Douglas Gardner

Douglas Gardner

also known as Douglas C. Gardner

4.7
Rating: 9.7

Licensed for 20 years

Divorce and separation Lawyer at Tempe, AZ
Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation, Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

40 E Rio Salado Pkwy, Ste 425, Tempe, AZ

About Douglas

Biography

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

Divorce and Separation 95%

McGuire Gardner P.L.L.C. has handled a wide range of family law matters, including legal separation, divorce, annulment, child custody issues, visitation rights, child support, alimony or spousal support, premarital agreements, postnuptial agreements, paternity, modification of orders and adoption.

21 years | 300 cases

95%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 15 minutes

Hourly Rates

$ 375-450 per hour


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.

search module image

Search our directory

Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.

chat module image

Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.

Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.

Chat with

Licenses

Licensed in Arizona for 20 years

State: Arizona

Acquired: 2005

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Davis Miles McGuire Gardner, PLLC

40 E Rio Salado Pkwy, Ste 425, Tempe, AZ, 85281

Ad

Transform legal challenges into solutions.

Connect now to review your situation.

The Avvo Rating explained

display-bg

The Avvo Rating explained

Douglas Gardner's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.7 /5.0

84 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 8 reviews | Child Custody

Posted by Matthew | August 28, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Experienced Confidence = Results !

Mr. Gardner assemble a team of skilled attorneys to help me with my complicated Divorce. Mr. Gardiner’s team navigated the rough waters of a custody battle and Favorable financial out for my family. At the start of my case when I Hired Mr. Gardner I was scared I was going to lose my children. He ...quickly went to work provided me with the confidence I needed to press forward in the case. Detail by detail the team picked apart the opposing councils position which ultimately resulted in an extremely favorable outcome. Trust the process!

Posted by Colleen | December 11, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

I Felt Valued and Validated

I read Doug's article on "Divorcing a Narcissist" in March 2023. I couldn't believe how accurately his article described the man I was separated from for 6 months, and now looking to divorce. I went with a less costly attorney (who was also a family friend), and ended up switching to Doug 7 months in...to the process, after my family friend attorney dropped the ball, bent the truth, and left me/my life hanging for several months. Doug quickly and comprehensively read the details of my case and helped me get things moving along again in October 2023. My divorce was finalized 1 week ago (only 2 months after hiring Doug!), after months of stagnation prior to hiring Doug. He was easy to get ahold of, upfront, and honest about how my expectations/demands would be handled, did not paint a rosy picture but a realistic one, gave me all of the angles to consider, and he honored & supported my wishes on certain details despite his own view/input on them. The biggest reason I am so grateful for Doug, are his letters and responses to the opposing party within 24hrs, especially if it was a particularly upsetting situation my ex was creating over our daughter. I felt less anxious and stressed, I felt very secure, having Doug on my side fighting for me with intelligence and facts, rather than just arguing and creating more drama. Doug's actions spoke louder than words, and I cannot MORE highly recommend him and his staff!

Posted by anonymous | January 13, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Expertly Navigated a Difficult Case

Douglas picked up my case a year and a half into what would become a much longer legal battle with my ex-wife. Douglas was able to secure the best possible outcome for my children and I, considering the blunder of my previous representation. I would highly recommend Douglas for any complex and or dif...ficult family law case.

Posted by anonymous | May 15, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Too busy for us

Douglas was my first lawyer I've hired and it wasn't a wonderful experience like some of these other reviews. He is patient and I can tell he knows a lot since he's been doing this for a long time but throughout my year or so with him I felt like he didn't know who I was when I would call. Then I ...would remind him about my case and he would try to answer my questions but was regularly very fuzzy about what was going on in my case. I also didn't feel like he was fully invested in my case and I felt on a few occasions that he downplayed my concerns and would just try to tell me something else to soothe my issue. I finally got to a point where I couldn't afford him because it was taxing my family, even though that's exactly who I was trying to protect. I've since been left to take care of things that he said he took care of (like finding out the arrearages). I also asked him to help me to be VERY specific in my final court order for parenting time with my ex (I warned him that she was nasty and he's been helping me deal with her for the past year so I figured he would understand and help me) and he, once again, downplayed my concerns and I feel like we got an order that he pulled from him template folder and added a few details to. I was also charged exorbitant amounts of money for him to look at all the drug tests my ex had to take. I wanted her to take hair follicle tests after the first one came up positive (which she would have to take every 90 days) and he suggested we have her to urine analysis every week. I unknowingly agreed to this. So I had to pay for him to look at a test once a week when I could have gotten the same answer for looking at something she would take every 90 days. I really felt like this was just another way to "make a buck." Douglas and his staff have never been mean to me or unprofessional. I just feel like he may have too many cases under his belt to properly give attention to each one.

Posted by Charles | January 26, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Absolutely Superb

Mr. Gardner is an attorney that I've used on two separate occasions. This Gentalman and his amazing staff are prompt,professional and hard-charging. My son was taken from me and Mr. Gardner was able to find my son and get him returned to me, without this man and his fine team I would not be the great... father I am today with a beautiful son I get hold everyday. I thank Mr. Gardner for knowing the law executing the law and being the person that not only I needed but I know other people will as well. Please take the time to work with this man and his team and they will get the job done for you. Once more I would like to thank Mr. Gardner an his team for everything they've done I will never be able to return to you what you've given to me all I can do is say thank you and I hope you never stop what you're doing because you truly have change lives.

See All Client Reviews

Douglas Gardner's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Douglas
Michael David Girgenti headshot
Michael Girgenti

Family lawyer | Dec 28

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"Douglas is the hardest working attorney I have ever known. His extensive knowledge of Arizona family law is respected by other attorneys and Judges statewide. As a Certified Specialist, Douglas has earned a well-deserved distinction as one of the preeminent family law attorneys in the state of Arizona. While his academic credentials and professional accomplishments are extremely impressive, Douglas enjoys assisting clients from all walks of life, regardless of the size or complexity of their case. I highly recommend Douglas Gardner to anyone needing quality family court representation."

Brittany Leigh Skinner headshot
Brittany Skinner

Family lawyer | Dec 02

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"Douglas is a great attorney! He is a family law specialist and has extensive knowledge of family law issues. He has successfully helped many clients through the difficult divorce process. I would recommend Douglas for any family law case."

Melissa Faye Benson headshot
Melissa Benson

Family lawyer | Dec 02

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"Douglas is not only a Certified Specialist and a skilled litigator, but also a great legal mind. Douglas is skilled at resolving cases with either settlement or trial when settlement is not an option. I endorse this lawyer."

Edgard Francis Brillantes Espiritu Jr headshot
Edgard Espiritu

Family lawyer | Dec 02

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"As a family law attorney, Douglas is voted as one of the best, if not the best family law attorney in the state of Arizona. I have had and still have the wonderful opportunity to be able to work for Douglas and receive his guidance and mentorship within the legal profession. Douglas is extremely knowledgeable as a certified family law specialist in Arizona, and is a zealous advocate for his clients and one of the strongest litigators I have had the opportunity to work with. Douglas is there for his clients when they need him and continues to produce fantastic results for his clients. I endorse Douglas Gardner."

James Scott Stevens headshot
James Stevens

Family lawyer | Dec 02

Relationship: Other

"Douglas is the go-to for Family Law. He knows all there is to know about divorces, custody, support, pre-nups, ... the list goes on and on. He has written in-print books on the issues and in my opinion is the leading authority."

Meridith L. Lord headshot
Meridith Lord

Family lawyer | Oct 28

Relationship: Co-worker

"Douglas works incredibly hard for all of his clients. He is vastly experienced and highly respected as a litigator and mentor to family law attorneys throughout Arizona."

Marcus A. Sedillo headshot
Marcus Sedillo

Family lawyer | Oct 24

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"I endorse this lawyer. Douglas has many years of experience as well as having a superb team behind him. Douglas can get the job done and done right."

Gregory Alan Reinhart headshot
Gregory Reinhart

Family lawyer | Oct 24

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"Douglas is busy, but he always takes the time necessary to make sure I have everything I need. He is quick with an answer and provides me with the necessary tools to manage my book of clients. I'm lucky to work with someone so knowledgeable and compassionate within the field of profession."

Aubrey Laine Thomas headshot
Aubrey Thomas

Divorce and separation lawyer | May 27

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have worked with Douglas on several matters and have always appreciated his prompt responses and professionalism. Douglas is a great advocate for his clients."

DeeAn Gillespie Strub headshot
DeeAn Strub

Unknown lawyer | Nov 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Doug and I have had the opportunity to co-counsel on cases as well as work opposite one another on occasion. I have been impressed with Doug's professionalism and advocacy skills."

Pernell W McGuire headshot
Pernell McGuire

Divorce and separation lawyer | Oct 17

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer. Douglas has a wealth of experience with divorce and custody issues, and his financial background is invaluable in property division disputes."

Julie A LaFave headshot
Julie LaFave

Family lawyer | Feb 05

Relationship: Co-worker

"Douglas is a fantastic family lawyer. He handles some of the most complex, and emotionally charged legal issues with respect to all parties. He fights for his client's best interests while keeping in mind the "non-legal" motivations and the need for resolution between the parties moving forward. I have sent many of my clients and friends to Douglas for family law services and would not hesitate to do so as I know they are in competent and compassionate hands."

James M McGuire headshot
James McGuire

Divorce and separation lawyer | Feb 03

Relationship: Co-worker

"I have had the opportunity to work with Douglas on many of my bankruptcy matters that involve difficult family law issues. Douglas is extremely knowledgeable about the relationship between family law issues and bankruptcy. We have worked together on many cases to secure the best possible outcome for our clients when their legal issues overlap in these two areas, which occurs often. I have recommended Douglas without hesitation to my contacts who are dealing with difficult family law issues."

Kevin P Fine headshot
Kevin Fine

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jan 31

Relationship: Co-worker

"Douglas represents his clients in family law matters better than any other lawyer I know."

Mark J Andersen headshot
Mark Andersen

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jan 31

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I've known Douglas personally and professionally. Douglas is honest and works harder and smarter than most every attorney I know. He takes care of his clients and does a great job for them."

Trent D. Woods headshot
Trent Woods

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jan 31

Relationship: Co-worker

"Doug is a top-notch family law attorney. He is a fountain of knowledge and skill. Doug is a workhorse and always strives for the best outcome possible for his clients. I recommend Doug for any family law matter."

Karl T Scholes headshot
Karl Scholes

Family lawyer | Jan 31

Relationship: Co-worker

"Douglas is one the best family law attorneys that I have ever worked with (and against). His knowledge of the law is second to none, and his skill at navigating the troubled waters of family law is superb. I fully endorse Douglas."

Robert N Sewell headshot
Robert Sewell

Family lawyer | Jan 31

Relationship: Co-worker

"Doug is an excellent attorney. He is circumspect, trustworthy, and well studied. I trust him with my clients and I go to him for advice. You can trust him as well."

William John Skabelund headshot
William Skabelund

Family lawyer | Jan 31

Relationship: Co-worker

"Doug is a very experienced family law attorney. Whenever I have a client with a very complicated family law situation, I seek Doug's involvement. I highly recommend him."

Russell B Richelsoph headshot
Russell Richelsoph

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jan 30

Relationship: Co-worker

"Douglas is a top notch family law attorney. He is extremely knowledgeable and very good at getting his clients what they want. I never hesitate to send a client to Douglas as I know they are going to one of the best."

View All Endorsements
Marcus A. Sedillo headshot
Marcus Sedillo

Family lawyer

Meridith L. Lord headshot
Meridith Lord

Family lawyer

Gregory Alan Reinhart headshot
Gregory Reinhart

Family lawyer

Shannon Marie Lewis headshot
Shannon Lewis

Family lawyer

Diego F Brito headshot
Diego Brito

Family lawyer

Edgard Francis Brillantes Espiritu Jr headshot
Edgard Espiritu

Family lawyer

Melissa Faye Benson headshot
Melissa Benson

Family lawyer

James Scott Stevens headshot
James Stevens

Family lawyer

Michael David Girgenti headshot
Michael Girgenti

Family lawyer

Brittany Leigh Skinner headshot
Brittany Skinner

Family lawyer

William John Skabelund headshot
William Skabelund

Business lawyer

Kevin A Park headshot
Kevin Park

Family lawyer

A Melvin McDonald headshot
A McDonald

Litigation lawyer

Trent R Wilcox headshot
Trent Wilcox

Family lawyer

Carrie M Wilcox headshot
Carrie Wilcox

Divorce and separation lawyer

Tonya MacBeth headshot
Tonya MacBeth

Divorce and separation lawyer

Stasy D Click headshot
Stasy Click

Family lawyer

Dean M Cavaletto headshot
Dean Cavaletto

Family lawyer

Ronald L Jones headshot
Ronald Jones

Litigation lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.7 (Superb)

Honors

2015

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2004

“Outstanding Associate Editor”, Jurimetrics: The Journal of Law, Science, and Technology

Work Experience

2011 - Present

Partner, Davis Miles McGuire Gardner PLLC

2009 - Present

Founding Partner, McGuire Gardner

2006 - 2009

Attorney, Aspey Watkins & Diesel

2003 - 2006

Attorny/ Law Clerk, Gibson Ferrin & Riggs

Associations

2004 - Present

Arizona Bar Association

2006 - 2010

Coconino County Bar Association

Sample of Legal Cases

In Re marriage of Williams

Took the case on appeal, and won

See More Legal Cases

Education

2004

Arizona State University Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law

J.D.

2003

Arizona State University

M.B.A.

1999

University of Nevada-Las Vegas

BS - Bachelor of Science

1997

Eastern Arizona College

A.A.

Speaking Engagements

2021

Davis, Miles CLE Presentations

Increasing Organizations and Relationships with Asset Protection Referrals- CLE Attended

2021

Davis, Miles CLE Presentations

Billing for New Associates CLE Presented

2020

Davis, Miles CLE Presentations

Ethics-CLE Attended

2020

David, Miles CLE Presentations

Dear Client: Pay Up! The Subtle Craft of Collecting Fees-CLE Co Presented

2020

David, Miles CLE Presentations

The Art of Billing- CLE Presented

2018

Davis, Miles CLE Presentations

Family Law CLE Presentation

2017

Davis, Miles CLE Presentations

BK for Non-BK Lawyers- CLE Co Presentation

2009

What Attorneys Should Know about Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy Law for Lawyers

Publications

2020

Amazon Amazing Intentions (Book now available on Amazon) 2020

2009

Maricopa County Bar Association Bankruptcy Proceedings in Family Law Cases

2009

State Bar of Arizona Family Law Section Newsletter When Federal Bankruptcy Law Collides With Your Arizona Family Law Case

2009

State Bar of Arizona Family Law Section Newsletter Bankruptcy Issues in Family Law Cases

Languages

Portuguese

Spanish

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution