Family Law Appeals

When a family law case is concluded at trial, a judge issues a ruling. The Arizona Court of Appeals has the power to review the judge’s ruling or order and determine whether the judge properly considered the facts and applied the law.

The legal standard for review of the trial court’s ruling depends upon the reason for the appeal.

Simply disagreeing with the court’s ruling or a belief that the judge should have found one parties’ testimony more compelling than another generally will not meet the stringent burden for a successful appeal. Statistically, only about 10% of appeals are successful. The procedures for the Court of Appeals are strict and a case can be summarily dismissed unless the proper rules are followed. Time is of the essence in an appeal. There is a 30-day deadline to file a Notice of Appeal following a trial court’s ruling. When an unsatisfactory ruling occurs, it is imperative to speak with a family law attorney immediately to ensure your rights are preserved.