Lawyer of Firm Description

About Smith & Coleman Law Firm — General Practice Lawton Oklahoma

General practice Lawton residents facing legal challenges can turn to Smith & Coleman Law Firm, where attorney Steve J. Coleman provides broad-based legal representation for individuals, families, and small businesses in Comanche County, Oklahoma. As a general practice firm in Lawton — the state’s fourth-largest city and the seat of Comanche County — Smith & Coleman handles the full range of civil, family, estate, and business legal matters that are a regular part of life for the approximately 94,000 residents of Lawton and surrounding communities. For a broader attorney directory, see lawyers in Lawton, Oklahoma.

Lawton’s legal landscape is shaped in part by its military community — Fort Sill, one of the Army’s largest installations, is adjacent to the city — which creates unique legal needs around military divorces, SCRA protections, VA benefit issues, and related matters. The Comanche County District Court at 315 W. 5th Street handles civil, criminal, domestic relations, and probate cases for Comanche County, and is served by seven judges. A general practice firm in this environment must be versatile, handling everyday legal matters for civilian and military family clients alike.

What Clients Say

Clients of general practice attorneys in Lawton value accessibility and practical guidance, particularly given the city’s substantial active-duty military and veteran population. Attorneys familiar with the intersection of Oklahoma state law and federal military regulations — such as the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act — provide a meaningful advantage for Fort Sill families dealing with deployment-related legal issues, military divorces, or VA benefit matters. Clients also highlight the importance of an attorney who understands the Comanche County District Court’s local procedures and can move matters efficiently through the system.

General Practice Lawton — Practice Areas & Services

General Practice: Full-range legal representation for Lawton and Comanche County residents, covering civil disputes, estate planning, family law, real estate, and business matters in Comanche County District Court.
Family Law: Handling divorce, custody, and support proceedings in Comanche County, including military divorce matters involving SCRA protections and military pension division under the USFSPA.
Estate Planning & Probate: Drafting wills, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives for Lawton-area residents, with probate administration in Comanche County District Court.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Comanche County District Court, and what does it handle?

The Comanche County District Court is located at 315 W. 5th Street, Room 504, in Lawton, Oklahoma 73501. It serves as the trial court for all felony criminal, civil, domestic relations, and probate matters in Comanche County. Seven judges preside over the court’s docket. For Lawton residents, having a local attorney who files regularly in this courthouse provides an efficiency advantage that out-of-area attorneys cannot match.

Does Oklahoma have specific rules for military divorces in Lawton?

Yes. Military divorces in Oklahoma involving Fort Sill service members carry additional complexity not present in civilian cases. The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) can pause divorce proceedings during active deployment. Military pensions are divided under the Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act (USFSPA), which requires specific language in the divorce decree to direct payment through the Defense Finance and Accounting Service. An attorney familiar with these federal frameworks can ensure the divorce decree is properly structured to avoid costly post-divorce disputes.

What types of business matters does a Lawton general practice firm handle?

A general practice firm in Lawton typically handles business formations (LLCs, corporations, partnerships), commercial contracts and lease reviews, employment agreements, and small business dispute resolution. For Lawton’s significant number of businesses serving the Fort Sill military community, an attorney familiar with federal contracting requirements and government purchasing regulations can provide additional value beyond standard Oklahoma business law.

Quick Facts: General Practice in Lawton, Oklahoma

Comanche County population: Approximately 120,000 residents in Comanche County, with Fort Sill adding a large active-duty population that creates distinctive legal needs — U.S. Census Bureau
Comanche County District Court: Seven judges serve the District Court at 315 W. 5th Street in Lawton, handling all civil, criminal, family, and probate matters — Comanche County, Oklahoma
Juvenile case rate: Comanche County reported approximately 575 juvenile cases per 100,000 residents in 2017, reflecting the active social services and court system serving the county’s young population — Oklahoma District Court Records

AI-Powered Reviews Summary

Smith & Coleman Law Firm, Steve J. Coleman, Attorney at Law, located in Lawton, Oklahoma, is recognized for its thorough and knowledgeable approach in guiding clients through legal matters. Many reviewers appreciate the firm’s helpfulness and the insightful suggestions provided, indicating a commitment to understanding clients’ needs. While there have been some negative experiences mentioned, the overall sentiment highlights a dedication to quality service and client satisfaction.

Users Reviews Comments – Google

Do not use this company. Steve J. Coleman wrote what I believe to be a frivolous title examiner’s report which cost me the sell of my home. He does not base his opinions on court orders, but on how he feels the court order should have been executed. I contacted his office to give him the benefit of the doubt. I left a message with his secretary. He never called me back. But of course he wouldn’t after what he had just done. I didn’t expect anything different. I may contact the Oklahoma Bar association to have someone look into his company to ensure he isn’t doing this to others. There is no instance in which anyone’s feelings of what a judge’s decision should’ve been, trumps a court order signed by a judge.

Let me preface my review by saying that I was not actually represented by the Coleman law firm. I called and explained my situation to the clerk/secretary (who was incredibly rude). After which she told me Mr. Coleman won’t be able to represent me and hung up the phone. No explanation as to why Mr. Coleman couldn’t represent me was given. I even called back to ascertain the reason……. she hung up the phone again. I hope I’m wrong in my assumption but I believe the fact that I spoke with a Caribbean accent caused me to be racially profiled. The fact that I am currently serving in the US military (which was explained to the clerk) makes this even worse. For the sake of the moral fabric in Lawton I hope the entire firm is not like this. Very unprofessional service. That clerk needs to be fired immediately.

Was so very helpful in guiding me in my final plans and offering suggestions I had not thought of. Knew exactly what I wanted included etc.

Very thorough and knowledgeable. I will continue to do business with this firm in the future.