Going through a family law case is never easy. Whether you are involved in a dispute over a property division, child custody, child support, or another matter, family law disputes should be handled with the highest level of care and sensitivity. It can bring a great deal of relief when a court releases a final family law order—that is, unless the judge issues an unfavorable decision. 

This raises an important question: Is it the right decision to appeal a family court order in California? The answer depends entirely on the specific circumstances of your case. Here, our California family law appeals attorney provides an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of appealing a family court order. 

Why You Should Consider Appealing  a Family Court Order in California

The purpose of the appeals process is relatively straightforward: You have the opportunity to ‘right’ a wrong. Unfortunately, family law courts do not always make the proper decisions. In some cases, they misunderstand facts. In other cases, they misapply the law. In California, you can appeal a family court order to challenge an unfavorable decision. 

If the court ruled against you and you want to take action to protect your rights, you should consult with an experienced California family law appeals attorney. An appeals lawyer will be able to review the specific circumstances of your case and help you understand your chances for getting a better decision on appeal. 

Know the Cons: Three Key Considerations Before Appealing a Family Court Order

If you are considering taking your family law case to an appellate court, it is imperative that you know exactly what you are up against. Here are three key things to consider before filing an appeal in a family law case in California. 

  1. An appeal can be costly and time-consuming. You should only appeal if you are prepared to go the distance. Appeals have the potential to be costly and time-consuming. Make sure you consider the costs before appealing. 
  2. Review your grounds for appeal. A family law appeal is not a chance to get a “re-hearing” of your case. You can only appeal family law orders on certain grounds. You need to make sure that you have reasonable grounds to appeal. A lawyer can help you assess all potential grounds for appeal.
  3. A modification may be a better option. In some cases, other legal options may actually be more sensible than an appeal. You may qualify for a “modification” of an ongoing family law order if there has been a substantial change in circumstances. For example, custody orders are subject to modification. As explained by The Judicial Branch of California, a custody order can be modified outside of the appeals process if there has been a “change in circumstances since the final custody order was made.”

Trusted Family Law Appellate Lawyer in California

At The Appellate Law Firm, our California appeals lawyer has the skills, experience, and specialized expertise to represent clients in family law appeals. If you have questions about family court orders and appellate law, we can help. Contact us today for a confidential initial consultation. With an office location in Los Angeles, our firm provides family law appeals representation throughout California. 

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