In 2010 when Ian Kennedy AM was President, there was discussion about how the Academy could recognise significant contributions by individuals which had helped the Academy develop as an organization and in the international legal community. These discussions led to the creation of an award, then known as the President's Medal. The IAFL modernised in 2024 when instead of receiving a medal, the recipient receives the President's Award
The inaugural President's Medal was awarded to Richard Sax (England and Wales) in 2010 to acknowledge his commitment in leadership of the European Chapter.
In 2011 it was awarded to George Stern (Georgia, USA) in recognition of his long service as Treasurer.
In 2012 it was awarded to Rt Hon Sir Alan Ward (England and Wales). He was a Founding Fellow of the Academy who continued his active involvement and contribution to international family law prior to and following his appointment to the High Court, and then the Court of Appeal of England and Wales.
In 2014 Anne-Marie Hutchinson OBE QC (England and Wales) received the award for her advocacy in the international arena in relation to forced marriage, surrogacy and human and children's rights. Her legacy continues to be recognized through the Annual Memorial Lecture held in her honour during the Asia Pacific Chapter meetings.
In 2016, President William Longrigg bestowed two medals. One to Ian Kennedy AM (Australia) who had served on the Executive Committee for 14 years and was President at a pivotal time in the organization's history and one to Cheryl Hepfer (Maryland, USA) who as President continued the work started by Anne-Marie Hutchinson on surrogacy and forced marriage and who also devoted much time to developing the IAFL in under-represented jurisdictions.
In 2018, President's Medals were awarded to Werner Martens (Germany) and Miles Preston (England and Wales) both founding fellows of the Academy in recognition of their crucial contributions to the foundation of the Academy and the European Chapter.
In 2022, the first Annual Meeting post-COVID, President Tom Sasser bestowed the President's Medal on Ed Freedman (Israel) for his inspirational leadership of the IAFL's Amicus Committee. The committee aims to promote consistency among contracting States in applying provisions and obligations under international conventions dealing with family law issues by seeking leave to intervene and file submissions in the superior courts of numerous jurisdictions. William Longrigg also received the President's Medal in 2022 for his huge contribution to the Executive Committee over a decade which culminated in his Presidency when he oversaw expansion and outreach in new jurisdictions (including Africa) and initiated the highly successful Introduction to Family Law recruitment events which continue to this day.
In 2024 at the Annual Meeting in Boston, Corinne Remedios (Hong Kong, China) received the
President's Award for her outstanding leadership of the Asia Pacific Chapter. In addition to overseeing the Chapter's expansion, Corinne initiated the monthly online AP Hour and the monthly newsletter both of which continue today.
The 12th recipient of the IAFL President’s Award is Professor Jens Scherpe, Associate Fellow (Denmark). Jens created an opportunity for summer study at his host university, the University of Aalborg, for five Kenyan law students, who participated in the student symposium the IAFL sponsored in Kenya at Riara University in 2025.
