I am Douglas S. Pinkham, I practice Divorce & Family Law in Southern California. This has been my work and my passion for 16 years. I have been divorced myself, so I understand first-hand the raw emotions, the complexities, and even the costs associated with divorce. I am certain this helps me build a closer connection with my clientele.
I graduated from Western State University, College of Law, in 1998 after having the benefit of having a highly respected Orange County Family Law Judge as my professor for Community Property, which is Divorce and Family Law studies. From my first day as a practicing attorney, my firm’s focus has been Divorce & Family Law.
Immediately after being sworn in as an attorney, friends and family members asked me for help with their legal matters. I was an attorney for four days, and I had five cases…all Family Law. I handled those cases, enjoyed the area of practice, took on more and more Family Law cases, and I have never looked back! Ever since the outset of my career in the law, I have specifically focused my practice in the areas of Divorce and Family Law.
As my client, you should know I have been in your position. For better or for worse, I also went through a divorce. It is by far one of the most difficult experiences I was forced to deal with, emotionally, financially, and socially. However, as a result of my having experienced these trials personally, I am confident I am in a better position to understand the needs and desires of my clients. I am absolutely certain of my ability to help you navigate this process and get you through this difficult time.
After 16 years of experience as both a litigator and a mediator, it is my humble and sincere opinion that a divorce, or legal separation, or any related family law issue, does not need to be divisive, or contentious. As an attorney, one of my first goals is to do everything I can to get you reach your desired outcome while avoiding any unnecessary contention, financial costs, time and even unnecessary anger and sadness. It is not always true, but often times mediation is a viable option. Even if the parties to a divorce cannot agree on all issues, the assistance of a skilled divorce mediator may very well get the job done; saving you and your spouse thousands, even tens-of-thousands of dollars in the process. However, if mediation is not possible in your case, other members of out litigation team can certainly assist in a more classic divorce process.
I know I am unusual in this fact, but I truly love my work. I realize I am helping my clients through the most important thing in their lives. While a divorce is in the process, it almost feels like your life is on-hold, or otherwise stalled, until the divorce is final. It is my goal in every case to get my clients from filing to finished in the fastest, most direct path possible. I sincerely feel rewarded when clients come to us at one of the most difficult periods of their lives, but leave after our first meeting with a feeling of relief, and support. I feel satisfaction when, in the end, they leave content to have had someone thoroughly support them through the entire process. But more importantly, I cannot express the feeling of knowing that someone is now ready to begin a new chapter in their lives, stronger, better, and once again hopeful. My staff and I have the reputation of being tough, but fair divorce advocates. If there is a way to settle an issue without harming our client or our client’s legal position, it is done and done expeditiously. However, please don’t confuse settling an issue with weakness. We settle whenever possible if it makes sense for the client, and only if the client agrees to the settlement. On the other hand, if some opposing counsel tries to harm our client, or the opposing party takes some unreasonable position or has some unrealistic expectation, we simply won’t stand for it. This being said, we stay in contact with our client’s on a nearly daily basis when activity is taking place in their matter, continually explaining all aspects of the divorce process, and after being fully informed of all aspects of any particular issue and the tactics or methods of dealing with that particular issue, it is always the client’s final choice on how to proceed.
Languages spoken
English
Pinkham & Associates Orange County Divorce Attorneys, APLC
17731 Irvine Blvd, Ste 201
Tustin, CA, 92780
Pinkham & Associates, APLC - Orange County Divorce Attorneys
540 N. Golden Circle Drive.
Suite 214
Santa Ana, CA, 92705
Pinkham & Associates APLC
8105 Irvine Center Dr #900
Irvine, CA, 92618
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
CA | Active | 1999 | 02/07/2022 |
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
10 Best | American Institute of Family Law Attorneys | 2018 |
10 Best | American Institute of Family Law Attorneys | 2017 |
Best Lawyer | Expertise | 2016 |
10 Best | American Institute of Family Law Attorneys | 2016 |
Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 | Martindale-Hubbell | 2015 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Attorney | Pinkham & Associates, APLC | 1999 - Present |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
United States Parachute Association | Member #278914 | 2014 - Present |
Publication name | Title | Date |
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Pinkham & Associates APLC Blog | Length of Marriage & its Effects on Spousal Support | 2016 |
Pinkham & Associates APLC Blog | Can Someone Kick Their Spouse Out of The Family House | 2016 |
Pinkham & Associates APLC Blog | Understanding Legal vs. Physical Custody | 2016 |
Pinkham & Associates APLC Blog | Emergency Custody Orders | 2016 |
HG.org Global Legal Resources | 4 Common Divorce Mediation Questions | 2016 |
Medium.com | Divorce Planning: 11 Considerations Before You File For Divorce | 2016 |
Pinkham & Associates APLC Blog | 7 Vital Points to Divorce & Property Division | 2015 |
HG.org Global Legal Resources | Frequently Asked Family Law Questions | 2015 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
Western State University, Fullerton | JD - Juris Doctor | 1998 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Bernardo Yorba Middle School | Practice of Family Law | 2004 |
Case name | Outcome |
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Divorce Debt Issues | Judge Dismissed Opposing Parties' Motion |
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Jennifer Culhane, Family Attorney on Dec 12, 2017
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I have worked with Doug for over ten years. He is an excellent attorney both in and out of the courtroom. His experience, skills and knowledge enable him to handle even the most complex cases. Doug can strategically and efficiently assist you in your matter. He is ethical and has a superb support staff to ensure his clients receive top notch care.
William Peacock, Family Attorney on Oct 10, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I've only known Doug a short time, but I can tell you this: his clients absolutely adore him and in our business together, he's been a pleasure to work with and exceptionally professional.
Jennifer Culhane, Family Attorney on Dec 12, 2017
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I have worked with Doug for over ten years. He is an excellent attorney both in and out of the courtroom. His experience, skills and knowledge enable him to handle even the most complex cases. Doug can strategically and efficiently assist you in your matter. He is ethical and has a superb support staff to ensure his clients receive top notch care.
William Peacock, Family Attorney on Oct 10, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I've only known Doug a short time, but I can tell you this: his clients absolutely adore him and in our business together, he's been a pleasure to work with and exceptionally professional.
Karen Donaldson, Family Attorney on Feb 13, 2017
Relationship: Other
Great family lawyer!! If you're looking for a divorce attorney in the Orange Co. California area, Doug is the go to attorney!
Christopher Weaver, Family Attorney on Feb 12, 2017
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I recently had the opportunity to approach Doug re a question I had involving family law. I went to him because of his reputation and expertise in the matter I was dealing with. More than providing an answer to my question, Doug worked to educate me in the deeper minutia of the subject matter and other areas of law that would touch on that subject. I can better represent my clients as a result of working with Doug.
John Collins, Family Attorney on Feb 11, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. I first met Doug at a national seminar. I was immediately impressed with the knowledge he possessed in his given field. I would definitely endorse him.
Nema Daghbandan, Child support Attorney on Aug 10, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Walter McKeague, Divorce and separation Attorney on Jun 30, 2015
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
I endorse this lawyer.
Elizabeth Johnson, Family Attorney on Apr 17, 2015
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
In this highly contentious field, it is always a great relief to work with opposing counsel who have Doug's level of professionalism. Doug's ability to stay above the fray lends him more credibility, and is much appreciated.
Judith Williams, Family Attorney on Nov 14, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I have known Doug for many years and have always looked forward to working with him. He works very diligently for his clients, while at the same time working to move the parties to an amicable settlement. He is professional and knowledgeable. I highly recommend him to couples to need to take their matter to court.
Donald Werno, Divorce and separation Attorney on Nov 10, 2014
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I have worked with and against Mr. Pinkham on more than one matter. I have found him to be both passionate, hard working and prone to giving matters mature consideration before taking action. He is reasonable, knowledgeable and continually working to improve his personal and professional skill sets.
Brett Thorsteinson, Family Attorney on Nov 7, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Doug is an excellent attorney, who is knowledgable, ethical and committed to fighting for his client's best interests. I give Doug my highest endorsement and believe him to be in the top tier of family law attorneys in the State of California.
Donald Arnold, Family Attorney on Nov 6, 2014
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I have worked with Doug on a matter for over four years, and during that time, I have been impressed by his knowledge, strategic skills and organization. During several negotiations, Doug has shown patience and the attention to detail that is necessary to prevail in prolonged litigation. I can think of no higher recommendation than to say that I would work with Doug again without hesitation.
Shane Pariseau, Family Attorney on Nov 5, 2014
Relationship: Worked together on matter
During the course of my legal dealings, I have come to know Mr. Pinkham, and I am familiar with his high quality of legal work as well as his professionalism. In fact, I have had the distinct pleasure to work with Mr. Pinkham on several occasions, and have determined his ethics, command of the law, and case management to be superlative. I can recommend and endorse Mr. Pinkham without reservation. Furthermore, I respect his approach towards resolving matters at their earliest stages, which has proven to be financially rewarding for all parties involved.
Richard Heston, Unknown Attorney on Nov 3, 2014
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
I endorse this lawyer. While I have only had the opportunity to work with Doug on one case, it was a pleasure to do so. His approach stressed cooperation between counsel in an effort to hold down legal fees and expenses to both parties, something I'm sure the litigants appreciated. He was honest and ethical, as well as hard-working. Since that occasion, Doug, who has chosen to focus his practice strictly on family law, has tapped me for bankruptcy counsel on behalf of a client, as I am a certified specialist in consumer bankruptcy, showing that he seeks out the advice of his peers before venturing into an unknown area the law. Less diligent attorneys might have failed to act cautiously before plunging ahead. Such due diligence speaks volumes about Doug's thorough yet careful approach to his clients' legal needs.
Steven Hittelman, Family Attorney on Nov 3, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I have known Doug Pinkham for years as a smart, ethical, and reasonable attorney with good courtroom skills. Doug handles his clients, and opposing counsel, well and his reputation in the community reflects his civility and professionalism.
Carolyne Chung, Family Attorney on Nov 3, 2014
Relationship: Worked together on matter
Doug is very knowledgeable in the Family law area. He is a fierce advocator but very professional. He also responds quickly and very detailed with the questions you may have for him. He will guide you through the process in a very efficient and effective manner.
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