Douglas Andrew Hatherley

Douglas A. Hatherley is a Partner with Stegmeier, Gelbart, Schwartz & Benavente, LLP and a Certified Family Law Specialist serving Southern California. Mr. Hatherley's 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. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of California, Berkeley, and his Juris Doctor from Loyola Law School.

Mr. Hatherley has been selected for inclusion in the prestigious 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.  He has 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 the lawyer’s peers rank him at the highest level of professional excellence for his legal knowledge, communication skills and ethical standards. 

Mr. Hatherley is also a graduate of the prestigious National Family Law Trial Advocacy Institute in Houston, Texas.  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.

Mr. Hatherley has practiced family law exclusively since being admitted to the bar and has worked at prominent family law firms in the Inland Empire, Orange County, and Los Angeles. During law school, Mr. Hatherley served as a judicial extern in the Family Law Division of the Los Angeles Superior Court for the Honorable Harvey A. Silberman. He was also Senior Production Editor of the Loyola of Los Angeles International and Comparative Law Review.

Mr. Hatherley is a member of the State Bar of California, Riverside County Bar Association, and Orange County Bar Association.