Before You Begin

Carefully review the Fellowship requirements and consider your readiness to commit to the application process. Applicants must familiarize themselves with the Qualifications for Fellowship and review the Bounds of Advocacy. 

Requirements vary by state. If your state requires board certification, you must be board certified to be eligible to apply.  

Please consult your local chapter for specific requirements or contact the National Office at (312) 3215137. 

Completing the Online Application

Visit the AAML Application Portal and create a login. Complete the online form with the requested information. Applicants can save a draft of their uncompleted application at any time. Once you begin the process, you will have up to 90 days to complete and submit your application. 

You will also need to check the boxes that you have read and understand the Bounds of Advocacy and statement regarding confidential information. 

Once your application is submitted, you will receive an email from admissions@aaml.org confirming whether you meet qualifications to proceed in the admissions process. 

Required References & Application Fee

If you qualify, you will be sent an email with a link to submit your three peer and five judge references, as well as the required application fee of $400. Your peer references must be non-Fellows of AAML. Please contact admissions@aaml.org to verify the Fellow status of your peer references. Once the application fee and references are received, processing of the application will proceed. 

AAML National Exam

All applicants are required to take the National Exam, except applicants from Arizona, California, North Carolina and Texas. Applicants from these states are required to submit proof of certification as part of their application. Applicants will receive study materials and details regarding the exam format after an application has been approved. 

The AAML National Exam is administered six times per year, typically on the first Saturday of the month, unless otherwise stated, beginning in February 2026. All exam results are confidential and are maintained exclusively by the National Board of Admissions. 

Some AAML Chapters require a Chapter-administered exam. If applicable, this requirement will be communicated at the time a chapter interview is scheduled.

Chapter and National Board of Admissions (BOA)

Once all your references (peer, judge and Chapter Fellow) are returned to the National office, they will be processed and the full package sent to the Chapter Board of Admissions for their review and recommendation.  

Once the Chapter has completed its review and submitted its recommendation to the National office, the National Board of Admissions conducts a final review and renders its final decision. 

Final Notification Regarding Fellowship

Notification regarding the final determination of your application for Fellowship will come from the National Office. 

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AAML is a welcoming group of accomplished family lawyers who are approachable role models and eager allies to help you advance your family law career.

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