Board Certified Family Lawyers (National Board of Trial Advocacy) engage in the practice of law dealing with legal cases arising from the family relationship of husband and wife, cohabitant and parent and child. It includes litigation of civil controversies arising from those relationships. In addition, a Board Certified Family Lawyer's duty includes evaluating, handling and resolving such controversies prior to the initiation of a suit and post judgment proceedings.

An attorney certified as a family law specialist must stay current on the law and must demonstrate a proficiency based on passing a written examination, demonstrating a high level of experience, fulfilling educational requirements, and being favorably evaluated by other attorneys and judges familiar with his or her work.