I met with Kathryn when it became clear that I needed legal advice about impending divorce. My ex and I had been separated for a year at this time and I had brought a separation agreement I had drafted the year prior to help expedite the process. She reviewed it briefly at our initial meeting, but shared that since she was charging for our initial meeting she would use that deposit to review all that we went over and advise me of next steps because as far as she could tell it was going to be an effortless self file divorce case. Then COVID19 hit. Over the course of 2020 we met on zoom and were in constant contact via email, which she answered promptly and in the most helpful way. During 2020 I also had to deal with Social Services to obtain child support and I wasn't 100% sure how to navigate that process and she kindly spoke with the State's Attorney and my ex's attorney regarding all matters. What was supposed to be a couple month long process turned into 2-3 years and looking back her behavior during that time was the most supportive thing I could have envisioned, while yes she is my paid lawyer, she could've been wasting my time, wasting my money, been cruel and unkind, but she was not, not even once. Luckily in June 2021 I was granted absolute divorce and at the hearing she arrived early, I however was a little late, but she was so gracious, she didn't even mention my tardiness. She made sure all that was in the separation agreement was honored without fail. She made sure that the process from our very first meeting to our final meeting was uncomplicated, cost efficient, and civil. 10/10 I would recommend her and I have since I've worked with her.
Family law mediation, real estate disputes, neighborhood disputes, will disputes, contract disputes.
30 years, 750 cases
Ms. McHugh is a sole practitioner in Frederick and Washington Counties, Maryland, concentrating her practice in matrimonial law and mediation. Ms. McHugh is a court appointed mediator for Frederick and Washington Counties, Maryland and was the “in-house” mediator for the Frederick County Circuit Court from September of 2008 until September of 2012. Ms. McHugh has also been certified as a mediator by the Maryland Council for Dispute Resolution. Ms. McHugh also practiced in Doylestown, Pennsylvania from 1993-2003, where she also was a family lawyer and served as a court appointed mediator in Bucks and Montgomery Counties, Pennsylvania. Ms. McHugh while living in Southern Maine was also a court appointed mediator in Portalnd, Maine. Ms. McHugh also offers mediation services for guardianship or conservatorship and working with elders/seniors.
Ms. McHugh offers virtual and in-person consultations.
Ms. McHugh received her B.A. (1980) in psychology and her M.A. (1981) in counseling psychology from the University of Connecticut and her J.D. (1992) from Temple University Law School. Ms. McHugh worked as a psychotherapist for ten years prior to beginning law school in a variety of treatment centers and treatment modalities. This background, along with her years of experience as an attorney, gives her a unique understanding and approach to the divorce process and mediation.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Very Pleasant, Considerate, and Warmhearted
I met with Kathryn when it became clear that I needed legal advice about impending divorce. My ex and I had been separated for a year at this time and I had brought a separation agreement I had drafted the year prior to help expedite the process. She reviewed it briefly at our initial meeting, but shared that since she was charging for our initial meeting she would use that deposit to review all that we went over and advise me of next steps because as far as she could tell it was going to be an effortless self file divorce case. Then COVID19 hit. Over the course of 2020 we met on zoom and were in constant contact via email, which she answered promptly and in the most helpful way. During 2020 I also had to deal with Social Services to obtain child support and I wasn't 100% sure how to navigate that process and she kindly spoke with the State's Attorney and my ex's attorney regarding all matters. What was supposed to be a couple month long process turned into 2-3 years and looking back her behavior during that time was the most supportive thing I could have envisioned, while yes she is my paid lawyer, she could've been wasting my time, wasting my money, been cruel and unkind, but she was not, not even once. Luckily in June 2021 I was granted absolute divorce and at the hearing she arrived early, I however was a little late, but she was so gracious, she didn't even mention my tardiness. She made sure all that was in the separation agreement was honored without fail. She made sure that the process from our very first meeting to our final meeting was uncomplicated, cost efficient, and civil. 10/10 I would recommend her and I have since I've worked with her.
Read less
Posted by anonymous | October 25, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Insensitive Fraud
Meeting with this woman is a major waste of time, money, and emotions. She is incredibly insensitive and rude.
Cost
We have not found any cost information for this lawyer
Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.
What determines Avvo Rating?
Experience & background
Years licensed, work experience, education
Legal community recognition
Peer endorsements, associations, awards
Legal thought leadership
Publications, speaking engagements
Discipline
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.
Mediation Attorney | Oct 06
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I've had the pleasure of Kathryn as a mediator on several cases. She has a good handle on the room and is always very prepared. I've achieved successful outcomes for both parties with her as a mediator."
Mediation Attorney | Sep 22
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse Attorney McHugh. Kathryn is diligent, knowledgeable and thoroughly experienced in family law, which enables her to assist parties avoid prolonged litigation."