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Judy-Ann Marie Smith

Probate Attorney at Jacksonville, FL

5.0   15 reviews

also known as Forefront Law


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About Judy-Ann

Learn Judy-Ann’s areas of practice.

Judy-Ann Smith, BSN, MS, JD, RN.

My passion as an attorney is being able to help people. Resolving someone’s legal issues is the most rewarding aspect of the work I do. I am an empathetic and compassionate lawyer, willing to listen to my clients’ issues, to get a deeper understanding of what they would like to achieve and accomplish. Most importantly, I am an assertive advocate for all my clients and I will fight for what is fair and just according to the laws of the land.


My practice areas range from family law to estate planning and probate. I have extensive success in handling divorce and family law cases. I have counseled and advised clients on their estate planning needs, prepared estate plans, and given presentations to other lawyers on estate planning. I successfully handled probate cases, assisted fiduciaries with estate administration, assisted families in implementing plans when loved ones pass away, and assisted Trustees’ while navigating through trust administration issues.

Photos and videos

Licensed for 10 years
State FL
Status Member in Good Standing
Acquired 2013
Updated 02/23/2023

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Contact Judy-Ann

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Forefront Law -------- Main Office
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Reviews

5.0 / 5.0
  15 customer reviews
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Posted by Anna | February 19, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
She Exceeded my expectations
I wish I Could give her 10 Stars! I Retained Miss Judy Smith so that I could obtain Power of Attorney and Durable Medical Attorney for a Family Member in my Care.She exceeded my Expectations. She had All forms Ready Before I arrived to her office. She and her Staff were Both Courteous and Professional.
Posted by Ms. Johnson | November 7, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Awesome Attorney
I retained Ms. Smith as my divorce attorney. I received outstanding representation from Judy-Ann Smith. Her and the staff were very professional, courteous, and understanding. Ms. Smith is patient, kind, supportive, and knowledgeable. She is conscientious of your time and was always on time for meetings etc. My emails and phone calls were answered in a timely manner. Her experience, expertise and empathy towards my situation showed as she handled my divorce. I would highly recommend Judy-Ann Smith.
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Posted by Jamar Thomas | April 29, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent
Excellent professional work. Fast and reliable. I recommended this attorney for anyone that needs assist through probate. Thank you Attorney Judy-Ann Smith for your hard work and dedication to my case.
Posted by Pat Casey | March 28, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Thank you!
I don’t think I could have been more pleased with the service provided by Judy-Ann Smith and her staff. Judy-Ann was aware of the issues my mother had with her last wishes so she went over and beyond to throughly explain everything step-by-step. I feel so good that my Will is complete and totally confident in the process. Thank you Judy-Ann and Leslie.
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Posted by Russell Smith | March 7, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
A great and honest attorney!
Sadly I called Judy after I got scammed by on line divorce quick mill. Judy totally understood my situation. She made her staff available anytime I had a question and they always responded quickly. Judy prepared all my documents for my non contested divorce so well that the Judge did not ask any questions he just said all was in perfect order and quickly signed the final decree. I highly recommend Judy-Ann Smith. She is a pleasure to work with and is a very kind and honest attorney.
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Posted by Michael | April 10, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
A Heart for Helping People Both Near and Far
It was early October of 2015 that I first contacted Judy-Ann Smith about assisting in my handling of my mother's estate. The uniqueness of my inquiry was that my mom, who lived in Florida had passed away and I was her oldest son responsible as Executor of her estate. What was unique, was I lived in New York State and had no idea how to manage her affairs and satisfy the Florida laws regarding her estate. I tried working with a few Florida attorney's at the beginning of my search, but did not find anyone who was sensitive to my needs until I made the phone call to Judy-Ann Smith. Judy-Ann received my inquiry and immediately set up a time for telephone conferences to begin for understanding of my situation and how we might work together to accomplish the complicated process one step at a time. Trust & honesty was an essential part of our conversations and after the details of our mutual needs we understood, a written agreement including the financial aspects was then signed. E-mail, phone calls, faxing, and mailing were the means to clearly understand and to transfer legal requirements to each other. Judy-Ann led my every step from start to finish with trust and respect for the other to answering every question, every need and every requirement in a timely fashion. I have nothing but praise and gratitude for Judy-Ann Smith's legal experience and her willingness to use her skills for the mutual best outcome of her clients. If you want a person who cares for the concerns of persons both near and far, you can't do better than hiring the law offices of Judy-Ann Smith Law Firm P.A.
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Posted by Jannet | April 7, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Satisfied client
Judy Ann was very patient and walked me through the process of establishing a trust. The process was efficient and most professional. I’ll seek Judy-Ann’s services and expertise for any futures legal needs.
Posted by Kenan | April 5, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Family Attorney
Judy-Ann Smith, is always available to answer any questions. Very professional, but personable as well. She is very honest, and prepares you for what you may embark on. Very knowledgeable in her field.
Posted by Susan | March 26, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
I highly recommend Ms. Smith's services!
Ms. Smith's office always responded quickly to my queries via email or phone and always provided excellent advice. My divorce would not have progressed as quickly as it did without her. I will definitely recommend her services to friends.
Posted by Paloma Gutierrez | January 26, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Wonderful Lawyer and Adviser.
I consider Judy more than a lawyer. She was a friend and a counselor to me. She went above and beyond to help me on my divorce process. She woked with me on payments, and understood my economic situation as a homemaker who had no income. Judy made the process seem easy. She got the best possible deal for me and my daughter. She is most definitely an inspirational women. Not everyday you find a lawyer who cares for its clients like Judy does. I had an amazing experience with her. Thank you Judy so much. <3
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Posted by Ana Camacho | January 7, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Consultation
I consulted and hired attorney Judy-Ann Smith a few years ago to declare all survivors of a deceased person who did not had a will. This case was in Puerto Rico were the laws are very different than in the US. She effectively and diligently prepared and completed the case.
Posted by Hayley | January 5, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Judy Ann Smith
Caring and heartfelt. Easy to talk with and explains the situation throughly.
Posted by S STANLEY | January 3, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Above Excellent Review
From beginning to end Judy kept me abreast of all matters in re: Probate of homestead. Her diligence accomplished a final result much faster than any other attorney advised me it would take. I am overwhelming pleased with her as my attorney on this matter.
Posted by Kentrell Sampson | December 8, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great lawyer
Ms Judy anne is a very hardworking, passionate lawyer she really cares about her clients and also she knows her law. Much thanks to her.
Posted by Leah | January 19, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Review of Judy-Ann Marie Smith, Esquire
My experience with Judy-Ann Smith as my lawyer for an Estate Planning process exceeded my expectations. I find Judy-Ann to be very knowledgeable, highly thorough, completely competent and up-to-date on the latest laws and the impact of those laws on my decisions. She offered options, and helped me understand the benefits and alternatives to the options. I highly recommend Judy-Ann to anyone who is in need of assistance with Family Law, Estate Planning and/or Probate.
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Cost

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Contact for Details

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Owner
  • Forefront Law
  • 2013 - Present

Education

  • Nova Southeastern University - Shepard Broad Law Center
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 2011
  • Florida Atlantic University
  • MS - Master of Science
  • 2001
  • Florida Atlantic University
  • BS - Bachelor of Science
  • 1992

Associations

  • Florida Bar
  • Member
  • 2015 - Present
  • Florida Bar, Family Law Section
  • Member
  • 2015 - Present
  • Florida Bar, Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section
  • Member
  • 2015 - Present
  • Jacksonville Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2015 - Present
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English
  • Spanish

Honors and Awards

  • Best of Florida
  • American Academy of Attorneys
  • 2022
  • Best Probate Attorney in Jacksonville
  • Expertise
  • 2020
  • Elite Advocate
  • American Institute of Legal Advocates
  • 2018
  • 10 Best Under 40
  • American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
  • 2016
View all awards

Publications

  • National Business Institute Seminar
  • TAKING THE FIRST STEP: FILING AN ESTATE IN PROBATE COURT
  • 2019
  • National Business Institute Seminar
  • UNDERSTANDING THE ROLE OF THE PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE IN PROBATE
  • 2019
  • National Business Institute Seminar
  • Executor Strategies
  • 2018
  • National Business Institute Seminar
  • Probate Process Overview & FIrst Steps
  • 2018
View all publications

Speaking Engagements

  • ProLaw CLE
  • Course on Estate Plaanning: The Essentials of Drafting Estate Planning Documents, Wills and Recovable Living Trusts
  • 2019
  • National Business Institute
  • UNDERSTANDING THE ROLE OF THE PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE IN PROBATE
  • 2019
  • National Business Institute
  • TAKING THE FIRST STEP: FILING AN ESTATE IN PROBATE COURT
  • 2019
  • National Business Institute Probate
  • 30 Steps to Perfect Probate
  • 2018
  • Probate Seminar
  • The Probate Process from Start to Finish
  • 2017
  • Estate Planning and Administration
  • Key laws and client intake/goal setting and transfers during life and inter-vivos trusts.
  • 2017
  • Estate Planning
  • Estate Planning and Administration: The Complete Guide
  • 2017
  • Economic Development Workshop
  • Estate Planning
  • 2016
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (7)
Given (4)
Endorse Judy-Ann
Estate planning Attorney | Aug 25
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
"I endorse this lawyer. Judy is a professional and cares about her clients. I worked with Judy for many years and she is very knowledgeable in the areas of probate, estate planning, and family law."
Probate Attorney | Apr 20
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. I have worked with Attorney Smith on a number of probate matters and find her to be a pleasure to work with. Ms. Smith is extremely knowledgeable and competent in her field and has excellent rapport with clients and co-workers alike. I would highly recommend her services."
Probate Attorney | Mar 04
Relationship: Co-worker
"Judy-Ann is an outstanding lawyer devoted to providing the best legal services to each client. She is an exemplary probate and family law attorney."
Guardianship Attorney | Feb 26
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Ms. Smith is a wonderful lawyer, tremendous patience, kind and knows guardianship very well."
Family Attorney | Mar 22
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Judy is a wonderful, personable attorney who is highly respected in her field. I cannot recommend her highly, enough!"
Probate Attorney | Mar 07
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
"Extremely knowledgable on probate, divorce, and estate planning."
Family Attorney | Feb 05
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. She takes the time and effort to diligently represent her clients in Family and Probate matters."
View more endorsements

Avvo Contributions

0 Legal Answers 1 Legal Guides
Jacksonville Probate Lawyer Judy-Ann Marie Smith
Judy-Ann Marie Smith
Probate Attorney
Jacksonville, FL
Licensed for 10 years