Why Choose a Certified Family Law Specialist?
Expertise That Matters When Your Family's Future Is at Stake
Last updated: January 2026
What Is a Certified Family Law Specialist?
A Certified Family Law Specialist is an attorney who has been certified by the State Bar of California's Board of Legal Specialization as having demonstrated exceptional expertise in family law. This certification is the highest credential available in California family law.
Unlike general practice attorneys who may handle family law cases alongside other areas like personal injury, criminal defense, or estate planning, a Certified Family Law Specialist has proven their expertise through:
- Rigorous written examination
- Substantial experience in family law matters
- Peer review from judges and fellow attorneys
- Ongoing continuing legal education requirements
The California State Bar does not certify attorneys lightly. This designation signals to clients and courts that the attorney has dedicated their practice to family law and met the highest standards of expertise in this specialized field.
The Numbers: Why Certification Is Rare
California has over 200,000 licensed attorneys. Of those, only approximately 1,200 attorneys are Certified Family Law Specialists—less than 1% of all California attorneys.
This rarity reflects the demanding requirements and rigorous evaluation process. Many attorneys practice family law, but few achieve certification. When you work with a CFLS, you're working with an attorney who has gone beyond basic licensing to demonstrate mastery of this complex field.
By the Numbers
- 200,000+ licensed attorneys in California
- ~1,200 Certified Family Law Specialists
- <1% of California attorneys hold this certification
- 5+ years of practice required before applying
- 45 hours of family law CLE required for initial certification
- 90 hours of family law CLE required every 5 years for recertification
Certification Requirements: What It Takes
Becoming a Certified Family Law Specialist is a demanding process that requires attorneys to demonstrate both expertise and commitment to the field. The State Bar of California's Board of Legal Specialization requires:
1. Substantial Experience
- Practice law for at least 5 years
- Handle a minimum of 25 family law cases or devote at least 25% of practice to family law over the preceding 3 years
- Demonstrate substantial involvement in all major areas of family law, including divorce, custody, support, and property division
2. Rigorous Written Examination
- Pass a comprehensive, full-day written examination covering all areas of California family law
- Tested on substantive law, procedure, ethics, and practical application
- Topics include: marital property characterization and division, child custody and visitation, child and spousal support, domestic violence, mediation, trial practice, and appellate procedure
3. Peer Review and Professional References
- Submit references from attorneys and judges familiar with the applicant's family law work
- Demonstrate good character, reputation, and standing in the legal community
- Receive favorable evaluations regarding competence, ethics, and professionalism
4. Ongoing Continuing Education
- Complete at least 45 hours of approved continuing legal education in family law within the three years before initial application
- Stay current with changes in statutes, case law, and court procedures
- Maintain certification through renewal every 5 years, requiring 90 hours of family law CLE during each five-year period
5. Good Standing with the State Bar
- Maintain an active California State Bar license in good standing
- No disciplinary actions or ethical violations
- Adherence to professional standards and ethical obligations
This multi-layered evaluation ensures that only attorneys with demonstrated expertise, ethical practice, and ongoing commitment to family law achieve certification.
Certified Specialist vs. General Practice Attorney
Understanding the difference between a Certified Family Law Specialist and a general practice attorney can help you make an informed decision when choosing legal representation.
| Criteria | Certified Family Law Specialist | General Practice Attorney |
|---|---|---|
| Practice Focus | Dedicated to family law; 25%+ of practice devoted to family law matters | Handles multiple practice areas (family law, personal injury, criminal, etc.) |
| Examination | Passed comprehensive State Bar family law examination | Passed general bar exam only |
| Experience Requirements | Minimum 5 years practice + 25 family law cases minimum | No specialized experience required |
| Peer Review | Evaluated favorably by judges and attorneys | No peer review requirement |
| Continuing Education | 45 hours in family law before initial certification; 90 hours every 5 years for recertification | General continuing education requirements only |
| Recertification | Must renew certification every 5 years | No recertification requirement |
| Expertise Recognition | State Bar certified expert in family law | No specialized certification |
Both types of attorneys can represent clients in family law matters. However, a Certified Family Law Specialist brings proven expertise, ongoing education, and peer-recognized excellence that general practice attorneys have not demonstrated through the rigorous certification process.
Why Certification Matters for Your Case
Family law cases involve some of the most important decisions you'll make in your life—decisions about your children, your financial security, and your future. Here's why working with a Certified Family Law Specialist can make a difference:
Depth of Knowledge
Family law is complex and constantly evolving. California family law encompasses intricate rules about property characterization, support calculations (using computer software and complex formulas), custody factors, domestic violence restraining orders, jurisdictional issues under the UCCJEA, and procedural requirements unique to family court.
A CFLS has demonstrated mastery of these topics through examination and experience. They don't learn on your case—they bring proven expertise from day one.
Local Court Knowledge
Every county has its own local rules, procedures, and judicial expectations. A CFLS practicing in San Bernardino County understands:
- Local court filing requirements and deadlines
- Mediation procedures specific to San Bernardino County
- Judicial officers' preferences and case management approaches
- Courtroom protocols and expectations
This local insight can streamline your case and avoid costly procedural mistakes.
Strategic Advantage
Experience matters when developing case strategy. A Certified Family Law Specialist has handled hundreds of cases involving:
- Complex property division (businesses, stock options, retirement accounts)
- High-conflict custody disputes
- Spousal support in long-term marriages
- Modification of existing orders
- Enforcement proceedings
This experience allows them to anticipate issues, develop effective strategies, and guide you toward realistic outcomes.
Efficiency and Cost Effectiveness
While certification doesn't guarantee lower costs, an attorney with focused expertise can often work more efficiently than a generalist learning the nuances of family law on your case. A CFLS:
- Knows the law without extensive research on basic issues
- Understands court procedures and requirements, reducing delays
- Can quickly identify the most important issues in your case
- Brings established relationships with court staff, opposing counsel, and experts
Ongoing Education and Currency
Family law changes frequently through new legislation and appellate decisions. A CFLS must complete specialized continuing education to maintain certification, ensuring they stay current with:
- Recent changes in California family law statutes
- New case law affecting custody, support, and property division
- Updates to statewide and local court rules
- Emerging best practices in family law representation
How to Verify Certification
The State Bar of California maintains public records of all attorneys and their certifications. You should always verify that an attorney claiming to be a Certified Family Law Specialist actually holds this credential.
Verify on the State Bar Website:
- Visit apps.calbar.ca.gov
- Search by attorney name or bar number
- Review the official attorney record
- Look for "Legal Specialization" section showing family law certification
Heather A. Lewis, Bar No. 300714, has been certified as a Family Law Specialist since October 2019. You can verify this certification on the State Bar website: View official State Bar record.
Always verify that your attorney is properly licensed, review any public discipline records, and confirm their specialization status before hiring. The State Bar website is the official source for this information.
Frequently Asked Questions About Certification
What is a Certified Family Law Specialist (CFLS)?
A Certified Family Law Specialist is an attorney who has been certified by the State Bar of California's Board of Legal Specialization as having demonstrated exceptional expertise in family law. This certification requires passing a rigorous written examination, substantial experience handling family law matters, favorable evaluations from judges and fellow attorneys, and ongoing continuing education. Only approximately 1,200 attorneys in California—less than 1% of all licensed attorneys—hold this certification.
How many attorneys in California are Certified Family Law Specialists?
Only approximately 1,200 attorneys in California are Certified Family Law Specialists. This represents less than 1% of all licensed attorneys in the state. The certification is the highest credential available in California family law, signaling demonstrated expertise and peer recognition in this specialized area of practice.
What are the requirements to become a Certified Family Law Specialist?
To become a Certified Family Law Specialist, an attorney must: (1) Practice law for at least 5 years with substantial involvement in family law matters; (2) Handle a minimum of 25 family law cases or devote at least 25% of their practice to family law over the preceding 3 years; (3) Pass a comprehensive written examination covering all areas of California family law; (4) Receive favorable evaluations from judges and attorneys familiar with their work; (5) Complete at least 45 hours of continuing legal education in family law within the three years before application; and (6) Maintain good standing with the State Bar of California.
What's the difference between a Certified Family Law Specialist and a general practice attorney?
A Certified Family Law Specialist has met rigorous requirements established by the State Bar of California demonstrating focused expertise in family law, including passing a specialized examination, substantial experience handling family law cases, peer review from judges and attorneys, and ongoing education requirements. General practice attorneys may handle family law cases occasionally alongside other practice areas like personal injury, criminal defense, or estate planning, but have not undergone the certification process. The certification provides assurance that the attorney has dedicated their practice to family law and met the highest standards of expertise in this specialized field.
How can I verify an attorney's Certified Family Law Specialist status?
You can verify an attorney's Certified Family Law Specialist status through the State Bar of California's official website at apps.calbar.ca.gov. Search for the attorney by name or bar number, and their official record will show any legal specializations. Heather A. Lewis (Bar No. 300714) has been certified as a Family Law Specialist since October 2019, which is publicly verifiable on the State Bar website.
Does certification expire or require renewal?
Yes, Certified Family Law Specialist certification must be renewed every 5 years. To maintain certification, specialists must demonstrate continued substantial involvement in family law practice, complete at least 90 hours of approved continuing legal education in family law during each five-year period, and submit to ongoing peer review. This ensures that certified specialists remain current with changes in family law and maintain the highest standards of practice.
Why should I choose a Certified Family Law Specialist for my case?
Choosing a Certified Family Law Specialist means working with an attorney who has proven expertise in California family law through rigorous examination, substantial experience, peer recognition, and ongoing education. Family law cases involve complex issues like custody, support calculations, property division, and court procedures that require specialized knowledge. A CFLS brings focused expertise rather than general practice experience, understands local court procedures and judicial expectations, stays current with evolving family law through required continuing education, and has been evaluated favorably by judges and fellow attorneys. For important decisions affecting your family and financial future, certification provides assurance you're working with a recognized expert.
What topics are covered in the CFLS examination?
The Certified Family Law Specialist examination is a comprehensive six-hour written test covering all aspects of California family law. Topics include: marital property characterization and division, child custody and visitation standards, child support and spousal support calculations, domestic violence restraining orders, jurisdiction and venue, pleadings and procedure, discovery, temporary orders and relief, mediation and settlement, tax implications of family law settlements, enforcement and contempt, post-judgment modifications, and appellate procedure. The examination tests both substantive law knowledge and practical application through complex fact patterns that mirror real-world cases.
Are there other legal specialization certifications in California?
Yes, the State Bar of California's Board of Legal Specialization offers certification programs in several practice areas beyond family law, including criminal law, estate planning, taxation, workers' compensation, immigration and nationality law, bankruptcy, appellate law, and legal malpractice. Each specialization has its own rigorous requirements for experience, examination, peer review, and continuing education. Family law is one of the most popular specialization areas due to the complexity of the field and the value clients place on verified expertise in this sensitive practice area.
Meet Our Certified Family Law Specialist
Heather A. Lewis (Bar No. 300714) is the managing partner of Lewis Legal Group APC and has been a Certified Family Law Specialist since October 2019.
Heather has dedicated her practice exclusively to California family law since 2014, representing clients in:
- Divorce and legal separation
- Child custody and visitation
- Child support and spousal support
- Property and debt division
- Domestic violence restraining orders
- Mediation and collaborative divorce
- Modifications and enforcement
With a JD from University of La Verne College of Law and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from California State University, San Bernardino, Heather brings both legal expertise and an understanding of family dynamics to every case.
She has been recognized through:
- Certification by the State Bar of California as a Family Law Specialist
- Service as a panel grader for the State Bar's Board of Legal Specialization
- Former President of the High Desert Bar Association
- Active involvement in community legal education and access to justice initiatives
Work with a Certified Family Law Specialist
When your family's future is at stake, choose an attorney with proven expertise. Contact Lewis Legal Group APC today to schedule a consultation with a Certified Family Law Specialist.
Schedule Consultation (760) 955-2500
Lewis Legal Group APC
14338 Park Ave, 1st Floor
Victorville, CA 92392