The Law Office Of Laurie A. Bernstein, P.C.
Serving Families For Over Four Decades In Sensitive Legal Disputes

Pursuing Positive Results Through The Appeals Process

Last updated on October 7, 2024

Decisions made by a court can have a lasting impact on the rest of your life and the lives of your children. If you disagree with the court’s decision, you may have the right to file an appeal. Laurie A. Bernstein, is an Essex County, New Jersey, family law attorney with the experience, in-depth legal knowledge and courtroom skill to battle effectively for her clients.

We can explain your option to appeal a decision made by a family law court. We serve clients in northern and central New Jersey, and we can assist you. Call us today at 973-567-3591.

Honest Counsel And Zealous Advocacy

Ms. Bernstein provides strategic counseling and advice to her clients in evaluating the prospects of an appeal. She vigorously represents clients in the appeals process. She keeps family law clients closely informed of developments throughout the process.

Ms. Bernstein is meticulous and thorough, an exceptional writer and compelling speaker and fully understands the language of appellate procedures. She knows how to examine a case, research the issues and write a persuasive legal brief. With this knowledge and decades of experience, she presents powerful arguments on behalf of her clients. Ms. Bernstein is passionate about the law. She is committed to delivering effective, efficient and quality legal services because she cares about every client and every case.

Frequently Asked Questions About Appeals

Attorney Laurie A. Bernstein can help you find answers to your questions about family court decisions, including these:

Can you appeal family court decisions?

Yes, you can appeal a family court decision – if the circumstances are right. Appeals are not a second chance or retrying the case to get a better result. Disagreement with the outcome of a case is not alone a sufficient reason for an appeal. Instead, you must show that the court made a legal error that affected the outcome of the case, such as misinterpreting the law, allowing improper evidence to be admitted or making a ruling that runs contrary to precedent or the law.

In addition, it’s critical to recognize that you cannot file an appeal on a court order that was reached through mutual consent if you later regret making that agreement.

Who can file a family court appeal in New Jersey?

Any party involved in a case generally has the right to appeal the verdict. For example, parents may appeal child custody and visitation decisions, issues involving child support or parental rights cases. In divorce and alimony cases, either spouse may file an appeal. Legal guardians or custodians of minor children, and even grandparents, may have the right to appeal if they were directly involved in the case in question.

When can you file for an appeal?

In New Jersey, most family law decisions can be appealed within 45 days of the final judgment. There are, however, some significant deviations from this rule. An order terminating parental rights must be appealed within 21 days, for example, and leave to file an appeal on an executory issue – where you are contesting a ruling but the case is not settled – must be filed within 20 days of the receipt of the order.

It is important to understand that, if you want to file an appeal, you must act quickly. Any delay can prove fatal to an appeal.

Contact A Summit Appellate Law Attorney

To schedule a confidential consultation with an experienced Essex County appeals attorney, contact The Law Office of Laurie A. Bernstein, P.C. at 973-567-3591 or complete our form for an appointment.