Matrimonial Law Certification by the New Jersey Supreme Court

Achieving board certification in Matrimonial Law in New Jersey is a prestigious designation that recognizes an attorney's expertise and competence in the field of matrimonial and family law. The certification process is rigorous and requires attorneys to meet specific standards and requirements. Below is an outline of the key requirements for attaining this certification:

1. Bar Admission and Good Standing

• Minimum Years of Practice: The attorney must have been admitted to the New Jersey Bar for at least five years. This ensures that the attorney has sufficient experience in the practice of law.
• Good Standing: The attorney must be in good standing with the New Jersey Bar and any other jurisdictions where they are licensed, with no unresolved disciplinary actions or complaints.

2. Substantial Involvement in Matrimonial Law

• Experience in Matrimonial Law: The attorney must demonstrate substantial involvement in matrimonial law over the three years preceding the application. This includes managing and participating in various phases of matrimonial cases, such as divorce, custody, child support, alimony, and equitable distribution.
• Trial Experience: The attorney must have had primary responsibility for a minimum of 15 contested matrimonial law hearings per year over the three years immediately preceding the application. Additionally, the attorney must have been involved in at least five contested matrimonial law trials or plenary hearings during the three years before the application.

3. Negotiated Settlements

• Settlement Experience: The attorney must have had primary responsibility for a minimum of 25 negotiated matrimonial law judgments or property settlement agreements in the three years preceding the application. This requirement ensures that the attorney has experience in resolving matrimonial disputes outside of the courtroom.

4. Peer and Judicial References

• Professional References: The attorney must provide references from judges and attorneys who have observed their work in matrimonial law. These references must attest to the attorney's competence, ethics, and professionalism. Typically, at least eight references are required, including three judges who have presided over the attorney’s cases and five attorneys who have been opposing counsel in trials.

5. Continuing Legal Education (CLE)

• CLE Requirements: The attorney must complete at least 45 hours of continuing legal education (CLE) focused on matrimonial law within the three years preceding the application. These courses should cover areas such as dissolution of marriage, child custody, support, and domestic violence, ensuring that the attorney remains current in the field.

6. Written Examination

• Examination: The attorney must pass a comprehensive written examination that tests their knowledge of matrimonial law, including procedural rules, evidence, and ethics. The exam assesses the attorney's ability to handle complex matrimonial cases effectively.

7. Ethical Standards

• Ethical Conduct: The attorney must maintain a record of ethical conduct. Any past disciplinary actions, criminal convictions, or professional misconduct must be disclosed during the application process. The Board on Attorney Certification reviews these disclosures to determine the attorney's eligibility for certification.

8. Application Process

• Detailed Application: The attorney must submit a detailed application that includes their trial experience, peer and judicial references, CLE documentation, and any required ethical disclosures. The application is reviewed by the Certification Committee, which evaluates whether the attorney meets the high standards necessary for certification.
• Application and Examination Fees: The application process involves paying non-refundable fees, which cover the cost of processing the application and administering the examination.

9. Certification Duration and Recertification

• Certification Period: Once awarded, the certification is valid for five years. To maintain certification, attorneys must apply for recertification during the final year of their certification period, demonstrating continued substantial involvement in matrimonial law and ongoing compliance with CLE requirements.

By meeting these rigorous standards and requirements, attorneys can achieve board certification in Matrimonial Law in New Jersey, signifying their expertise and dedication to the highest levels of practice in matrimonial and family law.

Achieving board certification in Matrimonial Law in New Jersey is a rigorous process that requires a detailed and thorough application. Below are the steps and requirements for applying for this certification:

1. Eligibility Check

• Years of Practice: Confirm that you have been admitted to the New Jersey Bar for at least five years and that you are in good standing in New Jersey and any other jurisdictions where you are licensed.

2. Gathering Necessary Documentation

• Trial and Hearing Experience: Collect detailed records of your involvement in matrimonial law cases. This includes:
  • Contested Hearings: Documentation of at least 15 contested matrimonial law hearings per year over the three years immediately preceding the application.
  • Trials and Plenary Hearings: Records of your involvement in at least five contested matrimonial law trials or plenary hearings during the three years before the application.
• Settlement Agreements: Prepare documentation for a minimum of 25 negotiated matrimonial law judgments or property settlement agreements over the three years preceding the application.

3. Peer and Judicial References

• Identify References: You need to secure references from at least eight professionals who are familiar with your work in matrimonial law. These should include:
  • Judges: At least three judges who have presided over your cases.
  • Opposing Attorneys: At least five attorneys who have been opposing counsel in your cases.
• Reference Forms: Provide the reference forms that your referees must complete. These forms will include questions about your competence, ethics, and professionalism.

4. Continuing Legal Education (CLE)

• Complete CLE Requirements: Ensure you have completed at least 45 hours of CLE focused on matrimonial law within the last three years. The CLE courses should cover topics such as dissolution of marriage, child custody, support, and domestic violence.
• Document CLE Completion: Gather certificates or other proof of completion for each CLE course you have taken to include with your application.

5. Completing the Application Form

• Application Form: Download and complete the Matrimonial Law Certification application form. This form will require you to detail your experience, provide documentation of your trial and settlement experience, list your CLE courses, and include your peer and judicial references.
• Ethical Disclosures: Ensure that you disclose any past disciplinary actions, criminal convictions, or professional misconduct. Full disclosure is necessary, as the Board on Attorney Certification will review these as part of your application.

6. Submission of the Application

• Application Fee: Pay the required non-refundable application fee. This fee covers the cost of processing your application and administering the examination.
• Submit Application: Submit the completed application, including all required documentation, references, CLE proofs, and fee, by the specified deadline.

7. Written Examination

• Prepare for the Exam: Once your application is accepted, you will need to pass a comprehensive written examination. This exam tests your knowledge of matrimonial law, including legal procedures, evidence, and ethics.
• Schedule the Exam: You will receive instructions on scheduling the exam once your application has been processed.

8. Board Review

• Application Review: The Board on Attorney Certification will review your application, references, CLE documentation, and examination results. They may request additional information or clarification during this process.
• Decision Notification: You will be notified of the Board's decision regarding your certification. If approved, you will receive your certification, which is valid for five years.

This structured and thorough process ensures that only attorneys who demonstrate exceptional knowledge, skill, and ethical conduct in matrimonial law are awarded certification, affirming their status as leaders in this legal specialty in New Jersey.

Maintaining board certification in Matrimonial Law in New Jersey involves ongoing responsibilities to ensure that certified attorneys continue to meet the high standards expected in this specialized field. Below is an overview of the key aspects of annual duties, recertification, and decertification:

Annual Duties

1. Continuing Legal Education (CLE):

   • Certified Matrimonial Law specialists must complete a minimum of 45 hours of continuing legal education (CLE) in matrimonial law every five years. These CLE credits must focus on relevant areas such as divorce, child custody, support, equitable distribution, and domestic violence. The purpose of this requirement is to ensure that certified attorneys remain updated on the latest legal developments and maintain high standards of practice.

2. Ethical Compliance:

   • Attorneys must maintain the highest ethical standards. Any disciplinary actions, complaints, or ethical violations must be reported to the Board on Attorney Certification. Ongoing compliance with ethical standards is critical for maintaining certification.

3. Annual Fee Payment:

   • Certified attorneys must pay an annual fee to maintain their certification. Failure to pay the fee on time may result in additional late penalties and, if not rectified, could lead to termination of certification.

Recertification Process

Certification in Matrimonial Law is valid for five years. Attorneys must apply for recertification before their certification expires. The recertification process includes:

1. Application for Recertification:

   • During the final year of the certification period, attorneys must submit a recertification application. This application requires them to provide updated information on their trial experience, professional activities, and continued education in matrimonial law.

2. Continuing Education Verification:

   • Attorneys must verify that they have completed the required 45 hours of CLE credits within the certification period. These credits must be documented and submitted with the recertification application to demonstrate ongoing professional development.

3. Peer and Judicial References:

   • Updated references may be required as part of the recertification process. These references should come from judges and attorneys who have observed the attorney’s work during the certification period and can attest to their continued competence and ethical behavior.

4. Board Review:

   • The Board on Attorney Certification reviews the recertification application, CLE documentation, and any additional references. If the Board determines that the attorney has met all the necessary criteria, the certification will be renewed for another five years.

Decertification

Decertification can occur if an attorney fails to meet the ongoing requirements or violates ethical standards. Key reasons for decertification include:

1. Failure to Complete CLE Requirements:

   • If an attorney does not complete the required CLE hours or fails to submit the necessary documentation, their certification may be revoked.

2. Ethical Violations:

   • Significant ethical violations, disciplinary actions, or failure to disclose such issues can lead to decertification. The Board takes ethical conduct seriously, and any breaches may result in the immediate revocation of certification.

3. Failure to Apply for Recertification:

   • If an attorney does not apply for recertification before the expiration of their current certification, they will be automatically decertified. To regain certification, the attorney must reapply as a new candidate and meet all the initial certification requirements again.

This comprehensive approach to maintaining certification ensures that only those attorneys who continue to demonstrate exceptional skill, knowledge, and ethical conduct remain certified as Matrimonial Law Specialists in New Jersey.