This is your family and you need someone who KNOWS what they are doing. Pursuant to the California State Bar Website, “California attorneys who are certified as specialists have taken and passed a written examination in their specialty field, demonstrated a high level of experience in the specialty field, fulfilled ongoing education requirements and been favorably evaluated by other attorneys and judges familiar with their work. Only these attorneys can advertise or identify themselves as “certified” specialists in California because they are the only attorneys who are certified either by The State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization or an organization whose certification program has been accredited by the State Bar. (Such an organization must have requirements for certification that are at least equal to those of the State Bar’s program.)” (Emphasis added) Learn More

Are you hiring the right lawyer? There are many lawyers out there, but which one is right for you? Before you hire, interview your lawyer. How many years of family law experience does he or she have? Your lawyer should have years, not months of family law experience. How familiar with local judges are they? They should be in the family courts daily and have a good reputation with the local judges. How many family law trials, settlements, or mediations have they done? He or she should have significant family law trial experience and have handled hundreds of cases beginning to end. If your lawyer is still touting law school or non family law accomplishments – move on. Are they a certified family law specialist? Your family law attorney should be the best at what they do. A certified family law specialist must have years of experience under their belt and take an additional bar exam to prove their competence in the family law arena. An attorney that isn’t certified in family law may not be the best and the best is what you need. Does the firm carry experienced support staff to assist you through these hard times? He or she should have experienced support staff. Staff with a legal background and the knowledge is a must so that they can make you feel comfortable and relaxed during the attorney’s absence.