Family Law Appeals

Tustin Family Law Appeals Attorney

Advocating for Families in Orange County

Do you believe a family court decision was unjust or incorrect? If you are convinced the outcome of your family law matter was incorrect, seek the counsel of an experienced appellate lawyer for family matters right away.

John L. Dodd has been serving clients in Tustin and throughout Orange County for more than 30 years. Since 1989, we have successfully managed more than 1,200 cases, establishing ourselves as a leading appellate law firm in Southern California. In fact, Mr. Dodd is one of only a few certified appellate specialists. Our firm is unique in that it is one of the only small firms in California that exclusively deals with appeals. We take on all types of appeals cases, including civil appeals, criminal appeals, and more.

Call John L. Dodd and Associates Prof Corp today at (714) 880-8744 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our family law appeals attorney in Tustin.

Disputed Family Legal Matters Handled by a Family Lawyer Tustin

" Figures Representing Family in Courtroom "

Family law covers a broad range of legal issues, with a heavy focus on divorce. Some commonly disputed issues in family law include:

Child Custody & Visitation
Child Support
Spousal Support & Alimony
Property Division
Parental Rights & Adoption
Restraining Orders
Paternity

Our family appeal lawyer has successfully represented many different parties in family law appeals, both as appellants and respondents. A thorough understanding of family dynamics and legal precedents allows our team to offer strategic advice catered to each unique situation. We provide compassionate support throughout the appeals process, ensuring clients feel heard and understood. Our goal is to help families navigate these complex issues with integrity and diligence.

What Are Common Causes for an Appeal in a Family Law Matter?

You have a right to appeal family court decisions, and there are several situations that can make your case eligible for an appeal. Family law cases seem prone to error because the issues often can be complex, and the emotions run high, but the time allotted to them in the trial court runs low.

Some common causes for appeal in a family legal matter include:

Discovery of Relevant Facts After Judgment, Including Assets Hidden by the Spouse
Ineffective Legal Counsel
Improper or Lack of Evidence
Misapplication of the Law by the Courts
Judge or Juror Misconduct
Other Legal Errors

An appeal can serve as a critical tool for ensuring justice, providing an opportunity to rectify errors that may have occurred during the initial trial. Pursuing an appeal requires careful analysis of the trial record to identify any potential missteps or oversights. It’s essential to work with a knowledgeable attorney who can evaluate the strength of your arguments, ensuring that you can proceed with confidence and a clear understanding of the legal terrain ahead.

The decision regarding whether to appeal is yours entirely. Your decision can depend on your personal financial situation and whether you value the outcome of the case enough to undergo further litigation. We are prepared to evaluate your case and help you determine whether there is a legitimate issue that you can raise on appeal.

If there is a legitimate issue to be raised, there is a chance you could obtain a more favorable ruling on appeal. When you call our Tustin family law appeals lawyers, we can help set your expectations and give you a realistic outlook on your probability of success.

Understanding the Appeals Process with a Tustin Family Lawyer

The appeals process in Tustin is a critical step in challenging a family court decision you believe is incorrect. It begins with filing a notice of appeal, which must be completed within a certain timeframe specified by California law. This step is crucial, as missing the deadline can forfeit your right to appeal. Once filed, the appellate court will review the trial court's proceedings to identify any legal errors that could have affected the outcome.

During the appeals process, both parties will have the opportunity to submit written briefs outlining their arguments. These briefs are essential as they present the legal reasoning and supporting evidence for each side's position. Oral arguments may also be scheduled, where attorneys can further clarify and defend their arguments before the appellate judges. Understanding the procedural requirements and effectively presenting your case can significantly impact the appeal's success.

Contact Our Family Law Appeals Lawyer in Tustin Today

A family law appeal may have numerous issues over which the parties continue to disagree, and all of those issues require separate research, argumentation, and strategies. At John L. Dodd & Associates, Prof. Corp., we analyze which issues may bear the most fruit at the appellate level and which ones probably will not be productive. Perhaps more than other areas of the law, we believe family law cases, in particular, can benefit from a "fresh look" in order to present the most effective arguments to the Court of Appeals.

Call (714) 880-8744 or send us a message to schedule your case evaluation with a Tustin family law appeals attorney.

Frequently Asked Questions About Family Lawyers in Tustin

What Is the Timeframe for Filing a Family Law Appeal?

In California, the timeframe for filing a notice of appeal in family law cases is typically 60 days from when the trial court makes its judgment or order. This timeline is strict and requires prompt action. If you miss this deadline, you might lose the opportunity to appeal entirely. It is crucial to work with a family attorney in Tustin who can ensure that all necessary documents are filed within the correct time limits to protect your rights to appeal effectively.

Can New Evidence Be Presented During the Appeal?

Unlike trial courts, appellate courts do not evaluate new evidence. The appeal is based solely on the records established during the initial trial. This means that new evidence cannot be submitted or considered. Instead, the appellate court reviews the trial court's application of the law to the facts that were presented at trial. It's important to build a strong record during the initial proceedings, as this foundation significantly impacts the potential for a successful appeal.

How Long Does the Appeals Process Take with a Tustin Family Lawyer?

The duration of the appeals process can vary, depending on the complexity of your case and the court's schedule. On average, a family law appeal in California can take anywhere from one to two years. Throughout this time, both parties will submit briefs, and oral arguments may be heard. It's a lengthy process that requires patience and detailed legal strategy, during which your family law attorney can provide updates and advocate on your behalf to ensure your appeal progresses efficiently.

How Can I Prepare for My Appeal With a Family Law Attorney?

The first step in preparing for an appeal is to thoroughly review the record from the initial trial to identify potential grounds for appeal. Collaborate closely with your family law attorney in Tustin to develop comprehensive briefs that clearly articulate these grounds. Maintaining open communication with your attorney ensures you understand the appeals process and remain informed throughout. This preparation is essential for optimizing the presentation of your arguments and for possibly achieving a favorable appellate decision.

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“Forthright, skilled & diligent!”
“John provided the legal competence based on his extensive understanding of the case law to win the appeals. I could not be more satisfied with John’s work on my behalf and winning a reversal.”

- Hara L.
“Very helpful, available & thoroughly professional.”
“When everything was seemingly hopeless, we were fortunate enough to come across John L. Dodd.”

- Former Client
“The result was a home run: a published reversal!”
“I recently turned to John when I believed the trial court had made an erroneous ruling on a complicated procedural and jurisdictional question.”

- Kayleene W.
“Best appellate attorney in California.”
“Quick to respond, his research is the best and his writing is concise and very persuasive. You will not go wrong with John on your side.”

- Janie B.

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Our Certified Appellate Specialist Can Help

Appellate specialists have obtained special certification to handle appellate cases and are much more capable of helping you develop a winning strategy than a trial attorney who handles appeals on occasion. When you bring your family law conflict to us, we give your case the time and attention it deserves, and we never pass it on to a clerk, intern, or other non-legal staff member.

Understanding the nuances of appellate law is essential for effectively navigating the appeals process. Our team’s dedication to this particular area of law means we stay updated with the latest developments and Best Practices in appellate courts. This focus ensures we are well-equipped to address challenges and craft compelling legal arguments. Working with our dedicated team means you benefit from detailed attention to your case, with a strategy tailored specifically to achieve the best possible outcome based on your unique circumstances.

Why Do You Need a Certified Appellate Specialist?

There are few certified specialists in California, and even fewer still that only handle appeals. Our unique specialization in this niche area of the law is the key to a successful case in appellate court.

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Are You Looking for a Second Chance? We can help guide through a new trial motion.

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