone focused on the welfare of the children involved because they are the most innocent victims of our system.
What do you like best about your career?
I greatly enjoy the varied nature of the legal world.
Tell us about your law firm:
I am a solo practitioner and work alongside my secretary and my paralegal. After over 11 years in my office, my paralegal has developed an extensive knowledge of client care and is an active participant in my cases.
What are your strengths and style?
I am firmly of the opinion that a reasonable and fair solution can be found to most legal problems and always strive to accomplish that whenever possible.
Personal Interests:
Political involvement, cooking, my daughter, and I am a news junkie.
Office Manager/Assistant
Lindsey O'Connor
Fax
(205) 823-1065
Office Hours
Monday through Thursday
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Friday
8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
- $75 Living Will
- $75 Power of Attorney
- $600 plus filing fee for uncontested divorce with no children
- $700 plus filing fee for uncontested divorce with children
Hourly Rates
$250.
Free Initial Consultation?
Yes, I offer a free initial consultation with no time limitation for the initial meeting.
Typical Retainer
Due to the individual nature of each case, it would be impossible to set a typical retainer. Any retainer would be based upon the degree of difficulty, anticipated legal actions and details of each case.
Nolo's Licensing Check
Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the applicable bar associations upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any bar association.
