Family Law Appeals in California

Giving You a 
Second Chance

  • Appeals for Custody, Alimony & More
  • Guiding You Through the Legal Process
  • Dedicated Advocates Available 24/7
Two women going over contract

What We Can Challenge

A family law ruling doesn't have to be final. If the trial court made a legal or procedural error that affected the outcome of your case, there may be grounds to challenge it. Some of the decisions our California family law appeals attorneys can help you fight include:

  • Child custody and visitation orders that don't reflect the best interests of the child, were based on incorrect legal standards, or resulted from a judge's failure to properly consider the evidence presented at trial
  • Child support calculations that were based on incorrect income figures, failed to account for all relevant factors under California law, or applied the wrong formula, resulting in fundamentally unfair payments
  • Spousal support and alimony calculations that failed to properly weigh the length of the marriage, each party's earning capacity, or other factors required by law
  • Division of property and assets that mischaracterized separate property as community property, undervalued significant assets, or failed to follow the legal framework governing how marital property is divided in California
  • Domestic violence restraining orders that were issued without sufficient evidence, denied despite clear justification, or that contain terms that go beyond what the law permits
  • Adoption and parental rights decisions that terminated parental rights without following proper legal procedure, failed to consider the child's best interests, or were based on evidence that should not have been admitted

What the Family Law 
Appeals Process Looks Like

Understanding what to expect can make an already difficult situation feel a little more manageable. Here's how the process generally works when you bring your case to Law House PC.
Understanding what to expect can make an already difficult situation feel a little more manageable. Here's how the process generally works when you bring your case to Law House PC.

Consultation

Your attorney will review your case and provide an honest assessment of whether there are grounds to appeal. Not every unfavorable outcome qualifies, and we'll tell you what we think before you commit to anything.

Notice of Appeal

If you decide to move forward, your attorney can file the Notice of Appeal immediately. In California, you have 60 days from the date of the order or judgment to file. Missing this deadline forfeits your right to appeal entirely, so time is of the essence.

Review the Record

Your attorney will review every transcript, ruling, motion, and piece of evidence from your original case, looking for the specific legal errors that will form the foundation of your appeal.

Prepare and File the Briefs

Your attorney will draft a detailed written argument laying out why the decision should be overturned or modified. The opposing party then files their response, and we have the opportunity to reply.

Oral Arguments

In some cases, the appellate court will hear arguments from both sides before issuing a decision. However, many appeals are decided on the briefs alone without this step.

Court Decision

The court will uphold, overturn, or modify the original ruling or send the case back to the trial court. Depending on the outcome, further options may still be available to you.

Attorney going over contract


FAQ About Family Law Appeals in California

Can I appeal a family law decision in California?

Not every unfavorable outcome qualifies for an appeal. To have grounds, there generally needs to be a legal or procedural error that affected the outcome of your case, such as the judge misapplying the law, improperly admitting or excluding evidence, or failing to follow correct procedure. If you believe something went wrong in your case, contact our family law appeals attorney in California.

How long do I have to file a family law appeal in California?

In most cases, you have 60 days from the date of the judgment or order to file your Notice of Appeal. This is a hard deadline, and missing it will almost certainly end your ability to appeal, regardless of how strong your case might be. If you're considering an appeal, contact Law House PC as soon as possible.

Will I have to go back to court if I file an appeal?

Not necessarily in the way you might expect. Family law appeals are largely decided on written briefs rather than courtroom appearances. The appellate court reviews the record from your original trial and the written arguments submitted by both sides. In some cases, oral arguments are scheduled, but many appeals are decided without them. If the appeal is successful, the case may be sent back to the trial court.

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