Law Office of Eric J. Smith

Life in Texas can bring unexpected legal needs, whether it's planning for the future of your estate, navigating sensitive family matters, or even dealing with property transactions. For residents of Grand Prairie and the broader Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, finding legal guidance that is both knowledgeable and approachable is essential. The Law Office of Eric J. Smith aims to provide comprehensive legal services, assisting individuals and families through various legal processes.

This article offers an overview of the Law Office of Eric J. Smith, focusing on their practice areas, their approach to client service, and what makes them a local option for Texans seeking legal assistance. Understanding the services and philosophy of a legal professional can help you make an informed decision when facing important legal challenges.

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The accessibility of a law firm's location can be a practical consideration for clients, especially when dealing with ongoing legal matters. The Law Office of Eric J. Smith is conveniently situated in Grand Prairie, Texas, providing a local option for residents across Tarrant, Dallas, and Johnson Counties. You can find their office at 123 W Main St #202, Grand Prairie, TX 75050, USA.

This address places the firm in a central part of Grand Prairie, a key city within the expansive Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Its location on West Main Street makes it relatively easy to find and access for those traveling from various parts of the city and surrounding areas. Having a local attorney can offer convenience for scheduling in-person consultations, dropping off documents, and maintaining consistent communication throughout the legal process. The firm's presence within the local community often means a deeper familiarity with regional court systems and procedures, which can be beneficial to clients.

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The Law Office of Eric J. Smith provides a diverse range of legal services designed to meet the needs of individuals and small businesses in Texas. Attorney Eric J. Smith has been practicing law in Texas since 2005, focusing on areas that impact people in their daily lives. His primary practice areas include:

• Probate Law: This is a significant focus of the firm. Attorney Smith advises and represents clients throughout the probate process when a loved one passes away. This includes:
  • Reviewing a will and interpreting unclear language.
  • Helping settle disputes that may arise during probate.
  • Assisting in identifying and locating the deceased's probate and non-probate assets.
  • Navigating the complexities of administering an estate.
• Estate Planning: Helping clients secure their legacy and ensure their wishes are carried out. This includes drafting and reviewing essential documents such as:
  • Wills (both simple and complex).
  • Trusts, including specialized trusts like:
    • Special Needs Trusts: Designed to provide for a person with special needs without disqualifying them from government benefits.
    • Miller Trusts: Used to help individuals qualify for Medicaid when their income is too high by redirecting income into the trust.
    • Pooled Trusts: Used to hold unexpected income (e.g., inheritance, personal injury settlement) to prevent disqualification from public benefit programs like SSI and Medicaid.
  • Powers of attorney.
  • Other documents to prevent potential conflicts and ensure smooth asset distribution.
• Family Law: Addressing sensitive family matters with a compassionate approach, including:
  • Divorce proceedings (both contested and uncontested).
  • Division of marital assets and liabilities.
  • Child custody and visitation arrangements.
  • Child support calculations and modifications.
  • Alimony/spousal support.
  • Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements.
  • Adoption proceedings.
• Real Estate Closing: Assisting clients with the legal aspects of property transactions, ensuring a smooth and confident closing. This involves:
  • Thoroughly reviewing all documents related to the transaction.
  • Examining titles to identify and address any unexpected issues affecting ownership.
  • Negotiating contract terms.
  • Preparing necessary legal documents for both residential and commercial real estate.
• Small Business Entity Formation: Providing legal guidance for entrepreneurs and small business owners on setting up their business entities.

Attorney Smith is prepared to assist with both transactional matters (like drafting documents) and courtroom litigation when necessary, advocating for clients' rights and interests.

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The Law Office of Eric J. Smith emphasizes several features that contribute to their service for clients:

• Client Education and Understanding: Attorney Eric Smith prioritizes "educating his clients, breaking down complex legal matters into words that they can understand." He aims to make every client feel "comfortable and confident throughout the process," ensuring they fully grasp their legal situation. This commitment to clarity is a significant highlight, especially in intricate areas like probate and trusts.
• Personalized, One-on-One Attention: The firm emphasizes providing "dedicated, one-on-one support to every client." This personalized approach suggests that clients receive tailored solutions that meet their unique needs, rather than a generic or boilerplate approach.
• Broad Expertise with a Problem-Solving Focus: With over 15 years of experience practicing law in Texas since 2005, Attorney Smith has a passion for helping others by breaking down problems in an "easy-to-follow, logical manner." This indicates a practical, solution-oriented approach to legal challenges that affect individuals in their daily lives.
• Honest and Dependable Services: The firm highlights providing "honest and dependable services." This commitment to integrity is crucial in legal representation, fostering trust between attorney and client.
• Experienced in Complex Trust Planning: A notable highlight is Attorney Smith's specific experience with complex trusts such as special needs trusts, Miller trusts, and pooled trusts. This expertise is particularly valuable for clients seeking to navigate eligibility for government benefits or manage assets for disabled family members, demonstrating a specialized capability beyond standard estate planning.
• Local Area Service: The firm proudly serves clients in Grand Prairie, TX, as well as Dallas County, Johnson County, and Tarrant County, TX, showcasing their commitment to the local Texas community.

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When considering legal services, understanding the fee structure and initial consultation options is important. The Law Office of Eric J. Smith provides various arrangements to make legal assistance accessible for Texans:

• Initial Consultations: While the website encourages contacting them to schedule an appointment or to learn more, many law firms offer an initial consultation. This session allows prospective clients to discuss their legal matter, receive preliminary advice, and determine if the firm is the right fit, often without an upfront charge or at a reduced rate. It's advisable to inquire about their specific policy when contacting them.
• Flexible Fee Options: According to public records from the State Bar of Texas, the Law Office of Eric J. Smith reports offering multiple fee options, including:
  • Flat Fees: For certain defined tasks or cases (e.g., reviewing a contract, a specific court appearance, or an uncontested divorce), a specified sum is charged for the entire matter.
  • Hourly Rate: The attorney charges a per-hour rate, typically tracked in fractions of an hour (e.g., 10ths of an hour / 6-minute increments).
  • Payment Plans: The firm may allow attorney's fees to be paid in installments, rather than a single lump sum, providing financial flexibility for clients.

It is important to note that not all payment options are available for all cases, and any payment arrangement must be agreed upon by the attorney and the client directly. Discussions about fees should always be part of the initial conversation with the firm.

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For Texans in Grand Prairie and the surrounding areas seeking legal assistance, the Law Office of Eric J. Smith is available. Here's how you can reach them:

Address: 123 W Main St #202, Grand Prairie, TX 75050, USA

Phone: (817) 860-2800

Mobile Phone: +1 817-860-2800

Their standard hours of operation are Monday through Friday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. They are closed on Saturdays and Sundays. It is recommended to contact the office by phone or through their online contact form to schedule an appointment and discuss your specific legal needs.

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For residents of Grand Prairie, Texas, and the surrounding communities within Dallas, Johnson, and Tarrant Counties, the Law Office of Eric J. Smith offers a localized and comprehensive option for addressing various legal needs. Its suitability for locals is rooted in several key aspects of its practice.

Firstly, the firm's central location at 123 W Main St #202 in Grand Prairie provides easy accessibility, making it convenient for Texans to schedule and attend appointments, which is a practical benefit when dealing with often sensitive and time-consuming legal matters. This local presence can also indicate a deeper understanding of the specific local court systems and community dynamics.

Secondly, the broad range of services offered, particularly the strong focus on probate law, estate planning (including complex trusts like special needs and Miller trusts), and family law, directly addresses common and often deeply personal legal challenges faced by many Texans. Attorney Smith's stated commitment to educating clients and breaking down complex legal matters into understandable terms is invaluable for ensuring clients feel informed and confident throughout their legal journey.

Finally, the flexible fee options, including flat fees, hourly rates, and potential payment plans, demonstrate a willingness to accommodate diverse financial situations, making legal assistance more accessible to the community. While individual experiences can vary, the Law Office of Eric J. Smith presents itself as a dedicated and approachable legal resource for Grand Prairie residents seeking guidance on probate, family, estate, real estate, and business entity formation matters in Texas.