IAFL is a worldwide association of practicing lawyers who are recognized by their peers as the most experienced and skilled family law specialists in their respective countries. IAFL was formed in 1986 to improve the practice of law and the administration of justice in the area of divorce and family law throughout the world. 

Since 1986, IAFL has steadily expanded its global reach, the number of jurisdictions represented is now 127 and IAFL has 1,090 Fellows (i.e. members) including 43 judicial fellows and 28 associate (i.e. academic) fellows. IAFL currently has 4 regional Chapters: a USA Chapter with 418 fellows from 42 states; a European Chapter with 353 fellows from 36 jurisdictions; an Asia Pacific Chapter with 173 fellows from 14 jurisdictions and a Canadian Chapter with 60 fellows from 6 provinces and territories. It is hoped that the not too distant future will see expansion with the creation of Chapters in Africa and Latin America and the Caribbean.