A family law professional is required to earn a 4-year undergraduate degree and then complete a juris doctor (J.D.) degree. Most states require that the J.D. be completed at a law school approved by the American Bar Association. Some law schools offer concentrations in family law, and some have family law clinics where students can gain experience working on cases under the supervision of a law professor.
After completing the required education, future family lawyers must successfully pass the bar exam in the states in which they plan to practice law. Some states require certification in a specialty field, such as family law. Additionally, all lawyers must complete continuing legal education credits on a regular basis to maintain their legal license.