
Family Law Experts in Sacramento
Our office is devoted to legal representation in divorce, property division, support, custody, and related family law matters. We also represent parents, children, relatives, foster parents and other involved parties in Child Protective Services (CPS) cases (also known as “juvenile dependency”) as well as appeals and writs in such cases.
With over 80 years of combined experience in the family law arena, we are a team of highly skilled, compassionate professionals who take pride in a job well done.
We serve clients throughout all of Northern California and routinely practice in Sacramento, Placer, El Dorado, Yolo and San Joaquin counties.
Our philosophy is to provide excellent legal services with the highest of integrity and ethical standards. We seek to counsel clients in a manner that considers tangible as well as intangible factors such as the effect on the children and other important family relationships, the most effective use of client resources given a client's goals, and the law and facts of the case. Recognizing that the issues involved in family law are often intensely personal, and that both the process and the outcome will produce long-lasting financial and emotional consequences for the family members involved, we strive to work in tandem with the client so that the client is provided with all of the information necessary to make an informed decision about the best course of action for his or her particular life and family.
Owner Frank E. Dougherty, J.D., Ph.D., C.F.L.S., A.B.P.P., has 20 years of experience in law and is a certified family law specialist and nationally recognized forensic psychologist. He is a highly skilled, experienced litigator for financial and custodial issues in family court and a strong advocate for justice, child and parental rights in child abuse cases.
Child Abuse Cases (Juvenile Dependency) (CPS) - Defending innocent parents, representing children, advocating for relative or foster parent placement or adoption
Dissolution of Marriage (Divorce) and Legal Separation
Division of Marital Estates (Community Property) - Disclosure requirements, characterization, award of assets and assignment of debts, use of family residence, temporary orders for payment of community debts before judgment
Child Custody - Joint and sole physical custody, legal custody, parenting plans, move-away cases
Child Support - Calculation, determination of income available for support, cost reimbursements
Spousal Support (Alimony) - Temporary and post-judgment (modification and termination motions), determination of marital standard of living, partner support
Retirement Plan Division - Community property determinations, QDRO planning
Domestic Violence and Restraining Orders - Restraining order applications and defense
Paternity & Maternity Determinations - Uniform Parentage Act (custody and support actions involving unmarried parents)
Domestic Partnerships - LGBT issues, partnership support
Grandparent, Relative and Step-Parent Rights - Visitation petitions
Guardianship - Probate Court proceedings and defense
Writs and Appeals - Involving family law, property, custody decisions and Juvenile Dependency Court decisions
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Disclaimer
Dougherty & Associates is a family law firm based in Sacramento, California. We serve clients throughout all of northern California, and routinely practice in Sacramento, Placer, El Dorado, Yolo and San Joaquin Counties.
The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. Please call the Law Offices of Dougherty & Associates at (916) 877-9353 for legal advice as it relates to your specific case.