Chicago Family Law Appeals Lawyers

Appealing Your Family Law Decision in Illinois

Have your divorce proceedings recently concluded? Were you left with an unfavorable outcome or a decision you feel was made in error by the courts? Are you considering appealing the decision but unsure of what steps you'll need to take? Contact the Chicago family law attorneys at Nottage and Ward, LLP today and discuss your options in a comprehensive and confidential case evaluation. While it may seem overwhelming and potentially impossible at the moment, there is hope to be found in an appeal. The key is having superior and insightful legal counsel at your side to defend your family's interests. Call our office today and get the representation you deserve.

Dial (312) 332-2915 or submit your information online and a representative will contact you shortly.

But don't delay. Filing a family law appeal requires quick and decisive action. Generally you have a very limited amount of time in which to file your appeal, so time is of the essence. Additionally, appellate courts operate on an entirely different schedule and procedures. They are especially critical in their review and are not prone to reversing a previous courts ruling without considerable evidence to contrary. You will need to work alongside a law firm that has experience in appeals and has history of successfully navigating Illinois appellate courts. The sooner you are able to speak with one of the experienced Chicago family law appeal attorneys at Nottage and Ward, LLP, the better your odds will be at a favorable outcome.

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How Does a Family Law Appeal Differ From My Other Proceedings?

One of the major points of confusion that arise when an individual or family wish to appeal a courts decision concerns the actual nature of the appeals process. As opposed to your previous action, an appeal typically reexamines the previous court's decision and the case as it was presented. It is not a new trial, nor is it a new ruling on the evidence presented, although an appellate court may send the case back to the trial court for further hearing in certain instances. Rather it is an examination of the previous courts decision and a confirmation or negation of their interpretation of the law. This is a critical difference, as many individuals believe there will be opportunity to present new facts or findings. Instead, in most instances, it will be up to your attorney to prove that the court's decision was made in error.

More often than not, appeals are made on the more contentious issues found in family law. These include:

• Child custody arrangements and visitation scheduling
• Child support structures and payments
• Spousal support or maintenance
• Division of assets

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Can I Retain a New Attorney for My Appeal?

Yes. In the state of Illinois you are not required to maintain the same legal counsel that presented your case previously. In fact, we highly encourage you to seek outside counsel to provide an objective look at the evidence as it was presented and the court's ultimate decision. For more information on how a Chicago family law attorney at Nottage and Ward, LLP can best serve your family's interests and help to reverse an incorrect ruling, call (312) 332-2915 today.

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