Douglas A. Hatherley is a Certified Family Law Specialist and a dedicated Irvine, California family law attorney. His practice is focused exclusively on family law matters, including child custody and visitation, child and spousal support, property division, paternity, and domestic violence. Mr. Hatherley represents clients throughout Orange County and has built a reputation for thorough, strategic advocacy in complex and emotionally charged matters.
Mr. Hatherley earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of California, Berkeley, and his Juris Doctor from Loyola Law School, Los Angeles. While in law school, he served as a judicial extern in the Family Law Division of the Los Angeles Superior Court and was Senior Production Editor of the Loyola of Los Angeles International and Comparative Law Review.
Since his admission to the California Bar, Mr. Hatherley has practiced family law exclusively, working with respected firms across Orange County, Los Angeles, and the Inland Empire. He is a former partner at one of Orange County’s most prestigious family law firms and has handled high-stakes cases involving complex financial and custody issues.
Mr. Hatherley is recognized by his peers and the legal community for his skill and integrity. He has been selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America®, Super Lawyers Southern California, and Super Lawyers Rising Stars. He has also been published in the Daily Journal and holds an AV Preeminent® rating from Martindale-Hubbell—its highest rating for professional excellence, legal knowledge, communication, and ethical standards.
He is a graduate of the National Family Law Trial Advocacy Institute (NFLTI) in Houston, Texas—the premier trial skills program dedicated exclusively to family law. The intensive training covers all aspects of litigation, including custody evaluations, business valuations, cross-examination of expert witnesses, and courtroom technology.
Mr. Hatherley previously served on the Executive Committee of the Orange County Bar Association’s Family Law Section and remains active in the local legal community.