I hired Ms Dougherty to help me retain joint custody of my daughter. She was late to meetings, missed (and would not listen to) critical information, and over billed me. I lost custody specifically due to her lack of preparation. Her final bill was high so I asked her to itemize her charges, she d...id not. There is more. Beware of working with this person.

I hired this attorney to handle my separation, divorce, custody, etc. She was so mean. I did not need someone to babysit me but since divorce & custody are such difficult things to go through, a person DOES need his/her attorney that he/she is paying a lot of money for to explain things thoroughly. I... had called Shawn for advice (isn't that what a lawyer is for?) and she would yell at me telling me that I am wasting her time. She constantly told me that my asking questions was a waste of her time. The last thing that happened was she doubled booked mediation with me and another one of her clients. She didn't tell me until we were there for the mediation appointment. She continued to leave my mediation at majorly critical times in my appointment and then yell at me about me saying the wrong things and agreeing to things that I should not have. Not only that, but while the mediator was not speaking to us she had a personal conversation with the opposing attorney laughing & yakking it up...on MY dime (full amount even though she wasn't even there half the time & every time I needed her she was not there)! After that last experience, I went home & drafted my letter to fire her & faxed it right away. I have never interacted with someone so mean, nasty, rude, belittling, etc. If you are paying so much money for the attorney service, then why should you have to have severely thick skin because you constantly are getting yelled at & belittled, figure out for yourself anything that is happening or going to happen with your court case & not ask any questions & be totally accepting with whatever she decides she wants your outcome to be? For most people & myself that don't need hand-holding but DO need some type of guidance & someone to answer questions that may arise, then she is NOT the lawyer for them or me!

Shawn is truly one of the most honest and educated lawyers I have ever come in contact with. She handled a very complex and high tension case with confidence ensuring the law was properly enforced. I am honored to be her client she never gave up. Shawn guaranteed my child's safety and defended my f...amily's the best interest. I recommend Shawn Dougherty to anyone who is seeking a honest upfront lawyer that you can depend on. I can't thank her enough!

As a domestic violence victim, I found my interactions to be retraumatizing. She doesn't allow you to ask questions, make statements, or feel your concerns about safety are valid. She's abrupt, condescending, and rude. She doesn't give advice to get you a safe, workable custody order. She works from ...the status quo not the needs of the client. In Delaware, there's no professional standards board that's apart from the legal community, so basically a bad lawyer can bully without impartial oversight. It's all about money.

I guess a long time ago she used to be very smart maybe even polite. does NOT listen to the paying client. Makes rushed judgements about you personally and personally attacks you as well!!! speaks down to you like a dog. You will leave her feeling like an idiot and crying curled up in corner. Divo...rce/custody are tough for everyone, she states clearly that she will not "hold your hand and will be tough on you at times" she does not mention if you try to explain yourself or disagree with her, she will stomp on your hand and threaten to leave. ABSOLUTLEY NO PATIENCE or COMMUNICATION client left to wonder where money is going?? Mood swings that you and your children will suffer. Could care less about you as a person or welfare of the children. Leaves all decision to outsourced third parties. Hormonal Lawyer Bully