FAMILY LAW

New Jersey Family Law Appeal Lawyer

appeal

It is not uncommon for one or both parties involved in a divorce, child support, custody, or another family-related legal matter to walk away unsatisfied with a court’s decision. When that happens, one or both parties might choose to file an appeal to ask a higher court for a second opinion.

An appeal is a formal request asking a higher court to review and then reverse or amend a lower court’s decision. Appeals are not new trials – though a new trial could result from a successful appeal. You do not have to present the same case when you file an appeal. You are simply bringing a possibly reversible error to the court’s attention.

Family Law Situations That Could Warrant an Appeal

arguing couple with backs to each other

When appealing a decision from a trial court, you have to show how an error by the lower court or some other mistake in the judicial process led to a legally unsound judgment or order against you. In other words, appeals are generally not about relitigating the facts of a case. If you are defending an appeal, you must show that the trial court’s rulings were correct under the law.

You could file an appeal in a family law case if you know or suspect:

  • The judge’s decision went against the available evidence
  • The judge issued an incorrect ruling on a motion or objection
  • The judge did not consider certain information
  • The judge allowed prejudicial evidence or witness testimony
  • The judge allowed inadmissible evidence
  • The judge was biased for or against one party
  • Another critical error occurred during the original legal proceedings

From our clients

Lydia

You are an incredible advocate.

You fought like hell and were ready to deal with thick and thin in a very conflicted environment.

You put in the hours and then some.

You truly care for your clients, and their well being.

You hung in there till the end and made sure every T was crossed and every condition was thoroughly thought through, considered, explained and documented.

You went the extra mile every step of the way personally, emotionally and professionally.

You were fair and reasonable in your billing.

Best of all, I came to respect and admire you.

TH

I would highly recommend Lydia to any family, friends, & co-workers. I would recommend Lydia is she’s tough as nails, she brings her A-game in service of her clients from beginning to end, and Lydia genuinely cares for the wellbeing of her clients and defends them with integrity, passion and honor alike.  Trust your Instincts, Ask plenty of Questions, If you want a reliable, and hard working, passionate lawyer look no further than Lydia Fabbro Keephart. You will not be disappointed.

TO

I have and will continue to recommend Lydia to whomever can benefit from the services she offers. She is an expert in her field, a true “ally” in every sense of the word.  She is empathetic, and no non-sense. Time is and always was of the essence as I am a very busy physician. Her efficiency and dedication to detail were and are priceless. To this day, some of the best money I’ve spent was retaining Lydia as my attorney. Lydia was always available. She responded to emails at random hours of the day/night and she was able to accommodate my unpredictable and dynamic schedule. I found comfort in knowing that Lydia was by the book. She has a high moral and standards code. No matter how difficult the situation; it’s always important to play by the rules. I really appreciate someone who embodies integrity. I am forever grateful to Lydia and her firm; they helped me transition through a very difficult time. I came out on the other side better, and stronger than ever.

AJ

In the matter of my painful divorce after decades of marriage, Lydia not only looked out for my legal interests in a fierce, dedicated way, but she helped teach me the life lessons I need to survive as a strong, happy divorcee.  I will never forget her and I recommend her to anyone who needs to fight for their rights and life after the shock of having your foundation crumble.  You can move on with joy when you have good counsel.

CP

As an international client I thoroughly researched matrimonial attorneys prior to choosing John Hartmann at Pellettieri Rabstein & Altman. Mr. Hartmann is excellent in judging matters beforehand and a Master in following through. The firm exceeded my expectations in handling my divorce and post judgement actions, which took place in New Jersey. I would recommend them without hesitation.

AW

I found John Hartmann, Esq. and the law firm of Pellettieri Rabstein & Altman to be extremely professional and well organized. Their knowledge of the landscape of the divorce process was truly impressive. John and his team listen intently, understand the situation and offer practical counsel.

JM

When my wife shocked me with papers for a divorce, I checked with colleagues and learned that I could never find better representation than John Hartmann and his team of family lawyers. My Ex spent far more money on her lawyer than I did and got nothing more than John told me to offer on day one! I can say unequivocally that the bill I received from Pellettieri was the best money I have spent in my life and I would have gladly paid double for the results I got. John and his legal team were there for me every step of the way on a true emotional roller coaster. His reputation as the toughest, most brilliant divorce lawyer on the scene today is well earned and fully matched by his younger partners, associates, and paralegals. The Pellettieri team is second to none!

MD

Mr. Hartmann is a thorough professional with decades of experience. I just had to explain what my expectations were, and Hartmann was able to put together detailed paperwork and backed it with relevant legal references and presented the case in an irrefutable manner. Hartmann’s staff was very diligent in following up every step of the way. Overall, my experience with the Hartmann’s team was very positive and promising. I have recommended Hartmann to several of my friends over the years and would definitely recommend him to friends and family in future.

SB

I was represented by John Hartmann and Nicole Huckerby in a divorce case in which my husband believed I should pay him support even though he closed a successful company and decided he no longer wanted to work. The matter was settled with a favorable outcome for me which my husband then appealed. Not only was my PRA team successful in the trial Court but was also successful in the appeal. PRA is dedicated to obtaining the best result for their clients and as a result I have recommended many friends and colleagues to PRA.

MD

The Family Law Appeals Process in New Jersey

wooden family with gavel

To appeal a family law decision in New Jersey, you must file your appeal with the court’s Appellate Division, which will assign your case to a panel of two or three judges for review. If you disagree with a unanimous panel decision, you may file an appeal with the New Jersey Supreme Court, which will decide whether to review your case. The Supreme Court actually hears only a fraction of the cases it receives on appeal.

The appeals process can take months or even years from start to finish, but you can file a motion to accelerate, asking the Appellate Division to hear your case on an emergent basis if you need to expedite matters.

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Published Opinions

5

Attorneys Dedicated to High Net Worth & Complex Divorces

95%+

Cases Settled Directly or Through Mediation

The Family Law department has handled thousands of cases . Our attorneys demonstrate an intelligent, insightful and caring approach toward our clients during these emotional times when family disputes evolve into family crises, striking a strong balance between litigation and negotiation. 

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Deadlines for Filing an Appeal in a New Jersey Family Law Matter

scales of justice with couple

You typically have only 45 days from the date you receive a family court final judgment or order to file an appeal of the decision. New Jersey appellate courts strictly enforce this time limit and do not consider untimely appeals, so it is essential to act quickly if you wish to appeal a family court order.

Why You Need a Family Law Appeal Attorney from Our Firm

The family law appeal attorneys at Pellettieri Rabstein & Altman have the experience, the skillset, and the track record of successful outcomes that you’re looking for as you consider appealing your case or defending an appeal. Our peers in the legal field trust our appeals lawyers to prosecute or defend cases that they handled at the trial level. Our family law appeals lawyers have extensive experience handling interlocutory appeals and appeals from final judgments or orders, whether the case was decided on a motion or after trial.

Contact us today to discuss your options with our family law appeal attorneys serving the Princeton area and statewide.