Judge Frances M. Doherty: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

2nd Judicial District Court of Nevada, Department retired

Biography

Frances M. Doherty (Ret.) was a judge for the Second Judicial District Court in Washoe County, Nevada. She was elected to the bench in 2002 and was retained in subsequent elections. Doherty retired in 2019.

She received a J.D. from Northern Illinois University College of Law.

Prior to her election to the District Court, Doherty had served as a Family Court master for five years. She also worked as an attorney for both the Prairie State Legal Services in Illinois, and Washoe Legal Services, and as a deputy attorney general with the Nevada Attorney General’s Office. As such, her assignments included the Nevada Commission on Ethics, the Consumer Protection Division, and the Nevada Domestic Violence Task Force.

While on the bench, Doherty presided in the Family Division, where she served two terms as its presiding administrative judge. In addition to her family cases, she also presided over adult guardianship matters (2012 to 2018). Doherty is credited with helping to streamline the adult guardianship process as well as leading a statewide initiative to implement Supported Decision-Making as an alternative to guardianship. This initiative led to future legislation in Nevada in support of the effort. From 2003 to 2012, she oversaw Juvenile Delinquency matters, thereby implementing the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative, which sought to reduce the detention rate of juveniles by half.

At the time of her retirement, she held the distinction of being the longest-serving Family Division judge.

Recent Cases by Hon. Frances M. Doherty

GUARD: KEVIN GOLLING (D10)

On October 30, 2025 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Washoe County. Judge Frances M. Doherty presiding.

Filed

Oct 30, 2025

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Frances M. Doherty 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Frances M. Doherty

Court

District

County

Washoe County, NV

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Guardianship,Conservatorship

Case Last Refreshed

Dec 12, 2025

GUARD: IAN DAVID PEOPLES (D10)

On October 15, 2025 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Washoe County. Judge Frances M. Doherty presiding.

Filed

Oct 15, 2025

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Frances M. Doherty 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Frances M. Doherty

Court

District

County

Washoe County, NV

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Guardianship,Conservatorship

Case Last Refreshed

Dec 12, 2025

GUARD: MICHAEL JOHN MERRILL (D10)

On October 8, 2025 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Washoe County. Judge Frances M. Doherty presiding.

Filed

Oct 08, 2025

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Frances M. Doherty 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Frances M. Doherty

Court

District

County

Washoe County, NV

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Guardianship,Conservatorship

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 29, 2025

GUARD: KATHLEEN E. KOEHLER (D15)

On September 29, 2025 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Washoe County. Judge Frances M. Doherty presiding.

Filed

Sep 29, 2025

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Frances M. Doherty 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Frances M. Doherty

Court

District

County

Washoe County, NV

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Guardianship,Conservatorship

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 10, 2025

GUARD: ROSEMARIE E. WINNIE (D10)

On September 24, 2025 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Washoe County. Judge Frances M. Doherty presiding.

Filed

Sep 24, 2025

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Frances M. Doherty 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Frances M. Doherty

Court

District

County

Washoe County, NV

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Guardianship,Conservatorship

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 29, 2025

GUARD: DEBORA TRACY NEWMAN (D15)

On September 16, 2025 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Washoe County. Judge Frances M. Doherty presiding.

Filed

Sep 16, 2025

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Frances M. Doherty 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Frances M. Doherty

Court

District

County

Washoe County, NV

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Guardianship,Conservatorship

Case Last Refreshed

Dec 12, 2025

GUARD: JAMES M. BUCKLEY (D15)

On July 16, 2025 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Washoe County. Judge Frances M. Doherty presiding.

Filed

Jul 16, 2025

Status

Dismissal

Judge

Hon. Frances M. Doherty 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Frances M. Doherty

Court

District

County

Washoe County, NV

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Guardianship,Conservatorship

Case Last Refreshed

Sep 19, 2025

GUARD: AVA LUCCIA DILLMAN (D15)

On June 23, 2025 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Washoe County. Judge Frances M. Doherty presiding.

Filed

Jun 23, 2025

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Frances M. Doherty 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Frances M. Doherty

Court

District

County

Washoe County, NV

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Guardianship,Conservatorship

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 28, 2025

GUARD: TESSIE B. OBERG (D10)

On May 30, 2025 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Washoe County. Judge Frances M. Doherty presiding.

Filed

May 30, 2025

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Frances M. Doherty 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Frances M. Doherty

Court

District

County

Washoe County, NV

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Guardianship,Conservatorship

Case Last Refreshed

Jul 11, 2025

GUARD: CLIFFORD M. TAYLOR (D15)

On May 12, 2025 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Washoe County. Judge Frances M. Doherty presiding.

Filed

May 12, 2025

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Frances M. Doherty 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Frances M. Doherty

Court

District

County

Washoe County, NV

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Guardianship,Conservatorship

Case Last Refreshed

Sep 05, 2025

GUARD: ERROL LEE MCELROY (D10)

On April 21, 2025 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Washoe County. Judge Frances M. Doherty presiding.

Filed

Apr 21, 2025

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Frances M. Doherty 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Frances M. Doherty

Court

District

County

Washoe County, NV

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Guardianship,Conservatorship

Case Last Refreshed

May 21, 2025

GUARD: CECILE M. SHAEVITZ (D15)

On April 17, 2025 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Washoe County. Judge Frances M. Doherty presiding.

Filed

Apr 17, 2025

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Frances M. Doherty 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Frances M. Doherty

Court

District

County

Washoe County, NV

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Guardianship,Conservatorship

Case Last Refreshed

May 21, 2025

GUARD: ROBERT JOHN DENDALL (D15)

On April 9, 2025 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Washoe County. Judge Frances M. Doherty presiding.

Filed

Apr 09, 2025

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Frances M. Doherty 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Frances M. Doherty

Court

District

County

Washoe County, NV

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Guardianship,Conservatorship

Case Last Refreshed

May 21, 2025

GUARD: JODIE ASTRIN (D15)

On April 9, 2025 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Washoe County. Judge Frances M. Doherty presiding.

Filed

Apr 09, 2025

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Frances M. Doherty 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Frances M. Doherty

Court

District

County

Washoe County, NV

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Guardianship,Conservatorship

Case Last Refreshed

May 21, 2025

GUARD: SUZANNE LARSEN (D15)

On March 19, 2025 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Washoe County. Judge Frances M. Doherty presiding.

Filed

Mar 19, 2025

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Frances M. Doherty 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Frances M. Doherty

Court

District

County

Washoe County, NV

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Guardianship,Conservatorship

Case Last Refreshed

Apr 18, 2025

GUARD: ARLEEN LINDA NUNES (D10)

On March 4, 2025 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Washoe County. Judge Frances M. Doherty presiding.

Filed

Mar 04, 2025

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Frances M. Doherty 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Frances M. Doherty

Court

District

County

Washoe County, NV

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Guardianship,Conservatorship

Case Last Refreshed

Apr 11, 2025

GUARD: SHARON ANN DIMARE (D7)

On October 11, 2024 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Washoe County. Judge Frances M. Doherty presiding.

Filed

Oct 11, 2024

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Frances M. Doherty 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Frances M. Doherty

Court

District

County

Washoe County, NV

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Guardianship,Conservatorship

Case Last Refreshed

Nov 22, 2024

GUARD: JONATHAN EVAN DAVILA (D7)

On October 2, 2024 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Washoe County. Judge Frances M. Doherty presiding.

Filed

Oct 02, 2024

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Frances M. Doherty 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Frances M. Doherty

Court

District

County

Washoe County, NV

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Guardianship,Conservatorship

Case Last Refreshed

Nov 08, 2024

GUARD: AUSTIN HARRISON FORD (D7)

On March 22, 2024 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Washoe County. Judge Frances M. Doherty presiding.

Filed

Mar 22, 2024

Status

Closed

Judge

Hon. Frances M. Doherty 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Frances M. Doherty

Court

District

County

Washoe County, NV

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Guardianship,Conservatorship

Case Last Refreshed

Jul 24, 2024

GUARD: MARGOT APPLETON (D7)

On March 6, 2024 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Washoe County. Judge Frances M. Doherty presiding.

Filed

Mar 06, 2024

Status

Dismissal

Judge

Hon. Frances M. Doherty 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Frances M. Doherty

Court

District

County

Washoe County, NV

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Guardianship,Conservatorship

Case Last Refreshed

Sep 13, 2024

GUARD: ANTHONY ALVAREZ (D7)

On March 1, 2024 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Washoe County. Judge Frances M. Doherty presiding.

Filed

Mar 01, 2024

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Frances M. Doherty 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Frances M. Doherty

Court

Washoe County

County

Washoe County, NV

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Guardianship,Conservatorship

Case Last Refreshed

Apr 12, 2024

GUARD: DEREK LUIS VALDEZ SANDOVAL (D7)

On January 29, 2024 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Washoe County. Judge Frances M. Doherty presiding.

Filed

Jan 29, 2024

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Frances M. Doherty 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Frances M. Doherty

Court

Washoe County

County

Washoe County, NV

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Guardianship,Conservatorship

Case Last Refreshed

Mar 08, 2024

GUARD: LUIS CARLOS MARQUEZ (D10)

On January 26, 2024 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Washoe County. Judge Frances M. Doherty presiding.

Filed

Jan 26, 2024

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Frances M. Doherty 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Frances M. Doherty

Court

District

County

Washoe County, NV

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Guardianship,Conservatorship

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 15, 2025

GUARD: DAVID RICE (D7)

On December 28, 2023 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Washoe County. Judge Frances M. Doherty presiding.

Filed

Dec 28, 2023

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Frances M. Doherty 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Frances M. Doherty

Court

Washoe County

County

Washoe County, NV

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Guardianship,Conservatorship

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 26, 2024

Discover if Hon. Doherty is the right judge for your case based on their ruling history.

View Analytics Dashboard

About

Frances M. Doherty
Current Appointment 2nd Judicial District Court of Nevada, Retired	2nd Judicial District Court of Nevada, Retired
Education J.D., Northern Illinois University College of Law	J.D., Northern Illinois University College of Law

Court Info

Court Info
Current Court:	NV - 2nd Judicial District Court of Nevada

Career History

Career History
Role	Employer	Where
Judge	Second Judicial District Court	Washoe County, Nevada
Court Master	Second Judicial District Court, Family Division	Washoe County, Nevada
Deputy Attorney General	Nevada Attorney General's Office	None
Attorney	Washoe Legal Services	Washoe County, Nevada
Attorney	Prairie State Legal Services	None

Articles About Frances M. Doherty:

Washoe County, Nevada: Judge Frances Doherty to Retire from Second Judicial District

News 4: Longest-tenure Reno Family Court Judge Announces Retirement

Martindale: Frances M. Doherty

Nevada Legislature: Testimony of Presiding Judge Frances M. Doherty

Second Judicial District: Biography

Law Firms

Judge Frances M. Doherty: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

Biography

Recent Cases by Hon. Frances M. Doherty

About

Court Info

Career History

Articles About Frances M. Doherty: