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Douglas Hatherley
Attorney

Douglas Hatherley

Certified Family Law Specialist at The Hatherley Firm, Inc.

at The Hatherley Firm, Inc.

Orange County, California

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Specialties & Experience

Family Law

About Douglas Hatherley Certified Family Law Specialist at The Hatherley Firm, Inc. in Orange County, California

Douglas Hatherley is a Certified Family Law Specialist and a dedicated family law attorney primarily serving clients throughout Orange County, California. As a partner at the law firm Stegmeier, Gelbart, Schwartz & Benavente, LLP, Mr. Hatherley focuses his practice exclusively on family law matters. His experience encompasses a wide range of issues, including child custody and visitation, spousal support, child support, domestic violence, paternity, division of assets, and prenuptial agreements. Mr. Hatherley earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of California, Berkeley, and his Juris Doctor from Loyola Law School. He has practiced family law exclusively since being admitted to the bar, gaining experience at prominent family law firms across Orange County, Riverside County, and Los Angeles.

Mr. Hatherley is an active member of the Orange County Bar Association, Family Law Section Executive Board. His commitment to the legal profession and his clients has been recognized through his selection for inclusion in the prestigious Super Lawyers Southern California list and the Super Lawyers Southern California Rising Stars list for six consecutive years. He was also named one of the Top 40 Family Law Lawyers Under 40 in California by the American Society of Legal Advocates and has been published in the Daily Journal, a leading legal newspaper. Further demonstrating his commitment to professional excellence, Mr. Hatherley holds the coveted AV Preeminent® rating from Martindale-Hubbell, signifying that his peers rank him at the highest level for legal knowledge, communication skills, and ethical standards.

A graduate of the National Family Law Trial Advocacy Institute (NFLTI) in Houston, Texas, Mr. Hatherley has undergone intensive training in all aspects of family law litigation. This preeminent program provided hands-on experience in developing case themes, opening statements, evidence presentation, handling custody evaluations and psychological testing, business valuations, utilizing technology in the courtroom, direct and cross-examination of parties and experts, and crafting compelling closing arguments. This rigorous training further strengthens his ability to advocate effectively for clients facing complex family law issues.

Law Firm

The Hatherley Firm, Inc. Orange County, California Family Law

Location & Contact

Orange County, California

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Douglas Hatherley located?

Douglas Hatherley primarily practices in Orange County, California.

What areas of law does Douglas Hatherley practice?

Douglas Hatherley focuses exclusively on family law. His practice areas include:

  • Child custody and visitation
  • Spousal support
  • Child support
  • Domestic violence
  • Paternity
  • Division of assets
  • Prenuptial agreements

Is Douglas Hatherley part of a law firm?

Yes, Douglas Hatherley is a partner at the law firm Stegmeier, Gelbart, Schwartz & Benavente, LLP.

How can I schedule a consultation with Douglas Hatherley?

To schedule a consultation with Douglas Hatherley, please refer to the contact options available on this page.

More about Douglas Hatherley

  • Practice Areas

    Child Custody and Visitation

    Navigating child custody and visitation matters can be one of the most emotionally challenging aspects of family law. In Orange County, California, these cases involve determining where a child will live, how parenting responsibilities will be shared, and how parents will spend time with their children. This includes establishing legal custody (decision-making power) and physical custody (where the child resides). Cases often involve complex considerations such as the child's best interests, parental fitness, and logistical arrangements. Having an experienced family law attorney Orange County can provide invaluable guidance, helping to negotiate fair arrangements or represent your interests vigorously in court to ensure your child's well-being and your parental rights are protected.

    Spousal Support

    Spousal support, also known as alimony, is a significant component of many divorce proceedings in Orange County, California. These cases involve one spouse providing financial assistance to the other for a period after separation or divorce. The court considers various factors when determining spousal support, including the length of the marriage, each spouse's earning capacity, the marital standard of living, and contributions to the other spouse's education or career. An attorney in Orange County, California, can help you understand your rights and obligations regarding spousal support, working to achieve an equitable outcome whether you are seeking support or are expected to provide it.

    Child Support

    Ensuring children receive adequate financial support is paramount in any family law case involving minors. Child support cases in Orange County, California, involve calculating and enforcing payments from one parent to the other to cover the costs of raising their children. California uses a statewide guideline formula that considers both parents' incomes, the amount of time each parent spends with the children, and other factors like health insurance costs and childcare expenses. A knowledgeable Family Law lawyer Orange County California can assist in accurately calculating child support, modifying existing orders if circumstances change, and enforcing payments to ensure your children's financial needs are met.

  • Serving Orange County and Surrounding Areas

    Douglas Hatherley is a Certified Family Law Specialist dedicated to serving individuals and families throughout Orange County, California. His practice extends to clients in the surrounding areas, providing comprehensive legal representation for a wide range of family law matters. With a deep understanding of local laws and court procedures, Mr. Hatherley is committed to assisting clients through challenging times with professionalism and strategic insight.

  • Consultation

    If you are facing a family law matter in Orange County or the surrounding areas, seeking legal counsel is an important step. Douglas Hatherley welcomes inquiries from new clients. To discuss your specific situation and explore how he can assist you, please utilize the contact options available on this page to schedule a consultation. Taking this step can provide clarity and a path forward during difficult personal circumstances.

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