DM

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

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.

Claim this profile — free

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 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.

Main office

16 Decatur Ave

Annapolis, MD 21403-4411

Open in Google Maps

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 reviews

Hiring 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

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.