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Douglas R. Hughes
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About Douglas
Biography
DOUGLAS R. HUGHES, named the Top Lawyer in Child Custody, is a principal partner in Hughes & Nelson, P.L.L.C. handling child custody and divorce matters. Douglas R. Hughes was a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in Spokane County for over 9 years prior to focusing on high conflict and complex child cusotdy and divorce matters in the last 11+ years. These years of practice in both trial litigation as well as neogitaiton and mediation give Douglas R. Hughes a unique perspective on matters involving family law and child custody. Douglas R. Hughes has been recognized as the Top Lawyer in Child Custody for several years by Spokane/Coeur d'Alene Living Magazine, a presenter at continuing legal education seminars as well as police academy training while a prosecutor. His expertise in the law combined with effective negotiation skills allow him to strive to achive the best result for clients under the circumstances in each case. Douglas R. Hughes graduated from the University of Oregon School of Law, as well as earning an English degree from Washington State University. Douglas R. Hughes is accepting clients in areas of divorce, separation, child custody/parenting plans, contempt, child support, third party custody, modifications and contempts. Douglas R. Hughes is also a certified Guardian ad Litem which informs his child custody practice. If you have a family law, divorce, or child custody matter, don't hesitate to call right away.
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%
Divorce and Separation
25%
Child Support
5%
Domestic Violence
5%
Fees and Rates
Cost
Retainer
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2023 2019 2013
Licenses
Licensed in Washington for 25 years
State: Washington
Acquired: 2000
No misconduct found
Location
Hughes & Nelson, Attorneys at Law, PLLC
(509) 822-2498
Mobile
505 W. Riverside Avenue, Suite 600, Spokane, WA, 99201
hughesnelsonlaw.com/Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Douglas online.
Douglas R. Hughes's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
40 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (40)
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 5 of 9 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge
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 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.
Posted by Susan | September 11, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Doug is awesome!
Doug Hughes did a wonderful job representing my brother through his divorce. I followed closely from the beginning through a 2 day trial and then the ruling. Doug and his entire office conducted themselves with the utmost character and integrity. I would recommend Doug to anyone who wants to win! ...
Posted by anonymous | December 15, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Family
Fabulous, Thorough, and Thoughtful Service
This was the second time I've needed Doug's services and I will say that without a doubt, he is the best attorney money can buy for family law issues. I was very happy with the results the first time as well as the second time. Doug is intelligent, responsive, thorough, and thoughtful in how he con...
Posted by Scott Templeton | July 25, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Business
Very knowledgeable and helpful
I own a franchise of a nationwide corporation. I hired David Crouse to complete a business valuation for me given his work in this area. I was very pleased with his valuation work. I was also very pleased with his associate Douglas Hughes. Mr. Hughes worked with me in compiling documents for their CP...
Douglas R. Hughes's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Doug is a fierce litigator with a substantial amount of courtroom experience. Doug is truly an expert in his field."
"Doug is so smart and skilled. He is a person in whose hands you can feel good about entrusting your family's future."
"Douglas is a highly respected lawyer. I endorse him."
"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."
"I endorse Douglas. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal 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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
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Experience
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 SectionMember
2011 - Present
Washington State Bar Association, Family Law SectionMember
2000 - Present
Spokane County Bar AssocianMember
2000 - Present
Washington State Bar AssociationMember
2010 - 2010
1553PA Local - AFSCMEBoard Member
2009 - 2009
1553PA Local - AFSCMESecretary
2008 - 2008
1553PA Local - AFSCMESecretary
2006 - 2006
1553PA Local - AFSCMETrustee
2005 - 2005
1553PA Local - AFSCMETrustee
2002 - 2011
1553PA Local - AFSCMEUnion
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.
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
2011
2008
Wenatchee World
Case Profile (by Jamie Adame)
2008
Spokesman Review
Case Profile (by Bill Morlin)
2007
KHQ (Q6 News)
Case Profile (KHQ)
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
Can I get emancipated without parental consent?
12 Jul 2021
Q&A
My divorce decree states interest on child support arrears. How do I figure out the amount owed and go about collecting it?
11 Aug 2020
Q&A
Can divorcing parties decide what is equitable division of assets or does the court always do that?
14 Apr 2020