Donelle H. Ratheal, PC

Profile

Donelle H. Ratheal is a family law litigator with 15 years of experience in the courtroom. Her reputation as a formidable trial attorney is known statewide. Much of her experience is in high-conflict cases that involve children, whether as a litigator or the guardian ad litem appointed to represent the child.

Her efforts in representing children were recognized in 2006 when she was the recipient of the Outstanding Guardian ad Litem (GAL) award, presented by the Oklahoma Bar Association’s Family Law Section (OBA-FLS). She is the visionary behind the GAL reduced-fee and pro bono appointment project, to be initiated in Oklahoma County this fall.

Ratheal’s philosophy is embodied in the firm’s pledge: Dedicated to excellence.

The firm represents clients with complex business and property issues, which include family-owned businesses. The firm regularly deals with child-related issues, including relocation (interstate and international), long-distance visitation and access, and issues specific to upper-income families. Ratheal is a certified mediator and limits her mediation practice to family law. She is also trained in the relatively new field of collaborative divorce, a non-adversarial approach to dissolving a marriage.

Ratheal and her staff are keenly aware that divorce litigation is emotionally taxing. The firm provides access to valuable outside resources for clients during the litigation process: art therapy for children; counseling and career options for adults. The firm works to create for its clients an environment of hope for a better future, emotionally and financially.

Ms. Ratheal is an active member in various organizations whose intent is to improve the practice of law, both for clients and fellow attorneys. She is a longtime member of OBA-FLS and is the current chair of the organization.

In addition to being an author and editor of the OBA-FLS Practice Manual, Ratheal contributes to the OBA Journal on issues that relate to family law. She frequently speaks throughout the state on family law issues and is a member of the Oklahoma Academy of Mediators and Arbitrators and both the Oklahoma and International Associations of Collaborative Professionals.

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