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 6 - 9 of 9 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by anonymous | January 21, 2014 | Child Custody

Amazing

Doug totally helped me on a custody case. I had an emergency situation that needed immediate restrainign orders and we were in court the same day and the sheriff served my ex that night. The kids were safe, my ex was ordered to do treatement or lose time with the kids. Worth everything that it cost, ...and the judge really liked how Doug presented everything and argued. Very professional and I would tell anyone to pick him.

Posted by anonymous | December 26, 2013 | Divorce & Separation

Very Satisfied

Doug helped me with my divorce. It was a situation where my ex was saying things that were just not true and and I didn't know where to turn. Doug knew exactly how to handle my cases. I remember being in court and listening to the judge say that we were exactly right and the other side was just plain... wrong. I was very pleased with how my case turned out. Being a prosecutor came through when we got to trial and Doug was amazing. Going through what I went through was hard enough, but Doug helped me through the whole thing. He was highly recommended to me by multiple people, and 5they were right. I will recommend Doug to everyone that I can.

Posted by anonymous | May 10, 2013 | Divorce & Separation

Great Lawyer

Douglas Hughes came highly recommended to me from someone who knew him from his years as a prosecuting attorney. He was very knowledgeable about the law, and helped me understand the options that I had, as well as the best path forward for my situation. I appreciated his communication with me, from... working with me to review all of the documents in my case to making sure that I was prepared for trial. When I saw him cross examine my ex it was worth everything and more. The result was very good for me, but it also helped me put a difficult chapter of my life to a very satisfying end.

Posted by Moving On | March 12, 2013 | Family

Long term solutions, but poor communication

Mr. Hughes is clearly knowledgable about Family Law and is great at giving all sorts of scenarios for what could happen. However, his lack of communication with his clients is unsettling. The few meetings (in person & telephonically) were very long-winded on his end and more filled with 'what if' sce...nario's and not directly related to dealing with our current situation. Needless to say, our billings for trying to get a simple question answered were above and beyond what they needed to be ....and without any type of resolution to our case. We have since moved on to a different attorney.

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

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What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
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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