How to Appeal a Family Court Order or Supreme Court Judgment in New York

Navigating the complex landscape of family law can be daunting, especially when faced with an unfavorable court decision. If you find yourself in this situation in New York, it's important to understand that you have options.

The appeals process provides an opportunity to have a higher court review the initial ruling and potentially offer a different outcome. At Levoritz Law, we’re dedicated to guiding you through this challenging process, providing trustworthy legal counsel and support at every step.

What Is an Appeal?

In the legal context, an appeal is a process where a party involved in a case asks a higher court to review a decision made by a lower court. It's essentially a request for a second opinion on the matter, with the hope of getting a different outcome.

The appealing party, known as the appellant, must demonstrate that the lower court made a significant error that affected the outcome of their case. These errors could be legal in nature, such as misinterpreting the law or misapplying it to the facts of the case, or they could be procedural, such as denying a fair hearing or admitting inadmissible evidence.

The appellate process involves submitting legal arguments and evidence to the higher court, which then reviews the record of the lower court's proceedings and issues a decision. This decision may affirm the lower court's ruling, overturn it, modify it, or send the case back to the lower court for further proceedings.

What Family Law Decisions Can Be Appealed in New York State?

In New York, you generally have the right to appeal a final order from The Family Court (a rule which does not necessarily apply to instances of neglect). This includes decisions related to:

• Child Custody and Visitation: Orders determining where a child will live, who will make decisions for them, and how much time they’ll spend with each parent.
• Child Support: Orders establishing the amount of financial support one parent must provide for the child's care.
• Spousal Support/Maintenance: Orders regarding whether one spouse must financially support the other and, if so, how much and for how long.
• Orders of Protection: Orders designed to protect individuals from domestic violence or harassment.

It's important to note that not all Family Court orders are appealable. Some, like temporary orders or certain procedural decisions, may require permission from the appellate court.

What Are the Grounds for Appeal in Family Court?

In New York Family Court, there are specific grounds on which an appeal can be based. These generally fall into three main categories:

Errors of Law

Errors of law come into play in situations where the lower court judge makes a mistake in applying or interpreting the law. For example, the Family Court judge may have misapplied a statute, misunderstood a legal principle, or incorrectly interpreted a precedent.

Abuse of Discretion

Abuse of discretion occurs when the lower court judge makes a decision that’s arbitrary, capricious, or unreasonable, even if technically within their legal authority. This could involve a decision that’s unsupported by the evidence, ignores relevant factors, or is based on improper considerations.

Interests of Justice

In rare cases, an appellate court may consider reversing a lower court's decision even if there were no legal errors or abuse of discretion. As a rule, this is only done when the appellate court believes the lower court's decision resulted in a substantial injustice or would otherwise seriously undermine public confidence in the judicial system.

It's important to note that simply disagreeing with the outcome of your case isn’t valid grounds for appeal. You must be able to demonstrate that the lower court made a major error that affected the outcome of your case.

Who Can File an Appeal?

In New York, any party who is "aggrieved" by a final order or judgment of The Family Court has the right to appeal the decision. This means that the party must have been directly and adversely affected by the ruling.

Such parties typically include:

Parents

Either parent involved in a custody, visitation, child support, or other family law case can appeal if they believe the court's decision negatively impacts their rights or the best interests of their child.

Children

In some instances, older children may be able to appeal a court decision, especially if it significantly impacts their lives, such as a change in custody arrangements. However, this is uncommon and usually requires the appointment of a legal guardian to represent the child's interests.

Other Interested Parties

Under certain circumstances, other individuals who have a direct stake in the outcome of a case may also be able to appeal, such as grandparents, stepparents, or other relatives who have an intimate relationship with a child at the center of a case.

However, not everyone involved in a case can automatically appeal. For example, witnesses or other parties who were not directly affected by the court's decision generally don’t have the right to appeal.

The Family Court Appeals Process in New York State

Facing an unfavorable decision from New York's Family Court can be disheartening, but it doesn't mean your options are exhausted. You have the right to appeal a final order, and in some cases, even an interim order, to seek a review and potential change to the original ruling.

Appealing Final Orders

A final order in Family Court is a legally binding decision that settles a specific issue in your case, such as custody, visitation, child support, or spousal support. These orders are generally appealable as a matter of right, meaning you don't need special permission from the appellate court to file an appeal (except in cases of non-final orders).

The appeals process for The Family Court of the State of New York can be complicated, but it generally involves the following key documents and steps:

1. Notice of Appeal: File a Notice of Appeal with the clerk of the court that issued the original decision within 30 days of being served (or 35 if you were served by mail).
2. Record on Appeal: Next, the lower court clerk compiles the record on appeal, which includes all the documents and transcripts related to your case.
3. Appellate Division Information Statement: You must also file two copies of Form A, Appellate Division Information Statement, along with the original, with the clerk (you’ll be asked to submit proof that the opposing party has received copies of the same).
4. Appellate Briefs: Both you and the other party will submit briefs that outline your legal arguments to the appellate court.
5. Oral Arguments (if Applicable): In some cases, the appellate court may schedule oral arguments, where the attorneys for both sides will present their arguments in person.

After reviewing the briefs and potentially hearing oral arguments, the appellate court will issue a written decision. As explained previously, this decision may affirm the lower court's ruling, reverse it, modify it, or send the case back to the lower court for further consideration.

Appealing Interim Orders

Interim orders are temporary decisions made by the Family Court while a case is ongoing. These orders are generally not appealable as a matter of right. You typically need to seek "leave to appeal," meaning you request permission from the appellate court to proceed.

Why Are Interim Orders Typically Not Appealable?

Interim orders are designed to be temporary solutions, subject to modification as the case progresses. Appealing every temporary order could significantly delay the resolution of the overall case.

Additionally, frequent appeals of interim orders could disrupt the ongoing proceedings and create unnecessary delays.

When Can You Appeal an Interim Order?

There are three main scenarios in which you can appeal an interim order:

• Substantial Right: The order significantly impacts a substantial right or fundamental interest.
• Public Interest: The issue raised in the appeal has broader implications for public policy or the justice system.
• Irreparable Harm: Failing to appeal the interim order will cause you immediate and significant harm.

Note: If you're seeking leave to appeal, be aware that there are strict deadlines, typically within 30 days of the order's issuance. Also, you may need to file a formal motion with the appellate court to request leave to appeal.

The appeals process in Family Court can be intricate. You need a clear understanding of the specific grounds for appeal, the applicable deadlines, and the required documentation. Levoritz Law Firm is always ready to consult you at (718) 942-4004 to ensure your rights are protected and your case is presented effectively.

Family Court Appeals vs. Supreme Court Orders

The Supreme Court of New York handles a variety of family law matters. When a Supreme Court order isn't to your liking, understanding your options for appealing is crucial. While the process can seem complex, having a clear understanding of your rights and the potential outcomes is essential.

A key distinction with Supreme Court orders is that most, even interim orders, are appealable as a matter of right. This means you generally don't need permission from the appellate court to file an appeal. You have the right to seek a review of the order, regardless of whether it was a final decision or a temporary ruling.

While most Supreme Court orders are appealable, there are certain exceptions. For instance, orders that are purely procedural or don't affect a substantial right might not be appealable as a matter of right. You might need to request leave to appeal in such cases.

Understanding the differences between appealing a Supreme Court order and a Family Court order is crucial to protecting your rights and obtaining a fair outcome.

Here's a breakdown of the key distinctions:

Note: Both Supreme Court and Family Court appeals have strict deadlines for filing the Notice of Appeal, typically within 30 or 35 days in Family Court from the date of the Order and in Supreme Court from what is known as Notice Of Entry.

The specific rules and procedures for appeals can vary depending on the circumstances of your case. Consulting with an experienced appellate attorney is always recommended to ensure you understand your options and proceed correctly.

What Is the Deadline for Filing a Notice of Appeal in New York State?

You generally have 30 days from the date you’re served with a copy of the order or judgment to file a Notice of Appeal.

That said, there’s an important exception to be aware of: if you receive the order or judgment by mail, you have an additional five days to file your Notice of Appeal, for a total of 35 days.

Motion for Extension

In some cases, it may be possible to request an extension of the deadline to file a Notice of Appeal. However, this is usually only granted in exceptional circumstances, such as when there was a delay in receiving the order or judgment or if you were incapacitated.

It's crucial to adhere to the deadline, as failing to file a Notice of Appeal within the specified time frame will typically result in the loss of your right to appeal.

With that in mind, it's wise to consult an attorney as soon as possible after receiving an unfavorable decision to discuss your options and ensure that you meet all necessary deadlines.

How Long Does an Appeal Take?

The timeline for an appeal in The Family Court of the State of New York can vary depending on various factors, including:

• Complexity of the Case: More complex cases with extensive records and multiple issues will naturally take longer to resolve than simpler ones.
• Court’s Backlog: The appellate court's workload and the number of pending cases can also impact the duration.
• Preparation of Briefs and Records: It may take some time for both parties to prepare and submit their briefs and for the lower court to compile the record.
• Scheduling of Oral Arguments: If oral arguments are requested and granted, the availability of the court and the parties involved can further extend the timeline.

In general, you can expect an appeal to take several months to a year or more to reach a final decision.

The initial steps, such as filing the Notice of Appeal and preparing the record, can take a few weeks. The briefing process typically takes several months, with each side having a set time to submit their briefs. If oral arguments are scheduled, they usually occur a few months after the briefs are filed.

After all that, the court will take time to review the briefs, consider the arguments, and issue a written decision, which could take several more weeks or months.

What Can Happen with the Appeal?

As noted, there are several possible outcomes for your appeal. They include:

Affirmation

The appellate court may agree with the lower court's decision and uphold it in its entirety. If this happens, the original ruling will remain in effect.

Reversal

Alternatively, the appellate court may disagree with the lower court's decision and overturn it. This would mean vacating the original order and issuing a new decision based on the appellate court's findings.

Modification

Sometimes, the appellate court may agree with certain aspects of the lower court's decision but disagree with others. As such, they may modify the order to correct the errors or address the issues they find problematic.

Remand

The appellate court may determine that the lower court made a significant error that requires further examination or additional evidence. In this case, they may send the case back to the lower court with instructions for further proceedings or a new hearing.

Dismissal

In some instances, the appellate court may dismiss the appeal altogether if they find that it lacks merit, wasn’t filed properly, or is otherwise ineligible for review.

It's vital to understand that the appellate court won’t simply rehear the entire case or consider new evidence that wasn’t presented in the lower court. Instead, it will focus on reviewing the legal arguments and the record from the lower court to determine whether it made any errors.

How Can I Put a Family Court Order on Hold?

Putting a Family Court order on hold, also known as obtaining a stay of enforcement, can be a pivotal step in protecting your rights while you appeal a decision. Here's what you need to know.

Automatic Stay

In some cases, filing a motion for a stay can result in automatically staying the enforcement of the lower court’s order. This means the order can’t be carried out while the appeal is pending. However, this stay typically only applies to certain types of orders. For other types of orders, such as child custody or visitation, the motion for a stay may limit the scope of or modify the order.

Motion for Stay

If an automatic stay doesn’t apply, or if you need a broader stay of enforcement, you can file a motion with the appellate court requesting a stay. The motion must explain why a stay is necessary to prevent irreparable harm or injustice while the appeal is being considered.

The appellate court will weigh the potential harm to you if it doesn’t grant the stay against the potential harm to the other party if it does. It will also consider the likelihood of success on appeal.

If the court grants your motion, the lower court's order will be put on hold until the appeal is decided.

Bond or Undertaking

In some cases, the appellate court may require you to post a bond or undertaking as a condition of granting a stay. This is a financial guarantee that you’ll comply with the final outcome of the appeal. It’s meant to protect the other party's interests.

Can I Appeal a Child Support Order?

You can appeal a child support order in New York if you believe the court made a mistake in calculating the amount or if the decision was based on incorrect information or an abuse of discretion. However, appealing a child support order isn’t simply a matter of disagreeing with the amount. You must have valid legal grounds to challenge the order.

Here are some potential grounds for appealing a child support order:

Calculation Errors

If you believe the court miscalculated the ordered amount based on the Child Support Standards Act (CSSA) guidelines or failed to consider all relevant income and expenses, you may have a basis for appeal.

Change in Circumstances

If there’s been a significant change in your circumstances since the order was issued, such as a substantial increase or decrease in income, a change in custody arrangements, or a change in the child's needs, you may be able to request a modification of the order.

Incorrect Information

If the court based its decision on incorrect or incomplete information regarding your income, assets, or expenses, you can likely challenge the order.

Unfair or Unjust Decision

If you believe the court's decision was arbitrary, capricious, or otherwise unjust, an appeal might be a feasible solution.

Can I Appeal a Temporary Order?

Temporary orders issued by The Family Court generally are not appealable as a matter of right. These orders are considered interim and are subject to modification or change as the case progresses. However, there are some exceptions and nuances to this rule.

Non-Appealable as of Right

Most temporary orders, such as those relating to temporary child custody cases, visitation, or child support, aren’t appealable as of right. In other words, you don’t have the right to file an appeal just because you disagree with the order.

Appealable by Permission

In some cases, you may be able to file a motion to seek permission from the Appellate Division to appeal a temporary order. Such permission is ordinarily only granted in limited circumstances, such as when the order involves a substantial right or when the issue is of public interest.

There are several important factors to consider when granting permission to appeal, including the following.

Irreparable Harm

First and foremost, you must demonstrate that the temporary order would cause you irreparable harm if not addressed. This could happen in situations where the order affects your child's well-being, your financial stability, or other immediate interests.

Likelihood of Success on Appeal

You must also show that you have a strong likelihood of success in overturning or modifying the temporary order on appeal. Doing so will require you to present compelling legal arguments and evidence that the lower court erred in its decision.

Balance of Equities

The court will weigh the potential harm to you against the potential harm to the other party if the order is stayed pending appeal. It will also consider any possible disruption to the ongoing proceedings in The Family Court.

Don't Let an Unfair Decision Stand

Appealing a Family Court decision in New York State is possible, but it requires a comprehensive understanding of procedural intricacies and deadlines, as well as the larger legal landscape.

Levoritz Law Firm is committed to providing the advocacy and support you need to get through this complex process successfully. Our compassionate family law attorneys will meticulously evaluate your case, identify potential grounds for appeal, and fight tirelessly to protect your rights and achieve a just resolution.

Don't let an unjust decision dictate your future. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation.