Family Law

SUCCESSFUL EXAMINEES

Passing the examination is the first step in the certification process.
Begin the second step by completing and submitting a Post Examination Application to the Department of Legal Specialization by April 25, 2013.

UNSUCCESSFUL EXAMINEES

You are encouraged to take the examination again when it is next offered on October 22, 2013. Continue to fulfill the experience and education requirements as listed in the program Rules and Standards.

CURRECT CERTIFIED SPECIALISTS

RECERTIFICATION: Applications are due every five years after your initial certification date. Please click here to download a Recertification Application.

FUTURE CERTIFIED SPECIALISTS

Certification is a two part process:

Application:
1. Sample Post-Examination Application (Start Today: Use this application to plan ahead and log your requirements as you complete them.)

Examination (For those who have completed their second year in Family Law by the date of the examination):
2. Plan Ahead: Mark your calendar for the Legal Specialization Examination scheduled for October 22, 2013.

Rules and Standards

The Standards for Certification in Family Law (revised  5/16/08)

The standards must be read in conjunction with the Rules Governing the State Bar of California Program for Certifying Legal Specialists, which govern the program requirements.

Prep Courses

A Family Law Examination Prep class is offered by Rutter Group Legal Specialization.  The live version of the class has already been taught, but a DVD is available through CFLR by calling 1-800-747-3161 x2.  

Note: The Department of Legal Specialization is not affiliated with this preparation class or any commercial preparation class, and does not require applicants to take a prep course.  The Department provides this information for your convenience.    

Testing Accommodations

Testing accommodations are available to qualified individuals during the examination. Petitions for Testing Accommodations will be posted along with the examination registration form in 2013.

Contact Us

Questions? Contact the Department of Legal Specialization at LegalSpec@calbar.ca.gov or at 415-538-2120. If speech- or hearing-impaired, call 711 for telecommunications relay services.