Long Island and Metro New York Appellate Attorneys

When a family court issues a decision that you think is a mistake or unlawful and that adversely affects you, you may be able to file an appeal challenging the ruling. An appeal is a request for a higher court to review the decision of a lower one. Depending on the circumstances, you can file an appeal regarding any of your divorce terms, such as custody, spousal maintenance, or property distribution. 

At Schlissel Ostrow Karabatos, PLLC (SOK), our Nassau County appellate lawyers help clients challenge family law decisions that violate their rights or are based on legal error. We strive to resolve appeals efficiently as possible by guiding clients through each step of the process, from filing appeals and drafting briefs to preparing oral arguments. We can also help you file a motion for a stay, which can protect your interests while the appeal is underway.

Call (516) 877-8000 or message us online to find out how our appellate attorneys in New York can help you.

The New York Appeals Process

If you are the aggrieved party and want to appeal a lower court decision, you must file a notice of appeal within 30 days of the original decision. This takes the jurisdiction of the case from the lower court and gives jurisdiction to the higher one. In New York, the appeals process is typically handled by the appellate division of the county supreme court, which for local cases is either the Nassau County Supreme Court or Suffolk County Supreme Court. 

Once the notice is filed, the parties involved in a case will have a set amount of time to submit written briefs to support their positions. They might also have the opportunity to present oral arguments before a panel of judges at an appellate hearing. Once this is done, the appellate court will review the evidence and affirm, modify, or overturn the earlier decision. In some cases, there may be grounds for further review by an even higher court or another appellate division, but that depends on the specific type of case being argued. This is usually reserved for more complex matters where cases have the potential to establish important legal precedents. 

Let Our Appellate Lawyers Help You

It is important to work closely with an attorney who understands the ins and outs of the appeals process. These cases can take several months to multiple years before a resolution is reached, and the smallest missteps can significantly prolong the process. Our New York appellate lawyers at SOK understand how difficult family law appeals can be for our clients and their loved ones, which is why we make it our priority to handle every case we accept with the care and attention it deserves. Conveniently located in Garden City, we offer our services to residents of Long Island and the New York Metro. 

Contact our office to schedule a consultation with one of our New York appellate attorneys.