Douglas A. Hatherley

Douglas A. Hatherley leads The Hatherley Firm, Inc., in Aliso Viejo, California, where he has established himself as a board-certified family law specialist by The State Bar of California. With a practice devoted exclusively to family law litigation, he advocates for clients navigating the challenges of child custody and visitation, spousal and child support, domestic violence matters, paternity disputes and equitable division of assets. 

A scholar at heart, Mr. Hatherley’s academic foundation includes a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from the University of California, Berkeley, followed by a Juris Doctor degree from Loyola Law School. He has been repeatedly recognized by his peers and the legal community for his professional excellence. 

Mr. Hatherley’s inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America and his published contributions to the Daily Journal underscore his standing as an authority in the field. Furthermore, he is AV Preeminent* peer-review rated through Martindale-Hubbell attests to his adherence to the highest ethical standards and legal ability. His leadership extended to a tenure on the Executive Committee Board of the Orange County Bar Association’s Family Law Section, where he helped shape the local family law practice.

Committed to continuous improvement, Mr. Hatherley graduated from the National Family Law Trial Advocacy Institute (NFLTI) in Houston, Texas, an intensive program revered as the premier litigation skills course dedicated to family law. Through hands-on training, he refined every facet of trial advocacy – from crafting persuasive opening statements and developing case themes to managing psychological evaluations, business valuations and the use of technology in the courtroom. His proficiency in direct and cross-examination techniques, as well as closing-argument strategies, ensures that his clients receive unparalleled representation.

Under Mr. Hatherley’s guidance, The Hatherley Firm, Inc., delivers legal services with skill, integrity and a client-centered approach, striving to achieve just and equitable resolutions in the most challenging family law disputes.

*AV®, AV Preeminent®, Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished and Martindale-Hubbell Notable are certification marks used under license in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell® is the facilitator of a peer-review rating process. Ratings reflect the anonymous opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™ fall into two categories – legal ability and general ethical standards.