Douglas B. Dougherty & Associates: Columbus's Premier Family Law Attorney

Douglas B Dougherty & Associates Introduce

When facing the emotional and legal complexities of family matters such as divorce, child custody, or spousal support, it is crucial for Ohio residents to find an attorney with both expertise and empathy. This article provides a comprehensive and informative overview of Douglas B. Dougherty & Associates, a specialized family law firm located in Columbus, Ohio. Led by Attorney Douglas B. Dougherty, the firm has a long-standing reputation for professional, dedicated, and highly skilled legal representation. With more than 35 years of experience, Attorney Dougherty has focused his practice exclusively on family law matters, and he is a Certified Specialist in Family Relations Law by the Ohio State Bar Association, a distinction held by fewer than one-half of 1% of attorneys in the state. This certification is a testament to his deep knowledge and commitment to the field. He has been recognized as a "Super Lawyer" and has been ranked by peers for his knowledge of the law and his legal ethics. This overview is designed to give you a factual and clear understanding of the firm's services, its location, and the qualities that make it a compelling choice for your family law needs.

The location and accessibility of a law office are essential for clients dealing with sensitive legal issues. Douglas B. Dougherty & Associates is conveniently located at 3010 Hayden Rd, Columbus, OH 43235, USA. This address places the firm in a professional and accessible area of Columbus, making it a practical choice for individuals in the Columbus metropolitan area and surrounding regions. The firm has a strong commitment to physical accessibility, ensuring that its facilities are welcoming to all clients. The office building features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, a dedicated wheelchair-accessible parking lot, and a wheelchair-accessible restroom. These accommodations are vital for ensuring that every client, regardless of mobility, can attend their appointments comfortably and with confidence. The firm's location provides a private and professional setting for clients to discuss their sensitive legal matters, reinforcing a sense of security and confidentiality. The emphasis on appointments, as indicated by the firm’s operational model, further ensures that each visit is focused and productive, providing a structured approach to legal counsel.

Douglas B. Dougherty & Associates is a highly specialized family law practice. Attorney Douglas B. Dougherty has limited his practice to cases involving divorce, dissolution, and other family law matters, allowing him to gain significant expertise in these complex legal areas. The services offered include, but are not limited to:

Divorce and Dissolution: Providing legal counsel and representation for clients navigating the process of divorce, including both contested and uncontested cases. Attorney Dougherty's philosophy is to work hard to settle cases without a trial, succeeding in over 95% of his cases, which can save clients significant time, money, and emotional stress.
Child Custody and Support: Assisting clients in creating equitable child custody plans and securing the financial support needed for their children. He also represents clients in matters of child support and spousal support.
Spousal Support: Helping clients with the establishment and negotiation of spousal support, or alimony, ensuring a fair financial outcome after a marital separation.
Mediation Services: In addition to his role as an attorney, Douglas B. Dougherty works as a mediator for family law matters. In this capacity, he helps both parties reach a quick and fair agreement, which can be an effective way to avoid unnecessary litigation.
Legal Representation in Court: For cases that cannot be settled, Attorney Dougherty is prepared to provide strong advocacy in trials and hearings, drawing on his experience of having won cases in the Supreme Court of Ohio and numerous appellate courts.

This specialized focus on family law ensures that clients are working with an attorney who is a true expert in the field, with a deep understanding of the intricacies of Ohio's family relations law.

Douglas B. Dougherty & Associates is distinguished by several key features and highlights that make it a premier choice for family law in Ohio. These elements reflect a practice that is not only highly skilled but also deeply committed to its clients. Here are some of the key highlights of the firm:

Certified Specialist in Family Relations Law: Attorney Douglas B. Dougherty has held this certification since 2000, making him one of the few attorneys in the state to have earned this prestigious designation. This provides clients with a high level of assurance in his legal knowledge and expertise.
Commitment to Settlement: With a philosophy of resolving cases without a trial, Attorney Dougherty has a remarkable settlement success rate of over 95%. This demonstrates his dedication to finding efficient and cost-effective solutions for clients, while still being prepared to go to court when necessary.
Highly Respected by Peers: He has repeatedly received the highest possible ranking for his knowledge of the law and legal ethics in private peer review surveys. He has also been recognized as one of "Ohio's Top Lawyers" by Columbus CEO magazine and a "Super Lawyer" by Ohio Super Lawyers magazine.
Accessibility and Respect: Attorney Dougherty's personal philosophy notes his commitment to treating everyone, including clients and opposing parties, with "respect and courtesy." This compassionate approach is invaluable during the emotional stress of family law cases. The firm also provides a wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking, and restroom.
Appointments Recommended: The firm operates on an appointment-based system, which ensures that each client receives dedicated and focused attention without the rush or distraction of walk-in consultations. This practice allows for a thorough and productive discussion of the client's case.

These features, coupled with a track record of success, demonstrate a firm that is both legally proficient and deeply dedicated to client well-being.

For those in Ohio who need to address a family law matter, the first step is to contact Douglas B. Dougherty & Associates. The office is located at 3010 Hayden Rd, Columbus, OH 43235, USA. To make an inquiry or to schedule a consultation, you can call them at (614) 798-1933. A mobile phone number, +1 614-798-1933, is also available for your convenience. Reaching out by phone is the most direct way to speak with the office, discuss the nature of your legal issue, and schedule a time for a confidential meeting. The firm also offers a free article, "The first 10 things you must consider when planning for divorce or dissolution," which can be a helpful resource for anyone at the beginning of this process. Taking the initiative to contact a legal professional is a crucial step toward gaining clarity and control during a difficult time.

Choosing the right family law attorney is a decision that can significantly impact your future and the future of your family. Douglas B. Dougherty & Associates is a compelling choice for Ohio residents for several key reasons. Attorney Dougherty’s status as a Certified Specialist in Family Relations Law sets him apart from the vast majority of legal professionals and provides a high level of confidence in his expertise. His extensive experience, with over 35 years in practice, and a successful track record in both settlement and litigation, demonstrate his ability to handle a wide range of family law cases effectively. His personal philosophy of treating everyone with respect and his commitment to finding solutions through settlement rather than prolonged, costly litigation are invaluable qualities. For anyone in Columbus and the surrounding areas facing divorce, child custody, or other family-related legal issues, Douglas B. Dougherty & Associates offers a powerful combination of deep legal knowledge, a compassionate approach, and a proven ability to achieve positive results. His dedication to settling cases quickly and fairly, while also being a strong advocate in court when needed, makes him a trusted partner in navigating one of life’s most difficult transitions.