Why Use a Certified Matrimonial Law Attorney?
May 4, 2018 | Written by: | Share
When getting divorced, or dealing with other family law issues, there are literally thousands of attorneys from which you can choose. There are roughly 75,000 active lawyers in New Jersey, and many of them advertise in yellow pages, on television, online, and even on billboards. But how can you decide which attorney is best-suited to handle your family law matter?
Here is one important factor to consider…does the attorney have a certification from the Supreme Court of New Jersey? A Certified Matrimonial Law Attorney designation is granted by the Supreme Court of New Jersey to attorneys who are able to demonstrate a sufficient level of experience, education, knowledge and skill in matrimonial law practice. This specifically requires that an attorney:
- be a member in good standing of the New Jersey Bar for more than five years;
- fulfill ongoing continuing legal education requirements that are specific to matrimonial law;
- demonstrate a substantial level of experience in matrimonial law;
- be favorably evaluated by other attorneys and judges familiar with his or her work; and
- take and pass a written examination in matrimonial law.
The experience requirement mandates that an attorney focus the majority of his or her practice on family law and have a sufficient level of expertise in handling cases through trial if necessary. It requires a certain number of court appearances, argued motions and trial days, as well as experience settling cases.
The written examination is used to ensure an attorney has knowledge of the statutes and case law, including recent case law that applies to matrimonial law.
In order to get recertified, an attorney must continue to demonstrate an active practice in family law, continue to take legal education courses to stay abreast of changes in the field, and continue to have positive reviews by peers that attest to his or her competence in the field.
Out of the 75,000 active lawyers in New Jersey, less than 180 are Certified Matrimonial Law Attorneys by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.
While it is always important to speak to an attorney to make sure you feel comfortable with him or her, the certification program helps the public find attorneys who have demonstrated proficiency in the specialized field of matrimonial law.
All three of the family law attorneys at my office are Certified Matrimonial Law Attorneys, including myself. I have been a Certified Matrimonial Law Attorney since 2008. If you have any questions regarding certification or family law, please contact me at 908-735-5161 or via email.
William J. Rudnik, Esq. is certified by the NJ Supreme Court as a Matrimonial Law Attorney. In addition to handling divorce litigation, he is qualified as a Mediator in the field of Family Law under the New Jersey Court rules, and he is trained in Collaborative Divorce. Contact Mr. Rudnik at 908-735-5161 or via email.
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