Friley & Dugas LLC

Friley & Dugas LLC has provided strong legal guidance to families throughout Baton Rouge and surrounding parishes since 1984, earning recognition as a firm whose exclusive focus on Louisiana family law allows it to develop unparalleled expertise in divorce and domestic relations matters. For nearly 40 years, the firm has helped families navigate community property division, custody disputes, domestic violence situations, and all other aspects of family law, becoming a trusted resource for individuals facing difficult family legal challenges.

Keith Friley is one of the founding attorneys of Friley & Dugas LLC and brings distinctive educational background to Louisiana family law practice. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Louisiana State University in 1979, an education that proved invaluable for family law practice. Property division in divorce requires sophisticated financial analysis; community property must be accurately valued, debts must be properly allocated, and business interests must be carefully examined. Keith's accounting background gives him particular facility with the financial analysis that family law demands.

Following his accounting degree, Keith pursued law at Tulane Law School in New Orleans, earning his Juris Doctor in 1983. Upon graduation, he was admitted to practice in 1984—the same year he and Fritz Dugas founded Friley & Dugas LLC. Rather than practicing as a solo attorney or joining a large general practice firm, Keith and Fritz made a deliberate choice to establish a firm focused exclusively on Louisiana family law. This focus has proven prescient; nearly 40 years later, the firm remains one of Baton Rouge's most respected family law practices.

Fritz Dugas, Esq., Keith's co-founder and partner, brings complementary skills and experience. The two have built a practice marked by collaboration, allowing them to handle multiple client matters simultaneously while maintaining quality representation.

The firm's deliberate focus on Louisiana family law is one of its greatest strengths. Louisiana has a unique civil law heritage, distinct from the common law tradition of other American states. Louisiana's community property system, its rules governing marital assets and debts, and its approach to family law matters differ significantly from other states. Rather than being generalists trying to practice family law alongside wills, real estate, business law, and other areas, Friley & Dugas attorneys have invested nearly 40 years in developing comprehensive expertise in Louisiana family law.

The firm's practice encompasses all aspects of family law matters. It represents clients in contested divorces, where parties dispute property division, custody, support, or other significant issues. These contested matters require rigorous preparation, sophisticated legal argument, and skill in negotiation or litigation. Friley & Dugas is equipped for these challenging cases, bringing the kind of trial-ready preparation that gives clients confidence that their interests will be protected in court if settlement cannot be reached.

The firm also provides representation in uncontested divorces, where parties generally agree on property division, custody, support, and other major issues. These amicable divorces still require skilled legal work to ensure agreements are fair, properly documented, and compliant with Louisiana law requirements. The firm provides clear, reliable guidance to clients pursuing uncontested divorces, helping them achieve closure efficiently and cost-effectively.

Child custody disputes are a particular area of firm expertise. These emotionally charged matters require attorneys who understand both the legal framework governing custody and the human dimensions of parental relationships. The firm develops custody and visitation arrangements that prioritize children's wellbeing while respecting both parents' rights and relationships with their children.

Community property matters are another critical focus. Louisiana's community property system means that property acquired during marriage is presumed to be community property, owned equally by both spouses. Property division in Louisiana divorce requires careful analysis of what is community property, what is separate property (belonging entirely to one spouse), and how community assets should be divided. The firm's expertise in community property analysis is particularly valuable.

Domestic violence is addressed by the firm, including obtaining protective orders and handling custody modifications necessitated by domestic violence situations. The firm recognizes that family law disputes sometimes involve safety concerns and is equipped to protect clients facing domestic violence.

Mediation is offered as an alternative dispute resolution approach. Mediation allows divorcing parties to work toward mutually acceptable solutions with the guidance of a neutral third party, avoiding litigation when appropriate. When mediation is feasible, it can reduce conflict, preserve family relationships, and achieve more creative solutions than traditional litigation.

The firm serves clients throughout East Baton Rouge Parish, Ascension Parish, and Livingston Parish—a substantial service area reflecting the reputation and accessibility of Friley & Dugas. The firm is located in Baton Rouge and can be reached at 225-800-6105. The website, kfrileylaw.com, provides additional information about services, client testimonials, and contact information.

For families in Baton Rouge and surrounding parishes facing divorce, custody disputes, property division, or other family law matters, Friley & Dugas LLC offers something distinctive: nearly 40 years of experience, exclusive focus on Louisiana family law, and demonstrated skill in handling both amicable and contested family law matters. Keith Friley and Fritz Dugas bring sophisticated knowledge of Louisiana's unique community property system, deep understanding of Baton Rouge courts and judges, and genuine commitment to helping families navigate difficult legal transitions. Contact Friley & Dugas LLC at 225-800-6105 to discuss how the firm can serve your family law needs.