Dan Dodds
Founding Attorney | Family Law, Estate Planning & Bankruptcy Attorney based in Surprise, AZ, serving clients throughout the Phoenix West Valley.
Dan Dodds is the founder of The Dodds Law Firm, PLC, where he focuses on helping Arizona clients navigate some of life’s most challenging legal matters, including divorce, property division, child custody, child support, estate planning and Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
Before entering the legal field, Dr. Dodds served as a school district superintendent for 14 years, gaining extensive experience in leadership, conflict resolution, and high-level decision-making. In 2000, he was recruited by a San Diego-based employment law firm, where he worked as a Senior Management Consultant, collaborating directly with attorneys to support corporate and public entity clients in complex matters.
With a unique academic and professional background, Dr. Dodds brings both strategic insight and legal experience to every case. He earned his Juris Doctor from Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San Diego, California, and a Ph.D. in Human Resource Management from the University of Oregon, giving him a deeper understanding of the personal, financial, and interpersonal dynamics that often drive family law and financial disputes.
Dr. Dodds is known for being a strong, yet ethical advocate, committed to protecting his clients’ rights while guiding them through complex legal processes with clarity and confidence. He believes that every client deserves access to the full protections of the law—and he works diligently to ensure their voices are heard and their interests are protected.At The Dodds Law Firm, Dan prioritizes personalized, accessible, and responsive representation, with close to two decades helping individuals and families in Surprise, AZ and throughout the Phoenix West Valley make informed decisions during difficult times.
Areas of Practice
- Family Law
- Divorce
- Child Custody / Parenting Time – Establishments and Modifications.
- Child Support
- Alimony (Spousal Support)
- Property Division
- Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements
- Paternity
- Consumer Bankruptcy (Chapter 7)
- Estate Planning (Trusts & Wills)
Bar Admissions
- Arizona, 2004
- U.S. District Court, District of Arizona, 2006
- Oregon, 2016
Education
- J.D., Thomas Jefferson School of Law – San Diego, CA (2004)
- Ph.D., Human Resource Management, University of Oregon (1990)
- M.S., Education, University of Oregon (1977)
- B.S., Education, Oregon State University (1970)
Professional Memberships
- American Bar Association
- State Bar of Arizona
- Maricopa County Bar Association
- National Association of Consumer Advocates (NACA)
- National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys
- Oregon State Bar
- American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
Professional Background
Before founding The Dodds Law Firm, Dr. Dodds served as a Senior Management Consultant at Zampi & Associates, where he developed a strong foundation in business strategy and organizational dynamics—experience he now applies to complex legal matters involving finances, property division, and negotiations.
Why Choose Dan Dodds
Choosing the right attorney matters. Dan Dodds provides experienced, strategic, and personalized legal representation for clients facing difficult family and financial challenges.
✔ Experienced in Family Law, Estate planning & Bankruptcy
Handling divorce, child custody, child support, Estate Planning & Chapter 7 bankruptcy cases across Arizona.
✔ Strategic & Insight-Driven Approach
With a Ph.D. in Human Resource Management, Dan brings added insight into negotiation, conflict resolution, and complex decision-making.
✔ Strong, Ethical Advocacy
Focused on protecting your rights with a balance of assertiveness and professionalism.
✔ Personalized, Responsive Service
Clear communication and tailored strategies—so you always know where your case stands.
✔ Local Experience You Can Trust
Serving clients in Surprise, AZ and throughout the Phoenix West Valley with knowledge of local courts and procedures. Dan Dodds serves clients throughout Maricopa County in the West Phoenix area, including Surprise, Waddell, Peoria, Sun City, Litchfield Park, Goodyear, Buckeye, Glendale, Youngtown, Wittmann, Avondale.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dan Dodds & Our Firm
Who is Dan Dodds?
Dan Dodds is the founder of The Dodds Law Firm, PLC, an Arizona-based law firm serving clients in family law, divorce, child custody, bankruptcy and estate planning matters. He brings decades of professional experience and a unique academic background, including a Ph.D. in Human Resource Management.
What type of cases does Dan Dodds handle?
Dan primarily handles family law cases such as divorce, child custody, child support, and property division, as well as Chapter 7 bankruptcy matters.
Where is The Dodds Law Firm located?
The Dodds Law Firm is based in Surprise, Arizona, and serves clients throughout Phoenix and the West Valley.
What makes Dan Dodds different from other Arizona attorneys?
Dan Dodds combines legal experience with advanced education in human behavior and organizational dynamics, allowing him to approach cases with both legal strategy and real-world insight. Clients also value his personalized approach and consistent communication throughout their case.
Does Dan Dodds offer consultations?
Yes, The Dodds Law Firm offers consultations to help you understand your legal options and next steps. During your consultation, you can discuss your situation and receive guidance tailored to your case.
How do I know if I need a family law attorney?
If you are facing issues such as divorce, child custody disputes, child support, or division of assets, speaking with an experienced Arizona family law attorney can help you protect your rights and make informed decisions.
Can Dan Dodds help with high-conflict or complex divorce cases?
Yes. Dan has significant experience resolving complex and high-conflict situations, including cases involving a multitude of assets, highly contested custody disputes, and escalating financial disputes.