Serving as a practical guide on whether to appeal a family court decision, and then how to proceed with the appeal, this is a valuable resource for both the newer and more seasoned family lawyer, and it fills a void in the literature by focusing on the unique issues involved in appealing a family law case. With step-by-step guidance for the family law attorney, or a pro se litigant, who receives an adverse decision and wants to appeal the matter but requires some proper guidance, the book begins by focusing on the crucial decision to appeal and the critical factors involved, including ethical considerations. It also examines the effective use of post-trial remedies, such as utilizing stays of judgments pending appeals, and creating, protecting, and reviewing the record of the trial court. Moving forward with an appeal, author Matthew Barach provides clearly presented practical information on handling the process, including: The appellate standards of review Appealing interlocutory issues Drafting and filing the notice of appeal and assembly of the record Learning the importance of the Record Appendix Preparing a brief, including using authorities, drafting techniques and considerations, correct formatting, and effective use of style Writing a persuasive brief, including the perspective of an appellant versus an appellee The reply brief Finally, the book focuses on the expectations and importance of an oral argument in an appellate case, including preparing, presenting, and handling panel questions of the various types of jurists and end with the aftermath of an appellate decision. As demonstrated throughout this book, the family lawyer must consider the potential result and costs both on individual lives and on the precedent a matter could set upon future litigants, including your own. As an old sage once advised, "There is an equal chance of creating bad law as good law when you appeal." Table of Contents Preface A Note About Sources Introduction Chapter 1: The Decision to Appeal Chapter 2: Ethical Considerations Chapter 3: Interlocutory Relief: What, How, and When to Challenge Orders Prior to Final Judgment Chapter 4: Creating, Protecting, and Reviewing the Record Chapter 5: Understanding Standards of Appellate Review Chapter 6: Effective Use of Post-Trial Remedies Chapter 7: The Notice of Appeal: Form, Contents, and Time Chapter 8: How to Assemble the Record, Correct Errors, Protect Confidential Information, and Docket the Appeal Chapter 9: The Importance of the Record Appendix Chapter 10: Preparing to Write the Brief: Outline, Theme, Style, Using Authorities, Effective Techniques, and Drafting Considerations Chapter 11: How to Correctly Format, File Timely, and Avoid Rejection of Your Brief Chapter 12: The Universal Elements of a Brief and Writing with Persuasive Style Chapter 13: Some "Brief" Considerations When You Represent the Appellee Chapter 14: The Purpose of the Reply Brief: How? When? Why? And Ten Commandments Chapter 15: Oral Argument: What to Expect Chapter 16: The Importance, Advantages, and Objectives of Oral Argument Chapter 17: Preparing for Oral Argument Chapter 18: Presenting at Oral Argument Chapter 19: How to Handle Questions, Common Occurrences, and Appellate Panels at Oral Argument Chapter 20: Aftermath: The Appellate Decision Table of Location for Appellate Court Information by State Practice Pointers Fundamental Rules for Confidential Information Commandments for Reply Briefs Objectives of Oral Argument The Appellate Checklist for Your Family Law Appeal