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Family Law Board Certification by the State Bar of Nevada

The practice of Family Law involves representing clients in legal matters related to family relationships, such as divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support, property division, and other related issues. This area of law encompasses all aspects of family law practice, from negotiation and mediation to courtroom advocacy and appeals.

The State Bar of Nevada offers board certification in Family Law to attorneys who have met rigorous criteria, demonstrating their expertise and experience in this specialized field. To achieve this certification, attorneys must have substantial practice experience in family law, pass a comprehensive written examination, and receive favorable peer evaluations. These requirements ensure that certified attorneys meet the high standards set by the State Bar of Nevada, showcasing their proficiency and commitment to excellence in family law practice.

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About Family Law Board Certification in Nevada

When searching for a family law attorney in Nevada, it is important to consider whether the attorney is board certified in this specialty by the State Bar of Nevada.

The State Bar of Nevada's Board of Certified Family Law Specialists is responsible for certifying attorneys as specialists in family law. This certification process is regulated under specific rules and guidelines established by the State Bar to ensure that only qualified attorneys achieve this distinction.

The Family Law Board Certification offered by the State Bar of Nevada recognizes attorneys who possess advanced expertise in handling family law matters, including divorce, child custody, alimony, and other related issues. This certification ensures that certified lawyers have demonstrated substantial experience and knowledge, adhering to the high standards set by the State Bar.

There are several benefits to obtaining a board certification in family law. Certification signals high expertise in this area of law, assuring clients of the attorney's skills and experience. Furthermore, certified specialists stand out in a competitive legal market, enhancing their reputation and credibility.

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Board Certified Family Law Attorneys Active on Lawyer Legion

Jennifer V. Abrams
The Abrams Law Firm, LLC
Las Vegas, NV
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Vincent Mayo
The Abrams Law Firm, LLC
Las Vegas, NV
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Gloria Petroni
Petroni Law Group
Reno, NV
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Directory of Board Certified Family Law Attorneys in Nevada

Lawyer Legion maintains a directory of board certified family law specialists in Nevada. This directory provides the public with a valuable resource that allows them to narrow their search to local attorneys who have earned board certification in family law by the State Bar of Nevada.

Lawyer Legion is the only commercial lawyer directory to properly acknowledge all ABA-accredited specialization programs and provide a dynamic directory of virtually every lawyer who has earned each certification, including board certification in family law by the State Bar of Nevada.

Use this directory to connect with lawyers who are board certified specialists in family law by the State Bar of Nevada. Start by choosing your county from the list below.


Family Law Lawyers by County

Family Law Lawyers by City

Overview of Family Law Board Certification in Nevada

Requirements for Board Certification in Family Law

Board Certification in Family Law in Nevada is a prestigious designation that recognizes attorneys who have demonstrated a high level of competence and substantial involvement in the field of family law. This certification is awarded by the State Bar of Nevada's Family Law Section and serves as a mark of excellence, distinguishing attorneys who have met rigorous standards of education, experience, and ethical conduct. The certification process is designed to ensure that attorneys who achieve this status are not only knowledgeable in family law but also committed to maintaining the highest professional standards. This document outlines the detailed standards and requirements that attorneys must meet to obtain and maintain Board Certification in Family Law in Nevada.

1. Duration of Certification

Board Certification in Family Law in Nevada is granted for a period of five years. At the end of this period, attorneys may apply for recertification, provided they meet specific criteria outlined in these standards. Certification and recertification are voluntary processes, and the benefits derived from certification apply solely to the individual attorney, not to the law firm with which the attorney is associated. The certification aims to acknowledge an attorney's specialization and proficiency in family law, enhancing their credibility and professional standing within the legal community.

2. Definition of Family Law

Family Law, as defined for the purposes of Board Certification in Nevada, includes a broad range of legal areas as specified in Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) 3.223. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Domestic Relationships: Issues involving marriage, domestic partnerships, and other family relationships.
  • Dissolution of Marriage: Legal processes related to divorce, annulment, and separation.
  • Division of Community Property: Legal matters concerning the distribution of marital assets and debts.
  • Child Custody and Support: Legal arrangements regarding the care and financial support of children.
  • Spousal Support: Matters related to alimony or maintenance payments.
  • Juvenile Law: Legal issues involving minors, including dependency, delinquency, and custody disputes.
  • Mediation and Negotiation: Alternative dispute resolution methods in family law.
  • Marital Agreements: Drafting and enforcement of prenuptial and postnuptial agreements.
  • Military Divorce: Special considerations in divorces involving military personnel.
  • Alternate Reproductive Technology Issues: Legal matters related to surrogacy, sperm/egg donation, and related issues.
  • Psychological and Counseling Aspects: Understanding the psychological impact of family law issues and integrating counseling aspects into legal practice.

These areas reflect the comprehensive nature of family law practice in Nevada and underscore the specialized knowledge required for Board Certification.

3. Experience Requirements for Certification

To qualify for Board Certification in Family Law, an attorney must demonstrate significant experience and involvement in the practice of family law in Nevada. The specific requirements are as follows:

  • Active Membership: The attorney must be an active member in good standing of both the State Bar of Nevada and the Family Law Section.

  • Practice Commitment:

    • For Attorneys Residing Within 50 Miles of a County with a Population of 100,000 or More: The attorney must have devoted at least 50% of their total legal practice to family law during each of the five years immediately preceding the application.
    • For Attorneys Residing More Than 50 Miles from a County with a Population of 100,000 or More: The attorney must have devoted at least 35% of their total legal practice to family law during each of the five years immediately preceding the application.
  • Substantial Involvement:

    • The attorney must have served as principal counsel in at least 30 contested family law cases each year or demonstrate substantial experience in complex family law matters. If the attorney does not meet the 30-case threshold, they must provide a detailed affidavit describing the number of cases, complexity, legal issues, and the financial stakes involved.
    • The attorney must have acted as principal counsel in at least 10 contested hearings or trials, each lasting two hours or more and involving witness testimony.
  • Alternative Experience: In lieu of the above requirements, an attorney may demonstrate experience by:

    • Serving as principal counsel in a minimum of 60 negotiated family law judgments or marital settlement agreements, with the adverse party represented by counsel.
    • Serving as principal counsel and principal author of the briefs in at least three Nevada Supreme Court family law appeals resulting in a published opinion.

4. References

To support their application for Board Certification, attorneys must submit confidential reference forms to verify their expertise in family law. The requirements include:

  • Attorney References:

    • The applicant must provide up to eight references from Nevada attorneys who are familiar with the applicant's competence in family law. At least five of these references must be from attorneys who have acted as opposing counsel in family law litigation, hearings, or negotiations within the past five years.
    • The applicant must identify these attorneys in their application, and at least five of the references must attest to the applicant’s expertise and recommend them for certification.
  • Judicial References:

    • The applicant must also provide references from two judges of any Nevada Court before whom they have appeared as an advocate in family law matters. At least one of these judges must endorse the applicant’s expertise and recommend certification.

All references must be from individuals who are members in good standing of the Nevada Bar and are substantially involved in the practice of family law. The references must be submitted directly to the Board of Certified Family Law Specialists and will remain confidential.

5. Continuing Legal Education (CLE)

Applicants for Board Certification in Family Law must demonstrate a commitment to ongoing legal education by completing Continuing Legal Education (CLE) requirements:

  • CLE Hours: Applicants must complete an average of 18 hours of CLE in family law each year for the five years preceding their application, totaling at least 90 hours.
  • Minimum Annual Requirement: Each year, the attorney must complete at least 12 hours of CLE specifically related to family law.
  • Approved CLE Activities: Acceptable CLE activities include attending courses sponsored by the State Bar of Nevada, county bar associations, the Nevada Trial Lawyers Association, the American Bar Association, or the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. Other comparable legal education activities may also qualify, subject to approval by the Board of Certified Family Law Specialists.

6. Disciplinary Review

Applicants and certified attorneys are required to disclose any disciplinary actions or investigations against them. The Board of Certified Family Law Specialists has the authority to deny, revoke, or suspend certification based on findings of professional misconduct. Specific requirements include:

  • Disclosure Requirements: Applicants must disclose any investigations, complaints, inquiries, or disciplinary proceedings by any organized bar, as well as the outcomes of such proceedings. This includes prior disciplinary sanctions, felony convictions, malpractice lawsuits, or any sanctions imposed by courts or administrative agencies.
  • Ongoing Duty: Certified attorneys have a continuing obligation to report any new disciplinary actions or investigations within 30 days of notification. Failure to disclose or cooperate may result in denial, suspension, or revocation of certification.

7. Professional Liability Insurance

All applicants for certification and recertification must carry professional liability insurance as required by the Nevada Rules of Professional Conduct, unless their legal practice is limited to public law.

8. Examination Requirements

Once an applicant has met all other requirements, they must pass a certification examination:

  • Examination Scope: The exam tests the applicant’s knowledge of family law, including statutory authority, case law, ethical issues, and other relevant topics.
  • Format and Passing Score: The exam consists of 50 to 200 multiple-choice questions, and the applicant must achieve a score of at least 85% to pass.
  • Retaking the Exam: If an applicant fails the exam, they may retake it up to two additional times within three years. After three failed attempts, the applicant must start the application process anew and wait three years before reapplying.

9. Board of Certified Family Law Specialists

The Board of Certified Family Law Specialists, appointed by the Executive Committee of the Family Law Section of the State Bar of Nevada, oversees the certification process. The Board consists of six members—three from Southern Nevada and three from Northern Nevada—who serve five-year terms. Members must be Nevada Board Certified Family Law Specialists, and at least one member must also be a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers.

10. Requirements for Recertification

To maintain Board Certification, attorneys must apply for recertification every five years. The requirements include:

  • Continued Involvement: The attorney must demonstrate continued substantial involvement in family law by participating in a combination of at least 50 contested hearings, negotiated settlements, or other relevant proceedings during the certification period.
  • CLE Requirement: The attorney must complete at least 75 hours of CLE in family law during the five-year certification period.
  • Disciplinary and Insurance Compliance: The attorney must certify compliance with all disciplinary and professional liability insurance requirements.

Failure to apply for recertification in a timely manner will result in a lapse of certification, requiring the attorney to complete the initial certification process again, including passing the certification examination.

11. Fees

Applicants and certified attorneys must pay various fees associated with the certification and recertification process. These fees are established by the State Bar of Nevada and the Board of Certified Family Law Specialists and may include application fees, examination fees, and annual maintenance fees. The total fees for certification may not exceed $1,000, and the annual maintenance fee for certified specialists may not exceed $500. These fees may be adjusted as necessary to cover the costs of administering the certification program.

12. Compliance and Misrepresentation

Certification or recertification may be denied or revoked if the applicant or certified attorney:

  • Fails to cooperate with the Board of Certified Family Law Specialists or any grievance committee.
  • Fails to provide requested information or documentation.
  • Submits false or misleading information during the certification or recertification process.
  • Has a record of personal or professional misconduct inconsistent with the standards of conduct adopted by the accrediting agency.
  • Misrepresents any material fact related to the certification process.

13. Waiver of Appeal

Decisions made by the Board of Certified Family Law Specialists regarding certification, recertification, or revocation are final and not subject to appeal, except as specifically permitted by the State Bar of Nevada Board of Governors. If an applicant is denied certification or recertification, or if certification is revoked, the individual must wait at least one year before reapplying.

This detailed overview of the specialization standards for Board Certification in Family Law in Nevada highlights the rigorous criteria that attorneys must meet to achieve and maintain this distinguished professional designation. The certification process is designed to ensure that only those attorneys who have demonstrated significant expertise and commitment to family law are recognized as specialists in this complex and important area of legal practice.


Bylaws for Board Certification in Family Law

The Bylaws of the Family Law Section of the State Bar of Nevada establish the governance structure, responsibilities, and procedures for managing the Family Law Certification process in Nevada. These bylaws cover key areas such as membership qualifications, the roles and duties of the Executive Council and Officers, the formation and operation of committees, and the processes for continuing legal education and legislative activities. They also outline the procedures for amending the bylaws and handling financial matters.

For a detailed overview of the bylaws, you can access the full document at the State Bar of Nevada's website.


Other Specialty Areas by the State Bar of Nevada

Other Family Law Specialty Certifications in the United States

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