Donna McCabe Schaeffer, Family Law Attorney in Annapolis, Maryland
Over 41 years of legal practice · focused on Family Law, Government, and Litigation · 4.3/5 rating from 10 verified client reviews
Assoc. Cir. J.
Annapolis, MD
Practicing family law in Annapolis since 1985.
- 41+
- Years practicing
- 4.3 ★
- 10 client reviews
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you Donna McCabe Schaeffer?
This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.
Quick answer
Donna McCabe Schaeffer is an assoc. cir. j. based in Annapolis, MD. The practice focuses on Family Law, Government, and Litigation. Donna has over 41 years of legal experience. Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 10 client reviews.
- Based in
- Annapolis, MD
- Experience
- over 41 years
- Known for
- Family Law · Government · Litigation
- Handles Family Law, Government, and Litigation matters from Annapolis, MD.
- Over 41 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Donna McCabe Schaeffer: Donna McCabe Schaeffer is an assoc. cir. j. based in Annapolis, MD. The practice focuses on Family Law, Government, and Litigation. Donna has over 41 years of legal experience. Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 10 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Donna's practice areas in Annapolis
Donna concentrates on family law, government, litigation, and real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Donna handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Family Law
View other Family Law attorneys
Government
View other Government attorneys
Litigation
View other Litigation attorneys
Real Estate
View other Real Estate attorneys
Family Law cases in Annapolis, Maryland
Donna takes family law matters in Annapolis, Maryland. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Donna agrees to represent you.
Government cases in Annapolis, Maryland
Donna takes government matters in Annapolis, Maryland. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Donna agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Annapolis, Maryland
Donna takes litigation matters in Annapolis, Maryland. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Donna agrees to represent you.
Real Estate cases in Annapolis, Maryland
Donna takes real estate matters in Annapolis, Maryland. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Donna agrees to represent you.
Biography
Donna McCabe Schaeffer, family law attorney serving Annapolis
Donna McCabe Schaeffer is an assoc. cir. j. based in Annapolis, MD. The practice focuses on Family Law, Government, and Litigation. Donna has over 41 years of legal experience. Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 10 client reviews. Donna works from Annapolis, Maryland and takes on family law matters across the region.
Hon. Donna McCabe Schaeffer is a lawyer practicing litigation, administrative law, domestic relations law and 3 other areas of law. Donna McCabe received a B.A. degree from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1980, and has been licensed for 41 years. Donna McCabe practices in Annapolis, MD.
Donna's approach to family law cases
Hon. Donna McCabe Schaeffer is a lawyer practicing litigation, administrative law, domestic relations law and 3 other areas of law. Donna McCabe received a B.A. degree from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1980, and has been licensed for 41 years. Donna McCabe practices in Annapolis, MD.
The kind of cases Donna takes
Donna reviews new inquiries case-by-case for family law, government, and litigation matters in Annapolis and the surrounding Maryland area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Donna studied and practices
University of Maryland
J.D. · 1985
Ohio Wesleyan University
B.A. · 1980
Jurisdictions
Donna's state bar admissions
Maryland
1985 · ACTIVE
Donna studied at J.D. in University of Maryland and B.A. in Ohio Wesleyan University.
Law school and academic background
Donna completed J.D. in University of Maryland and B.A. in Ohio Wesleyan University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Donna runs in Maryland is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Donna's legal honors and published work
Donna has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Affiliations
Donna's professional memberships and bar associations
Anne Arundel County, Maryland State and American Bar Associations Women's Law Center
membership
Locations
Donna McCabe Schaeffer's office in Annapolis
Donna's primary office is at 16 Decatur Ave, Annapolis, MD, 21403-4411. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Donna McCabe Schaeffer — 4.3/5 rating from 10 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Donna. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing family law attorneys in Annapolis.
4.3
10 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Donna McCabe Schaeffer claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Donna McCabe Schaeffer — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new family law attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Donna usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Donna charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Donna's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Donna will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a family law attorney in Annapolis, Maryland
A short list to run through before you commit: How many family law matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Donna
Donna discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in family law practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every family law matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Donna confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Donna's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many family law practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Donna McCabe Schaeffer
How much does it cost to hire Donna for a family law case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Donna walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Donna offer a free consultation?
Donna charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Donna's office. Some family law attorneys offer free consults — check Donna's current terms during booking.
How long do family law cases in Maryland typically take?
Simple family law matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Donna gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Donna take my case if I'm outside Annapolis?
Donna is licensed in Maryland. Matters governed by Maryland law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Donna will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Donna?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Donna will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Donna accepting new family law clients right now?
Donna's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Family Law attorneys serving Annapolis, Baltimore and Rockville in Maryland
Donna handles family law matters throughout Maryland. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified family law attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated family law attorneys in Maryland
If Donna's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these family law attorneys in Annapolis handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





