OSBA Certified Specialists

About OSBA Certified Specialists:

To earn the “specialist certification,” an attorney must pass a rigorous written examination administered by the Ohio State Bar Association and meet other strict legal professional requirements. Less than one-half of 1 percent of all family relations attorneys registered in Ohio has achieved this status.
Specialty Board

Attorneys are certified as specialists by the Ohio State Bar Association Family Relations Law Specialty Board (“Specialty Board.”) The Specialty Board is accredited by the Ohio Supreme Court Commission on Certification of Attorneys as Specialists. The Specialty Board is primarily composed of individuals recognized as experts in family relations law.
Testing Requirements

To earn specialist status, an attorney must pass a rigorous written examination. This specialist examination tests the attorney on multiple aspects of Ohio and Federal family relations law. The exam also covers ethical issues relating to family law. The exam is prepared and graded under the authority of an independent testing service.
Enhanced Education Requirements

In addition to the normal ongoing legal education requirements that all attorneys must meet, family law specialists must complete extra educational requirements. Every two years, family law specialists must complete a minimum of 12 hours of legal courses, which are approved by the Specialty Board and deal with family law issues. These courses must be of an “intermediate” or “advanced” nature.
Additional Requirements

An attorney applying for specialist status must meet additional requirements regarding competence and ethical practice. One current judge or magistrate must endorse the attorney. At least five highly qualified lawyers must also endorse the attorney. The attorney must demonstrate substantial involvement in the field of family law. Finally, the attorney must be in good standing with the Supreme Court of Ohio and have no history of problems regarding legal ethics or legal malpractice.
Client Financial Protection

Family relations law specialists are required to take various actions to protect their clients financially. A specialist must maintain professional liability (malpractice) insurance. The insurance must be continually maintained and purchased through an appropriate insurance company. Finally, a specialist must have the ability to pay any claim regarding a loss up to the deductible amount of the insurance policy.
Family Law Topics

For specialist certification purposes, family law includes specific lawsuits and specific issues.

The lawsuits include:

* Divorce
* Dissolution
* Separation
* Annulment
* Domestic violence
* Paternity

The issues include:

* Property division
* Debt division
* Shared parenting
* Child custody
* Child visitation
* Child support
* Spousal support or alimony
* Health insurance
* Taxes

Family relations law also includes premarital planning and premarital or prenuptial agreements.