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- Dorothy Fait
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State Years Dist. of Columbia - DC 46 years Maryland - MD 49 years -
Licensed for 46 yearsState DCAcquired 1977StatusGood Standing No misconduct found
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Licensed for 49 yearsState MDAcquired 1973StatusActive No misconduct found
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
I was in good hands. I have no doubt you'll be in good hands too.
I had met several family law attorneys in the past through the Montgomery County Bar Association, and 2 years later when my (ex-)husband and I decided to get divorced, she was top of mind. Before contacting her, I did still do my due diligence, researching her credentials and online reviews, including on avvo.com – an online directory of attorneys.
Dorothy had a 10/10 Avvo rating, which is based not only on client reviews, but also on recognition from the legal community, years of experience, and leadership activities. It’s not easy to get a 10/10 rating, so off I went to request a complimentary consultation from Dorothy.
After meeting and hiring Dorothy, the divorce proceeded smoothly. Dorothy did everything, from drafting the settlement agreement, making any necessary revisions, drafting and filing the “complaint” with the court, setting the court date, and then representing me at the hearing. She was always responsive, professional, and clearly an expert, and throughout the entire process. I had no doubt that I was in good hands, and I have no doubt that you will be too. I highly recommend Dorothy Fait for any of your family law needs.
... Read more
Irene
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired Attorney
Knowledgeable and professional lawyer
Dorothy R Fait was my lawyer in an extremely difficult divorce involving child custody. She advised me throughout the process without any issues; very responsive and responsible professional. All my questions and urgent requests were answered immediately, she never made me wait - which is a very important factor in high conflict cases. She paid a lot of attention to details and brought out important facts in the argument, without getting into petty exchanges.
She protected mine and my children's interest, and thanks to her I have an exceptionally detailed settlement agreement and a court order that covers all aspects of our life to prevent any possible issues.
Aside from that, she is a great person - she is courteous in the courtroom, firm with the opposing party, empathic and understanding.
... Read more
Dinara
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired Attorney
About Dorothy
Learn Dorothy’s areas of practice.
5
Practice areas
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Divorce and separation40%Fait & DiLima, LLP offers skilled legal advice and advocacy for clients in Montgomery and Frederick County and surrounding areas. Contact our Rockville divorce attorneys to discuss your planning or divorce needs.... Read more
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Child custody20%Whenever a divorce occurs and there are children involved, the matter of with whom the children will live is often an area of contention and great emotion. we have been helping families deal with custody and visitation for more than 20 years.... Read more
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Family20%Our family law firm has distinguished itself from others in the region by the experience and accomplishments of our attorneys. We have over 50 years of combined experience and help navigate our Maryland clients through their family law disputes.... Read more
38 years, 500 cases
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Child support10%Courts in Maryland do not use a set of factors to determine child support, as they do with alimony. Instead, courts will use a set formula to determine which parent is eligible to receive child support and how much he or she is entitled to.... Read more
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Mediation10%In some cases, couples may be able to work together without separate legal counsel to resolve important divorce-related matters. When this is possible, mediation can be the most effective way to finalize a divorce quickly and at a fair cost.... Read more
Dorothy R. Fait is a Montgomery and Frederick family law attorneyand the founding partner of Fait & DiLima, LLP. She was admitted to the Maryland Bar in 1973, the U.S. Supreme Court in 1977, and the U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit in 1979. She received her J.D. from the University of Maryland in 1973.
Dorothy is a member of the Montgomery County, Frederick County, and Maryland State Bar Associations and has served on and chaired a number of committees for each. She is a Past Chair of the Maryland State Bar Association’s Family Law Section. She is also a member of the American Bar Association, the District of Columbia Bar Association, and the Women’s Bar Associations of Maryland and Montgomery County.
During her career, Dorothy has served as President of the Montgomery County Commission for Women and was a member of the Governor’s Task Force on Family Law. She is a Bencher and Past President of the Montgomery County Inns of Court where she currently serves as the Program Co-Chair. Dorothy was a Commissioner on the Maryland State Ethics Commission, from 2000 to 2005, and served as its Chair. She was also Chair of the Montgomery County Spouse Abuse Task Force for years prior to the establishment of the Family Justice Center, and is currently the Treasurer of the Montgomery County Family Justice Center Foundation. She is also a member of the Montgomery County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council.
Dorothy’s commitment to her community garnered her the Woman of Valor Award from the Greater Washington Jewish Coalition Against Domestic Abuse in 2003, and she was named as one of Maryland’s 100 Top Women by The Daily Record in 2004 and again in 2007, and was inducted into the Circle of Excellence by the Daily Record in 2011. Dorothy has been named one of the area’s Super Lawyers in Maryland and D.C. from 2006 through 2016. She was awarded the prestigious Leadership in Law Award from the Daily Record in 2013. In 2015, she received the Founder’s Award from the Family Justice Center of Montgomery County and was named a Top Lawyer in Family Law by Washingtonian Magazine.
Contact Dorothy
Similar lawyers nearby
Fait & DiLima, LLP
One Church Street, Suite 800
Rockville, MD, 20850-4158
Fait & DiLima, LLP
233 West Patrick Street
Frederick, MD, 21701
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Reviews
5.0
/ 5.0
20 customer reviews
Posted by Irene
| May 26, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
I was in good hands. I have no doubt you'll be in good hands too.
I had met several family law attorneys in the past through the Montgomery County Bar Association, and 2 years later when my (ex-)husband and I decided to get divorced, she was top of mind. Before contacting her, I did still do my due diligence, researching her credentials and online reviews, including on avvo.com – an online directory of attorneys.
Dorothy had a 10/10 Avvo rating, which is based not only on client reviews, but also on recognition from the legal community, years of experience, and leadership activities. It’s not easy to get a 10/10 rating, so off I went to request a complimentary consultation from Dorothy.
After meeting and hiring Dorothy, the divorce proceeded smoothly. Dorothy did everything, from drafting the settlement agreement, making any necessary revisions, drafting and filing the “complaint” with the court, setting the court date, and then representing me at the hearing. She was always responsive, professional, and clearly an expert, and throughout the entire process. I had no doubt that I was in good hands, and I have no doubt that you will be too. I highly recommend Dorothy Fait for any of your family law needs.
Read less
Posted by Dinara
| February 19, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Knowledgeable and professional lawyer
Dorothy R Fait was my lawyer in an extremely difficult divorce involving child custody. She advised me throughout the process without any issues; very responsive and responsible professional. All my questions and urgent requests were answered immediately, she never made me wait - which is a very important factor in high conflict cases. She paid a lot of attention to details and brought out important facts in the argument, without getting into petty exchanges.
She protected mine and my children's interest, and thanks to her I have an exceptionally detailed settlement agreement and a court order that covers all aspects of our life to prevent any possible issues.
Aside from that, she is a great person - she is courteous in the courtroom, firm with the opposing party, empathic and understanding.
Read less
Posted by Seth
| September 5, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
LOOK NO FURTHER!
I retained Dorothy R Fait for a very contentious divorce and child custody battle after beginning the process with a different attorney. Dorothy and her team always made me feel like their most important client from the thorough initial meeting all the way through the divorce settlement and beyond that to ensure the divorce decree was carried out correctly. Dorothy and her team showed their mastery of the law and the best way to navigate through several difficult issues with opposing counsel. Dorothy consistently showed her expertise in and out of the courtroom. Regardless of the forum, Dorothy is unfazed, focused and handled the defense flawlessly with a favorable outcome on every front. Throughout the proceeding months from custody trial to the divorce settlement, Dorothy and her team held firm to a successful strategy against an extremely uncooperative and bitter opposing counsel that made everything as difficult as possible in every way. Dorothy and her team always display professionalism that you can proud of and have the peace of mind that the best team is representing you.
Hire Dorothy, it will be the best decision you'll make.
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Posted by Christina Sykes
| April 2, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Ensure your Fate with Fait
I have retained Dorothy R Fait for a difficult divorce and child custody case. She is truly a pro - well respected by her peers and in the law community. (In fact, she even authored a book on divorce in Maryland)! She is super knowledgeable about the laws, issues and pitfalls associated with divorce and child custody issues. The court room is her domain. She is unflappable, unflustered and determined in her approach to achieving her client's desired outcome. Her strategy and associated arguments are a thing of beauty. If you want to place your case in highly capable hands, ensure your fate with Fait!
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Posted by anonymous
| February 16, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Knowledgeable and thoughtful
Dorothy prepared a postnuptial agreement for me. She asked me questions and provided me information about financial aspects I had not even considered. I was able to reach a far more favorable agreement than I thought I would receive.
Posted by Lori
| April 19, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
IN Good Hands!!!
Where to begin. Dorothy was fantastic with my very complicated divorce and the problems that come after. Her knowledge and expertise helped me in so many aspects especially when it came to the safety and well being of my 3 children. She came through on every aspect of my divorce from child support, alimony, custody, and visitation. Hands down was worthy every $$ spent.
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Posted by anonymous
| February 13, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Worth every penny and then some!!!!
Nothing about divorce is easy. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. Dorothy knows her stuff. She takes the complicated issues and simplifies them. I would not have been able to get through this difficult time without her help and landing on my feet. I am able to get my life back on track now. And not just divorce, I had landlord issues as well. I reached out to her hoping maybe she knew someone who could help. She handle the whole mess quickly and with the best outcome for me. I love her! I highly recommend her to anyone who needs a lawyer, she is the best and worth every penny.
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Posted by Angela
| October 25, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Top Notch
Dorothy is sharp, on top of her game and genuinely engaged in what is best for her clients. I felt taken care of and I knew Dorothy had my best interests at heart. She is smart and her smarts are what resulted in the best outcome for me. I highly recommend her. I can't say enough good things about her.
Posted by anonymous
| October 20, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Extremely knowledgeable, reassuring and efficient!
Ms. Fait helped me win my child custody case. She always communicates thoroughly and answers any questions you have in a timely manner. Her calm, yet assertive demeanor really helped me stay grounded through the process. Her expertise in family law is truly amazing!
Posted by Josef
| October 2, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
No drama - just excellent results
Dorothy did a fantastic job as my divorce lawyer. She was calm, competent and focused on the key parts of the case. I would not have come out of the divorce as I did: we won all pleadings in the case and – more importantly – I was able to make it through probably the most stressful time of my life (with my sanity intact).
I came to her after having worked with a couple of other lawyers, having interviewed some others, and having met even more as my ex-wife’s attorneys. Dorothy stood out above all of them. She was able to take out all the drama that my ex tried to bring into the case; she was able to meet the aggressive approach of the other attorney with calmness and a solid focus on facts.
If you’re looking for an attorney who amplifies your own emotions and you want to turn your case into a melodrama, you need to look elsewhere. If you are looking for a solid rock who gets you through a difficult time in life, Dorothy is an excellent choice.
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Posted by Stacey
| July 17, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent, knowledgeable and proficient
Dorothy Fait made a very complicated situation simple and straightforward. She succeeded where two other divorce lawyer failed. I highly recommend her!
Posted by Beth
| March 15, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great results!
Dorothy Fait expertly handled my divorce and was very insightful. She is a good listener was able to give me a different perspective that was far more positive than I could imagine. With her expertise, my ex got less than 30% of what he could have in the negotiations. Her calm and caring attitude were most appreciated in this stressful time.
Her new book, Divorce in Maryland, co-authored with Marjorie DiLima is a must read guide to anyone who is considering divorce. It explains the divorce process step-by-step with just about any question anyone could have being answered. The book discusses the attorney –client relationship, custody issues, abusive spouses, marital finances, benefits and retirement and even how to deal with the stress of divorce. This common sense and easy to understand book was helpful in answering my questions and gave me a comprehensive rundown of what to expect from mediation and if needed, going to court. Clergy, financial advisors and therapists would be wise to read Divorce in Maryland as they serve people who may be considering divorce.
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Posted by Liz
| September 30, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Outstanding
Dorothy Fait handled my divorce and I have since referred her to others. Dorothy was outstanding. Direct, honest, no BS. She kept me calm and headed in the right direction. I highly recommend her.
Posted by anonymous
| August 3, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Wonderful
Ms. Fait made a very difficult situation as easy as possible. She was respectful of my time, my money, and my wishes throughout the process, even if she disagreed with my choice. She was thorough in her explanations and thought process, leaving no detail unattended. I hope I will never need to use her in the future (hope to never get divorced again), but I totally was pleased with using her for this time. She did exactly what was needed in a very prompt and professional fashion, and was even quite warm and friendly through the difficult process. I cannot recommend her highly enough.
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Posted by anonymous
| December 14, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Instills confidence
Working with Dorothy Fait was the best decision I made. Her knowledge, professionalism and complete command of the issues, process and potential challenges are what got me my desired result.
Posted by Susan
| November 21, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Calm Cool and Effective
Dorothy Fait was my attorney for a complicated divorce. She was prepared, timely and always had an effective strategy when we were at an impasse. Dorothy used her experience of the divorce process and her negotiation skills to help me focus on getting to an agreement based on my goals. I refer her often.
Posted by Barry
| October 9, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Mrs. Fait is a Miracle
To use the word awesome is pure understatement. I cannot thank her enough for the work she did for me. Her wise guidance, intellect, common sense and excellent knowledge of our judicial system allowed me the opportunity to finally gain justice in a bad situation that was ongoing for a period of 9 years. I have time and again suggested her name to others who are about to go down the rough path of divorce. It is not an easy process, but her quiet reserve, honesty and shrewd evaluations of situations served both me and the situation well. For that I will always be eternally grateful along with my kids who also benefited by her involvement. Her rating of 5 stars is still too low as she is the special case that deserves 6 in the 5 star system. She is a cut above all the all the others. I will say it in a public forum "Thank you".
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Posted by Susan
| October 2, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Dorothy Fait
Dorothy was an extremely wise choice. My particular
divorce and settlement was complicated and difficult. I am so thankful that I had her right by my side to guide , suggest and help .
She has so much knowledge mixed with true empathy, it was exactly what I needed in my turmoil.
I am thankful and grateful that she was the attorney walking through the fire with me. All turned out well !
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Posted by Masha
| September 25, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
The attorney who saved my case...and life
I am lucky to have found Dorothy through a friend. She helped tremendously in my divorce case which was not working in my favor due to its mismanagement by another attorney. In a very short time that was left before the final hearing, Dorothy got to the core of lingering issues with kids schedule and property division. She used her superb negotiation skills to resolve kids visitation issues and helped me get favorable conditions in retaining the family home in my possession. I recommended Dorothy to a couple of friends and would not hesitate doing the same for anyone who need to find a highly skilled attorney for their case.
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Posted by Janet
| January 8, 2015
Superb attorney - this is the one you want!!
I am an attorney myself, but don't practice family law. I am a domestic abuse survivor, currently litigating custody issues and my divorce with my abusive ex. Ms. Fait came recommended to me by an organization that advocates for children's rights. Ms. Fait has also received an award from the Jewish Coalition Against Domestic Abuse (JCADA) for her work representing domestic abuse victims. She is Martindale-Hubell AV rated (the best possible) and has repeatedly been listed in Washingtonian Magazine as a "top attorney". All of these accolades are well deserved. When I mentioned Dorothy Fait's name to a law school professor of mine, they said, "She's the one you want." She is kind of a local institution. There's a good reason for this. Ms. Fait is extremely well prepared, very thorough, responsive to frantic clients (I've called and emailed her frantically more than once...), knows the law, knows how to win in court, is very efficient in her work, and is all-around top notch. She will not give you "warm fuzzies" but honestly that's not, in my opinion, what a good lawyer does. A good lawyer wins their cases and that takes toughness, tenaciousness, and highly refined legal skills. You cannot find a better lawyer than Ms. Fait. I went through almost 15 other lawyers before I found her. There are many other attorneys in the area, but none are as qualified as she is to handle custody dispute litigation, especially ones involving domestic abuse, in my opinion. Her rates are fair given her extensive level of experience and what other attorneys in the area charge. In sum, she's the one you want. I cannot recommend her highly enough.
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Contact for DetailsResume
AVVO RATING
10.0
(Superb)
Avvo Rating
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Years licensed, work experience, education
Legal community recognition
Peer endorsements, associations, awards
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Publications, speaking engagements
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Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating levels
- 10.0 - 9.0 Superb
- 8.9 - 8.0 Excellent
- 7.9 - 7.0 Very Good
- 6.9 - 6.0 Good
- 5.9 - 5.0 Average
- 4.9 - 4.0 Concern
- 3.9 - 3.0 Caution
- 2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution
- 1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution
Work Experience
- Partner
- Fait & DiLima, LLP.
- 1990 - Present
Education
- University of Maryland School of Law
- JD - Juris Doctor
- 1973
- George Washington University
- 1970
Associations
- Montgomery County Inn of Court
- Chair
- 2014 - Present
- Montgomery County Family Justice Center
- Treasurer
- 2011 - Present
- Maryland State Bar Association, Family and Juvenile Law Section Council
- Chair
- 2012 - 2013
- Montgomery County Inn of Court
- President
- 2000 - 2001
- Maryland State Ethics Commission
- Commissioner
- 2000 - 2005
Languages Spoken
- English
Honors and Awards
- AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated
- Martindale-Hubbell®
- 2018
- Super Lawyer
- Super Lawyers
- 2018
- Super Lawyer
- Super Lawyers
- 2017
- Super Lawyer
- Super Lawyers
- 2016
- Super Lawyer
- Super Lawyers
- 2015
- Super Lawyer
- Super Lawyers
- 2014
- Top 50 Women Super Lawyers
- Maryland Super Lawyers
- 2013
- Super Lawyer
- Super Lawyers
- 2012
- Super Lawyer
- Super Lawyers
- 2011
- Circle of Excellence Marylands top 100 Women
- Daily Record
- 2011
- Super Lawyer
- Super Lawyers
- 2010
- Super Lawyer
- Super Lawyers
- 2009
- Top 50 Women Super Lawyers
- Washington DC Super Lawyers
- 2008
- Super Lawyer
- Super Lawyers
- 2008
- Maryland Super Lawyer
- Law & Politics Magazine
- 2007
- Maryland's 100 Top Women
- The Daily Record
- 2007
- Maryland Super Lawyer
- Law & Politics Magazine
- 2006
- Maryland 100 Women
- Daily Record
- 2004
- Woman of Valor Award
- Greater Washington Jewish Coalition Against Domestic Abuse
- 2003
Attorney endorsements
Received
(3)
Given
(2)
Child custody Attorney | Sep 28
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I highly endorse this lawyer. Attorney Fait is extremely knowledgeable in all aspects of family law including custody, divorce and support matters. She is always prepared for her cases, and tenacious in her representation of her clients. She is also professional in her demeanor and very personable. I recommend her services for any aspect of family law."
Family Attorney | Feb 04
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Ms. Fait is knowledgeable, experienced, meticulous, and a pleasure to work with."
Child custody
Family
Avvo Contributions
This attorney hasn't created any legal answers in Q&A or legal guides recently on Avvo.