• RECOGNITION:  Be recognized by the bench and bar in his or her jurisdiction as an expert practitioner in matrimonial law.

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• YEARS OF PRACTICE:  Admitted to the bar 10 years, 75% percent specialized in matrimonial law, but subject to exception in certain geographic areas and other exceptional circumstances.

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• EDUCATION:  Have state family law certification if it exists. Where it doesn't exist, must have completed 15 hours of continuing legal education in each of previous five years.

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• EXAMINATION:  Pass oral or written examination on wide-ranging issues pertaining to matrimonial and family law.

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• INTERVIEW:  Be interviewed by a state board of examiners as well as be passed upon by other matrimonial law practitioners in the state.

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• ASPIRE:  Aspire to the ethical standards set forth in the "Bounds of Advocacy" as well as state bar rules of professional conduct.

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• CONTRIBUTE:  Demonstrate involvement in study or improvement of matrimonial law, such as publishing articles or continuing education presentations.