Business Details
32 Years
experience
Trusted Lafayette Family Law & Attorney Disciplinary Defense Attorney
Katherine L. Hurst, Attorney At Law has provided dedicated legal representation for over 30 years, specializing in family law, child custody litigation, and attorney disciplinary defense. Our practice combines extensive courtroom experience with a client-centered approach, prioritizing the best interests of children in custody cases and defending legal professionals' rights. With a background including judicial clerkships and public service, we offer deep expertise in Louisiana's legal system, including complex family law matters and civil litigation.Recognized as a Best of Acadiana Attorney, our office maintains active involvement in professional associations and community advocacy for child welfare. We emphasize personalized service, ensuring clients receive thorough guidance through stressful legal challenges while maintaining transparency and ethical standards. Our commitment to excellence is demonstrated through successful outcomes in contested custody cases, divorce proceedings, and disciplinary defense matters.
Services
Child Custody Litigation
Divorce Proceedings
Family Law Representation
Attorney Disciplinary Defense
Civil Litigation
Juvenile Law Cases
Successions Handling
Pre-Nuptial Agreements
Protective Orders
Same-Sex Custody Cases
Details
- Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
- 30+ years of Louisiana family law and disciplinary defense experience
- Recognized as Best of Acadiana Attorney by Times of Acadiana
- Former judicial clerk with insider understanding of court procedures
- Specializes in complex custody cases including non-parent custody
- Active Louisiana State Bar Association committee participation
Services
Child Custody Litigation
Specializing in complex child custody matters for over 30 years, our practice focuses on the child's best interests while navigating Louisiana's family court system. We handle sole custody, supervised visitation, non-parent custody, and private termination cases with equal dedication. Our experience includes representing fathers seeking fair custody arrangements and advocating for LGBTQ+ parents in custody disputes.
Attorney Disciplinary Defense
Defending legal professionals before Louisiana's Office of Disciplinary Counsel requires specialized expertise in attorney ethics and procedural rules. With former clerkship experience at the ODC and APRL membership, we provide strategic defense against disciplinary complaints while protecting attorneys' licenses and reputations through early intervention.
Divorce Proceedings
Handling all aspects of Louisiana divorce proceedings, including no-fault divorces, fault-based divorces for adultery or domestic violence, and covenant marriage dissolutions. We address related matters like child support, spousal maintenance, and property division while emphasizing clients' rights throughout the process.
Family Law Representation
Comprehensive family law services covering pre-nuptial agreements, paternity determinations, protective orders, and emancipation cases. Our practice addresses both traditional and modern family dynamics, including same-sex divorce and custody arrangements while maintaining focus on children's welfare.
Civil Litigation
Experienced in diverse civil litigation matters ranging from business disputes to victim rights cases. Our representation extends to administrative proceedings before licensing boards and civil service hearings, combining courtroom advocacy with strategic problem-solving for individual and organizational clients.
People
Katherine L. Hurst
Attorney At Law
With over 30 years of legal experience, Katherine L. Hurst specializes in family law and attorney disciplinary defense. A former judicial clerk and Louisiana State Bar Association committee member, she has tried cases in Louisiana's juvenile and district courts while maintaining active community involvement in child advocacy organizations.
Questions
Why choose a solo practitioner for legal representation?
When you hire Katherine L. Hurst, Attorney At Law, you receive direct representation from the experienced attorney you contacted, ensuring consistent handling of your case from start to finish.
Do you offer free initial consultations?
Initial consultations are charged at a reduced hourly rate. Our cases typically require direct payment rather than contingency arrangements due to the nature of our legal services.
Can you represent both parties in a divorce?
Ethical rules prevent representing both parties in divorce proceedings. We represent one party while recommending independent representation for the other spouse to avoid conflicts of interest.
How long does a Louisiana divorce take?
No-fault divorces require 6-12 months separation periods depending on child custody status. Fault divorces for adultery or domestic violence can proceed immediately, with case duration depending on issue complexity and party cooperation.
What factors determine child custody in Louisiana?
Louisiana law presumes joint custody serves children's best interests. Courts consider 15 statutory factors including parental fitness, child's preference (if mature enough), and history of family violence when making custody determinations.
Do you handle same-sex custody and divorce cases?
Yes, we provide zealous representation for LGBTQ+ clients in custody disputes and marital dissolutions, advocating for parental rights based on the child's best interests rather than parental sexual orientation.
