What is a Certified Family Law Specialist?
A Certified Family Specialist is more than just an attorney that specializes in a particular area of the law. A California Certified Family Law Specialist must have taken and passed a written examination in their specialty field, demonstrated a high level of experience in the specialty field, fulfilled ongoing education requirements, and been favorably evaluated by other attorneys and judges familiar with their work. Once the attorney has demonstrated that he or she has met the above rigorous standards, they must be evaluated by a panel of experts before becoming certified.
A Certified Family Law Specialist must demonstrate that he or she has substantial experience in each of the following areas:
Restraining orders/domestic violence proceedings;
Dissolution of marriage, legal separation, or nullity of marriage litigation;
Custody of children;
Child support;
Spousal support;
Modification of support;
Division of community property;
Confirmation of separate property;
Taxation issues incident to dissolution of marriage;
Contempt and/or enforcement proceedings;
Mediation and/or negotiation of family law disputes; and
Psychological and counseling aspects of dissolution of marriage.
To retain the Family Law Specialist Certification, an attorney must continue to participate in ongoing educational requirements and continue to exhibit a high level of proficiency in the practice of family law. Mr. Vercollone , as a Certified Family Law Specialist, has met the above requirements and stands ready to assist with your family law issues. If you have additional questions regarding family law matters, don't hesitate to contact us.
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Family Law Attorneys
Managing Attorney and Partner
James R. Vercollone
James R. Vercollone is a licensed attorney in Massachusetts and California. He has spent over eighteen years practicing exclusively family law in San Diego and southern California. Mr. Vercollone has been certified by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization as a Family Law Specialist since 2010. He is also a member of the Association of Certified Family Law Specialists, the San Diego Family Law Bar Association, the San Diego County Bar Association, and the American Bar Association. Mr. Vercollone has dealt with all aspects of family law litigation, including complex property issues, custody disputes, support matters, and has negotiated numerous prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. He has handled many complex hearings and trials involving child custody, "move away" requests, property characterization, asset valuation, breach of fiduciary duties, division of military retirement benefits and pensions, jurisdictional disputes, and modification of post-judgment custody and divorce orders. Mr. Vercollone continues to vigorously advocate and seek out the best results for his clients regarding their family law matters, whether through mediation or litigation.
Education
Suffolk University Law School (J.D., cum laude, 2002)
University of Richmond (B.A. History and International Studies, 1996)
Activities & Affiliations
San Diego Family Law Bar Association
Association of Certified Family Law Specialists
San Diego County Bar Association
State Bar of California
American Bar Association
Bar Admissions
California - 2004; Massachusetts - 2002.
Partner (retired)
Richard J. Annis
Richard J. Annis, now retired, practiced family law for over 40 years. He tirelessly advocated for clients in high asset and complex divorce matters. He also served as a judge pro tem, settlement judge and special master appointed by the court. As a former CPA, he taught community property and legal accounting at local law schools, and lectured at seminars on various subjects. His influence on the firm will forever be recognized and appreciated.
Education
University of San Diego Law School (J.D., 1976)
American University (B.S., 1969)
Bar Admissions
Bar Admissions: California - 1976