In order to advertise or identify himself as a "certified" specialist in California, an attorney must be certified either by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization, or an organization whose certification program has been accredited by the State Bar. (Such an organization must have requirements for certification that are at least equal to those of the State Bar's program.) California attorneys who are certified as specialists must have taken and passed a written examination in their speciality 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.

Dale Hatherley has been practicing law in the State of California since November, 1977. In 1992, Mr. Hatherley was certified as a Family Law Specialist by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. Mr. Hatherley has been practicing law in the State of California for the past 34 years, 19 of which he has spent as a Certified Family Law Specialist, certified by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization.

Michael Hatherley has been practicing law in the state of California since November 17, 2000. In 2006, Michael Hatherley was certified as a Family Law Specialist by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization.

Hiring a Family Law Specialist may seem expensive, but consider the alternative: a "cheap" attorney with low hourly rates or less experience in the area of family law may make irreparable mistakes. These attorneys may well end up costing you just as much by taking twice as long to prepare documents, or by "learning the law" at your expense and potential detriment.