Thomas W. Tuttle

Thomas W. Tuttle is a shareholder/secretary and family law attorney with Seastrom Tuttle Murphy Dockstader in Irvine/Newport Beach, California. Certified as a specialist in family law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization and a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Tom brings nearly three decades of experience to the representation of high-net-worth individuals, executives, physicians, attorneys, and business owners navigating complex family law matters throughout Orange County and Southern California. Tom’s practice focuses on the intricate intersection of family law and substantial wealth: business interest valuation and division, executive compensation structures, private equity holdings, real estate portfolios, investment accounts, and matters with interstate and international dimensions. He brings analytical excellence to community/separate property asset protection and privacy considerations that high-net-worth and high-asset dissolution cases demand.

Over his career, Tom has achieved remarkable success helping clients make well-informed decisions across all aspects of family law—from child custody and support to business and property valuation and division, alimony/spousal support, and negotiated settlements. Whether litigating or mediating, he maintains unwavering focus on protecting his clients’ rights and privacy. Widely regarded as a leader in his legal community, Tom has served on the Family Law Advisory Commission to The State Bar of California, and has served as chair, vice chair, secretary, treasurer, and executive committee member-at-large to the Orange County Bar Association’s Family Law Section. He is a fellow with the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (“AAML”), a founding fellow of the Society of Fellows of the Orange County Bar Foundation and serves on the board of the Constitutional Rights Foundation of Orange County and as Master of the Bench of the Banyard Inn of Court. He is a frequent speaker and lecturer at continuing legal education seminars across Southern California on a variety of family law topics and was the Dean of the 2026 So Cal AAML Trial Institute.

Recognized for his outstanding professionalism and service, Tom holds an AV-Preeminent peer review rating* from Martindale-Hubbell (highest possible rating in both legal ability and ethical standards), and he has earned perennial designation as one of his region’s top lawyers/family law attorneys in Southern California for more than a decade. He has received designation as among the 500 Leading Family Lawyers in America from Lawdragon and is recognized by Super Lawyers as Top 50 in Orange County and Top 100, by The Best Lawyers in America, Family Law, 2021 – 2026, Doyle’s Guide list of Leading Family & Divorce Lawyers in Orange County, Los Angeles Magazine Top Attorneys in Southern California, and OC Magazine.

A 1992 graduate of the University of California, Irvine, with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Mr. Tuttle earned his Juris Doctor in 1997 from the University of Notre Dame Law School, where he served as an editor of the Journal of Legislation. He has been a member of the California State Bar since 1997.

*AV®, AV Preeminent®, Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished and Martindale-Hubbell Notable are certification marks used under license in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell® is the facilitator of a peer review rating process. Ratings reflect the anonymous opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Rating™ fall into two categories – legal ability and general ethical standards.

” Tom Tuttle is the best attorney in the OC. Not only did he protect me from an abusive husband but gave me confidence to fight for what was rightfully mine. Tom always responds and makes you feel like a priority. I highly recommend him.” – Lisa, Yelp Review

“During a stressful family law event there is no one I would trust more than Thomas Tuttle for counsel. Thomas has dedicated himself to specializing in the intricacies of matrimonial law. As a colleague and friend for over 30 years, I highly recommend Thomas and his firm for high-quality advocacy and exceptional results.” -Jenifer, Yelp Review

“I would like to highly recommend the the law services provided to me by Tom Tuttle at Seastrom Seastrom & Tuttle. Tom displayed an incredible knowledge of the law along with professionalism, and an incredible attention to detail. Tom was responsive and proactive, guiding me legally at the most stressful time of my life. Every encounter with Tom boosted my confidence, along with his trustworthiness and understanding of the difficulties a person faces in this situation. There were no false promises, or bill padding common to the legal world. Every bill was reasonable and I believe Tom’s interest in me and his ethical dedication were paramount. Tom possesses an incredibly sharp mind, along with keen listening skills. Tom could quickly get to the heart of an issue, to strategically accomplish goals to the fullest extent of the law. Having a patient and understanding attorney certainly made a difference in the process, along with his exceptional staff. I would highly recommend Tom to family and friends. Personally and professionally you would be in the hands of a trustworthy, ethical and fine person. If every attorney conducted themselves as Tom does there would be a perfect legal world!” -Lynn, Google Review

“Divorce is scary and complicated! But Tom Tuttle made mine as easy as possible. The divorce process is a vulnerable time and I always felt safe and protected by Tom. I knew nothing was falling through the cracks and he was always great with communication, explaining everything clearly to me no matter how many questions I had. If you’re nervous and looking for the right lawyer, hire Tom. You can put your concerns in his hands and know they’ll be taken care of by an experienced, top-of-his-game attorney. Can’t recommend highly enough!” – Denise, Yelp Review

“I could not have asked for better representation and counsel. Mr. Tuttle is knowledgeable, patient and professional. I could not have hoped for a better outcome in my divorce. I strongly recommend Thomas Tuttle.” -Linda, Google Review

“As an attorney myself, I don’t usually write reviews of other attorneys. I had to here. In my opinion a great attorney like Tom Tuttle cannot be at his best without an amazing support system and staff. Whether it was Tom, Mikita, Irene, Aedan or Aaron, I was given 5 Star treatment even though I know my matter was a little fish swimming in a big pond. Didn’t matter, I was treated like a big fish. Thank you for the amazing result and, more importantly, treating me fairly and with respect. Seastrom Tuttle & Murphy is a rare gem I highly recommend.: – Deron, Google Review

• American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers – Fellow
• Certified Specialist in Family Law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization – 2007
• Family Law Advisory Commission to the State Bar of California – former member. This Advisory Commission is limited to approximately ten Family Law Specialists from across California, and both authors and evaluates the exam for attorneys applying to become Certified Family Law Specialists in California.
• Orange County Bar Association Family Law Section, Chair, 2016; Vice-Chair, 2015; Treasurer, 2013; Secretary, 2014; Executive Committee Member-at-Large 2011-2012
• Constitutional Rights Foundation of Orange County – Board of Directors 2011 to present
• Society of Fellows of the Orange County Bar Foundation – Founding Fellow
• Master Bencher, Banyard Inn of Court

Peer-Reviewed Rankings

• Rated AV Preeminent – Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™, the highest possible rating
• Super Lawyers Magazine – “Super Lawyer” – 2012-present
• Top 100 Attorneys in Southern California, Super Lawyer Magazine – 2022 and 2023
• Top 50 Attorneys in Orange County, Super Lawyer Magazine – 2013 – 2026
• 500 Leading Family Lawyers in America – Lawdragon
• Orange County Top Attorneys, Orange Coast Magazine, 2013 – 2026
• Super Lawyers Magazine – “Rising Stars” – 2005-2008
• Selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in the field of Family Law – 2020-2027
• Selected “Leading Lawyer” by Doyle’s Guide – 2025 and 2026 listing of leading Orange County Family, Matrimonial & Divorce Lawyers

Leadership and Certifications in the Profession

Widely regarded as a leader in his legal community, Tom served on the Family Law Advisory Commission to The State Bar of California and has held leadership roles with the Orange County Bar Association’s Family Law Section. He is a fellow with the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and founding fellow of the Society of Fellows of the Orange County Bar Foundation, and serves on the board of the Constitutional Rights Foundation of Orange County and as Master of the Bench of the Banyard Inn of Court.

• California State Bar – 1997
• U.S. District Court

• Juris Doctor — University of Notre Dame Law School (1997)
• Bachelor of Arts, Political Science— University of California – Irvine (1992)

Taking the first step is often the hardest part. Whether you are considering divorce, navigating a custody dispute, or simply need to understand your options, Tom and his team are here to listen, with complete confidentiality, without judgment, and with the clarity you need to make informed decisions about your future.

Call: 949-474-0800 Email: info@stmlaw.com Office: 1 Park Plaza, Suite 1100, Irvine, CA 92614

All consultations are private and confidential. We understand the sensitivity of your situation and take deliberate measures to protect your privacy from the very first conversation.