Dorothy ("Dotty") L. Watts
Dotty graduated Summa Cum Laude from the Whitney Young Honors Program at Kentucky State University in 2011 with a degree in Liberal Studies and a minor in English. She then went on to receive her Juris Doctor from the University of Kentucky College of Law in 2014. While studying law at the University of Kentucky, Dotty was a member of the Trial Advocacy Board and interned for two semesters with the Children Law Center in Lexington, Kentucky.
Prior to partnering with Charlotte Nickerson to form Nickerson Watts, PLLC, Dotty worked as a paralegal for Marie Hellard at S. Marie Hellard, PSC for 10 years and returned to practice as an Associate at S. Marie Hellard, PSC after graduating from law school. While working for Marie Hellard, Dotty received training and extensive experience in the areas of domestic relations, litigation, alternative dispute resolution, estate planning and personal injury. When Ms. Hellard was elected Family Court Judge for the 53rd Circuit, Dotty joined with Ms. Nickerson in forming their current practice.
Dotty’s passion is alternative dispute resolution and cooperative parenting practices which assist parents and families involved in high conflict divorce or custody situations while shielding the child(ren) from the effects of those parental conflicts. Dotty recently received certification from the Cooperative Parenting Institute for Parenting Coordination. This certification is recognized by the National Association of Social Workers, The National Board of Certified Counselors and meets the requirements of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC).
AREAS OF PRACTICE:
Family Law:
Divorce
Legal Separation
Child Custody and Timesharing
Child Support
Paternity Issues
Domestic Violence
Child Dependency, Abuse and Neglect
Adoption and Termination of Parental Rights
Grandparent Custody and Visitation Rights
Pre-Nuptial and Ante-Nuptial Agreements
Parent Coordination and Cooperative Parenting
Personal Injury:
Car Accidents
Premises Liability
Medical Malpractice
Wrongful Death
Estate Planning and Probate
Civil Litigation
Small Business Formation
Appellate Practice
Memberships:
U.S. District Court, Eastern and Western Districts
Kentucky Bar Association
American Bar Association
Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC)
Certified Parent Coordinator