Comprehensive Family Law Services You Can Trust

Experienced legal services covering family law, estate planning,
mediation, and disability matters.

698658685d402_DSCF7448

Comprehensive Legal Support for Every Stage of Life

Richard W. Smith Attorney at Law, provides a broad range of legal services designed to support individuals and families through important life events and challenges. Our approach focuses on clear guidance, practical solutions, and attentive representation across all practice areas.

Estate Planning

We provide comprehensive estate planning services to help you protect your assets and clearly express your wishes. This includes:

  • Wills and trusts
  • Powers of attorney, including financial and healthcare
  • Advance healthcare directives and living wills
  • Beneficiary designations and asset protection planning

Our goal is to create a tailored plan that reduces confusion and conflict for your loved ones and helps ensure your wishes are carried out.

Gavel and scales with probate law book
benefit-5-v

Estate Administration and Probate

We guide executors, administrators, and beneficiaries through the probate and estate administration process, including:

  • Filing the necessary court documents
  • Notifying heirs, beneficiaries, and creditors
  • Inventorying and valuing estate assets
  • Handling debts and final expenses
  • Distributing assets according to the will or state law

We work to make probate as efficient and manageable as possible during a difficult time.

Senior couple reviewing documents together

Elder Law

We assist older adults and their families with elder law issues, such as:

  • Long-term care and Medicaid or Medi-Cal planning, as applicable to your jurisdiction
  • Guardianship and conservatorship matters
  • Planning for incapacity and substitute decision-making
  • Coordination of benefits and asset protection

Our services are designed to help navigate the legal and financial challenges that come with aging.

Office meeting discussing neck injury

Personal Injury

We represent clients in personal injury matters, helping them seek compensation for injuries caused by the negligence or wrongdoing of others, including:

  • Motor vehicle accidents
  • Slip and fall incidents
  • Other negligence-based claims

We handle claims, negotiations, and, when necessary, litigation, so you can focus on your recovery.

Happy family with baby at home

Family Law

Our family law services cover a range of matters affecting families and relationships, including:

  • Divorce and legal separation
  • Child custody, visitation, and parenting plans
  • Child support and spousal support, including alimony
  • Modifications and enforcement of existing orders
  • Property division and related issues

We aim to protect your rights and interests while working toward practical, long-term solutions.

Speak With a Family Law Attorney
Gavel and social security law sign

Social Security Disability

We assist individuals pursuing Social Security Disability benefits, including:

  • Initial applications
  • Appeals of denied claims
  • Preparation for and representation at hearings

We work to present your case clearly and effectively so you have the best possible chance of securing needed benefits.

Get Help With Your Disability Claim

Mediation

We offer mediation services as a way to resolve disputes outside of court, particularly in:

  • Family law conflicts, such as divorce and custody
  • Estate and probate disputes
  • Certain civil matters

As a neutral third party, we facilitate discussions, help identify common ground, and assist parties in working toward mutually acceptable agreements. Mediation often saves time, cost, and stress compared to traditional litigation.

Elegant judicial chamber with detailed decor