team-member

Donna Dougherty

Manassas, VA

Licensed for 16 years

Law Degree

Awards

Primary Practice Area

Divorce and separation

Language

English

About

Donna Dougherty was raised in a small town in Ohio, she attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, and she attend Cleveland-Marshall College of Law in Cleveland Ohio. After law school, Donna relocated to the Northern Virginia area.After graduating from law school, Donna began practicing law in Fairfax, Virginia focusing on civil litigation to include family and real estate litigation. In 2011, Donna opened Donna Dougherty Law, PC in Prince William County with the goal of providing a boutique law firm dedicated to focusing on Family Law. Donna Dougherty Law handled a variety of complex domestic relations litigation across Northern Virginia, to include but not limited to appeals to the Court of Virginia. In fact, while serving as a Guardian ad Litem, Donna successfully defended the ruling of the Fairfax Circuit Court regarding a complex custody matter which included components of alienation and mental health issues.In addition to all of her other accomplishments, Donna also serves as a Guardian ad Litem for children in Prince William, Fauquier, Loudoun, and Fairfax Counties. She has served in this role since her inception of the practice of law as she finds serving as an advocate for children in Family Law and Abuse and Neglect matters as one of the most important things she does as an attorney. Both in and out of the courtroom Donna is known for her strength, generosity of spirit, innovativeness, leadership, and desire to advocate for those in need.

Practices Areas

Child custody

Divorce and separation

Family

Language

English

Contact

Family Law Group9300 Grant Ave.Ste. 200Manassas, VA, 20110

Office: (833) 303-0631

Website: N/A

Reviews

Michele
May 19, 2017

My son retained the law firm of Donna Dougherty Law P.C. after his attempt to gain custodial time with my nine-month-old grandson using another firm failed miserably. While Donna herself was lead counsel on his case, all of the other members of the firm assisted either directly or indirectly with the case. My son met with his first attorney in December, 2013 to discuss his options in his divorce and custody case. The attorney assured him that he had a very good chance of getting a reasonable visitation schedule. His definition of reasonable and my son’s were poles apart because in June, 2014, the judge only gave my son only 9% of visitation time while his ex-wife was granted primary custody and 91% of the time and the divorce trial date was set for April, 2015. A colleague of my son’s recommended Donna describing her as a ‘bulldog’ when fighting for her clients and this is an apt description of her. From the time that my son retained her firm, Donna and her associates have worked doggedly to allow my grandson to have more time with his dad. During the two-day custody/divorce trial in April, 2015, the judge increased the time my son and grandson had with each other to 37% and although his ex-wife and he had joint legal custody, the judge gave him final decision-making authority on some important but contentious issues. His ex-wife was not pleased with the decision and repeatedly violated every aspect of the court order, which led to a series of Motions and modifications of the original court order. This, in turn, led to a full two-day trial in February, 2017, to revisit the issue of custody and visitation. At this trial, the court ordered joint physical and legal custody for both parents and agreed to Donna’s recommendation of a four-three custody arrangement (Monday afternoon-Friday morning with my son and Friday afternoon to Monday morning with his mother). Although this was what we had hoped for, we weren’t sure the court would agree since my grandson was only three years and five months old, so needless to say we were extremely pleased. Throughout this process, Donna and her staff have been steadfast in supporting not only my son, but also me. I don’t believe that any ‘Father’s Rights’ attorney could have done a better job than Donna and her associates, and therefore, I whole heartedly recommend the law firm of Donna Dougherty Law P.C. to anyone who is going through the trauma of a divorce or child custody case. Unlike full-service law firms, this firm specializes in Family Law, which I feel is why they are so successful.

Autumn
June 10, 2013

Donna is a smart and steadfast attorney who also has compassion and is a strong advocate for her clients and their cases. I believe these are the best characteristics to have when practicing family law because things can get pretty emotional when dealing with custody and other similar cases. Donna and her staff were very professional and always on top of things. It is because of this that I believe the case worked out in my favor and I will be forever thankful.

Monica
September 5, 2011

The most critical skill any advocate or counselor can have is the ability to listen, to understand, and to support the client. In a situation as full of emotion as a family separation or divorce, it is even more critical. Donna has this skill in abundance. Her active listening style and calm demeanor provide a comforting setting in which to make the critical decisions required in these situations. In my case, Donna established rapport, and impressed me with her skills and knowledge of the law. She allowed me to vent my frustrations without letting me ramble on – she kept me focused and on topic. She listened and supported my wishes, and brought me back on track when I was tempted to escalate in response to my ex-husband’s actions. She had an uncanny ability to discern my ex’s motivations and provided an extremely creative solution to our dispute. She protected my interests as if they were her own. If you are angry and want to fight, Donna knows how to win. If you want to negotiate and settle, Donna will help you do that by keeping you on track and calming your anger. My spouse wanted to fight dirty, and Donna’s knowledge of law and procedure prevented him from bullying me. Her assistance during this incredibly difficult time in my life was the sole reason I reached a successful settlement, finalized my divorce and am happily getting on with my life.

anonymous
February 28, 2020

Hired Donna to handle a simple child support. $25k later... Ugh. Do not hire Donna Dougherty to handle your case. When you meet her, you'll find that she is, in my opinion, brash and abrasive and unquestionably condescending. Your first thought is "Perfect, that's how she's going to work tirelessly on my behalf." You'll be wrong. That's how she'll continue to treat you and good luck getting to effectively advocate on your behalf. In my specific experience, she will rather yell at you (as her client) than work with opposing counsel on an amicable resolution (as I've learned since severing ties with this firm).

Michele
May 19, 2017

My son retained the law firm of Donna Dougherty Law P.C. after his attempt to gain custodial time with my nine-month-old grandson using another firm failed miserably. While Donna herself was lead counsel on his case, all of the other members of the firm assisted either directly or indirectly with the case. My son met with his first attorney in December, 2013 to discuss his options in his divorce and custody case. The attorney assured him that he had a very good chance of getting a reasonable visitation schedule. His definition of reasonable and my son’s were poles apart because in June, 2014, the judge only gave my son only 9% of visitation time while his ex-wife was granted primary custody and 91% of the time and the divorce trial date was set for April, 2015. A colleague of my son’s recommended Donna describing her as a ‘bulldog’ when fighting for her clients and this is an apt description of her. From the time that my son retained her firm, Donna and her associates have worked doggedly to allow my grandson to have more time with his dad. During the two-day custody/divorce trial in April, 2015, the judge increased the time my son and grandson had with each other to 37% and although his ex-wife and he had joint legal custody, the judge gave him final decision-making authority on some important but contentious issues. His ex-wife was not pleased with the decision and repeatedly violated every aspect of the court order, which led to a series of Motions and modifications of the original court order. This, in turn, led to a full two-day trial in February, 2017, to revisit the issue of custody and visitation. At this trial, the court ordered joint physical and legal custody for both parents and agreed to Donna’s recommendation of a four-three custody arrangement (Monday afternoon-Friday morning with my son and Friday afternoon to Monday morning with his mother). Although this was what we had hoped for, we weren’t sure the court would agree since my grandson was only three years and five months old, so needless to say we were extremely pleased. Throughout this process, Donna and her staff have been steadfast in supporting not only my son, but also me. I don’t believe that any ‘Father’s Rights’ attorney could have done a better job than Donna and her associates, and therefore, I whole heartedly recommend the law firm of Donna Dougherty Law P.C. to anyone who is going through the trauma of a divorce or child custody case. Unlike full-service law firms, this firm specializes in Family Law, which I feel is why they are so successful.

Autumn
June 10, 2013

Donna is a smart and steadfast attorney who also has compassion and is a strong advocate for her clients and their cases. I believe these are the best characteristics to have when practicing family law because things can get pretty emotional when dealing with custody and other similar cases. Donna and her staff were very professional and always on top of things. It is because of this that I believe the case worked out in my favor and I will be forever thankful.

Monica
September 5, 2011

The most critical skill any advocate or counselor can have is the ability to listen, to understand, and to support the client. In a situation as full of emotion as a family separation or divorce, it is even more critical. Donna has this skill in abundance. Her active listening style and calm demeanor provide a comforting setting in which to make the critical decisions required in these situations. In my case, Donna established rapport, and impressed me with her skills and knowledge of the law. She allowed me to vent my frustrations without letting me ramble on – she kept me focused and on topic. She listened and supported my wishes, and brought me back on track when I was tempted to escalate in response to my ex-husband’s actions. She had an uncanny ability to discern my ex’s motivations and provided an extremely creative solution to our dispute. She protected my interests as if they were her own. If you are angry and want to fight, Donna knows how to win. If you want to negotiate and settle, Donna will help you do that by keeping you on track and calming your anger. My spouse wanted to fight dirty, and Donna’s knowledge of law and procedure prevented him from bullying me. Her assistance during this incredibly difficult time in my life was the sole reason I reached a successful settlement, finalized my divorce and am happily getting on with my life.

anonymous
February 28, 2020

Hired Donna to handle a simple child support. $25k later... Ugh. Do not hire Donna Dougherty to handle your case. When you meet her, you'll find that she is, in my opinion, brash and abrasive and unquestionably condescending. Your first thought is "Perfect, that's how she's going to work tirelessly on my behalf." You'll be wrong. That's how she'll continue to treat you and good luck getting to effectively advocate on your behalf. In my specific experience, she will rather yell at you (as her client) than work with opposing counsel on an amicable resolution (as I've learned since severing ties with this firm).

Michele
May 19, 2017

My son retained the law firm of Donna Dougherty Law P.C. after his attempt to gain custodial time with my nine-month-old grandson using another firm failed miserably. While Donna herself was lead counsel on his case, all of the other members of the firm assisted either directly or indirectly with the case. My son met with his first attorney in December, 2013 to discuss his options in his divorce and custody case. The attorney assured him that he had a very good chance of getting a reasonable visitation schedule. His definition of reasonable and my son’s were poles apart because in June, 2014, the judge only gave my son only 9% of visitation time while his ex-wife was granted primary custody and 91% of the time and the divorce trial date was set for April, 2015. A colleague of my son’s recommended Donna describing her as a ‘bulldog’ when fighting for her clients and this is an apt description of her. From the time that my son retained her firm, Donna and her associates have worked doggedly to allow my grandson to have more time with his dad. During the two-day custody/divorce trial in April, 2015, the judge increased the time my son and grandson had with each other to 37% and although his ex-wife and he had joint legal custody, the judge gave him final decision-making authority on some important but contentious issues. His ex-wife was not pleased with the decision and repeatedly violated every aspect of the court order, which led to a series of Motions and modifications of the original court order. This, in turn, led to a full two-day trial in February, 2017, to revisit the issue of custody and visitation. At this trial, the court ordered joint physical and legal custody for both parents and agreed to Donna’s recommendation of a four-three custody arrangement (Monday afternoon-Friday morning with my son and Friday afternoon to Monday morning with his mother). Although this was what we had hoped for, we weren’t sure the court would agree since my grandson was only three years and five months old, so needless to say we were extremely pleased. Throughout this process, Donna and her staff have been steadfast in supporting not only my son, but also me. I don’t believe that any ‘Father’s Rights’ attorney could have done a better job than Donna and her associates, and therefore, I whole heartedly recommend the law firm of Donna Dougherty Law P.C. to anyone who is going through the trauma of a divorce or child custody case. Unlike full-service law firms, this firm specializes in Family Law, which I feel is why they are so successful.

Autumn
June 10, 2013

Donna is a smart and steadfast attorney who also has compassion and is a strong advocate for her clients and their cases. I believe these are the best characteristics to have when practicing family law because things can get pretty emotional when dealing with custody and other similar cases. Donna and her staff were very professional and always on top of things. It is because of this that I believe the case worked out in my favor and I will be forever thankful.

Monica
September 5, 2011

The most critical skill any advocate or counselor can have is the ability to listen, to understand, and to support the client. In a situation as full of emotion as a family separation or divorce, it is even more critical. Donna has this skill in abundance. Her active listening style and calm demeanor provide a comforting setting in which to make the critical decisions required in these situations. In my case, Donna established rapport, and impressed me with her skills and knowledge of the law. She allowed me to vent my frustrations without letting me ramble on – she kept me focused and on topic. She listened and supported my wishes, and brought me back on track when I was tempted to escalate in response to my ex-husband’s actions. She had an uncanny ability to discern my ex’s motivations and provided an extremely creative solution to our dispute. She protected my interests as if they were her own. If you are angry and want to fight, Donna knows how to win. If you want to negotiate and settle, Donna will help you do that by keeping you on track and calming your anger. My spouse wanted to fight dirty, and Donna’s knowledge of law and procedure prevented him from bullying me. Her assistance during this incredibly difficult time in my life was the sole reason I reached a successful settlement, finalized my divorce and am happily getting on with my life.

anonymous
February 28, 2020

Hired Donna to handle a simple child support. $25k later... Ugh. Do not hire Donna Dougherty to handle your case. When you meet her, you'll find that she is, in my opinion, brash and abrasive and unquestionably condescending. Your first thought is "Perfect, that's how she's going to work tirelessly on my behalf." You'll be wrong. That's how she'll continue to treat you and good luck getting to effectively advocate on your behalf. In my specific experience, she will rather yell at you (as her client) than work with opposing counsel on an amicable resolution (as I've learned since severing ties with this firm).

Michele
May 19, 2017

My son retained the law firm of Donna Dougherty Law P.C. after his attempt to gain custodial time with my nine-month-old grandson using another firm failed miserably. While Donna herself was lead counsel on his case, all of the other members of the firm assisted either directly or indirectly with the case. My son met with his first attorney in December, 2013 to discuss his options in his divorce and custody case. The attorney assured him that he had a very good chance of getting a reasonable visitation schedule. His definition of reasonable and my son’s were poles apart because in June, 2014, the judge only gave my son only 9% of visitation time while his ex-wife was granted primary custody and 91% of the time and the divorce trial date was set for April, 2015. A colleague of my son’s recommended Donna describing her as a ‘bulldog’ when fighting for her clients and this is an apt description of her. From the time that my son retained her firm, Donna and her associates have worked doggedly to allow my grandson to have more time with his dad. During the two-day custody/divorce trial in April, 2015, the judge increased the time my son and grandson had with each other to 37% and although his ex-wife and he had joint legal custody, the judge gave him final decision-making authority on some important but contentious issues. His ex-wife was not pleased with the decision and repeatedly violated every aspect of the court order, which led to a series of Motions and modifications of the original court order. This, in turn, led to a full two-day trial in February, 2017, to revisit the issue of custody and visitation. At this trial, the court ordered joint physical and legal custody for both parents and agreed to Donna’s recommendation of a four-three custody arrangement (Monday afternoon-Friday morning with my son and Friday afternoon to Monday morning with his mother). Although this was what we had hoped for, we weren’t sure the court would agree since my grandson was only three years and five months old, so needless to say we were extremely pleased. Throughout this process, Donna and her staff have been steadfast in supporting not only my son, but also me. I don’t believe that any ‘Father’s Rights’ attorney could have done a better job than Donna and her associates, and therefore, I whole heartedly recommend the law firm of Donna Dougherty Law P.C. to anyone who is going through the trauma of a divorce or child custody case. Unlike full-service law firms, this firm specializes in Family Law, which I feel is why they are so successful.

Autumn
June 10, 2013

Donna is a smart and steadfast attorney who also has compassion and is a strong advocate for her clients and their cases. I believe these are the best characteristics to have when practicing family law because things can get pretty emotional when dealing with custody and other similar cases. Donna and her staff were very professional and always on top of things. It is because of this that I believe the case worked out in my favor and I will be forever thankful.

Monica
September 5, 2011

The most critical skill any advocate or counselor can have is the ability to listen, to understand, and to support the client. In a situation as full of emotion as a family separation or divorce, it is even more critical. Donna has this skill in abundance. Her active listening style and calm demeanor provide a comforting setting in which to make the critical decisions required in these situations. In my case, Donna established rapport, and impressed me with her skills and knowledge of the law. She allowed me to vent my frustrations without letting me ramble on – she kept me focused and on topic. She listened and supported my wishes, and brought me back on track when I was tempted to escalate in response to my ex-husband’s actions. She had an uncanny ability to discern my ex’s motivations and provided an extremely creative solution to our dispute. She protected my interests as if they were her own. If you are angry and want to fight, Donna knows how to win. If you want to negotiate and settle, Donna will help you do that by keeping you on track and calming your anger. My spouse wanted to fight dirty, and Donna’s knowledge of law and procedure prevented him from bullying me. Her assistance during this incredibly difficult time in my life was the sole reason I reached a successful settlement, finalized my divorce and am happily getting on with my life.

anonymous
February 28, 2020

Hired Donna to handle a simple child support. $25k later... Ugh. Do not hire Donna Dougherty to handle your case. When you meet her, you'll find that she is, in my opinion, brash and abrasive and unquestionably condescending. Your first thought is "Perfect, that's how she's going to work tirelessly on my behalf." You'll be wrong. That's how she'll continue to treat you and good luck getting to effectively advocate on your behalf. In my specific experience, she will rather yell at you (as her client) than work with opposing counsel on an amicable resolution (as I've learned since severing ties with this firm).

Michele
May 19, 2017

My son retained the law firm of Donna Dougherty Law P.C. after his attempt to gain custodial time with my nine-month-old grandson using another firm failed miserably. While Donna herself was lead counsel on his case, all of the other members of the firm assisted either directly or indirectly with the case. My son met with his first attorney in December, 2013 to discuss his options in his divorce and custody case. The attorney assured him that he had a very good chance of getting a reasonable visitation schedule. His definition of reasonable and my son’s were poles apart because in June, 2014, the judge only gave my son only 9% of visitation time while his ex-wife was granted primary custody and 91% of the time and the divorce trial date was set for April, 2015. A colleague of my son’s recommended Donna describing her as a ‘bulldog’ when fighting for her clients and this is an apt description of her. From the time that my son retained her firm, Donna and her associates have worked doggedly to allow my grandson to have more time with his dad. During the two-day custody/divorce trial in April, 2015, the judge increased the time my son and grandson had with each other to 37% and although his ex-wife and he had joint legal custody, the judge gave him final decision-making authority on some important but contentious issues. His ex-wife was not pleased with the decision and repeatedly violated every aspect of the court order, which led to a series of Motions and modifications of the original court order. This, in turn, led to a full two-day trial in February, 2017, to revisit the issue of custody and visitation. At this trial, the court ordered joint physical and legal custody for both parents and agreed to Donna’s recommendation of a four-three custody arrangement (Monday afternoon-Friday morning with my son and Friday afternoon to Monday morning with his mother). Although this was what we had hoped for, we weren’t sure the court would agree since my grandson was only three years and five months old, so needless to say we were extremely pleased. Throughout this process, Donna and her staff have been steadfast in supporting not only my son, but also me. I don’t believe that any ‘Father’s Rights’ attorney could have done a better job than Donna and her associates, and therefore, I whole heartedly recommend the law firm of Donna Dougherty Law P.C. to anyone who is going through the trauma of a divorce or child custody case. Unlike full-service law firms, this firm specializes in Family Law, which I feel is why they are so successful.

Autumn
June 10, 2013

Donna is a smart and steadfast attorney who also has compassion and is a strong advocate for her clients and their cases. I believe these are the best characteristics to have when practicing family law because things can get pretty emotional when dealing with custody and other similar cases. Donna and her staff were very professional and always on top of things. It is because of this that I believe the case worked out in my favor and I will be forever thankful.

Monica
September 5, 2011

The most critical skill any advocate or counselor can have is the ability to listen, to understand, and to support the client. In a situation as full of emotion as a family separation or divorce, it is even more critical. Donna has this skill in abundance. Her active listening style and calm demeanor provide a comforting setting in which to make the critical decisions required in these situations. In my case, Donna established rapport, and impressed me with her skills and knowledge of the law. She allowed me to vent my frustrations without letting me ramble on – she kept me focused and on topic. She listened and supported my wishes, and brought me back on track when I was tempted to escalate in response to my ex-husband’s actions. She had an uncanny ability to discern my ex’s motivations and provided an extremely creative solution to our dispute. She protected my interests as if they were her own. If you are angry and want to fight, Donna knows how to win. If you want to negotiate and settle, Donna will help you do that by keeping you on track and calming your anger. My spouse wanted to fight dirty, and Donna’s knowledge of law and procedure prevented him from bullying me. Her assistance during this incredibly difficult time in my life was the sole reason I reached a successful settlement, finalized my divorce and am happily getting on with my life.

anonymous
February 28, 2020

Hired Donna to handle a simple child support. $25k later... Ugh. Do not hire Donna Dougherty to handle your case. When you meet her, you'll find that she is, in my opinion, brash and abrasive and unquestionably condescending. Your first thought is "Perfect, that's how she's going to work tirelessly on my behalf." You'll be wrong. That's how she'll continue to treat you and good luck getting to effectively advocate on your behalf. In my specific experience, she will rather yell at you (as her client) than work with opposing counsel on an amicable resolution (as I've learned since severing ties with this firm).

Michele
May 19, 2017

My son retained the law firm of Donna Dougherty Law P.C. after his attempt to gain custodial time with my nine-month-old grandson using another firm failed miserably. While Donna herself was lead counsel on his case, all of the other members of the firm assisted either directly or indirectly with the case. My son met with his first attorney in December, 2013 to discuss his options in his divorce and custody case. The attorney assured him that he had a very good chance of getting a reasonable visitation schedule. His definition of reasonable and my son’s were poles apart because in June, 2014, the judge only gave my son only 9% of visitation time while his ex-wife was granted primary custody and 91% of the time and the divorce trial date was set for April, 2015. A colleague of my son’s recommended Donna describing her as a ‘bulldog’ when fighting for her clients and this is an apt description of her. From the time that my son retained her firm, Donna and her associates have worked doggedly to allow my grandson to have more time with his dad. During the two-day custody/divorce trial in April, 2015, the judge increased the time my son and grandson had with each other to 37% and although his ex-wife and he had joint legal custody, the judge gave him final decision-making authority on some important but contentious issues. His ex-wife was not pleased with the decision and repeatedly violated every aspect of the court order, which led to a series of Motions and modifications of the original court order. This, in turn, led to a full two-day trial in February, 2017, to revisit the issue of custody and visitation. At this trial, the court ordered joint physical and legal custody for both parents and agreed to Donna’s recommendation of a four-three custody arrangement (Monday afternoon-Friday morning with my son and Friday afternoon to Monday morning with his mother). Although this was what we had hoped for, we weren’t sure the court would agree since my grandson was only three years and five months old, so needless to say we were extremely pleased. Throughout this process, Donna and her staff have been steadfast in supporting not only my son, but also me. I don’t believe that any ‘Father’s Rights’ attorney could have done a better job than Donna and her associates, and therefore, I whole heartedly recommend the law firm of Donna Dougherty Law P.C. to anyone who is going through the trauma of a divorce or child custody case. Unlike full-service law firms, this firm specializes in Family Law, which I feel is why they are so successful.

Autumn
June 10, 2013

Donna is a smart and steadfast attorney who also has compassion and is a strong advocate for her clients and their cases. I believe these are the best characteristics to have when practicing family law because things can get pretty emotional when dealing with custody and other similar cases. Donna and her staff were very professional and always on top of things. It is because of this that I believe the case worked out in my favor and I will be forever thankful.

Monica
September 5, 2011

The most critical skill any advocate or counselor can have is the ability to listen, to understand, and to support the client. In a situation as full of emotion as a family separation or divorce, it is even more critical. Donna has this skill in abundance. Her active listening style and calm demeanor provide a comforting setting in which to make the critical decisions required in these situations. In my case, Donna established rapport, and impressed me with her skills and knowledge of the law. She allowed me to vent my frustrations without letting me ramble on – she kept me focused and on topic. She listened and supported my wishes, and brought me back on track when I was tempted to escalate in response to my ex-husband’s actions. She had an uncanny ability to discern my ex’s motivations and provided an extremely creative solution to our dispute. She protected my interests as if they were her own. If you are angry and want to fight, Donna knows how to win. If you want to negotiate and settle, Donna will help you do that by keeping you on track and calming your anger. My spouse wanted to fight dirty, and Donna’s knowledge of law and procedure prevented him from bullying me. Her assistance during this incredibly difficult time in my life was the sole reason I reached a successful settlement, finalized my divorce and am happily getting on with my life.

anonymous
February 28, 2020

Hired Donna to handle a simple child support. $25k later... Ugh. Do not hire Donna Dougherty to handle your case. When you meet her, you'll find that she is, in my opinion, brash and abrasive and unquestionably condescending. Your first thought is "Perfect, that's how she's going to work tirelessly on my behalf." You'll be wrong. That's how she'll continue to treat you and good luck getting to effectively advocate on your behalf. In my specific experience, she will rather yell at you (as her client) than work with opposing counsel on an amicable resolution (as I've learned since severing ties with this firm).

Michele
May 19, 2017

My son retained the law firm of Donna Dougherty Law P.C. after his attempt to gain custodial time with my nine-month-old grandson using another firm failed miserably. While Donna herself was lead counsel on his case, all of the other members of the firm assisted either directly or indirectly with the case. My son met with his first attorney in December, 2013 to discuss his options in his divorce and custody case. The attorney assured him that he had a very good chance of getting a reasonable visitation schedule. His definition of reasonable and my son’s were poles apart because in June, 2014, the judge only gave my son only 9% of visitation time while his ex-wife was granted primary custody and 91% of the time and the divorce trial date was set for April, 2015. A colleague of my son’s recommended Donna describing her as a ‘bulldog’ when fighting for her clients and this is an apt description of her. From the time that my son retained her firm, Donna and her associates have worked doggedly to allow my grandson to have more time with his dad. During the two-day custody/divorce trial in April, 2015, the judge increased the time my son and grandson had with each other to 37% and although his ex-wife and he had joint legal custody, the judge gave him final decision-making authority on some important but contentious issues. His ex-wife was not pleased with the decision and repeatedly violated every aspect of the court order, which led to a series of Motions and modifications of the original court order. This, in turn, led to a full two-day trial in February, 2017, to revisit the issue of custody and visitation. At this trial, the court ordered joint physical and legal custody for both parents and agreed to Donna’s recommendation of a four-three custody arrangement (Monday afternoon-Friday morning with my son and Friday afternoon to Monday morning with his mother). Although this was what we had hoped for, we weren’t sure the court would agree since my grandson was only three years and five months old, so needless to say we were extremely pleased. Throughout this process, Donna and her staff have been steadfast in supporting not only my son, but also me. I don’t believe that any ‘Father’s Rights’ attorney could have done a better job than Donna and her associates, and therefore, I whole heartedly recommend the law firm of Donna Dougherty Law P.C. to anyone who is going through the trauma of a divorce or child custody case. Unlike full-service law firms, this firm specializes in Family Law, which I feel is why they are so successful.

Autumn
June 10, 2013

Donna is a smart and steadfast attorney who also has compassion and is a strong advocate for her clients and their cases. I believe these are the best characteristics to have when practicing family law because things can get pretty emotional when dealing with custody and other similar cases. Donna and her staff were very professional and always on top of things. It is because of this that I believe the case worked out in my favor and I will be forever thankful.

Monica
September 5, 2011

The most critical skill any advocate or counselor can have is the ability to listen, to understand, and to support the client. In a situation as full of emotion as a family separation or divorce, it is even more critical. Donna has this skill in abundance. Her active listening style and calm demeanor provide a comforting setting in which to make the critical decisions required in these situations. In my case, Donna established rapport, and impressed me with her skills and knowledge of the law. She allowed me to vent my frustrations without letting me ramble on – she kept me focused and on topic. She listened and supported my wishes, and brought me back on track when I was tempted to escalate in response to my ex-husband’s actions. She had an uncanny ability to discern my ex’s motivations and provided an extremely creative solution to our dispute. She protected my interests as if they were her own. If you are angry and want to fight, Donna knows how to win. If you want to negotiate and settle, Donna will help you do that by keeping you on track and calming your anger. My spouse wanted to fight dirty, and Donna’s knowledge of law and procedure prevented him from bullying me. Her assistance during this incredibly difficult time in my life was the sole reason I reached a successful settlement, finalized my divorce and am happily getting on with my life.

anonymous
February 28, 2020

Hired Donna to handle a simple child support. $25k later... Ugh. Do not hire Donna Dougherty to handle your case. When you meet her, you'll find that she is, in my opinion, brash and abrasive and unquestionably condescending. Your first thought is "Perfect, that's how she's going to work tirelessly on my behalf." You'll be wrong. That's how she'll continue to treat you and good luck getting to effectively advocate on your behalf. In my specific experience, she will rather yell at you (as her client) than work with opposing counsel on an amicable resolution (as I've learned since severing ties with this firm).

Michele
May 19, 2017

My son retained the law firm of Donna Dougherty Law P.C. after his attempt to gain custodial time with my nine-month-old grandson using another firm failed miserably. While Donna herself was lead counsel on his case, all of the other members of the firm assisted either directly or indirectly with the case. My son met with his first attorney in December, 2013 to discuss his options in his divorce and custody case. The attorney assured him that he had a very good chance of getting a reasonable visitation schedule. His definition of reasonable and my son’s were poles apart because in June, 2014, the judge only gave my son only 9% of visitation time while his ex-wife was granted primary custody and 91% of the time and the divorce trial date was set for April, 2015. A colleague of my son’s recommended Donna describing her as a ‘bulldog’ when fighting for her clients and this is an apt description of her. From the time that my son retained her firm, Donna and her associates have worked doggedly to allow my grandson to have more time with his dad. During the two-day custody/divorce trial in April, 2015, the judge increased the time my son and grandson had with each other to 37% and although his ex-wife and he had joint legal custody, the judge gave him final decision-making authority on some important but contentious issues. His ex-wife was not pleased with the decision and repeatedly violated every aspect of the court order, which led to a series of Motions and modifications of the original court order. This, in turn, led to a full two-day trial in February, 2017, to revisit the issue of custody and visitation. At this trial, the court ordered joint physical and legal custody for both parents and agreed to Donna’s recommendation of a four-three custody arrangement (Monday afternoon-Friday morning with my son and Friday afternoon to Monday morning with his mother). Although this was what we had hoped for, we weren’t sure the court would agree since my grandson was only three years and five months old, so needless to say we were extremely pleased. Throughout this process, Donna and her staff have been steadfast in supporting not only my son, but also me. I don’t believe that any ‘Father’s Rights’ attorney could have done a better job than Donna and her associates, and therefore, I whole heartedly recommend the law firm of Donna Dougherty Law P.C. to anyone who is going through the trauma of a divorce or child custody case. Unlike full-service law firms, this firm specializes in Family Law, which I feel is why they are so successful.

Autumn
June 10, 2013

Donna is a smart and steadfast attorney who also has compassion and is a strong advocate for her clients and their cases. I believe these are the best characteristics to have when practicing family law because things can get pretty emotional when dealing with custody and other similar cases. Donna and her staff were very professional and always on top of things. It is because of this that I believe the case worked out in my favor and I will be forever thankful.

Monica
September 5, 2011

The most critical skill any advocate or counselor can have is the ability to listen, to understand, and to support the client. In a situation as full of emotion as a family separation or divorce, it is even more critical. Donna has this skill in abundance. Her active listening style and calm demeanor provide a comforting setting in which to make the critical decisions required in these situations. In my case, Donna established rapport, and impressed me with her skills and knowledge of the law. She allowed me to vent my frustrations without letting me ramble on – she kept me focused and on topic. She listened and supported my wishes, and brought me back on track when I was tempted to escalate in response to my ex-husband’s actions. She had an uncanny ability to discern my ex’s motivations and provided an extremely creative solution to our dispute. She protected my interests as if they were her own. If you are angry and want to fight, Donna knows how to win. If you want to negotiate and settle, Donna will help you do that by keeping you on track and calming your anger. My spouse wanted to fight dirty, and Donna’s knowledge of law and procedure prevented him from bullying me. Her assistance during this incredibly difficult time in my life was the sole reason I reached a successful settlement, finalized my divorce and am happily getting on with my life.

anonymous
February 28, 2020

Hired Donna to handle a simple child support. $25k later... Ugh. Do not hire Donna Dougherty to handle your case. When you meet her, you'll find that she is, in my opinion, brash and abrasive and unquestionably condescending. Your first thought is "Perfect, that's how she's going to work tirelessly on my behalf." You'll be wrong. That's how she'll continue to treat you and good luck getting to effectively advocate on your behalf. In my specific experience, she will rather yell at you (as her client) than work with opposing counsel on an amicable resolution (as I've learned since severing ties with this firm).

Michele
May 19, 2017

My son retained the law firm of Donna Dougherty Law P.C. after his attempt to gain custodial time with my nine-month-old grandson using another firm failed miserably. While Donna herself was lead counsel on his case, all of the other members of the firm assisted either directly or indirectly with the case. My son met with his first attorney in December, 2013 to discuss his options in his divorce and custody case. The attorney assured him that he had a very good chance of getting a reasonable visitation schedule. His definition of reasonable and my son’s were poles apart because in June, 2014, the judge only gave my son only 9% of visitation time while his ex-wife was granted primary custody and 91% of the time and the divorce trial date was set for April, 2015. A colleague of my son’s recommended Donna describing her as a ‘bulldog’ when fighting for her clients and this is an apt description of her. From the time that my son retained her firm, Donna and her associates have worked doggedly to allow my grandson to have more time with his dad. During the two-day custody/divorce trial in April, 2015, the judge increased the time my son and grandson had with each other to 37% and although his ex-wife and he had joint legal custody, the judge gave him final decision-making authority on some important but contentious issues. His ex-wife was not pleased with the decision and repeatedly violated every aspect of the court order, which led to a series of Motions and modifications of the original court order. This, in turn, led to a full two-day trial in February, 2017, to revisit the issue of custody and visitation. At this trial, the court ordered joint physical and legal custody for both parents and agreed to Donna’s recommendation of a four-three custody arrangement (Monday afternoon-Friday morning with my son and Friday afternoon to Monday morning with his mother). Although this was what we had hoped for, we weren’t sure the court would agree since my grandson was only three years and five months old, so needless to say we were extremely pleased. Throughout this process, Donna and her staff have been steadfast in supporting not only my son, but also me. I don’t believe that any ‘Father’s Rights’ attorney could have done a better job than Donna and her associates, and therefore, I whole heartedly recommend the law firm of Donna Dougherty Law P.C. to anyone who is going through the trauma of a divorce or child custody case. Unlike full-service law firms, this firm specializes in Family Law, which I feel is why they are so successful.

Autumn
June 10, 2013

Donna is a smart and steadfast attorney who also has compassion and is a strong advocate for her clients and their cases. I believe these are the best characteristics to have when practicing family law because things can get pretty emotional when dealing with custody and other similar cases. Donna and her staff were very professional and always on top of things. It is because of this that I believe the case worked out in my favor and I will be forever thankful.

Monica
September 5, 2011

The most critical skill any advocate or counselor can have is the ability to listen, to understand, and to support the client. In a situation as full of emotion as a family separation or divorce, it is even more critical. Donna has this skill in abundance. Her active listening style and calm demeanor provide a comforting setting in which to make the critical decisions required in these situations. In my case, Donna established rapport, and impressed me with her skills and knowledge of the law. She allowed me to vent my frustrations without letting me ramble on – she kept me focused and on topic. She listened and supported my wishes, and brought me back on track when I was tempted to escalate in response to my ex-husband’s actions. She had an uncanny ability to discern my ex’s motivations and provided an extremely creative solution to our dispute. She protected my interests as if they were her own. If you are angry and want to fight, Donna knows how to win. If you want to negotiate and settle, Donna will help you do that by keeping you on track and calming your anger. My spouse wanted to fight dirty, and Donna’s knowledge of law and procedure prevented him from bullying me. Her assistance during this incredibly difficult time in my life was the sole reason I reached a successful settlement, finalized my divorce and am happily getting on with my life.

anonymous
February 28, 2020

Hired Donna to handle a simple child support. $25k later... Ugh. Do not hire Donna Dougherty to handle your case. When you meet her, you'll find that she is, in my opinion, brash and abrasive and unquestionably condescending. Your first thought is "Perfect, that's how she's going to work tirelessly on my behalf." You'll be wrong. That's how she'll continue to treat you and good luck getting to effectively advocate on your behalf. In my specific experience, she will rather yell at you (as her client) than work with opposing counsel on an amicable resolution (as I've learned since severing ties with this firm).

Michele
May 19, 2017

My son retained the law firm of Donna Dougherty Law P.C. after his attempt to gain custodial time with my nine-month-old grandson using another firm failed miserably. While Donna herself was lead counsel on his case, all of the other members of the firm assisted either directly or indirectly with the case. My son met with his first attorney in December, 2013 to discuss his options in his divorce and custody case. The attorney assured him that he had a very good chance of getting a reasonable visitation schedule. His definition of reasonable and my son’s were poles apart because in June, 2014, the judge only gave my son only 9% of visitation time while his ex-wife was granted primary custody and 91% of the time and the divorce trial date was set for April, 2015. A colleague of my son’s recommended Donna describing her as a ‘bulldog’ when fighting for her clients and this is an apt description of her. From the time that my son retained her firm, Donna and her associates have worked doggedly to allow my grandson to have more time with his dad. During the two-day custody/divorce trial in April, 2015, the judge increased the time my son and grandson had with each other to 37% and although his ex-wife and he had joint legal custody, the judge gave him final decision-making authority on some important but contentious issues. His ex-wife was not pleased with the decision and repeatedly violated every aspect of the court order, which led to a series of Motions and modifications of the original court order. This, in turn, led to a full two-day trial in February, 2017, to revisit the issue of custody and visitation. At this trial, the court ordered joint physical and legal custody for both parents and agreed to Donna’s recommendation of a four-three custody arrangement (Monday afternoon-Friday morning with my son and Friday afternoon to Monday morning with his mother). Although this was what we had hoped for, we weren’t sure the court would agree since my grandson was only three years and five months old, so needless to say we were extremely pleased. Throughout this process, Donna and her staff have been steadfast in supporting not only my son, but also me. I don’t believe that any ‘Father’s Rights’ attorney could have done a better job than Donna and her associates, and therefore, I whole heartedly recommend the law firm of Donna Dougherty Law P.C. to anyone who is going through the trauma of a divorce or child custody case. Unlike full-service law firms, this firm specializes in Family Law, which I feel is why they are so successful.

Autumn
June 10, 2013

Donna is a smart and steadfast attorney who also has compassion and is a strong advocate for her clients and their cases. I believe these are the best characteristics to have when practicing family law because things can get pretty emotional when dealing with custody and other similar cases. Donna and her staff were very professional and always on top of things. It is because of this that I believe the case worked out in my favor and I will be forever thankful.

Monica
September 5, 2011

The most critical skill any advocate or counselor can have is the ability to listen, to understand, and to support the client. In a situation as full of emotion as a family separation or divorce, it is even more critical. Donna has this skill in abundance. Her active listening style and calm demeanor provide a comforting setting in which to make the critical decisions required in these situations. In my case, Donna established rapport, and impressed me with her skills and knowledge of the law. She allowed me to vent my frustrations without letting me ramble on – she kept me focused and on topic. She listened and supported my wishes, and brought me back on track when I was tempted to escalate in response to my ex-husband’s actions. She had an uncanny ability to discern my ex’s motivations and provided an extremely creative solution to our dispute. She protected my interests as if they were her own. If you are angry and want to fight, Donna knows how to win. If you want to negotiate and settle, Donna will help you do that by keeping you on track and calming your anger. My spouse wanted to fight dirty, and Donna’s knowledge of law and procedure prevented him from bullying me. Her assistance during this incredibly difficult time in my life was the sole reason I reached a successful settlement, finalized my divorce and am happily getting on with my life.

anonymous
February 28, 2020

Hired Donna to handle a simple child support. $25k later... Ugh. Do not hire Donna Dougherty to handle your case. When you meet her, you'll find that she is, in my opinion, brash and abrasive and unquestionably condescending. Your first thought is "Perfect, that's how she's going to work tirelessly on my behalf." You'll be wrong. That's how she'll continue to treat you and good luck getting to effectively advocate on your behalf. In my specific experience, she will rather yell at you (as her client) than work with opposing counsel on an amicable resolution (as I've learned since severing ties with this firm).

Michele
May 19, 2017

My son retained the law firm of Donna Dougherty Law P.C. after his attempt to gain custodial time with my nine-month-old grandson using another firm failed miserably. While Donna herself was lead counsel on his case, all of the other members of the firm assisted either directly or indirectly with the case. My son met with his first attorney in December, 2013 to discuss his options in his divorce and custody case. The attorney assured him that he had a very good chance of getting a reasonable visitation schedule. His definition of reasonable and my son’s were poles apart because in June, 2014, the judge only gave my son only 9% of visitation time while his ex-wife was granted primary custody and 91% of the time and the divorce trial date was set for April, 2015. A colleague of my son’s recommended Donna describing her as a ‘bulldog’ when fighting for her clients and this is an apt description of her. From the time that my son retained her firm, Donna and her associates have worked doggedly to allow my grandson to have more time with his dad. During the two-day custody/divorce trial in April, 2015, the judge increased the time my son and grandson had with each other to 37% and although his ex-wife and he had joint legal custody, the judge gave him final decision-making authority on some important but contentious issues. His ex-wife was not pleased with the decision and repeatedly violated every aspect of the court order, which led to a series of Motions and modifications of the original court order. This, in turn, led to a full two-day trial in February, 2017, to revisit the issue of custody and visitation. At this trial, the court ordered joint physical and legal custody for both parents and agreed to Donna’s recommendation of a four-three custody arrangement (Monday afternoon-Friday morning with my son and Friday afternoon to Monday morning with his mother). Although this was what we had hoped for, we weren’t sure the court would agree since my grandson was only three years and five months old, so needless to say we were extremely pleased. Throughout this process, Donna and her staff have been steadfast in supporting not only my son, but also me. I don’t believe that any ‘Father’s Rights’ attorney could have done a better job than Donna and her associates, and therefore, I whole heartedly recommend the law firm of Donna Dougherty Law P.C. to anyone who is going through the trauma of a divorce or child custody case. Unlike full-service law firms, this firm specializes in Family Law, which I feel is why they are so successful.

Autumn
June 10, 2013

Donna is a smart and steadfast attorney who also has compassion and is a strong advocate for her clients and their cases. I believe these are the best characteristics to have when practicing family law because things can get pretty emotional when dealing with custody and other similar cases. Donna and her staff were very professional and always on top of things. It is because of this that I believe the case worked out in my favor and I will be forever thankful.

Monica
September 5, 2011

The most critical skill any advocate or counselor can have is the ability to listen, to understand, and to support the client. In a situation as full of emotion as a family separation or divorce, it is even more critical. Donna has this skill in abundance. Her active listening style and calm demeanor provide a comforting setting in which to make the critical decisions required in these situations. In my case, Donna established rapport, and impressed me with her skills and knowledge of the law. She allowed me to vent my frustrations without letting me ramble on – she kept me focused and on topic. She listened and supported my wishes, and brought me back on track when I was tempted to escalate in response to my ex-husband’s actions. She had an uncanny ability to discern my ex’s motivations and provided an extremely creative solution to our dispute. She protected my interests as if they were her own. If you are angry and want to fight, Donna knows how to win. If you want to negotiate and settle, Donna will help you do that by keeping you on track and calming your anger. My spouse wanted to fight dirty, and Donna’s knowledge of law and procedure prevented him from bullying me. Her assistance during this incredibly difficult time in my life was the sole reason I reached a successful settlement, finalized my divorce and am happily getting on with my life.

anonymous
February 28, 2020

Hired Donna to handle a simple child support. $25k later... Ugh. Do not hire Donna Dougherty to handle your case. When you meet her, you'll find that she is, in my opinion, brash and abrasive and unquestionably condescending. Your first thought is "Perfect, that's how she's going to work tirelessly on my behalf." You'll be wrong. That's how she'll continue to treat you and good luck getting to effectively advocate on your behalf. In my specific experience, she will rather yell at you (as her client) than work with opposing counsel on an amicable resolution (as I've learned since severing ties with this firm).

Michele
May 19, 2017

My son retained the law firm of Donna Dougherty Law P.C. after his attempt to gain custodial time with my nine-month-old grandson using another firm failed miserably. While Donna herself was lead counsel on his case, all of the other members of the firm assisted either directly or indirectly with the case. My son met with his first attorney in December, 2013 to discuss his options in his divorce and custody case. The attorney assured him that he had a very good chance of getting a reasonable visitation schedule. His definition of reasonable and my son’s were poles apart because in June, 2014, the judge only gave my son only 9% of visitation time while his ex-wife was granted primary custody and 91% of the time and the divorce trial date was set for April, 2015. A colleague of my son’s recommended Donna describing her as a ‘bulldog’ when fighting for her clients and this is an apt description of her. From the time that my son retained her firm, Donna and her associates have worked doggedly to allow my grandson to have more time with his dad. During the two-day custody/divorce trial in April, 2015, the judge increased the time my son and grandson had with each other to 37% and although his ex-wife and he had joint legal custody, the judge gave him final decision-making authority on some important but contentious issues. His ex-wife was not pleased with the decision and repeatedly violated every aspect of the court order, which led to a series of Motions and modifications of the original court order. This, in turn, led to a full two-day trial in February, 2017, to revisit the issue of custody and visitation. At this trial, the court ordered joint physical and legal custody for both parents and agreed to Donna’s recommendation of a four-three custody arrangement (Monday afternoon-Friday morning with my son and Friday afternoon to Monday morning with his mother). Although this was what we had hoped for, we weren’t sure the court would agree since my grandson was only three years and five months old, so needless to say we were extremely pleased. Throughout this process, Donna and her staff have been steadfast in supporting not only my son, but also me. I don’t believe that any ‘Father’s Rights’ attorney could have done a better job than Donna and her associates, and therefore, I whole heartedly recommend the law firm of Donna Dougherty Law P.C. to anyone who is going through the trauma of a divorce or child custody case. Unlike full-service law firms, this firm specializes in Family Law, which I feel is why they are so successful.

Autumn
June 10, 2013

Donna is a smart and steadfast attorney who also has compassion and is a strong advocate for her clients and their cases. I believe these are the best characteristics to have when practicing family law because things can get pretty emotional when dealing with custody and other similar cases. Donna and her staff were very professional and always on top of things. It is because of this that I believe the case worked out in my favor and I will be forever thankful.

Monica
September 5, 2011

The most critical skill any advocate or counselor can have is the ability to listen, to understand, and to support the client. In a situation as full of emotion as a family separation or divorce, it is even more critical. Donna has this skill in abundance. Her active listening style and calm demeanor provide a comforting setting in which to make the critical decisions required in these situations. In my case, Donna established rapport, and impressed me with her skills and knowledge of the law. She allowed me to vent my frustrations without letting me ramble on – she kept me focused and on topic. She listened and supported my wishes, and brought me back on track when I was tempted to escalate in response to my ex-husband’s actions. She had an uncanny ability to discern my ex’s motivations and provided an extremely creative solution to our dispute. She protected my interests as if they were her own. If you are angry and want to fight, Donna knows how to win. If you want to negotiate and settle, Donna will help you do that by keeping you on track and calming your anger. My spouse wanted to fight dirty, and Donna’s knowledge of law and procedure prevented him from bullying me. Her assistance during this incredibly difficult time in my life was the sole reason I reached a successful settlement, finalized my divorce and am happily getting on with my life.

anonymous
February 28, 2020

Hired Donna to handle a simple child support. $25k later... Ugh. Do not hire Donna Dougherty to handle your case. When you meet her, you'll find that she is, in my opinion, brash and abrasive and unquestionably condescending. Your first thought is "Perfect, that's how she's going to work tirelessly on my behalf." You'll be wrong. That's how she'll continue to treat you and good luck getting to effectively advocate on your behalf. In my specific experience, she will rather yell at you (as her client) than work with opposing counsel on an amicable resolution (as I've learned since severing ties with this firm).

Michele
May 19, 2017

My son retained the law firm of Donna Dougherty Law P.C. after his attempt to gain custodial time with my nine-month-old grandson using another firm failed miserably. While Donna herself was lead counsel on his case, all of the other members of the firm assisted either directly or indirectly with the case. My son met with his first attorney in December, 2013 to discuss his options in his divorce and custody case. The attorney assured him that he had a very good chance of getting a reasonable visitation schedule. His definition of reasonable and my son’s were poles apart because in June, 2014, the judge only gave my son only 9% of visitation time while his ex-wife was granted primary custody and 91% of the time and the divorce trial date was set for April, 2015. A colleague of my son’s recommended Donna describing her as a ‘bulldog’ when fighting for her clients and this is an apt description of her. From the time that my son retained her firm, Donna and her associates have worked doggedly to allow my grandson to have more time with his dad. During the two-day custody/divorce trial in April, 2015, the judge increased the time my son and grandson had with each other to 37% and although his ex-wife and he had joint legal custody, the judge gave him final decision-making authority on some important but contentious issues. His ex-wife was not pleased with the decision and repeatedly violated every aspect of the court order, which led to a series of Motions and modifications of the original court order. This, in turn, led to a full two-day trial in February, 2017, to revisit the issue of custody and visitation. At this trial, the court ordered joint physical and legal custody for both parents and agreed to Donna’s recommendation of a four-three custody arrangement (Monday afternoon-Friday morning with my son and Friday afternoon to Monday morning with his mother). Although this was what we had hoped for, we weren’t sure the court would agree since my grandson was only three years and five months old, so needless to say we were extremely pleased. Throughout this process, Donna and her staff have been steadfast in supporting not only my son, but also me. I don’t believe that any ‘Father’s Rights’ attorney could have done a better job than Donna and her associates, and therefore, I whole heartedly recommend the law firm of Donna Dougherty Law P.C. to anyone who is going through the trauma of a divorce or child custody case. Unlike full-service law firms, this firm specializes in Family Law, which I feel is why they are so successful.

Autumn
June 10, 2013

Donna is a smart and steadfast attorney who also has compassion and is a strong advocate for her clients and their cases. I believe these are the best characteristics to have when practicing family law because things can get pretty emotional when dealing with custody and other similar cases. Donna and her staff were very professional and always on top of things. It is because of this that I believe the case worked out in my favor and I will be forever thankful.

Monica
September 5, 2011

The most critical skill any advocate or counselor can have is the ability to listen, to understand, and to support the client. In a situation as full of emotion as a family separation or divorce, it is even more critical. Donna has this skill in abundance. Her active listening style and calm demeanor provide a comforting setting in which to make the critical decisions required in these situations. In my case, Donna established rapport, and impressed me with her skills and knowledge of the law. She allowed me to vent my frustrations without letting me ramble on – she kept me focused and on topic. She listened and supported my wishes, and brought me back on track when I was tempted to escalate in response to my ex-husband’s actions. She had an uncanny ability to discern my ex’s motivations and provided an extremely creative solution to our dispute. She protected my interests as if they were her own. If you are angry and want to fight, Donna knows how to win. If you want to negotiate and settle, Donna will help you do that by keeping you on track and calming your anger. My spouse wanted to fight dirty, and Donna’s knowledge of law and procedure prevented him from bullying me. Her assistance during this incredibly difficult time in my life was the sole reason I reached a successful settlement, finalized my divorce and am happily getting on with my life.

anonymous
February 28, 2020

Hired Donna to handle a simple child support. $25k later... Ugh. Do not hire Donna Dougherty to handle your case. When you meet her, you'll find that she is, in my opinion, brash and abrasive and unquestionably condescending. Your first thought is "Perfect, that's how she's going to work tirelessly on my behalf." You'll be wrong. That's how she'll continue to treat you and good luck getting to effectively advocate on your behalf. In my specific experience, she will rather yell at you (as her client) than work with opposing counsel on an amicable resolution (as I've learned since severing ties with this firm).

Michele
May 19, 2017

My son retained the law firm of Donna Dougherty Law P.C. after his attempt to gain custodial time with my nine-month-old grandson using another firm failed miserably. While Donna herself was lead counsel on his case, all of the other members of the firm assisted either directly or indirectly with the case. My son met with his first attorney in December, 2013 to discuss his options in his divorce and custody case. The attorney assured him that he had a very good chance of getting a reasonable visitation schedule. His definition of reasonable and my son’s were poles apart because in June, 2014, the judge only gave my son only 9% of visitation time while his ex-wife was granted primary custody and 91% of the time and the divorce trial date was set for April, 2015. A colleague of my son’s recommended Donna describing her as a ‘bulldog’ when fighting for her clients and this is an apt description of her. From the time that my son retained her firm, Donna and her associates have worked doggedly to allow my grandson to have more time with his dad. During the two-day custody/divorce trial in April, 2015, the judge increased the time my son and grandson had with each other to 37% and although his ex-wife and he had joint legal custody, the judge gave him final decision-making authority on some important but contentious issues. His ex-wife was not pleased with the decision and repeatedly violated every aspect of the court order, which led to a series of Motions and modifications of the original court order. This, in turn, led to a full two-day trial in February, 2017, to revisit the issue of custody and visitation. At this trial, the court ordered joint physical and legal custody for both parents and agreed to Donna’s recommendation of a four-three custody arrangement (Monday afternoon-Friday morning with my son and Friday afternoon to Monday morning with his mother). Although this was what we had hoped for, we weren’t sure the court would agree since my grandson was only three years and five months old, so needless to say we were extremely pleased. Throughout this process, Donna and her staff have been steadfast in supporting not only my son, but also me. I don’t believe that any ‘Father’s Rights’ attorney could have done a better job than Donna and her associates, and therefore, I whole heartedly recommend the law firm of Donna Dougherty Law P.C. to anyone who is going through the trauma of a divorce or child custody case. Unlike full-service law firms, this firm specializes in Family Law, which I feel is why they are so successful.

Autumn
June 10, 2013

Donna is a smart and steadfast attorney who also has compassion and is a strong advocate for her clients and their cases. I believe these are the best characteristics to have when practicing family law because things can get pretty emotional when dealing with custody and other similar cases. Donna and her staff were very professional and always on top of things. It is because of this that I believe the case worked out in my favor and I will be forever thankful.

Monica
September 5, 2011

The most critical skill any advocate or counselor can have is the ability to listen, to understand, and to support the client. In a situation as full of emotion as a family separation or divorce, it is even more critical. Donna has this skill in abundance. Her active listening style and calm demeanor provide a comforting setting in which to make the critical decisions required in these situations. In my case, Donna established rapport, and impressed me with her skills and knowledge of the law. She allowed me to vent my frustrations without letting me ramble on – she kept me focused and on topic. She listened and supported my wishes, and brought me back on track when I was tempted to escalate in response to my ex-husband’s actions. She had an uncanny ability to discern my ex’s motivations and provided an extremely creative solution to our dispute. She protected my interests as if they were her own. If you are angry and want to fight, Donna knows how to win. If you want to negotiate and settle, Donna will help you do that by keeping you on track and calming your anger. My spouse wanted to fight dirty, and Donna’s knowledge of law and procedure prevented him from bullying me. Her assistance during this incredibly difficult time in my life was the sole reason I reached a successful settlement, finalized my divorce and am happily getting on with my life.

anonymous
February 28, 2020

Hired Donna to handle a simple child support. $25k later... Ugh. Do not hire Donna Dougherty to handle your case. When you meet her, you'll find that she is, in my opinion, brash and abrasive and unquestionably condescending. Your first thought is "Perfect, that's how she's going to work tirelessly on my behalf." You'll be wrong. That's how she'll continue to treat you and good luck getting to effectively advocate on your behalf. In my specific experience, she will rather yell at you (as her client) than work with opposing counsel on an amicable resolution (as I've learned since severing ties with this firm).

Michele
May 19, 2017

My son retained the law firm of Donna Dougherty Law P.C. after his attempt to gain custodial time with my nine-month-old grandson using another firm failed miserably. While Donna herself was lead counsel on his case, all of the other members of the firm assisted either directly or indirectly with the case. My son met with his first attorney in December, 2013 to discuss his options in his divorce and custody case. The attorney assured him that he had a very good chance of getting a reasonable visitation schedule. His definition of reasonable and my son’s were poles apart because in June, 2014, the judge only gave my son only 9% of visitation time while his ex-wife was granted primary custody and 91% of the time and the divorce trial date was set for April, 2015. A colleague of my son’s recommended Donna describing her as a ‘bulldog’ when fighting for her clients and this is an apt description of her. From the time that my son retained her firm, Donna and her associates have worked doggedly to allow my grandson to have more time with his dad. During the two-day custody/divorce trial in April, 2015, the judge increased the time my son and grandson had with each other to 37% and although his ex-wife and he had joint legal custody, the judge gave him final decision-making authority on some important but contentious issues. His ex-wife was not pleased with the decision and repeatedly violated every aspect of the court order, which led to a series of Motions and modifications of the original court order. This, in turn, led to a full two-day trial in February, 2017, to revisit the issue of custody and visitation. At this trial, the court ordered joint physical and legal custody for both parents and agreed to Donna’s recommendation of a four-three custody arrangement (Monday afternoon-Friday morning with my son and Friday afternoon to Monday morning with his mother). Although this was what we had hoped for, we weren’t sure the court would agree since my grandson was only three years and five months old, so needless to say we were extremely pleased. Throughout this process, Donna and her staff have been steadfast in supporting not only my son, but also me. I don’t believe that any ‘Father’s Rights’ attorney could have done a better job than Donna and her associates, and therefore, I whole heartedly recommend the law firm of Donna Dougherty Law P.C. to anyone who is going through the trauma of a divorce or child custody case. Unlike full-service law firms, this firm specializes in Family Law, which I feel is why they are so successful.

Autumn
June 10, 2013

Donna is a smart and steadfast attorney who also has compassion and is a strong advocate for her clients and their cases. I believe these are the best characteristics to have when practicing family law because things can get pretty emotional when dealing with custody and other similar cases. Donna and her staff were very professional and always on top of things. It is because of this that I believe the case worked out in my favor and I will be forever thankful.

Monica
September 5, 2011

The most critical skill any advocate or counselor can have is the ability to listen, to understand, and to support the client. In a situation as full of emotion as a family separation or divorce, it is even more critical. Donna has this skill in abundance. Her active listening style and calm demeanor provide a comforting setting in which to make the critical decisions required in these situations. In my case, Donna established rapport, and impressed me with her skills and knowledge of the law. She allowed me to vent my frustrations without letting me ramble on – she kept me focused and on topic. She listened and supported my wishes, and brought me back on track when I was tempted to escalate in response to my ex-husband’s actions. She had an uncanny ability to discern my ex’s motivations and provided an extremely creative solution to our dispute. She protected my interests as if they were her own. If you are angry and want to fight, Donna knows how to win. If you want to negotiate and settle, Donna will help you do that by keeping you on track and calming your anger. My spouse wanted to fight dirty, and Donna’s knowledge of law and procedure prevented him from bullying me. Her assistance during this incredibly difficult time in my life was the sole reason I reached a successful settlement, finalized my divorce and am happily getting on with my life.

anonymous
February 28, 2020

Hired Donna to handle a simple child support. $25k later... Ugh. Do not hire Donna Dougherty to handle your case. When you meet her, you'll find that she is, in my opinion, brash and abrasive and unquestionably condescending. Your first thought is "Perfect, that's how she's going to work tirelessly on my behalf." You'll be wrong. That's how she'll continue to treat you and good luck getting to effectively advocate on your behalf. In my specific experience, she will rather yell at you (as her client) than work with opposing counsel on an amicable resolution (as I've learned since severing ties with this firm).

Michele
May 19, 2017

My son retained the law firm of Donna Dougherty Law P.C. after his attempt to gain custodial time with my nine-month-old grandson using another firm failed miserably. While Donna herself was lead counsel on his case, all of the other members of the firm assisted either directly or indirectly with the case. My son met with his first attorney in December, 2013 to discuss his options in his divorce and custody case. The attorney assured him that he had a very good chance of getting a reasonable visitation schedule. His definition of reasonable and my son’s were poles apart because in June, 2014, the judge only gave my son only 9% of visitation time while his ex-wife was granted primary custody and 91% of the time and the divorce trial date was set for April, 2015. A colleague of my son’s recommended Donna describing her as a ‘bulldog’ when fighting for her clients and this is an apt description of her. From the time that my son retained her firm, Donna and her associates have worked doggedly to allow my grandson to have more time with his dad. During the two-day custody/divorce trial in April, 2015, the judge increased the time my son and grandson had with each other to 37% and although his ex-wife and he had joint legal custody, the judge gave him final decision-making authority on some important but contentious issues. His ex-wife was not pleased with the decision and repeatedly violated every aspect of the court order, which led to a series of Motions and modifications of the original court order. This, in turn, led to a full two-day trial in February, 2017, to revisit the issue of custody and visitation. At this trial, the court ordered joint physical and legal custody for both parents and agreed to Donna’s recommendation of a four-three custody arrangement (Monday afternoon-Friday morning with my son and Friday afternoon to Monday morning with his mother). Although this was what we had hoped for, we weren’t sure the court would agree since my grandson was only three years and five months old, so needless to say we were extremely pleased. Throughout this process, Donna and her staff have been steadfast in supporting not only my son, but also me. I don’t believe that any ‘Father’s Rights’ attorney could have done a better job than Donna and her associates, and therefore, I whole heartedly recommend the law firm of Donna Dougherty Law P.C. to anyone who is going through the trauma of a divorce or child custody case. Unlike full-service law firms, this firm specializes in Family Law, which I feel is why they are so successful.

Autumn
June 10, 2013

Donna is a smart and steadfast attorney who also has compassion and is a strong advocate for her clients and their cases. I believe these are the best characteristics to have when practicing family law because things can get pretty emotional when dealing with custody and other similar cases. Donna and her staff were very professional and always on top of things. It is because of this that I believe the case worked out in my favor and I will be forever thankful.

Monica
September 5, 2011

The most critical skill any advocate or counselor can have is the ability to listen, to understand, and to support the client. In a situation as full of emotion as a family separation or divorce, it is even more critical. Donna has this skill in abundance. Her active listening style and calm demeanor provide a comforting setting in which to make the critical decisions required in these situations. In my case, Donna established rapport, and impressed me with her skills and knowledge of the law. She allowed me to vent my frustrations without letting me ramble on – she kept me focused and on topic. She listened and supported my wishes, and brought me back on track when I was tempted to escalate in response to my ex-husband’s actions. She had an uncanny ability to discern my ex’s motivations and provided an extremely creative solution to our dispute. She protected my interests as if they were her own. If you are angry and want to fight, Donna knows how to win. If you want to negotiate and settle, Donna will help you do that by keeping you on track and calming your anger. My spouse wanted to fight dirty, and Donna’s knowledge of law and procedure prevented him from bullying me. Her assistance during this incredibly difficult time in my life was the sole reason I reached a successful settlement, finalized my divorce and am happily getting on with my life.

anonymous
February 28, 2020

Hired Donna to handle a simple child support. $25k later... Ugh. Do not hire Donna Dougherty to handle your case. When you meet her, you'll find that she is, in my opinion, brash and abrasive and unquestionably condescending. Your first thought is "Perfect, that's how she's going to work tirelessly on my behalf." You'll be wrong. That's how she'll continue to treat you and good luck getting to effectively advocate on your behalf. In my specific experience, she will rather yell at you (as her client) than work with opposing counsel on an amicable resolution (as I've learned since severing ties with this firm).

Michele
May 19, 2017

My son retained the law firm of Donna Dougherty Law P.C. after his attempt to gain custodial time with my nine-month-old grandson using another firm failed miserably. While Donna herself was lead counsel on his case, all of the other members of the firm assisted either directly or indirectly with the case. My son met with his first attorney in December, 2013 to discuss his options in his divorce and custody case. The attorney assured him that he had a very good chance of getting a reasonable visitation schedule. His definition of reasonable and my son’s were poles apart because in June, 2014, the judge only gave my son only 9% of visitation time while his ex-wife was granted primary custody and 91% of the time and the divorce trial date was set for April, 2015. A colleague of my son’s recommended Donna describing her as a ‘bulldog’ when fighting for her clients and this is an apt description of her. From the time that my son retained her firm, Donna and her associates have worked doggedly to allow my grandson to have more time with his dad. During the two-day custody/divorce trial in April, 2015, the judge increased the time my son and grandson had with each other to 37% and although his ex-wife and he had joint legal custody, the judge gave him final decision-making authority on some important but contentious issues. His ex-wife was not pleased with the decision and repeatedly violated every aspect of the court order, which led to a series of Motions and modifications of the original court order. This, in turn, led to a full two-day trial in February, 2017, to revisit the issue of custody and visitation. At this trial, the court ordered joint physical and legal custody for both parents and agreed to Donna’s recommendation of a four-three custody arrangement (Monday afternoon-Friday morning with my son and Friday afternoon to Monday morning with his mother). Although this was what we had hoped for, we weren’t sure the court would agree since my grandson was only three years and five months old, so needless to say we were extremely pleased. Throughout this process, Donna and her staff have been steadfast in supporting not only my son, but also me. I don’t believe that any ‘Father’s Rights’ attorney could have done a better job than Donna and her associates, and therefore, I whole heartedly recommend the law firm of Donna Dougherty Law P.C. to anyone who is going through the trauma of a divorce or child custody case. Unlike full-service law firms, this firm specializes in Family Law, which I feel is why they are so successful.

Autumn
June 10, 2013

Donna is a smart and steadfast attorney who also has compassion and is a strong advocate for her clients and their cases. I believe these are the best characteristics to have when practicing family law because things can get pretty emotional when dealing with custody and other similar cases. Donna and her staff were very professional and always on top of things. It is because of this that I believe the case worked out in my favor and I will be forever thankful.

Monica
September 5, 2011

The most critical skill any advocate or counselor can have is the ability to listen, to understand, and to support the client. In a situation as full of emotion as a family separation or divorce, it is even more critical. Donna has this skill in abundance. Her active listening style and calm demeanor provide a comforting setting in which to make the critical decisions required in these situations. In my case, Donna established rapport, and impressed me with her skills and knowledge of the law. She allowed me to vent my frustrations without letting me ramble on – she kept me focused and on topic. She listened and supported my wishes, and brought me back on track when I was tempted to escalate in response to my ex-husband’s actions. She had an uncanny ability to discern my ex’s motivations and provided an extremely creative solution to our dispute. She protected my interests as if they were her own. If you are angry and want to fight, Donna knows how to win. If you want to negotiate and settle, Donna will help you do that by keeping you on track and calming your anger. My spouse wanted to fight dirty, and Donna’s knowledge of law and procedure prevented him from bullying me. Her assistance during this incredibly difficult time in my life was the sole reason I reached a successful settlement, finalized my divorce and am happily getting on with my life.

anonymous
February 28, 2020

Hired Donna to handle a simple child support. $25k later... Ugh. Do not hire Donna Dougherty to handle your case. When you meet her, you'll find that she is, in my opinion, brash and abrasive and unquestionably condescending. Your first thought is "Perfect, that's how she's going to work tirelessly on my behalf." You'll be wrong. That's how she'll continue to treat you and good luck getting to effectively advocate on your behalf. In my specific experience, she will rather yell at you (as her client) than work with opposing counsel on an amicable resolution (as I've learned since severing ties with this firm).

Michele
May 19, 2017

My son retained the law firm of Donna Dougherty Law P.C. after his attempt to gain custodial time with my nine-month-old grandson using another firm failed miserably. While Donna herself was lead counsel on his case, all of the other members of the firm assisted either directly or indirectly with the case. My son met with his first attorney in December, 2013 to discuss his options in his divorce and custody case. The attorney assured him that he had a very good chance of getting a reasonable visitation schedule. His definition of reasonable and my son’s were poles apart because in June, 2014, the judge only gave my son only 9% of visitation time while his ex-wife was granted primary custody and 91% of the time and the divorce trial date was set for April, 2015. A colleague of my son’s recommended Donna describing her as a ‘bulldog’ when fighting for her clients and this is an apt description of her. From the time that my son retained her firm, Donna and her associates have worked doggedly to allow my grandson to have more time with his dad. During the two-day custody/divorce trial in April, 2015, the judge increased the time my son and grandson had with each other to 37% and although his ex-wife and he had joint legal custody, the judge gave him final decision-making authority on some important but contentious issues. His ex-wife was not pleased with the decision and repeatedly violated every aspect of the court order, which led to a series of Motions and modifications of the original court order. This, in turn, led to a full two-day trial in February, 2017, to revisit the issue of custody and visitation. At this trial, the court ordered joint physical and legal custody for both parents and agreed to Donna’s recommendation of a four-three custody arrangement (Monday afternoon-Friday morning with my son and Friday afternoon to Monday morning with his mother). Although this was what we had hoped for, we weren’t sure the court would agree since my grandson was only three years and five months old, so needless to say we were extremely pleased. Throughout this process, Donna and her staff have been steadfast in supporting not only my son, but also me. I don’t believe that any ‘Father’s Rights’ attorney could have done a better job than Donna and her associates, and therefore, I whole heartedly recommend the law firm of Donna Dougherty Law P.C. to anyone who is going through the trauma of a divorce or child custody case. Unlike full-service law firms, this firm specializes in Family Law, which I feel is why they are so successful.

Autumn
June 10, 2013

Donna is a smart and steadfast attorney who also has compassion and is a strong advocate for her clients and their cases. I believe these are the best characteristics to have when practicing family law because things can get pretty emotional when dealing with custody and other similar cases. Donna and her staff were very professional and always on top of things. It is because of this that I believe the case worked out in my favor and I will be forever thankful.

Monica
September 5, 2011

The most critical skill any advocate or counselor can have is the ability to listen, to understand, and to support the client. In a situation as full of emotion as a family separation or divorce, it is even more critical. Donna has this skill in abundance. Her active listening style and calm demeanor provide a comforting setting in which to make the critical decisions required in these situations. In my case, Donna established rapport, and impressed me with her skills and knowledge of the law. She allowed me to vent my frustrations without letting me ramble on – she kept me focused and on topic. She listened and supported my wishes, and brought me back on track when I was tempted to escalate in response to my ex-husband’s actions. She had an uncanny ability to discern my ex’s motivations and provided an extremely creative solution to our dispute. She protected my interests as if they were her own. If you are angry and want to fight, Donna knows how to win. If you want to negotiate and settle, Donna will help you do that by keeping you on track and calming your anger. My spouse wanted to fight dirty, and Donna’s knowledge of law and procedure prevented him from bullying me. Her assistance during this incredibly difficult time in my life was the sole reason I reached a successful settlement, finalized my divorce and am happily getting on with my life.

anonymous
February 28, 2020

Hired Donna to handle a simple child support. $25k later... Ugh. Do not hire Donna Dougherty to handle your case. When you meet her, you'll find that she is, in my opinion, brash and abrasive and unquestionably condescending. Your first thought is "Perfect, that's how she's going to work tirelessly on my behalf." You'll be wrong. That's how she'll continue to treat you and good luck getting to effectively advocate on your behalf. In my specific experience, she will rather yell at you (as her client) than work with opposing counsel on an amicable resolution (as I've learned since severing ties with this firm).

Michele
May 19, 2017

My son retained the law firm of Donna Dougherty Law P.C. after his attempt to gain custodial time with my nine-month-old grandson using another firm failed miserably. While Donna herself was lead counsel on his case, all of the other members of the firm assisted either directly or indirectly with the case. My son met with his first attorney in December, 2013 to discuss his options in his divorce and custody case. The attorney assured him that he had a very good chance of getting a reasonable visitation schedule. His definition of reasonable and my son’s were poles apart because in June, 2014, the judge only gave my son only 9% of visitation time while his ex-wife was granted primary custody and 91% of the time and the divorce trial date was set for April, 2015. A colleague of my son’s recommended Donna describing her as a ‘bulldog’ when fighting for her clients and this is an apt description of her. From the time that my son retained her firm, Donna and her associates have worked doggedly to allow my grandson to have more time with his dad. During the two-day custody/divorce trial in April, 2015, the judge increased the time my son and grandson had with each other to 37% and although his ex-wife and he had joint legal custody, the judge gave him final decision-making authority on some important but contentious issues. His ex-wife was not pleased with the decision and repeatedly violated every aspect of the court order, which led to a series of Motions and modifications of the original court order. This, in turn, led to a full two-day trial in February, 2017, to revisit the issue of custody and visitation. At this trial, the court ordered joint physical and legal custody for both parents and agreed to Donna’s recommendation of a four-three custody arrangement (Monday afternoon-Friday morning with my son and Friday afternoon to Monday morning with his mother). Although this was what we had hoped for, we weren’t sure the court would agree since my grandson was only three years and five months old, so needless to say we were extremely pleased. Throughout this process, Donna and her staff have been steadfast in supporting not only my son, but also me. I don’t believe that any ‘Father’s Rights’ attorney could have done a better job than Donna and her associates, and therefore, I whole heartedly recommend the law firm of Donna Dougherty Law P.C. to anyone who is going through the trauma of a divorce or child custody case. Unlike full-service law firms, this firm specializes in Family Law, which I feel is why they are so successful.

Autumn
June 10, 2013

Donna is a smart and steadfast attorney who also has compassion and is a strong advocate for her clients and their cases. I believe these are the best characteristics to have when practicing family law because things can get pretty emotional when dealing with custody and other similar cases. Donna and her staff were very professional and always on top of things. It is because of this that I believe the case worked out in my favor and I will be forever thankful.

Monica
September 5, 2011

The most critical skill any advocate or counselor can have is the ability to listen, to understand, and to support the client. In a situation as full of emotion as a family separation or divorce, it is even more critical. Donna has this skill in abundance. Her active listening style and calm demeanor provide a comforting setting in which to make the critical decisions required in these situations. In my case, Donna established rapport, and impressed me with her skills and knowledge of the law. She allowed me to vent my frustrations without letting me ramble on – she kept me focused and on topic. She listened and supported my wishes, and brought me back on track when I was tempted to escalate in response to my ex-husband’s actions. She had an uncanny ability to discern my ex’s motivations and provided an extremely creative solution to our dispute. She protected my interests as if they were her own. If you are angry and want to fight, Donna knows how to win. If you want to negotiate and settle, Donna will help you do that by keeping you on track and calming your anger. My spouse wanted to fight dirty, and Donna’s knowledge of law and procedure prevented him from bullying me. Her assistance during this incredibly difficult time in my life was the sole reason I reached a successful settlement, finalized my divorce and am happily getting on with my life.

anonymous
February 28, 2020

Hired Donna to handle a simple child support. $25k later... Ugh. Do not hire Donna Dougherty to handle your case. When you meet her, you'll find that she is, in my opinion, brash and abrasive and unquestionably condescending. Your first thought is "Perfect, that's how she's going to work tirelessly on my behalf." You'll be wrong. That's how she'll continue to treat you and good luck getting to effectively advocate on your behalf. In my specific experience, she will rather yell at you (as her client) than work with opposing counsel on an amicable resolution (as I've learned since severing ties with this firm).

Michele
May 19, 2017

My son retained the law firm of Donna Dougherty Law P.C. after his attempt to gain custodial time with my nine-month-old grandson using another firm failed miserably. While Donna herself was lead counsel on his case, all of the other members of the firm assisted either directly or indirectly with the case. My son met with his first attorney in December, 2013 to discuss his options in his divorce and custody case. The attorney assured him that he had a very good chance of getting a reasonable visitation schedule. His definition of reasonable and my son’s were poles apart because in June, 2014, the judge only gave my son only 9% of visitation time while his ex-wife was granted primary custody and 91% of the time and the divorce trial date was set for April, 2015. A colleague of my son’s recommended Donna describing her as a ‘bulldog’ when fighting for her clients and this is an apt description of her. From the time that my son retained her firm, Donna and her associates have worked doggedly to allow my grandson to have more time with his dad. During the two-day custody/divorce trial in April, 2015, the judge increased the time my son and grandson had with each other to 37% and although his ex-wife and he had joint legal custody, the judge gave him final decision-making authority on some important but contentious issues. His ex-wife was not pleased with the decision and repeatedly violated every aspect of the court order, which led to a series of Motions and modifications of the original court order. This, in turn, led to a full two-day trial in February, 2017, to revisit the issue of custody and visitation. At this trial, the court ordered joint physical and legal custody for both parents and agreed to Donna’s recommendation of a four-three custody arrangement (Monday afternoon-Friday morning with my son and Friday afternoon to Monday morning with his mother). Although this was what we had hoped for, we weren’t sure the court would agree since my grandson was only three years and five months old, so needless to say we were extremely pleased. Throughout this process, Donna and her staff have been steadfast in supporting not only my son, but also me. I don’t believe that any ‘Father’s Rights’ attorney could have done a better job than Donna and her associates, and therefore, I whole heartedly recommend the law firm of Donna Dougherty Law P.C. to anyone who is going through the trauma of a divorce or child custody case. Unlike full-service law firms, this firm specializes in Family Law, which I feel is why they are so successful.

Autumn
June 10, 2013

Donna is a smart and steadfast attorney who also has compassion and is a strong advocate for her clients and their cases. I believe these are the best characteristics to have when practicing family law because things can get pretty emotional when dealing with custody and other similar cases. Donna and her staff were very professional and always on top of things. It is because of this that I believe the case worked out in my favor and I will be forever thankful.

Monica
September 5, 2011

The most critical skill any advocate or counselor can have is the ability to listen, to understand, and to support the client. In a situation as full of emotion as a family separation or divorce, it is even more critical. Donna has this skill in abundance. Her active listening style and calm demeanor provide a comforting setting in which to make the critical decisions required in these situations. In my case, Donna established rapport, and impressed me with her skills and knowledge of the law. She allowed me to vent my frustrations without letting me ramble on – she kept me focused and on topic. She listened and supported my wishes, and brought me back on track when I was tempted to escalate in response to my ex-husband’s actions. She had an uncanny ability to discern my ex’s motivations and provided an extremely creative solution to our dispute. She protected my interests as if they were her own. If you are angry and want to fight, Donna knows how to win. If you want to negotiate and settle, Donna will help you do that by keeping you on track and calming your anger. My spouse wanted to fight dirty, and Donna’s knowledge of law and procedure prevented him from bullying me. Her assistance during this incredibly difficult time in my life was the sole reason I reached a successful settlement, finalized my divorce and am happily getting on with my life.

anonymous
February 28, 2020

Hired Donna to handle a simple child support. $25k later... Ugh. Do not hire Donna Dougherty to handle your case. When you meet her, you'll find that she is, in my opinion, brash and abrasive and unquestionably condescending. Your first thought is "Perfect, that's how she's going to work tirelessly on my behalf." You'll be wrong. That's how she'll continue to treat you and good luck getting to effectively advocate on your behalf. In my specific experience, she will rather yell at you (as her client) than work with opposing counsel on an amicable resolution (as I've learned since severing ties with this firm).