Family Law Appeals

Austin, Texas, Family Law Appeals Lawyer

Your divorce decree may not be the final say in your divorce. As in every other area of the law, attorneys make mistakes and family law judges can make improper decisions. You have the right to appeal your final decree. If you are considering filing for an appeal, make sure your attorney has the experience and record of appellate court success to get things done right.

At Piper & Turner, PLLC, we handle every aspect of the family law appeals process. We have the resources to investigate your original court case, prepare your petition and attend all hearings. Attorney James W. Piper is a Texas Board Certified Family Law Specialist who is licensed to practice law at every level of appellate courts throughout the state. Our firm handles the most complex divorce judgment and modification cases, including complex property division agreements, child custody and child support matters, and spousal maintenance issues.

What to expect in the appeals process

Filing an appeal of a divorce decree is complex, often lengthy and should not be taken lightly. The appeals process will involve several steps, beginning with a brief filed by attorneys for both parties. The brief must be written to clearly specify the legal points on which the original decision should either be overturned, or upheld. In short, the brief is a legal argument.

An attorney with strong family law experience will have the necessary background and skills to draft a brief that is clear, concise, and is relevant to exactly what the appeal is all about. The most important part of the brief will be your attorney's ability to investigate and highlight the improper legal maneuvers or decisions that appear in the trial record. Ordinarily, new evidence will not be allowed to be entered into the brief. In some circumstances, attorneys may be given the opportunity to appear in an appellate court hearing to argue your case orally.

Contact our offices to discuss your options for filing an appeal of your divorce judgment. Experience will make a difference.