William Smith
Partner
For William “Will” Smith, family law is more than legal strategy—it’s about people, families, and futures, making a real difference in the lives of those facing life’s most challenging transitions. As a founding partner of Solutions Based Family Law, he guides individuals through the complexities of divorce, custody disputes and family law matters with clarity, compassion, and unwavering advocacy. Will’s practice includes divorce litigation, custody and child support disputes, mediation, arbitration, and estate planning. Additionally, Will’s background in prosecution allows him to take on select criminal defense matters, bringing a strategic perspective to every case he handles.
Will’s approach is direct yet supportive—educating clients on what they need to know to make informed decisions for their future. With every case, he focuses on resolution, efficiency, and personalized strategies that align with his clients’ goals. Family law is deeply personal, and his job is to provide not only legal expertise but also the steadiness and confidence his clients need during an emotionally charged process.
Beyond litigation, Will is also a trained mediator and arbitrator, helping clients resolve disputes outside of the courtroom. He firmly believes that when parties can collaborate, they often reach more practical, cost-effective, and lasting solutions than those imposed by a judge. His experience allows him to facilitate negotiations, de-escalate conflict, and guide parties toward fair and balanced agreements—whether through structured mediation sessions or binding arbitration. While not every case can or should be resolved outside of court, Will is committed to exploring alternative dispute resolution whenever it serves his clients’ best interests.
Before founding Solutions Based Family Law, he served as a Deputy District Attorney in Colorado’s Fourth Judicial District, handling high-profile and complex cases, including violent felonies and gang-related crimes. That experience sharpened his ability to analyze cases from every angle, think quickly under pressure, and fight for the best possible outcomes. It also reinforced a truth that he carries into his practice today: Every client deserves to be heard, understood, and fiercely represented.
Beyond his work in the courtroom, Will is actively involved in the legal community through organizations like the Douglas and Colorado Bar Associations and Metro Volunteer Lawyers.
When he’s not advocating for clients, you’ll find him exploring Colorado’s mountains with his family—whether hiking, skiing, or mountain biking.
Education
- Florida State University, B.S. 2004
- Stetson University College of Law, JD/MBA 2008
Bar Admissions
- Colorado, 2008
Professional Associations and Memberships
- Douglas/Elbert County Bar Association (incoming President 2025/2026)
- Colorado Bar Association Family Law Section
- Colorado Bar Association Criminal Law Section
- Colorado Bar Association Trust and Estate Section
Awards
- Super Lawyers, 2025
- Super Lawyers Rising Stars, 2016 – 2023
- Recognized by Best Lawyers since 2021 in the area of Family Law
Speaking Engagements
- Legal Resource Day – Denver County Trial Preparation and Litigation, 2020
- Annual Family Law Institute Exhibits in Domestic Relations Litigation: Persuasion through Demonstration, 2019
- Colorado Bar Association, Family Law Section Speaker Child Support Challenges: New Quirks and Timeless Questions, 2017
- Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing Senate Judiciary Committee Testimony – Support of Proposed Statutory Creation C.R.S 14-10-120.2; Simplifying the Process for Returning to a Prior Name After a Decree of Dissolution of Marriage (HB 16-1085), 2016
- CSIA Meeting “Pay Attention to the Road” -Dealing with Distracted Driving, 2015
- Willie B Morning Show Guest Colorado DUI Law, 2014
- Morning Show with Willie B Tips for Staying out of legal trouble on Rockies Opening Day, 2014
- Real Estate Professional Meeting, 2013
- Dissolution of Marriage and Real Property Transfers, 2013
- Deputy DA Training, 2009
- C.R.E. 408 and its application in criminal prosecution, 2009