Katherine E Donovan | Fresno Divorce & Family Lawyer | Califronia

Main Office

907 Santa Fe Ave
Suite 102
Fresno, CA 93721

Other Locations

Serving all of Fresno, California and the surrounding area.

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About Katherine

Katherine has been an attorney specializing in Family Law for 20+ years, receiving her certification as a specialist in 1994. She is a founding member of CVCLA and has been active in the legal community since 1989. Focusing on her collaborative process Katherine’s philosophy is to assist families with the restructuring of their lives in a manner that allows them to maintain not only their own dignity and respect, but their respect for the other party as well.

With a B.A. in Communication and a M.A. in Rhetoric and Communication Katherine offers a unique ability in helping the participants in navigating their way through the dissolution process. Katherine takes great pride in being part of a process that allows people to determine for themselves how they choose to restructure their families by maximizing the financial and emotional resources available to them.

Experience

Attorney

Katherine E Donovan Law Office

Present

Fresno, California

Admission

Verified California

1989

Education

Wichita State University

B.A.

N/A

Recognitions & Achievements

Associations
  • Member, California Bar Association

Questions & Answers

Please describe a case in the last year or two where you made a big difference.

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.

How did you build a successful practice?

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.

How important is local knowledge to the success of your cases?

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.

What information can you provide in a free phone consultation?

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.

What differentiates you from other lawyers in your community?

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

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

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

What are your other interests in addition to law?

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.

Are you involved in your community?

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.

Law Offices of Katherine E. Donovan Highlights

Divorce & Family Law

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