The AAML exists to provide leadership that promotes the highest degree of professionalism and excellence in the practice of family law.

The AAML and each of its Fellows aspire to be inclusive of lawyers of varying gender, national origins, racial and ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientation, gender identity, lawyers with disabilities and geographic location in our Fellowship, outreach, governance and leadership.

Fellowship in the AAML provides the opportunity to meet new colleagues in all 50 states, exchange thoughts and ideas to the betterment of family law and elevate the practice of family law by access to nationwide resources. AAML Fellowship garners respect and exemplifies the highest professionalism and collegiality in family law.

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) 321‑5137.

• 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.
• Visit the AAML Application Portal and create an account. Once logged in, select “AAML – Fellowship Application.” Save your application draft to retain your progress.
• Complete the application, submit your judicial and peer references and pay the $400 application fee.Applicants residing in states other than Arizona, California, North Carolina and Texas are required to take the National Exam. Study materials will be provided to all exam-takers.
• When the application, references and application fee have been received, your application will move into the evaluation phase. Evaluation forms will be distributed to:
  
  • All Chapter Fellows
  • Judicial References
  • Peer References
•  After the evaluation period, your application and completed evaluation forms will be forwarded to the Chapter Board of Admissions, or to the board in the state where you practice law, for an interview.If applicable, you may also be required to take a state examination.
• Once your application portfolio is complete, the National Board of Admissions will review and make a determination.
• The National Board of Admissions will notify the Chapter of its decision, and the Chapter will then communicate the determination to the applicant.
• The next step for all attorneys is to visit the AAML website and apply for fellowship by clicking on the button, “Apply for Fellowship.” You will receive an application after you provide some preliminary information and confirm you have read our “Bounds of Advocacy.”
• Complete the application and submit the application fee of $250.
• National AAML confirms receipt of the application and sends evaluation forms to:
  
  • All Chapter Fellows
  • Judges submitted by you
  • Peer References submitted by you
• Once the application and evaluation forms are completed and returned to the National Office, they are reviewed and then the application and forms are sent to the Chapter Board of Examiners for the State where you practice law. You will be interviewed by that Chapter Board of Examiners and, if required in that Chapter, take the written state test.
• If your Chapter requires that you take the written National examination, you will be notified as to the next available date for the exam (the exam is given three times per year) and the materials from which the exam is prepared. The National Board of Examiners will review and make the decision on the applications at their Executive Committee Meetings (five times per year).
• The Board of Examiners notifies the Chapter President of the decision on admissions, and a week or so later the Applicant is notified with further instructions.

1. The attorney has demonstrated an active interest and competency in matrimonial law as evidenced by the fulfillment of criteria and standards as established by the AAML Board of Examiners and House of Governors. Those standards are available in the Apply for Fellowship section of the website, but they include writing professional articles, regularly teaching legal education courses in family law, and leadership in professional organizations.
2. The attorney has substantial experience and is able to handle complex matters relating to custody and support of children, property division and alimony or spousal support. This includes the ability to litigate a case involving the examination and cross examination of experts, admitting evidence, and general trial advocacy.
3. The attorney is recognized by the bench and bar as a leading ethical practitioner in the area of matrimonial law.
4. The attorney has demonstrated substantial involvement in the matrimonial field and has endeavored to encourage the study, improve the practice, elevate the standards and advance the cause of matrimonial law.

While the overall timeline may vary based on several factors, the application process, from initial preparation to final submission, typically takes between 7 months to complete. Contributing variables may include:

1. Scheduling the chapter interview and, if applicable, the chapter-administered examination.
2. Completion of the National Examination, which is required for applicants practicing in Arizona, California, North Carolina and Texas. The National Exam is administered six times per year on the first Saturday of designated months. The 2026 examination dates are Feb. 7, April 11, June 6, Aug. 1, Oct. 3 and Dec. 6.
3. Receipt of all required references and evaluations, which may necessitate follow-up reminders coordinated through the National Office.

All examination questions are based on materials identified by the National Office in advance of the National Exam. Applicants who review these materials should be adequately prepared to pass the examination.

Yes. Everyone on both the National and State Board of Admissions, has a duty to keep your application and its contents confidential.

The National Board of Admissions meets monthly to make the final determination following the review of the applicant's portfolio.

Yes! If you have additional information to share before the final review of your application by the National Board of Admissions, please contact admissions@aaml.org.

Yes. Fellows may use the AAML logo on personal and law firm marketing materials, including websites and social media. Fellows may also link websites and social media profiles to the website and profiles of the AAML.