Appeals

After a trial and the judge issues his or her decision in a Judgment for Dissolution of Marriage, a divorce is usually final and complete.  However, an appeal can be filed if a party believes there was a legal error made which caused the judgment to be unfair or incorrect.  An appeal cannot be filed just because a party does not the like the results and would like a "do-over."

Appeals may only be filed for a limited time after the trial judge finalizes the divorce and enters a Judgment for Dissolution of Marriage.  Once an appeal has been filed, each party files briefs outlining their positions and legal arguments. The Appellate Court then reviews the briefs as well as the trial court's record in order to determine if a reversible error was made.  The Appellate Court may affirm the judgment or reverse the judgment (in part or in whole).  If a judgment is reversed, the Appellate Court may remand the case back to the trial court and

• Order that a new trial be held;
• Order that the Judgment be changed or corrected;
• Order that the trial court to reconsider the case because of a recent change in the law or appellate decision.