Appeals – Family Law

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FAMILY LAW APPEALS

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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

The purpose of an appeal is to ask a higher court to reverse the trial court’s decision. The appellate court will review the records and may hear oral arguments to determine if the trial judge made a legal error that affected the final decision. The appellate court will not accept new evidence or listen to new witnesses as an appeal is not a re-trial of your case.

Timing

Timing is critical in an appeal. Many appeals have been tossed out or disregarded because a lawyer or appellant has failed to adhere to strict deadlines. As soon as you receive an adverse ruling, if an appeal is something you are considering, it is best to seek the advice of an appellate attorney immediately so they can advise you of the important deadlines to keep in mind.

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.

 

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Areas served

Z Family Law’s main office is located in Rockville, Maryland and proudly serves all areas of Montgomery County, including Rockville, Derwood, Olney, Darnestown, Silver Spring, Potomac, Gaithersburg, Bethesda, and Germantown.
Z Family Law proudly serves all areas of Frederick County, including Frederick, Middletown, Ijamsville, Urbana, New Market, Ballenger Creek, Walkersville, and New London.
Z Family Law proudly serves the District of Columbia.
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