Judge Donna J. Hitchens: Comprehensive Profile - Analytics, Rulings, and Recent Cases

Biography

The Hon. Donna J. Hitchens (Ret.) served as a judge for the Superior Court of San Francisco County in California. She was elected to the bench on June 5, 1990, and served for nearly two decades, eventually retiring in November 2010.


Hitchens attended Springfield College, where she earned a B.A. in community leadership and development as well as a master’s degree in counseling. She briefly worked as a counselor at the University of Maine before pursuing a law degree, which she completed at the University of California, Berkeley in 1977.


Hitchens began her legal career with Equal Rights Advocates. She joined the organization as staff counsel but quickly founded the National Center for Lesbian Rights. The National Center for Lesbian Rights was one of the first organizations in the United States to focus on the legal issues directly affecting lesbians. The organization addressed custody, adoption, and employment cases, eventually expanding its scope to include the legal challenges experienced by gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals.


Hitchens also worked as a staff attorney for the ACLU of Northern California, all before co-founding a private practice focused on civil rights cases.


Hitchens was a recipient of the Benjamin Aranda Access to Justice Award (2001). She also received the Judicial Officer of the Year Award from the Family Law Section of the State Bar of California (2002).


Hitchens was raised near Washington, D.C. She was the first in her family to finish high school.


She was also the first openly gay individual to be elected to the bench in the United States.


She is married to the Hon. Nancy Davis (Ret.).

Recent Rulings by Hon. Donna J. Hitchens

Recent Cases by Hon. Donna J. Hitchens

On January 28, 2009 a domestic violence prevention without children case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Francisco County. Judge Donna J. Hitchens presiding.

Filed

Jan 28, 2009

Judge

Hon. Donna J. Hitchens Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Donna J. Hitchens

Court

Superior

County

San Francisco County, CA

Category

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PREVENTION WITHOUT CHILDREN

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Domestic Violence

Case Last Refreshed

Apr 01, 2022

On November 26, 2008 a petition for dissolution with children case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Francisco County. Judge Donna J. Hitchens presiding.

Filed

Nov 26, 2008

Status

Other

Judge

Hon. Donna J. Hitchens Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Donna J. Hitchens

Court

San Francisco County

County

San Francisco County, CA

Category

PETITION FOR DISSOLUTION WITH CHILDREN

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 12, 2021

On October 10, 2008 a petition for dissolution without children case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Francisco County. Judge Donna J. Hitchens presiding.

Filed

Oct 10, 2008

Status

Judgment (Other)

Judge

Hon. Donna J. Hitchens Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Donna J. Hitchens

Court

San Francisco County

County

San Francisco County, CA

Category

PETITION FOR DISSOLUTION WITHOUT CHILDREN

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 12, 2021

On July 22, 2008 a petition for custody and support of minor children case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Francisco County. Judge Donna J. Hitchens presiding.

Filed

Jul 22, 2008

Status

Dismissal

Judge

Hon. Donna J. Hitchens Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Donna J. Hitchens

Court

San Francisco County

County

San Francisco County, CA

Category

PETITION FOR CUSTODY AND SUPPORT OF MINOR CHILDREN

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Custody,Visitation

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 12, 2021

On July 8, 2008 a petition for dissolution with children case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Francisco County. Judge Donna J. Hitchens presiding.

Filed

Jul 08, 2008

Status

Judgment (Other)

Judge

Hon. Donna J. Hitchens Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Donna J. Hitchens

Court

San Francisco County

County

San Francisco County, CA

Category

PETITION FOR DISSOLUTION WITH CHILDREN

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Nov 09, 2022

On June 20, 2008 a petition for dissolution without children case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Francisco County. Judge Donna J. Hitchens presiding.

Filed

Jun 20, 2008

Status

Judgment (Other)

Judge

Hon. Donna J. Hitchens Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Donna J. Hitchens

Court

San Francisco County

County

San Francisco County, CA

Category

PETITION FOR DISSOLUTION WITHOUT CHILDREN

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 12, 2021

On May 29, 2008 a petition for dissolution without children case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Francisco County. Judge Donna J. Hitchens presiding.

Filed

May 29, 2008

Status

Judgment (Other)

Judge

Hon. Donna J. Hitchens Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Donna J. Hitchens

Court

San Francisco County

County

San Francisco County, CA

Category

PETITION FOR DISSOLUTION WITHOUT CHILDREN

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 12, 2021

On May 29, 2008 a petition for dissolution without children case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Francisco County. Judge Donna J. Hitchens presiding.

Filed

May 29, 2008

Status

Judgment (Other)

Judge

Hon. Donna J. Hitchens Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Donna J. Hitchens

Court

San Francisco County

County

San Francisco County, CA

Category

PETITION FOR DISSOLUTION WITHOUT CHILDREN

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 12, 2021

On May 13, 2008 a petition for custody and support of minor children case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Francisco County. Judge Donna J. Hitchens presiding.

Filed

May 13, 2008

Judge

Hon. Donna J. Hitchens Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Donna J. Hitchens

Court

San Francisco County

County

San Francisco County, CA

Category

PETITION FOR CUSTODY AND SUPPORT OF MINOR CHILDREN

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Custody,Visitation

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 12, 2021

On May 2, 2008 a domestic violence prevention with children case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Francisco County. Judge Donna J. Hitchens presiding.

Filed

May 02, 2008

Status

Other

Judge

Hon. Donna J. Hitchens Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Donna J. Hitchens

Court

San Francisco County

County

San Francisco County, CA

Category

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PREVENTION WITH CHILDREN

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Domestic Violence

Case Last Refreshed

Nov 10, 2022

On April 30, 2008 a petition for nullity without children case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Francisco County. Judge Donna J. Hitchens presiding.

Filed

Apr 30, 2008

Status

Judgment of Divorce,Annulment,Separation

Judge

Hon. Donna J. Hitchens Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Donna J. Hitchens

Court

San Francisco County

County

San Francisco County, CA

Category

PETITION FOR NULLITY WITHOUT CHILDREN

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 12, 2021

On April 29, 2008 a petition for dissolution with children case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Francisco County. Judge Donna J. Hitchens presiding.

Filed

Apr 29, 2008

Status

Judgment (Other)

Judge

Hon. Donna J. Hitchens Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Donna J. Hitchens

Court

San Francisco County

County

San Francisco County, CA

Category

PETITION FOR DISSOLUTION WITH CHILDREN

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 12, 2021

On April 21, 2008 a petition for custody and support of minor children case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Francisco County. Judge Donna J. Hitchens presiding.

Filed

Apr 21, 2008

Judge

Hon. Donna J. Hitchens Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Donna J. Hitchens

Court

San Francisco County

County

San Francisco County, CA

Category

PETITION FOR CUSTODY AND SUPPORT OF MINOR CHILDREN

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Custody,Visitation

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 12, 2021

On April 3, 2008 a registration of out-of-state custody decree case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Francisco County. Judge Donna J. Hitchens presiding.

Filed

Apr 03, 2008

Judge

Hon. Donna J. Hitchens Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Donna J. Hitchens

Court

San Francisco County

County

San Francisco County, CA

Category

REGISTRATION OF OUT-OF-STATE CUSTODY DECREE

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 12, 2021

On January 28, 2008 a petition for dissolution without children case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Francisco County. Judge Donna J. Hitchens presiding.

Filed

Jan 28, 2008

Status

Judgment (Other)

Judge

Hon. Donna J. Hitchens Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Donna J. Hitchens

Court

Superior

County

San Francisco County, CA

Category

PETITION FOR DISSOLUTION WITHOUT CHILDREN

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Sep 16, 2022

On January 2, 2008 a petition for dissolution with children case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Francisco County. Judge Donna J. Hitchens presiding.

Filed

Jan 02, 2008

Judge

Hon. Donna J. Hitchens Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Donna J. Hitchens

Court

San Francisco County

County

San Francisco County, CA

Category

PETITION FOR DISSOLUTION WITH CHILDREN

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 12, 2021

On December 18, 2007 a petition for dissolution with children case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Francisco County. Judge Donna J. Hitchens presiding.

Filed

Dec 18, 2007

Status

Other

Judge

Hon. Donna J. Hitchens Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Donna J. Hitchens

Court

San Francisco County

County

San Francisco County, CA

Category

PETITION FOR DISSOLUTION WITH CHILDREN

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 12, 2021

On November 28, 2007 a petition for dissolution without children case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Francisco County. Judge Donna J. Hitchens presiding.

Filed

Nov 28, 2007

Status

Judgment of Divorce,Annulment,Separation

Judge

Hon. Donna J. Hitchens Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Donna J. Hitchens

Court

San Francisco County

County

San Francisco County, CA

Category

PETITION FOR DISSOLUTION WITHOUT CHILDREN

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 12, 2021

On November 8, 2007 a petition for custody and support of minor children case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Francisco County. Judge Donna J. Hitchens presiding.

Filed

Nov 08, 2007

Judge

Hon. Donna J. Hitchens Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Donna J. Hitchens

Court

San Francisco County

County

San Francisco County, CA

Category

PETITION FOR CUSTODY AND SUPPORT OF MINOR CHILDREN

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Custody,Visitation

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 12, 2021

On October 25, 2007 a petition for dissolution with children case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Francisco County. Judge Donna J. Hitchens presiding.

Filed

Oct 25, 2007

Status

Other

Judge

Hon. Donna J. Hitchens Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Donna J. Hitchens

Court

San Francisco County

County

San Francisco County, CA

Category

PETITION FOR DISSOLUTION WITH CHILDREN

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 12, 2021

On September 19, 2007 a petition for dissolution without children case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Francisco County. Judge Donna J. Hitchens presiding.

Filed

Sep 19, 2007

Status

Judgment of Divorce,Annulment,Separation

Judge

Hon. Donna J. Hitchens Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Donna J. Hitchens

Court

San Francisco County

County

San Francisco County, CA

Category

PETITION FOR DISSOLUTION WITHOUT CHILDREN

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 12, 2021

On September 10, 2007 a petition for custody and support of minor children case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Francisco County. Judge Donna J. Hitchens presiding.

Filed

Sep 10, 2007

Judge

Hon. Donna J. Hitchens Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Donna J. Hitchens

Court

San Francisco County

County

San Francisco County, CA

Category

PETITION FOR CUSTODY AND SUPPORT OF MINOR CHILDREN

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Custody,Visitation

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 12, 2021

On September 5, 2007 a custody order: juvenile case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Francisco County. Judge Donna J. Hitchens presiding.

Filed

Sep 05, 2007

Judge

Hon. Donna J. Hitchens Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Donna J. Hitchens

Court

Superior

County

San Francisco County, CA

Category

CUSTODY ORDER: JUVENILE

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Custody,Visitation

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 12, 2021

On September 4, 2007 a petition for dissolution with children case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Francisco County. Judge Donna J. Hitchens presiding.

Filed

Sep 04, 2007

Status

Judgment (Other)

Judge

Hon. Donna J. Hitchens Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Donna J. Hitchens

Court

San Francisco County

County

San Francisco County, CA

Category

PETITION FOR DISSOLUTION WITH CHILDREN

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 12, 2021

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