Obituaries
Nov. 24, 2025
Donald B. King, 1931-2025
Judge Donald B. King, a pioneering force in family law, transformed divorce and custody practice through mediation, scholarship and decades of judicial service. He died at 94, leaving a profound statewide legacy.
At a moment when the legal practice that would form much of his legacy was undergoing a paradigm shift, Donald B. King joined the judiciary in 1976--six and a half years after California became the first state to adopt no-fault divorce.
"He was one of these rare people who come along and meet fertile territory," said Jill Hersh. King covered the entire arc of her career from 1978, as a mentor, judge, and friend.
"Family law had been seen as a scrappy practi...
For only $95 a month (the price of 2 article purchases)
Receive unlimited article access and full access to our archives,
Daily Appellate Report, award winning columns, and our
Verdicts and Settlements.
Or
$795 for an entire year!
Or access this article for $45
(Purchase provides 7-day access to this article. Printing, posting or downloading is not allowed.)
Already a subscriber?
Sign In