Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
4.8 /5.0
116 Client Reviews
PRO
Michael Cleveland Daugherty
also known as Mike Daugherty
Virtual Consultation Available
About Michael
Biography
My mission in every case is simple: to provide high-quality legal representation grounded in honest, practical advice and exceptional client service. I bring a high-energy, solution-oriented approach to each matter, focusing on clarity and strategy—especially in emotionally charged situations where clear guidance matters most.
I take pride in helping my clients fully understand the legal process, the strengths and weaknesses of their case, and the risks involved. This empowers them to make informed, confident decisions at every step.
No matter the case or client, I firmly believe in three core principles:
- Brutal honesty: Clients deserve the truth—even when it's difficult. That includes a candid assessment of legal risks and potential outcomes.
- Responsive communication: Clients should never be left waiting. I prioritize timely, respectful communication and treat every client like a valued partner.
- Litigation as a last resort: Particularly in family law, I stress the importance of exploring alternative solutions before pursuing litigation.
My primary area of practice is family law, including divorce, custody, visitation, child and spousal support, marital agreements (pre- and post-nuptial), protective orders, step-parent adoptions, and other domestic-related matters. I also continue to handle criminal defense cases on a selective basis, ensuring my advocacy skills remain sharp and my clients receive well-rounded representation.
If you're facing a legal challenge and need a clear path forward, I invite you to contact me
Experienced & focused on your legal goals.
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Divorce and Separation
70%
Child Custody
24%
Child Support
3%
Criminal Defense
3%
Fees and Rates
Cost
Retainer
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2025 2024 2023
...
+
4
2014
Licenses
Licensed in Virginia for 14 years
State: Virginia
Acquired: 2011
No misconduct found
Location
Gallery
Michael Cleveland Daugherty's Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 1 - 5 of 20 reviews | General Knowledge
Posted by Sumet Singh | February 24, 2026 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Michael is Great Attorney
Michael Daugherty has helped me with my very difficult divorce and child custody. Michael was the third attorney I hired and I wish I could have retained him from the beginning. He listened to you and provided you the best guidance and advice. He always returned your calls and emails with in a day an...
Posted by anonymous | February 06, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody
The best!!!
I found Mike while getting a second opinion about my case, and it was the best thing that ever could have happened. Mike Dougherty has helped me immensely with a contentious custody case, and I recommend him to the highest degree. His expertise, dedication, and strategic approach made a significant d...
Posted by Christine | August 27, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody
I wish he had been my lawyer all along!
Mike took my pre-existing case when my previous lawyer had a schedule conflict. Right out the gate, Mike made things extremely clear. I have spent two years fearful and worried about my custody case. In just a few days, Mike laid out the VA Code for custody, clearly explaining how things would go a...
Posted by anonymous | May 02, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Exceptional Legal Representation
Changing attorneys and hiring Michael right before trial was set to start, was the best decision. Michael represented me in my divorce trial which also addressed issues of child custody/support and division of assests. He was extremely knowledgeable and always went the extra mile to support me in m...
Posted by Keith | February 21, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody
From consultation to litigation and settlement, Mike is an excellent attorney.
I contacted Michael Daugherty after feeling uncertain about my previous attorney, who suggested that I succumb to the opposing parties’ demand for a change in custody of my three children, when their initial cause for complaint had no basis in law. During the time I retained Mr. Daugherty’s couns...
Michael Cleveland Daugherty's Lawyer Endorsements
"Smart and tenacious advocate for his clients. My go to guy in Prince William County"
"Mike is an excellent attorney for a divorce or child custody matter. Highly recommended."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mike is a great and sharp lawyer. I have had the opportunity to see him at trial and he is always well prepared and very knowledgeable about the law and procedures. I have refer clients to him in the past and they have always been satisfied with his services. I definitely recommend Mike as a lawyer."
"Michael is an excellent attorney. He is an articulate speaker and a masterful advocate for his clients. Michael has taught me how to be a better attorney. I recommend The Daugherty Law Firm, and Michael Daugherty specifically, to anyone seeking an attorney in and around Manassas, VA."
"Mike is an excellent lawyer. He makes things look effortless in the courtroom, whether in laying out his client's best case or poking holes in the opposing party's testimony."
"It is with great pleasure that I endorse Mike Daugherty. I had the pleasure of meeting Mike at the National Trial Advocacy College at the University of Virginia School of Law. There, while discussing the many legal situations and issues that were presented to us during that training, it was clear that Mike possessed a great deal of intelligence, talent and tenacity that I did not see from others. I've also had the opportunity to discuss a litany of legal concepts and issues with Mike over the years, novel and/or highly complex. Mike has always approached problems with a great deal of creativity and pragmatism, never losing sight of what is in a client's best interests. In court, his delivery and arguments are clear, concise, and I feel resonate exceptionally well with judges. All in all, a top tier attorney and I highly recommend Mike Daugherty."
"Michael is dedicated to his clients and is an effective litigator who come prepared and ready to represent his clients to the fullest extent."
"Mr. Daugherty's legal advice is always on point. He provides thorough analysis which demonstrates his understanding and expertise in the field. He is an asset to this website and the legal profession."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mike is a great attorney for both criminal and divorce cases. High recommended."
"I have not had a case with Mr. Daugherty, but in my interactions with him he has demonstrated strong knowledge of Virginia domestic relations law."
"Mr. Daugherty is a bright, articulate advocate who I endorse thoroughly."
"Michael is an excellent trial attorney and maintains excellent communication with his clients. His quick thinking in the court room leads to victories in even the closest of cases. He is also constantly praised and thanked by his clients for his open communication and availability. I would recommend Michael's services to anyone looking for an attorney in a family matter."
Peter Jones
Workers compensation lawyer
Paul Morrison
Divorce and separation lawyer
Tenecia Reid
Family lawyer
Hope Rosen
Family lawyer
Dagoberto Rodriguez
Criminal defense lawyer
Darley Richard
Family lawyer
Nicholas Solan
Family lawyer
Katherine Daugherty
Family lawyer
Donald Daugherty
Family lawyer
Michael Robinson
DUI and DWI lawyer
Jeremy Letnick
Criminal defense lawyer
Benjamin Carafiol
Family lawyer
T. Kevin Wilson
Criminal defense lawyer
David Daugherty
Criminal defense lawyer
Adam Jurach
Criminal defense lawyer
William Ashwell
General practice lawyer
Kimberly Luckey
Divorce and separation lawyer
Experience
Honors
2026
Best Lawyer, Best Lawyers
2026
AV Preeminent, Martindale-Hubbell®
2025
AV Preeminent, Martindale-Hubbell®
2025
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2024
Client Champion Platinum, Martindale-Hubbell®
2024
AV Preeminent, Martindale-Hubbell®
2024
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2023
Platinum Client Award, Martindale-Hubbell®
2023
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2022
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2020
Client Champion Gold 2020, Martindale-Hubbell®
2017
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2015
Preeminent 5.0 out of 5, Martindale-Hubbell
2014
Clients' Choice, Avvo
2014
Top Contributor, Avvo
Work Experience
2023 - Present
Senior Litigator, Daugherty Luckey, PLLC
2011 - 2023
Attorney, The Daugherty Law Firm, P.C.
2010 - 2010
General Counsel Intern, PBS Distribution
Associations
2017 - Present
National Trial Lawyers AssociationMember
2011 - Present
Prince William County Bar AssociationMember
2011 - Present
Virginia State BarMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Supervised Visitation Granted
Supervised Visitation Granted
Relocation of Father with Child - Granted
Father maintained custody and was able to move to Florida.
DUI Dismissed
Motion to Strike Granted – Case dismissed
Not Guilty - Brandishing Firearm
NOT GUILTY. DISCLAIMER: Case results depend upon a variety of factors unique to each case. Past case results do not guarantee or predict a similar result in any future case.
Children Enjoined from Relocating with Mother
Children STAY in Virginia with Father until further order of Court. DISCLAIMER: Case results depend upon a variety of factors unique to each case. Past case results do not guarantee or predict a similar result in any future case.
Child Protective Services (CPS) Case
Protective order DENIED - DISCLAIMER: Case results depend upon a variety of factors unique to each case. Past case results do not guarantee or predict a similar result in any future case.
Hague Convention / International Child Abduction
Order returning child to Panama and all costs to be paid by Father. DISCLAIMER: Case results depend upon a variety of factors unique to each case. Past case results do not guarantee or predict a similar result in any future case.
Education
2025
Georgetown University Law Center
LL.M - Master of Laws
2012
University of Virginia
Trial Advocacy College
2010
Florida Coastal School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2008
Hampden-Sydney College
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Top Contributor
Michael earned significant contribution points in 2014.
Legal Answers
Q&A
Can a homeless, unemployed parent be granted custody of minor children in the state of Virginia?
26 Jun 2014
Q&A
CAN IGNORE LAWYER PHONE CALL, IF I ALREADY TOLD I AM NOT GOING TO THE COURT. UNLESS THEY WILL SEND SUBPOENA?
17 Jun 2014
Q&A
Can I get custody over my siblings?
14 Jun 2014
Legal Guides
Legal Guide
Family Law Legislative Updates from 2014 Virginia General Assembly
24 Apr 2014
Legal Guide
Frequently Asked Questions: Custody & Visitation
13 Apr 2014