From the Lower Court to the Supreme Court,
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Family Law Appeals
Z Family Law, LLC provides appellate services to its clients and other attorneys who need help appealing a trial court’s judgment in family law cases. We have the superior research skills and experience to effectively represent you to the higher Courts. We handle appeals related to complex issues such as jurisdictional challenges (pursuant to the UCCJEA), child custody and access, child support, spousal support, premarital or postmarital agreement, property division, attorneys fee awards and more.
Purpose of an Appeal
Timing
There Are Two Important Factors to Keep in Mind
(1) Appeals Take a Long Time–Appeals take many, many months before they are completed. Appeals dealing with child custody are expedited, but even then it is a long and detailed process. Transcripts must be ordered; evidence, pleadings, and motions that were before the trial court must be compiled and transmitted to the appellate court. The appellate attorney must carefully read the transcripts and record and conduct detailed legal research to prepare and submit a brief on the specific legal issue(s) that will be before the appellate court. The appellate court may require mediation and may schedule oral argument. The appellate court will then issue a written response which also takes time.
(2) Appeals are Expensive–Appeals are expensive, there is no getting around this reality. The appellant (the person filing the appeal) is responsible for paying for a transcript and the work involved preparing the record extract. Appeals are an advanced area of legal practice and is hard work. Your appellate attorney must read, organize, conduct extensive legal research, and draft a persuasive, compelling brief that will persuade a set of judges to take a close look at the determination made by the trial court. This is before your appellate attorney ever steps foot inside a courtroom. The careful review, research, and drafting requires days of your appellate attorney’s time which is a serious commitment on behalf of both your appellate attorney and your checkbook.