Katherine E Donovan | Fresno Divorce & Family Lawyer | Califronia

In the last several years I have been extremely involved in child custody disputes. My expertise and ability to mediate, in addition to obtaining the assistance of appropriate mental health professionals, has resulted in the amicable settlement of issues which otherwise would have been taken to trial leading to incredible cost to clients - both emotional and financial. Additionally, with respect to financial issues I have a great ability to cut through the chase and get to the bottom line. I am confident in reviewing various financial records and uncovering discrepancies therein.

I have been a solo practitioner since 1994. Prior to that time, I worked in a law firm and had the good fortune to have as my mentor one of, if not, the best family law practitioner in the Fresno area. I am responsive to my clients' needs, I am extremely hardworking and efficient. Most of my practice has been built by word of mouth referrals which include many attorney referrals, prior client referrals, referrals from financial and mental health professionals and referrals from the ex-partner(s) of my clients who were on the other side of a matter.

I believe local knowledge is important in terms of understanding the rules of a particular court, the demeanor of members of both the bench and bar.

I am very uncomfortable providing very much information in a telephone consultation. My preference is to have an in office consultation both so that the potential client can see my face and I can see theirs. Additionally, often times it is best to have documentation provided so that they same can be discussed.

I believe that what differentiates me from other professionals in the area are the following: a. I am a certified family law specialist and have been since 1994 b. I am a founding member of Central Valley Collaborative Law Affiliates and am very active in that group c. I have taught various family law seminars over the years d. I have numerous hours of mediation training e. My educational background includes a B.A. in Rhetoric and Communication and a M.A. in Communication Theory. This background includes numerous classes in psychology and business both of which are incredible useful to the practice of family law f. I have tried many cases in various areas of the family law arena including child custody cases, parental termination cases, support cases, characterization issues between separate property and community property; tracing of separate property into community property, etc. g. I have been court appointed to represent minor children in high conflict cases h. I have been a court appointed mediator for active family law cases

The most rewarding part of my practice is knowing that the way that I approach a case and the advice I give a client makes a difference in my clients' lives - not only as to the ultimate disposition of the case but in their futures and the futures of the children

I am married and my husband and I enjoy traveling very much. I am the mother of two (2) children who are now adults. Our son is attending Fresno City College and our daughter just started her first year of law school in Seattle. I enjoy watching them grow and assisting them, as they request, with the studies. I am a voracious reader and am a member of a wonderful book club. I have ag great group of friends and extended family and enjoy spending time with them.

I am involved in my community and my interests and involvement shift over time. When my children were young as was the president of the parent-teacher organization for four years and on the board for all of the years my children were in elementary school. I have been the treasurer on various groups including the CVCLA (Collaborative Group in Fressno), my son's traveling soccer teams, etc. I previously was the vice president and then president of Fresno County Family Law Section of the Bar. I previously volunteered to sit pro tem for the Family Law Departments.

• Member, California Bar Association

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