An AV rating by Martindale-Hubbell is the highest peer rating standard. This rating signifies that a large number of the lawyer's peers rank him or her at the highest level of professional excellence for their legal knowledge, communication skills and ethical standards.  

When an attorney attains this achievement they may add the initials B.C.S. (Board Certified Specialist) to their name (this is in addition to J.D. or ESQ.). This Certification is highly sought after and very difficult to attain. The Florida Supreme Court established Board Certification in 1982 to recognize the highest level of achievement an attorney can reach through evaluation by The Florida Bar for legal competence, experience, and ethics. Attorneys with this certification are considered experts in the field and can testify as such in a court of law. The following are some requirements attorneys must have:

• Practice of law for at least five years;
• Substantial involvement in the specialty of marital and family law — 50% or more — during the five years immediately preceding application;
• Handling of at least 25 contested marital and family law cases in the five years immediately preceding application, with at least seven trials;
• 75 hours of approved marital and family law certification continuing legal education in the five years immediately preceding application;
• Peer review; and,
• A written examination.