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Douglas Sean Pinkham

Divorce and separation Attorney at Tustin, CA

4.2   26 reviews

also known as Doug Pinkham

  • Licensed for 24 years
    State CA
    Acquired 1999
    Status
    Active No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About Douglas

Learn Douglas’s areas of practice.

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.

Photos and videos

Understanding the difference between a legal separation, and a divorce - California Family Law.

Contact Douglas

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Reviews

4.2 / 5.0
  26 customer reviews
Posted by Patty | March 1, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great lawyer!!!!
I had to deal with a very complicated divorce that included multiple houses and businesses. I hired Doug and couldn't be happier with my experience. He and all his team are very professional, knowledgeable and courteous and respond quickly. The divorce ended very favorably for me and his fees didn't break the bank. I can't refer them highly enough! Doug and his team are the best!!
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Posted by anonymous | April 6, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Happy Client
I can’t thank Doug and his team enough for the work they did for me and my case. He is the most responsive attorney I’ve ever worked with and made himself available, and never once made me feel like my questions were unimportant or a waste of his time. He provided clear options for me to pursue all along the way and sound advice. He also has great experience with the different judges and other counsel. His team worked under tight deadlines and kept me informed throughout. I 100% recommend Doug and his team. They truly understand how to work with you and for your best interests. You will not be disappointed.
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Posted by Nick | July 2, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Attorney
Doug is a no nonsense lawyer. He answered all of my questions directly and concisely. He helped me with the modification of the Spousal Support. I would recommend Doug to anyone needing help with any divorce issues.
Posted by Joe | April 19, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Beyond Expectations!
Going through my divorce was a terrifying experience. I found myself fighting for my financial survival due to what I thought was excessive spousal support being paid to my ex wife. The fact that I was in a long term marriage (22 years) didn't help my cause either. I hired Pinkham & Associates to represent me to try to reduce my spousal support payments. When I met with Doug Pinkham, he informed me that it really doesn't matter what I thought was right or fair. What matters is what the law says. Doug also informed me that we were in for an uphill battle due to my salary and the length of my marriage which usually results in lifetime or many, many years of spousal support. Well, Doug performed a miracle! He was able to come up with a settlement in my case in which my spousal support payments will end PERMANENTLY only 4 years after my divorce. Pinkham & Associates gave me my life back and I am eternally grateful. I would definitely recommend this firm to anyone who feels they are paying too much in spousal support. I also want to give an extra special thanks to Liby Flores, Sr Paralegal. You are awesome! I appreciate all of your help in my case.
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Posted by Jessica S. | August 26, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Thank you so MUCH!
I am so glad I chose Doug and his firm to represent me. i had previously been with another divorce attorney but became unhappy with that attorney. Doug fought hard for me and I ended up with a better deal than my previous attorney even said was possible. I have already referred a close friend from work to Pinkham & Associates and I will continue to recommend Doug and his staff. And his paralegal Liby, is so sweet. Thank you all so much.
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Posted by Jacob | March 11, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Professional Firm!
Im very happy with the help Mr. Pinkham provided me with during my divorce! He took me from point A to point Z and explained everything to me. He didnt rush and listened to my concerns! His staff is very nice too and were able to answer all the question I had during phone conversations! I would recommend them to anyone!
Posted by Lynda | October 18, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great lawyer
I had a 2 hour FREE consultation where Doug answered all of my questions and gave me real feedback - good and bad. He had patience with me, as it is a daunting task to request an order from the court regarding children. But I was granted my order on the first hearing day. That day was a HUGE victory for me.
Posted by Steve | March 8, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great attorney
Great attorney.. Knows his stuff and will save you time and money because he doesn't take any bs from the other side. Always on top of things. Call Doug.. He will take great care of you.
Posted by Paula | February 4, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent and Professional
Doug was very informative throughout my divorce. He helped both me and my spouse go through the process without any incidents. Very professional.
Posted by Paula | December 24, 2015
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Very grateful!
I contacted Doug after calling countless attorneys. He is the only one that answered directly and asked me immediately what my situation was and what he could do for me. He consulted with me for almost an hour or more and offered me some great advice and a ton of options other lawyers had neglected to ever mention. I am grateful to him, and I wouldn't hesitate to use him in the future.
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Posted by George | September 12, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Thank you so much.
I received a little advice from Doug Pinkham years ago. Since then, I have referrerd countless people with divorce and custody issues. Doug has helped each and every one of them with caring but agressive help. I will continue to send my friends and family to Doug for family law help forever.
Posted by anonymous | February 13, 2015
Divorce mediation
Doug, Many thanks! I know we both appreciate your assistance in what would normally be a difficult situation. It's definitely nice to have someone make the process seem somehow more bearable. If I have anyone in need of your services, I'll be sure to send them on. Best, Dave
Posted by Frederic | November 26, 2014
The Pinkham Team are Lifesavers!
Doug, Jessica and Rebecca were tenacious with my divorce case. I began the process completely beaten down by a horrible separation. Doug and his team not only got me through the process, but got me the profits I was due from a home sale/escrow that went horribly wrong. I can't recommend them highly enough!
Posted by Jess | November 6, 2014
Doug the Man!
Doug was Great! He was very truthful, witty, and quick on his toes. Along side Jessica, they made the divorce process much easier. I recommend him to anyone that is going through a divorce, I know it can be extremely difficult. That is why you have to have knowledgeable people around you. Very professional and efficient, man he is a bull! Thank you Doug
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Posted by jeffrey | November 3, 2014
Good Reputable Lawyer
Also being a family law attorney, I have had a chance to work on cases opposite Attorney Pinkham as well as seeing him in court. He is always pleasant and respectful to me and others around. He follows through on his promises to get things to me and responds to emails almost instantaneously, even after hours and on weekends. I like this because I do the same. His clients seem to like him and I have not heard of any complaints.
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Posted by Chi H | June 6, 2013
Excellent Divorce Mediation Lawyer Santa Ana CA
“Dear Mr. Pinkham, I have worked in customer service business for 25 years. I supervise commercial and industrial representatives and I coach my representatives that in the business world, good customer service often isn't good enough anymore. Customers and clients are becoming increasingly dissatisfied with the merely sufficient. That makes extraordinary service necessary, not just desirable and anything less in not tolerable. When I think of extraordinary customer service, I think of you, Mr. Pinkham. I remember when I first called you; I was upset about getting divorced. You took time to listen to me. I always tell my representatives to listen to your customer because they will always give you clues about how to provide good customer service. You spent an hour with me listening patiently and explaining in detail page by page of the divorce paper I received from my wife. I was amazed because I called four other divorce lawyers in Long Beach area and they all spent maximum of 15 minutes explaining very basic information. They all sounded disconnected with me and advised me to come in. I was very turned off by their service and about to give up when I came upon your website. I'm so glad I called you. You spending an hour with me without charging me a fee which is unheard of in this day and age when everyone's wanting to get every penny in their greedy hands but you, Mr. Pinkham, are rare breed, not lawyers, who is true to the profession they have committed. I grew up on my own since I was fifteen and I'm fortunate to have a life, whenever, I'm in need of help I always meet an angel who will help me get through whatever hardship I face. I always believe my father, who passed away when I was six, is my guardian who sends angels to help me get through whatever hardship I face. You are my angel who helped me through this chapter of my life and give me hope that there are still good people out there. Thank you so much for your extraordinary service and I know where to turn should my family, colleagues or I need a lawyer. I can call you and know that I'm going to get an extraordinary service. You ROCK!!! Mr. Pinkham!!! Have a great day!!!” Chi H.
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Posted by Barbara | May 28, 2013
Very good lawyer
“My case was beyond an extremely difficult case and an absolute nightmare. Nobody would believe the things we had to deal with in this case. Physical and mental abuse, restraining orders, hidden assets, threats, fraud, multiple opposing attorneys, etc. After trying multiple times to sit down and negotiate a settlement, Doug was forced to set our case for trial. He took a very aggressive approach, along with keeping me grounded along the way. He pulls no punches and handled difficult issues quickly and efficiently. And one of the most important factors was he always took my calls. He settled my case well before I could have imagined.” Barbara A.
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Posted by Heywood | May 16, 2013
Great experience
Doug has become a friend to me and my family. He mediated out our settlement and everyone walked away happy. Now you say, who cares I'm finally rid of him or her but when kids are involved it is good to stay at least a little bit nice to each other. Thanks Doug.
Posted by anonymous | October 4, 2012
Our family go to attorney
I picked him to represent my son in a restraining order matter and he got the order denied. I thank him for clearing my son's name because his ex-wife was making false allegations and was going to ruin his record. Doug is now our go to attorney for the entire family and I am forever grateful with him.
Posted by Happy Father | December 1, 2011
Doug helped me with my custody case
I TRUST Doug for any family law matter. I have recommended him to my family and friends, after I finished my custody case with him. Doug went above and beyond for me to ensure that I was able to receive more custody and visitation with my kids. My ex was not willing to cooperate in the beginning, but it helped alot that he had a good relationship with my wife's attorney. That helped me and my wife come to a fair agreement. Now we can co-parent and my kids are happy!
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Cost

Rates
  • Free Consultation 30 minutes
  • Hourly Rates $ 350-450 per hour
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 9.3 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Attorney
  • Pinkham & Associates, APLC
  • 1999 - Present

Education

  • Western State University, Fullerton
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1998

Legal Cases

  • Divorce Debt Issues
  • Judge Dismissed Opposing Parties' Motion

Associations

  • United States Parachute Association
  • Member #278914
  • 2014 - Present

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • 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
View all awards

Publications

View all publications

Speaking Engagements

  • Bernardo Yorba Middle School
  • Practice of Family Law
  • 2004

Attorney endorsements

Received (16)
Given (6)
Endorse Douglas
Family Attorney | Dec 12
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."
Family Attorney | Oct 10
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."
Family Attorney | Feb 13
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!"
Family Attorney | Feb 12
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."
Family Attorney | Feb 11
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."
Child support Attorney | Aug 10
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Jun 30
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I endorse this lawyer."
Family Attorney | Apr 17
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."
Family Attorney | Nov 14
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."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Nov 10
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."
Family Attorney | Nov 07
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."
Family Attorney | Nov 06
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."
Family Attorney | Nov 05
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."
Unknown Attorney | Nov 03
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."
Family Attorney | Nov 03
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."
Family Attorney | Nov 03
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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Criminal defense
Divorce and separation
Divorce and separation