California Family Law Specialist

Why Hire a Certified California Family Law Specialist?

Not all family law attorneys are the same. A Certified Family Law Specialist (CFLS) is a designation granted by the State Bar of California to attorneys who demonstrate exceptional experience, knowledge, and competence in family law.

This rare credential helps you avoid costly mistakes—especially in complex divorces involving child custody, support, business valuation, or retirement division.

What Does “Certified Specialist” Mean in California?

A Certified Family Law Specialist has met strict requirements that go far beyond a standard law license. These include:

• Passing a specialist bar exam in family law

• Demonstrating substantial experience handling California family law cases

• Earning favorable peer and judicial evaluations

• Completing ongoing education in family law

• Being certified by the California Board of Legal Specialization (CBLS)

Charles M. Green is one of only approximately 413 attorneys in California with this credential.

What Sets Certified Family Law Specialists Apart?

Certified specialists bring a level of confidence, clarity, and courtroom readiness that general practitioners cannot match. They are especially effective in:

• High-conflict custody disputes

• Complex asset and property division

• QDROs (retirement asset transfers)

• Spousal support calculations

• Business ownership or stock option division

Because certification requires regular education and proven skill, these attorneys stay ahead of legal trends, procedural updates, and evolving case law.

Charles M. Green: Certified Specialist and
Former CPA = Legal-Financial Strategy

Charles M. Green, Esq., offers something few certified specialists can: he’s also a former CPA with deep forensic financial training.

That means:

• You save time and money by avoiding outside forensic accountants

• Complex financial documents are interpreted in-house and in real time

• Mistakes in retirement division, stock valuation, or spousal support are avoided up front

Over 700 clients have trusted Charles to resolve their divorce, custody, and financial matters.

“Don’t pay twice—hire the LA divorce lawyer who doesn’t need a forensic accountant to read your books.”

Certified Family Law Specialists Handle:

Child Custody and Support

Certified specialists help develop parenting plans that:

• Prioritize the child’s best interests

• Protect your parental rights

• Account for work schedules, relocation, and co-parenting conflicts

Whether you’re fighting for joint custody or protecting your child from harm, a specialist provides the legal structure and emotional reassurance you need.

Spousal Support and Property Division

California law on support and division can be complex. Specialists ensure:

• Accurate income assessment

• Strategic negotiation of temporary and permanent support

• Proper division of community vs. separate property

• Protection of real estate, pensions, business interests, and equity holdings

Specialists like Charles M. Green understand the impact long-term support can have on your financial future.

High-Conflict and High-Asset Divorce Cases

In cases involving significant assets or hostile communication, certified specialists:

• Create legal strategies that minimize escalation

• Use court-tested approaches to manage aggressive or abusive behaviors

• Rely on evidence-backed presentations to protect your rights

This is where having both certification and financial literacy really counts.

Certification Requirements: What It Takes to Be a Specialist

To become a Certified Family Law Specialist in California, attorneys must:

• Practice law for at least 5 years, with significant experience in family law

• Complete 45 or more hours of continuing legal education in the past 3 years

• Obtain peer and judicial evaluations verifying competence and integrity

• Pass a rigorous written examination administered by the California Board of Legal Specialization

These requirements ensure clients receive top-tier legal guidance.

Maintaining Certification

It doesn’t stop at earning the title. Certified specialists must:

• Meet higher continuing education standards than regular attorneys

• Remain in good standing with the State Bar

• Participate in ongoing review of their legal performance

• Stay current with changes in California family law

Charles M. Green is also an active member of the Association of Certified Family Law Specialists (ACFLS), which supports best practices and ongoing training for elite practitioners.

How to Find the Right Certified Specialist in California

Finding the right attorney goes beyond titles. Look for:

• Certification from the California State Bar

• Experience with cases similar to yours (custody, support, asset division)

• Direct handling by the lead attorney—not just junior associates

• Transparent fee structures and clear communication style

• Reviews and client testimonials that reflect trust and success

Questions to Ask a Family Law Specialist

Here are essential questions to ask during your consultation:

1. Are you the attorney who will personally handle my case?

2. Have you handled similar high-asset or custody cases before?

3. How do you approach litigation vs. settlement?

4. How does your CPA background support my financial strategy?

5. What are my strongest risks—and how do you plan to protect me?

Hire a Certified Specialist Who Delivers Results

Charles M. Green has helped hundreds of Californians navigate:

• Divorce with retirement and investment complexities

• Custody battles involving relocation, abuse, or alienation

• Property division in long-term or late-life marriages

• Spousal support challenges and QDRO planning

His dual expertise as a Certified Specialist and CPA ensures that both your emotional priorities and financial future are protected.

Based in Los Angeles and offering virtual consultations statewide, Charles serves clients from Brentwood to Pico Rivera—and everywhere in between.