
Douglas Hatherley
- 2050 Main Street Suite 600 Irvine, CA 92614
- +1-949-441-1225
- No email available
About:
Douglas A. Hatherley is a Certified Family Law Specialist and the founding attorney of The Hatherley Firm, Inc., a family law practice based in Irvine, California. He represents clients throughout Orange County in matters involving divorce, custody and visitation, support, domestic violence, paternity, and complex property division. Mr. Hatherley earned his B.A. in Political Science from the University of California, Berkeley, and his J.D. from Loyola Law School, Los Angeles. During law school, he externed for a judge in the Los Angeles Superior Court’s Family Law Division and served as Senior Production Editor of the Loyola of Los Angeles International and Comparative Law Review. He has practiced family law exclusively since his admission to the California Bar. Mr. Hatherley previously worked at respected firms throughout Southern California and was a partner at one of Orange County’s leading family law firms. He is known for his strategic, well-prepared advocacy and his ability to guide clients through emotionally complex disputes with clarity and care. Mr. Hatherley has earned recognition in Super Lawyers Southern California, Super Lawyers Rising Stars, and The Best Lawyers in America. He holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, reflecting the highest level of peer-reviewed professional excellence. He was also selected for inclusion in the 2025 Doyle’s Guide to Leading Family, Matrimonial & Divorce Lawyers – Orange County, a distinction based on peer nomination and demonstrated expertise. His work has been featured in the Daily Journal. He is a graduate of the National Family Law Trial Advocacy Institute (NFLTI) in Houston, Texas, the foremost litigation training program for family law attorneys, and a former member of the Executive Committee of the Orange County Bar Association’s Family Law Section.
Jurisdiction:California
Practice Area
Victims’ Rights
Explains survivor rights in criminal cases, including notices, attendance, restitution, privacy, protection orders, and input at bail, plea, sentencing, and post-conviction hearings.
Criminal Law
Guides reporting, evidence, bail conditions, no-contact orders, prosecutions or defenses, and record sealing, centering survivor safety and informed participation across the criminal process.
Family Law
Handles divorce, custody, parenting time, and support with DV-informed safety planning, temporary orders, safe exchanges, discovery protections, and long-term financial stability.
Languages
English
Fees
Free Consultation
Education
Berkeley
Awards
Southern California Rising Stars
Southern California Rising Stars
The Best Lawyers in America
Southern California Rising Stars
Southern California Rising Stars
AV Preeminent
AV Preeminent
AV Preeminent
AV Preeminent
Southern California Super Lawyers
AV Preeminent®
Southern California Rising Stars
Southern California Super Lawyers
Southern California Super Lawyers
The Best Lawyers in America
Southern California Rising Stars
AV Preeminent®
AV Preeminent®
Top 40 Under 40
Leading Family, Matrimonial & Divorce Lawyers – Orange County
Southern California Super Lawyers
Reviews
RATED 5.0
Jul 10, 2025via Google
Jessica Lee
"Referred by someone trusted, and it was absolutely the right choice. The dedication, support, and genuine care throughout the case made a stressful process much easier to navigate. Guidance, patience, and attention to detail provided peace of mind every step of the way. Deeply grateful for the time and effort invested to achieve the best possible outcome. Highly recommend to anyone seeking trusted, thoughtful, and professional support."
RATED 5.0
Aug 10, 2024via Google
Mitchell Hefter
"Doug is thoughtful, intelligent, patient and hard-working. He handles these delicate family matters with the sensitivity and care they demand, while also fiercely advocating for his client. There are few, if any, better in this industry."
RATED 5.0
Aug 10, 2024via Google
bryan dippo
"Doug is extremely knowledgeable and was able to guide me with the direction I needed. His communication was fast and exceeded my expectations at a moment where time was sensitive given my particular case. I appreciate the thoroughness and detail to which Doug was able to address with me. I will definitely be using Doug in the future and would be happy to recommend him to others"
RATED 5.0
Aug 10, 2024via Google
Ryan Van Andel
"Divorce is never a good thing but I needed assistance for what would be a difficult ordeal. Doug was the help I needed. Solid counsel and advice, which ended up saving me time and money in the long run. Most importantly, Doug salvaged my sanity through what would have otherwise been a roller coaster. Don't hesitate to give The Hatherley Firm a call if you're in need of family law. You won't regret it."
RATED 5.0
Aug 10, 2024via Google
Matthew Busko
"Doug Hatherley is an exceptional attorney. I was referred to Doug for my trial separation which escalated to divorce proceedings. Doug was a perfect fit. His communication, responsiveness, and knowledge of the law made me quickly realize I had selected the right representation. Doug is patient, thorough, professional, and has excellent listening skills. Ultimately, Doug and his staff guided me through the legal process to a favorable outcome. Choosing the right attorney makes all the difference in your case and choosing The Hatherley Firm is your first step towards success."