Douglas Hatherley

I am a Certified Family Law Specialist and divorce attorney primarily serving Orange County. I am an partner in the law firm Stegmeier, Gelbart, Schwartz & Benavente, LLP. My practice is focused on the issues of family law litigation, including child custody and visitation, spousal support, child support, domestic violence, paternity, division of assets, and prenuptial agreements. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of California, Berkeley and my Juris Doctor from Loyola Law School. I have practiced family law exclusively since being admitted to the bar and have worked at prominent family law firms in Orange County, Riverside County, and Los Angeles. I am a member of the Orange County Bar Association, Family Law Section Executive Board. I have been selected for inclusion in the prestigious Super Lawyers Southern California list, Super Lawyers Southern California Rising Stars list six years in a row, named one of the Top 40 Family Law Lawyers Under 40 in California by the American Society of Legal Advocates, and published in the Daily Journal, a leading legal newspaper. I have also attained the coveted AV Preeminent® rating from Martindale-Hubbell. AV Preeminent® is Martindale-Hubbell’s highest peer rating standard. This rating signifies that a large number of my peers rank me at the highest level of professional excellence for legal knowledge, communication skills and ethical standards. I am also a graduate of the National Family Law Trial Advocacy Institute (“NFLTI”) in Houston, Texas. NFLTI is the preeminent litigation skills course dedicated exclusively to family law. During this intensive eight day program, attendees develop skills training in all aspects of family law litigation, from opening statement to closing argument. Attendees receive hands-on training and experience in developing the theme of the case, opening statements, evidence, custody evaluations and psychological testing, business valuations, technology in the courtroom, direct and cross examination of parties and experts, and closing arguments.