Not all family law attorneys or divorce lawyers in San Diego are equal in terms of skill or experience. There is a special class of family law attorneys who have become board-certified in this practice area. A Certified Family Law Specialist (CFLS) in California has received additional training and education to become an expert in his or her craft. Hiring a CFLS for your case ensures that you are represented by a licensed professional who has an exceptional level of expertise handling divorce cases and other family law matters.
How Does Someone Become a Certified Family Law Specialist?
A Certified Family Law Specialist starts as a regular family law attorney. This requires a bachelor’s degree, passing the LSAT, completing law school and obtaining a state license by passing the bar exam. Then, a CFLS receives additional education and goes through a certification program in family law, either through the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization or an equivalent organization.
In general, becoming a CFLS requires passing a written exam in the legal specialty area (family law), practicing law continuously for at least 5 years with at least 25 percent of the time spent in family law, completing continuing education in family law, demonstrating broad and comprehensive experience in the specialty area, and obtaining favorable evaluations by fellow lawyers and judges. Maintaining the certification requires continuing education and recertification every five years.
What to Expect From Your CFLS
Looking at the extent of the learning, training and hard work that it takes to become a CFLS makes it easy to understand why these lawyers operate at a level above standard family law attorneys in California. In general, a CFLS has more knowledge of this practice area and a greater ability to handle complex family law cases for clients. If you hire a Certified Family Law Specialist to take your case, you can expect the following:
- Greater training and experience than a noncertified family law attorney.
- A lawyer who has dedicated his or her life to being an expert in family law.
- The expertise to handle various aspects of your divorce, including unusual or complicated issues.
- The ability to quickly and efficiently handle your family law matter.
- A high standard of ethics, excellence and customer service.
- Innovative and creative solutions to complicated problems.
- Aggressive and unparalleled legal advocacy in and out of the courtroom.
Hiring a CFLS can come with many benefits for you as a client. Your San Diego paternity lawyer will have special training and abilities in resolving the unique issues brought up in your case. You can trust your CFLS to pursue your case goals using proven legal strategies learned through continuing education. No matter what type of family law issue you have – a divorce, legal separation, child custody case, paternity issue or estate plan – a California Certified Family Law Specialist can help you safeguard your legal rights and achieve the results that you need.
Trust a Certified Family Law Specialist for a High-Stakes Case
While you can enjoy the benefits of hiring a CFLS in any type of case, it is especially important to pay for a certified specialist when you have a lot riding on the outcome of your case. If you are facing the potential loss of custody of your child, for example, a CFLS can give you greater peace of mind and hope for the future. A specialist will have extra capabilities and resources to fight for your desired case outcome compared to a noncertified lawyer.
Get in Touch With a CFLS in San Diego Today
If you are looking for an established and highly qualified California Certified Family Law Specialist in San Diego, contact Boyd Law at (619) 232-1206 to request a consultation with our lead trial attorney and CEO, Attorney Karie Boyd. Karie is a CFLS who represents clients in state and federal courts. She was recently ranked by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel in the “Top 1% of Attorneys in the Nation.” Her training and certification as a specialist give her an exceptional level of knowledge in this practice area. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with Karie or another member of our exceptional staff.
