You’ve decided to file for divorce. Your next step? Hiring an attorney. As you look online or through attorney directories, you notice that some attorneys are “specialists” in areas of law like taxation, criminal law, and family law. It’s only natural to wonder what a certified family law specialist can do for you.
All attorneys practicing law in California are licensed and regulated by the State Bar of California. The Bar also encourages continued training for lawyers and provides a way for some lawyers to become certified in their area of practice. Attorneys may become certified specialists in several fields, including family law.
That all sounds great for attorneys, but what does it mean for you?
Training
A certified family law specialist completes training in excess of what is expected of other attorneys. In addition, an attorney specialist has to pass a written test in their legal specialty.
When you hire a specialist, you hire someone who has the broad knowledge of law and the specific knowledge needed for your family law matter.
Experience
A certified family law specialist must practice law in their specialty for at least five years. During that time, at least 25 percent of their time must involve their field of specialty.
This means that the attorney you hire has more experience in family law than an attorney with a general practice. An attorney who specializes in family law understands California divorce laws and how they relate to your individual case.
Continuing Education
All attorneys must go through a certain amount of training every year. A certified family law specialist is held to higher standards when it comes to continued training.
This means the specialist you hire is more likely to have a deep understanding of recent changes to California divorce law.
Respected by Peers and Judges
To become a certified family law specialist, an attorney must be viewed favorably by their peers and by judges with whom they have worked.
The specialist you hire has demonstrated a dedication to family law to people who know the law. What better recommendation can there be?
Cares About Family Law
The rigorous application process required by the State Bar is rigorous. A certified family law specialist who goes through that process has demonstrated great interest and concern in family law matters.
Ms. Burger is a California Certified Family Law Specialist and founder of the Law Offices of Judy L. Burger. We assist clients in California’s Northern to Central Coast, including San Francisco, Gold River, Santa Barbara, Ventura/Oxnard, Beverly Hills, and surrounding communities.