Douglas R. Hughes

PRO

Douglas R. Hughes

4.6
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 25 years

Child custody Lawyer at Spokane, WA
Practice Areas: Child Custody, Divorce & Separation, Child Support, Domestic Violence

505 W. Riverside Avenue, Suite 600, Spokane, WA

Virtual Consultation Available

Free Consultation

About Douglas

Biography

When you need the best to help you through the worst.

When you need the best to help you through the worst, rated Top Attorney for Child Custody.

When you need the best to help you through the worst, rated Top Attorney.

When you need the best to help you through the worst, rated Top Attorney for Child Custody.

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Child Custody 65%

65%
Divorce and Separation 25%

25%
Child Support 5%

5%
Domestic Violence 5%

5%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2023 2019 2013

Licenses

Licensed in Washington for 25 years

State: Washington

Acquired: 2000

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Hughes & Nelson, Attorneys at Law, PLLC

505 W. Riverside Avenue, Suite 600, Spokane, WA, 99201

hughesnelsonlaw.com/

Online Presence

Other places you can find Douglas online.

Douglas R. Hughes's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.6 /5.0

40 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 40 reviews

Posted by James | December 04, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Credit Repair

From 611 → 836/841/837 in 30 days – Pinnacle Credit Specialist saved my credit (and my sanity)

I’m still in shock typing this. On February 16, 2025, my score suddenly crashed more than 190 points overnight from low-800s all the way down to 611 because of a bogus 90-day late on my federal student loans. The loans had been with Great Lakes, got transferred to Nelnet, and were paused during COVID.... Somehow Nelnet never updated my address and kept mailing statements to an old place. I never saw them, never knew payments restarted, and boom reported 90 days late. I called Nelnet repeatedly, begged, explained the COVID pause mess and they basically said “not our problem, you should’ve updated your address.” Even my CFPB complaint came back denied. I thought I was screwed for years. Posted my story on myFICO® Forums completely defeated, and someone in the comments said “Reach out to Pinnacle Credit Specialist they fixed the exact same thing for me.” I was super skeptical (felt like every “credit repair” place was a scam), but I was desperate. Emailed [email protected] and called +1 (201) 605-9008 the same day. They responded in under 2 hours, explained everything clearly, no pressure, no insane upfront fees. In exactly 30 days they: Got the 90-day late permanently deleted from all three bureaus, removed every trace of the derogatory mark, Boosted my scores to 836 Equifax, 841 TransUnion, 837 Experian I just pulled fresh reports today to confirm the late is GONE. My scores are actually higher than they were before the drop. If you’re dealing with inaccurate student loan lates, Nelnet nonsense, or any unfair derogatory marks please don’t waste months fighting the bureaus and servicers yourself. Pinnacle knows exactly what to do and they move fast. Email: [email protected] Phone: +1 (201) 605-9008 Forever grateful. I’m posting this far and wide so others don’t have to suffer like I did.

Posted by Lucas | December 17, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Family

MR. Madison

He helped my family when no one else could at the time, can’t thank him enough for doing what he did for my sister.

Posted by Brenda | December 13, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Excellent attorney

Douglas is excellent attorney.. Helping to get custody of granddaughter ... Douglas is a very caring attorney... You can't go wrong hiring Douglas he is on your side

Posted by Robert | December 13, 2023 | Hired Attorney

Thank you

They did ab amazing job on my friends case! Went above and beyond on the there case! Would recommend them to anyone! Thank you for your hard work!

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

Dispatch

Mr. Hughes was hired and has been helping us with a custody battle. The experience has been wonderful. My family is beyond grateful.

See All Client Reviews

Douglas R. Hughes's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Douglas
Ali Ebrahimzadeh headshot
Ali Ebrahimzadeh

Unknown lawyer | Jan 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Zachary Michael Stettler headshot
Zachary Stettler

Child custody lawyer | Nov 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Doug is a fierce litigator with a substantial amount of courtroom experience. Doug is truly an expert in his field."

Susan Ann Kassel headshot
Susan Kassel

Child custody lawyer | Mar 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Doug is so smart and skilled. He is a person in whose hands you can feel good about entrusting your family's future."

James Lamond Cook headshot
James Cook

Child custody lawyer | Mar 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Douglas is a highly respected lawyer. I endorse him."

Michael John Gainer headshot
Michael Gainer

Divorce and separation lawyer | May 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Hughes and I have had several cases over the years and I've always found his representation of his clients to be superb. He is well respected in our community and is a zealous advocate for his clients. He and the attorneys of his firm adhere to the highest ethical standards and professionalism. I would highly recommend him and the attorneys at his firm - if I had a conflict. :) Even if I didn't, I would have no hesitation recommending him or the attorneys in his firm. I highly recommend anyone looking at the AVVO reviews to take them as simply one factor in evaluating possible attorneys. Ask friends and family in the community. However, consistent good reviews by peer attorneys and clients are very good signs."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Family lawyer | Jun 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Douglas. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Lewis Dallas Keikialii Cooney headshot
Lewis Cooney

Unknown lawyer | Jan 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Doug's high level of passion and legal knowledge were evident when he worked at the Spokane County Prosecutor's Office. He now exhibits that same passion in private practice. I can confidently recommend and endorse him."

Christian J. Phelps headshot
Christian Phelps

Family lawyer | Dec 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Doug Hughes is an exceptional family law attorney. Many of my clients also have family law matters, and I refer them to Doug with confidence. All have thanked me for the referral and commented on what a great job Doug did for them. Doug demonstrates compassion and sensitivity towards his clients while zealously advocating on their behalf. Any person with a family law matter will be well served by hiring Doug Hughes."

Patrick T Johnson JR headshot
Patrick Johnson

Child custody lawyer | Dec 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I've known Doug Hughes for more than a decade and I endorse this lawyer without reservation. Doug is competent and engaging. He shows a true passion for his work. Doug has earned a reputation for being professional and courteous in his dealings with clients and fellow attorneys. I've previously worked with Doug and I know him to be an excellent litigator and negotiator."

Megan Tighe Mignella headshot
Megan Mignella

Family lawyer | Dec 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Hughes is a true professional. He is an exceptional and polished courtroom advocate, with excellent communication skills, and represents his clients with integrity. I endorse this lawyer."

Emily S. Nelson headshot
Emily Nelson

Family lawyer | May 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I worked with Douglas Hughes for many years at the Spokane County Prosecutor's office. He handled a great deal of trials and is an excellent litigator. He brings these excellent skills to his work on complex parenting plan and family law matters."

David James Crouse headshot
David Crouse

Family lawyer | Jul 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Hughes has extensive experience ranging from many years as a felony deputy prosecutor to his current work as a family law attorney. Few attorney have more actual trial experience than Mr. Hughes. He is an excellent advocate."

View All Endorsements
Jeffrey Bennett Adams headshot
Jeffrey Adams

Unknown lawyer

Joseph W Kuhlman headshot
Joseph Kuhlman

Criminal defense lawyer

Zachary Michael Stettler headshot
Zachary Stettler

Family lawyer

Sarah Lynn Brandon headshot
Sarah Brandon

Family lawyer

James Lamond Cook headshot
James Cook

Unknown lawyer

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Military law lawyer

Jason Einar Soderman headshot
Jason Soderman

Construction and development lawyer

Heather Elder headshot
Heather Elder

Government lawyer

Stephen Edward Sennett headshot
Stephen Sennett

Employment and labor lawyer

George William Gagnon III headshot
George Gagnon

Government lawyer

Dale A Nagy headshot
Dale Nagy

Government lawyer

Lawrence Henry Haskell headshot
Lawrence Haskell

Government lawyer

Patrick T Johnson JR headshot
Patrick Johnson

Government lawyer

Lewis Dallas Keikialii Cooney headshot
Lewis Cooney

DUI and DWI lawyer

Shane D. Smith headshot
Shane Smith

Government lawyer

Timothy Rasmussen headshot
Timothy Rasmussen

Government lawyer

Jared Thomas Cordts headshot
Jared Cordts

Government lawyer

Anthony Hazel headshot
Anthony Hazel

Government lawyer

Christian J. Phelps headshot
Christian Phelps

Criminal defense lawyer

Emily S. Nelson headshot
Emily Nelson

Estate planning lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2017

Top 100 Lawyers in Washington, The National Advocates

2017

Top 10 Attorneys, National Academy Of Family Law Attorneys

2017

Top Lawyer, Spokane Coeur d'Alene Living Magazine

2015

Top Lawyer, Spokane Coeur d'Alene Living Magazine

2013

Client's Choice Award, Avvo

2002

Best Of Media Democracy, Pacific Northwest Inlander

2000

Graduation Class Speaker, University of Oregon School of Law

2000

Paul Harris Fellow, Rotary International

1996

President's Honor Roll, Washington State University

Work Experience

2011 - Present

Attorney, Hughes & Nelson, Attorneys at Law, P.L.L.C.

2011 - 2017

Partner, David J. Crouse & Associates, PLLC

2008 - 2012

Professor, ITT Corp.

2002 - 2011

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, Spokane County Prosecuting Attorney's Office

2000 - 2002

Attorney and Counselor at Law, Law Office of Douglas R. Hughes

1999 - 2000

Legal Intern, Lane County Legal Aid & Advocacy Center

1998 - 2000

Torts Tutor, University Of Oregon School Of Law

Associations

2011 - Present

Spokane County Bar Assn. Family Law Section

Member

2011 - Present

Washington State Bar Association, Family Law Section

Member

2000 - Present

Spokane County Bar Associan

Member

2000 - Present

Washington State Bar Association

Member

2010 - 2010

1553PA Local - AFSCME

Board Member

2009 - 2009

1553PA Local - AFSCME

Secretary

2008 - 2008

1553PA Local - AFSCME

Secretary

2006 - 2006

1553PA Local - AFSCME

Trustee

2005 - 2005

1553PA Local - AFSCME

Trustee

2002 - 2011

1553PA Local - AFSCME

Union

Sample of Legal Cases

D******** v. D********

Won at trial, upheld on appeal. Substantial trial result.

State v. J*******

Conviction in Washington's first case involving charge of human trafficking

State v. Sa*****

Conviction and restitution order.

State v. Ma*****

Conviction with aggravating factors and sentencing enhancements, along with restitution order

S****** v. M*****

International child custody parenting order respecting rights of both parents.

See More Legal Cases

Education

2000

University of Oregon School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1997

Washington State University

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2011

Criminal Law Hodgepodge CLE Handling Infractions

2010

Spokane Police Academy Training

Approaches and Techniques for Auto Theft Prosecution and Investigation

2009

Law Enforcement (various)

Stolen Vehicle Legal Update

2007

Prosecutor's in Schools Program

Life and The Law (various)

Publications

2013

National Business Institute Seminar Non-Traditional Family Structures and Paternity Disputes

2008

2008

2007

KHQ (Q6 News) Case Profile (KHQ)

Languages

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