Atty. Douglas A. Hatherley

Atty. Douglas A. Hatherley

Douglas Hatherley is a distinguished Certified Family Law Specialist and Aliso Viejo divorce attorney , focusing on family law litigation serving the Orange County area , including child custody and visitation , spousal support , child support , domestic violence , paternity, division of assets , and post-judgment modification . He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Juris Doctor from Loyola Law School.

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Profile Summary

About Douglas A. Hatherley at a glance

Douglas A. Hatherley is a family law attorney based in Aliso Viejo, California, practicing at The Hatherley Firm, Inc.. Educated at Loyola Marymount University (J.D., 2009) and University of California Berkeley (B.A., 2001). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Family Law (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Awards: (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Super Lawyers Southern California, 2022-2025 (2026). Serands clients in Aliso Viejo, CA and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Douglas Hatherley is a distinguished Certified Family Law Specialist and Aliso Viejo divorce attorney, focusing on family law litigation serving the Orange County area, including child custody and visitation, spousal support, child support, domestic violence, paternity, division of assets, and post-judgment modification
  • He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Juris Doctor from Loyola Law School
  • With a career dedicated exclusively to family law since his bar admission, Mr. Hatherley has worked at several prominent family law firms across Orange County, the Inland Empire, and Los Angeles
  • He previously held partnership at one of Orange County's leading family law firms
  • During his time in law school, he gained invaluable experience as a judicial extern in the Family Law Division of the Los Angeles Superior Court and served as Senior Production Editor of the Loyola of Los Angeles International and Comparative Law Review
  • Mr. Hatherley has received numerous accolades, including being named in the Super Lawyers Southern California and Rising Stars lists and The Best Lawyers in America®
  • His expertise has been showcased in the Daily Journal, and he holds the prestigious AV Preeminent® rating from Martindale-Hubbell, reflecting the highest standards of professional excellence as rated by his peers
  • He has also contributed to the legal community by serving on the Executive Committee Board for the Orange County Bar Association's Family Law Section
  • Mr. Hatherley is a graduate of the National Family Law Trial Advocacy Institute (NFLTI) in Houston, Texas, which is renowned for its exclusive focus on enhancing litigation skills in family law
  • If you are searching for an experienced and dedicated family law attorney in Aliso Viejo or Orange County, Douglas Hatherley provides exceptional legal representation and personalized service to meet your family law needs

Practice Areas Explained

Douglas A. Hatherley's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Douglas A. Hatherley handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Family Law

Family law attorneys handle divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, prenups, and protective orders. Find verified family lawyers near you.

Douglas A. Hatherley is one of 187,066 family law attorneys indexed nationally. Browse family law attorneys in California →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in California

Practicing law in California. Legal matters in California are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Aliso Viejo are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate California state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in California brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in California courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional California attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Aliso Viejo or all attorneys in California.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Douglas A. Hatherley

Where is Douglas A. Hatherley's law office located?
Douglas A. Hatherley's law practice is located in Aliso Viejo, California. The firm is The Hatherley Firm, Inc.. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Douglas A. Hatherley handle?
Douglas A. Hatherley focuses on family law. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in California.
Where did Douglas A. Hatherley go to law school?
Douglas A. Hatherley earned their education at (J.D., 2009); (B.A., 2001).
How can I contact Douglas A. Hatherley for a consultation?
You can contact Douglas A. Hatherley directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Douglas A. Hatherley received?
Douglas A. Hatherley's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — Family Law; Best Lawyers in America — Awards:; Best Lawyers in America — Super Lawyers Southern California, 2022-2025; Best Lawyers in America — Super Lawyers Southern California Rising Stars, 2014-2019; Best Lawyers in America — The Best Lawyers in America 2024-2025.

Practice Areas

Education

J.D.
Loyola Marymount University
- 2009
B.A.
University of California Berkeley
- 2001

Awards

Best Lawyers in America — Family Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Super Lawyers Southern California, 2022-2025
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Super Lawyers Southern California Rising Stars, 2014-2019
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — The Best Lawyers in America 2024-2025
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Avvo Rated 10.0 out of 10.0 (Superb)
- 2026

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