H. Van Smith

H. Van Smith is a Virginia attorney and owner of Smith Strong, PLC, focused on family law, estate planning law, and estate and fiduciary litigation across Central Virginia. He also provides strategic legal counsel to business owners, elected officials, professional athletes, entrepreneurs, and political consulting firms in long-term attorney-client relationships. His work includes divorce, custody, support, property distribution, wills, trusts, probate, asset protection, trust administration, business succession, tax planning, and wealth preservation for Virginia clients and families.

Van earned his B.A. in Government from The College of William & Mary in 2003 and his J.D. from William & Mary School of Law in 2007. This education supports his work in legal research, courtroom advocacy, estate planning, negotiation, client counseling, and complex case strategy. His academic background also reflects leadership, service, and preparation for matters involving families, fiduciaries, businesses, and long-term planning needs in demanding legal contexts statewide.

Van is licensed to practice in Virginia, the United States District Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. His memberships include the family law and estate planning sections of the Virginia State Bar, the American Bar Association, the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association, WealthCounsel, and other estate planning professional organizations supporting client service goals through thoughtful legal planning.

H. Van Smith has received recognition from Richmond Times-Dispatch Readers’ Choice Awards, Super Lawyers Rising Stars, Virginia Business Legal Elite, and the Virginia Access to Justice Commission Pro Bono Service Honor Roll. He has also authored books on estate planning and divorce and custody in Virginia. Clients seeking family law, estate planning, fiduciary litigation, probate, or business planning guidance can rely on Van for prepared counsel and advocacy.

Law Office Affiliations

• Founder, Attorney & Counselor at Law, Smith Strong, PLC
• Member, Virginia State Bar
• Member, National Professional Advisor Network, American Cancer Society
• Member, WealthCounsel, Premier National Membership of Estate Planning Attorneys
• Member, Lawyers with Purpose, National Conference of Estate Planning Attorneys

Licensed State

• Virginia

Education

• William & Mary School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• College of William & Mary
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges