You should know if you want to appeal your divorce decision that divorce appeals are the least common form of litigation. In addition to uncommon, appealing your divorce is also not an easy process. Essentially, when you make an appeal, it states to the court that you are not happy with the previous court decision, that the decision was not equal, and/or that the law did not support the judgment.
Anyone thinking about an appeal should make the decision carefully. Appeals are expensive and often cost more than the initial trial since issues can be more complicated. Also, since not all attorneys who practice family law will agree to take on an appeal case, the appellant (you) and/or the appellee (your former spouse) will likely need new representation. If new counsel is hired for the appeal, the new representation must be informed of pending issues, and each attorney will spend several hours studying transcripts from the original trial.
An appellant usually has 30 days from the date of entry of the divorce granted to make notice of appeal, but the deadlines can also be sooner depending on what type of appeal you wish to bring. So, it is always highly advisable to speak with an attorney about an appeal immediately after receiving the Trial Court?s Judgment in the case, as time is always of the essence with appeal deadlines, and they must be strictly adhered to in order for the appeal to proceed.
Filing an Appeal
A Notice of Appeal informs the trial court and the adverse party that an appeal will be filed. An appeal typically includes a file brief, which outlines reasons for the appeal. The appellant must pay for the transcript of the trial and all paperwork, such as documents and evidence that must accompany the appeal.
Also, very specific protocols regarding the format of the appeal must be followed. These protocols entail which formal documents must be submitted, as well as the inclusion of specific sections to accompany the brief, such as an appendix, numbered pages and an index. In addition, the appellate documents are required to be filed with the Appellate Court District where the Trial Court is located. The following parties/entities are required to get copies:
- Appellate court (plus the original documentation)
- Adversaries
- Trial court
- Representing attorneys
Appellate court
When the appellate court reviews all party briefs, hears all oral arguments, and reviews the Trial Court record, the judges can reverse the court ruling of the trial and/or remand (send the case back) to trial court for a new trial or with instructions on which part of the decision the Trial Court needs to readdress. You should note that the appellant court does not review new evidence, nor do the judges hear testimony from any party or witness.
Modifications to Divorce Judgment
As an alternative to an appeal, you could also discuss the possibility of a modification proceeding with an attorney if you are not happy with the Trial Court Judgment. A request may be made to modify a divorce decision by filing a Motion to Modify, but these can usually only be filed after there has been a significant change of circumstances. Such requests can include modifications to child custody arrangements, visitation schedules, child and/or spousal support. This request is filed with the divorce court where the divorce judgment was issued, but there are some exceptions.
Filing an appeal and accompanying appeal procedures are very complicated and a time-consuming processes, so it is not advisable to try and handle an appeal yourself. Contact the divorce lawyers at the Law Offices of Barbara Sherer who can serve as your legal counsel, making sure you are presented with a clear understanding of the appeal process, ensuring that you are thoroughly informed about your legal rights and assist you toward making the best decision possible for your case.
