Family law cases generally involve complex legal and factual issues, and each case is unique. Therefore, the trial court may be without precedent on which to base its decision, or may misapply the law to the individual facts of a case. When such a circumstance arises, either party may appeal the case to a higher court.

An appeal does not require a new trial. Rather, the higher court considers the relevant law, as well as the record from the trial court. Each party files a "brief" stating his or her position with the reviewing court.

An appeal may result in the lower court's decision being "affirmed". In other words, the lower court's decision will stand as is. On the other hand, the lower court's decision may be "reversed" and/or "remanded", or sent back down to the trial court for redetermination of one, several, or all issues. A reviewing court does not have to affirm, reverse or remand the entire trial court ruling. Rather, the reviewing court may apply these concepts to one, or a few issues.

A successful appellate attorney possesses unique skills that not all trial attorneys have. The appellate department at Heckenbach Carlton, LLP, has extensive experience with the appeal process. Our attorneys may handle appeals both for existing clients, as well as clients whose case was handled by another attorney at the trial level.