Patrick C Smith Jr attorney at law is a highly respected attorney specializing in elder law, estate planning, and asset protection. He is well known for helping families navigate complex legal issues related to Medicaid, special needs planning, and veterans’ benefits.
His firm, Think Different Legal Group, provides personalized legal solutions to safeguard clients’ financial futures. With offices across Georgia, the firm serves clients in Augusta, Columbus, Conyers, Macon, and Warner Robins.
As a Board Certified Elder Law Attorney, Patrick C. Smith Jr. has earned a reputation for his expertise in protecting assets from nursing home costs and government claims. His experience in elder law has made him a sought-after legal advisor.
He is also a passionate educator, frequently conducting seminars and publishing materials to help individuals understand legal strategies for aging, disability planning, and estate management.
Education and Military Background
Patrick C. Smith Jr. has a strong academic background that laid the foundation for his legal expertise. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Air Force Academy, demonstrating his dedication to discipline and service.
To further enhance his leadership skills, he pursued a Master’s degree in Public Policy and Administration from Georgia College & State University. This degree helped him understand government policies and legal structures, which he applies to his practice today.
Later, he attended Emory University School of Law, where he obtained his Juris Doctor degree. At Emory, he received the prestigious Atlanta Law School Fellowship, highlighting his academic excellence and commitment to legal education.
Before starting his law practice, he served in the United States Air Force for over 20 years, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. His military background instilled values of integrity, dedication, and a deep understanding of veterans’ legal issues.
Legal Career and Specialization
After completing his legal education, Patrick C. Smith Jr. established The Smith Law Firm, P.C., which later rebranded as Think Different Legal Group. His firm focuses exclusively on elder law, estate planning, and asset protection strategies.
He has successfully helped thousands of families protect their assets from nursing home costs, Medicaid recovery, and improper estate planning. His legal approach ensures that clients can pass their wealth to their loved ones without government interference.
The firm specializes in Medicaid Planning, helping families secure benefits without spending all their savings. Veterans’ Benefits Planning is another key area of his practice, ensuring that military veterans receive the support they deserve.
His expertise extends to special needs planning, assisting families in setting up special needs trusts that provide lifelong financial security for disabled loved ones while preserving government benefits.
Professional Certifications and Memberships
Patrick C. Smith Jr. is recognized as a Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA), a designation awarded by the National Elder Law Foundation. This certification demonstrates his advanced knowledge in elder law and estate planning.
He has been an active member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA), where he has held leadership positions, including serving as President of the Georgia Chapter in 2011.
His professional affiliations also include ElderCounsel, WealthCounsel, the Academy of Special Needs Planners, and the Academy of VA Pension Planners. These memberships keep him updated on the latest legal developments.
Additionally, he is a respected member of the State Bar of Georgia, where he served as President of the Elder Law Section in 2022. He is also affiliated with the American Bar Association and the Augusta Bar Association.
Key Areas of Legal Practice
patrick c smith jr attorney at law focuses on several core legal areas, helping families navigate financial and legal challenges. His expertise covers elder law, estate planning, Medicaid planning, and veterans’ benefits.
Core Legal Services
- Elder Law: Protects seniors’ rights, ensuring financial stability and healthcare access.
- Estate Planning: Drafts wills, trusts, and power of attorney documents to secure family wealth.
- Medicaid Planning: Helps clients qualify for benefits while safeguarding assets.
- Veterans’ Benefits: Assists military veterans in accessing pension and disability benefits.
- Special Needs Planning: Establishes trusts to support disabled individuals while preserving government aid.
He ensures that each client receives a customized legal strategy, avoiding common pitfalls that can lead to financial losses or delayed benefits. His firm simplifies complex legal processes, making it easier for families to plan for the future.
Medicaid and Asset Protection Planning
Medicaid planning is one of the most critical services provided by Patrick C. Smith Jr. attorney at law. Without proper planning, individuals may be forced to spend their life savings on long-term care.
His firm helps clients use legal asset protection strategies, such as Medicaid-compliant trusts, annuities, and gifting strategies, to safeguard wealth while remaining eligible for benefits.
Common Medicaid Asset Protection Strategies
| Strategy | Purpose |
| Irrevocable Trusts | Protect assets from Medicaid spend-down rules. |
| Annuities | Convert assets into income streams to maintain Medicaid eligibility. |
| Gifting Strategies | Transfer assets within legal limits to protect family wealth. |
| Spend-Down Planning | Legally reduce countable assets to qualify for benefits. |
By leveraging these strategies, clients can protect their savings and avoid financial ruin due to long-term care expenses. Patrick C. Smith Jr. ensures that families do not make costly mistakes when planning for Medicaid.
Client Success Stories and Testimonials
Clients frequently praise Patrick C. Smith Jr. for his expertise, professionalism, and commitment to delivering life-changing legal solutions. He has successfully helped families preserve their assets and qualify for Medicaid without financial hardship.
Many clients highlight how his guidance saved them from unnecessary nursing home expenses and ensured that their estates were properly structured. His ability to explain complex legal matters in simple terms has earned him a strong reputation.
His firm has received high ratings and positive reviews from families who have successfully navigated Medicaid applications, estate planning, and veterans’ benefit claims with his assistance.
Peers also respect him for his deep knowledge of elder law, often referring complex cases to his firm. His legal insights have helped shape elder law practices across Georgia.
Publications and Educational Contributions
Patrick C Smith Jr attorney at law has published numerous guides and training materials to help individuals understand Medicaid rules, asset protection, and estate planning.
He developed a series of Medicaid Training Modules, covering essential topics such as eligibility rules, asset transfer policies, and estate recovery protections.
His firm frequently hosts educational workshops where families can learn how to safeguard their assets from nursing home costs. These events provide real-world solutions to common legal challenges.
By making legal knowledge accessible, he empowers families to make informed decisions about their financial and healthcare future. His contributions have helped thousands of people across Georgia.
Contact Information and Office Locations
Patrick C Smith Jr attorney at law operates from multiple office locations, ensuring clients can easily access his legal expertise. His primary office is in Augusta, Georgia, with additional locations in Columbus, Conyers, Macon, and Warner Robins.
Think Different Legal Group – Contact Details
- Address: 3549 Wheeler Road, Augusta, GA 30909
- Phone: (877) 353-3745
- Fax: (866) 527-6779
- Website: thinkdifferent.law
With multiple offices and an experienced legal team, Patrick C. Smith Jr. continues to serve families across Georgia, providing expert legal solutions for elder law and estate planning.
Conclusion
Patrick C Smith Jr attorney at law has built a strong reputation for helping families navigate complex elder law and estate planning matters. His expertise in Medicaid planning, asset protection, and veterans’ benefits ensures that clients receive the best legal solutions to secure their future.
Through Think Different Legal Group, patrick c smith jr attorney at law continues to provide trusted legal services across Georgia. His commitment to protecting clients’ assets and rights makes him a leading authority in elder law and estate planning.
FAQs
What is Patrick C. Smith Jr.’s main area of legal practice?
He specializes in elder law, Medicaid planning, estate planning, asset protection, and veterans’ benefits to help families secure their financial future.
How can Patrick C. Smith Jr. help with Medicaid planning?
He uses legal strategies like irrevocable trusts, annuities, and spend-down planning to help clients qualify for Medicaid without losing their savings.
What makes Patrick C. Smith Jr. different from other elder law attorneys?
As a Board Certified Elder Law Attorney with 20+ years of experience, he offers specialized, personalized legal solutions that protect assets and benefits.
Does Patrick C. Smith Jr. offer free legal consultations?
His firm provides initial case evaluations to discuss legal needs, ensuring clients understand their options before making any financial decisions.
Where are Patrick C. Smith Jr.’s law offices located?
His firm, Think Different Legal Group, has offices in Augusta, Columbus, Conyers, Macon, and Warner Robins, Georgia, for convenient client access.
