When the trial court gets it wrong, the right guidance matters. Appeals offer a chance to correct legal errors and protect your future.

Judges are knowledgeable and experienced, but they are not infallible. If you believe your judge reached the wrong conclusion in your divorce, custody, or other family law matter, you may still have options. The appeals process allows higher courts, starting with the Michigan Court of Appeals, to review the trial court’s decision and correct significant legal errors.

Appeals are not second trials—they are focused on whether the lower court applied the law correctly. The process is governed by strict deadlines and complex procedural rules, so it is critical to work with an attorney who knows the appellate system inside and out.

Attorney Natalie Alane offers clients that rare depth of experience. She previously served as a staff attorney for a Michigan Court of Appeals Judge and a senior staff attorney for a Michigan Supreme Court Justice. Natalie was also a prehearing attorney at the Court of Appeals—essentially, an in-house attorney for the court itself. This background gives her unique and behind-the-scenes insight into how appellate judges think and decide cases, and she brings that perspective to every client appeal.

If you believe the trial court made a mistake in your case, you have only a short window of time to act. Schedule a consultation today to discuss your situation and talk about next steps.

Understanding Appeals in Michigan

Appeals in Michigan can feel complicated, but at their heart they are about reviewing what happened in the trial court. An appeal does not mean starting over or presenting new evidence. Instead, the appellate court looks at whether the trial court made a legal error based on the evidence that was already presented.

Common Questions About Appeals

How long do I have to appeal?
Not long. In most cases, you only have 21 days from the date of the order or judgment you are appealing. Sometimes a late appeal can be filed, but late appeals are not always accepted.

Can I appeal any decision?
Not every order can be appealed right away. Some orders are appealable “as of right,” while others require the Court of Appeals to give permission. An appellate attorney can tell you quickly whether you have an appealable issue.

Will the appeals court redo my trial?
No. The Court of Appeals doesn’t re-hear your case or listen to witnesses again. Instead, it reviews the transcripts of what happened in the trial court to decide if the judge made a legal error that affected the outcome.

Can an appeal change custody or support right away?
Filing an appeal doesn’t automatically pause or change the trial court’s order. Sometimes you can request a “stay” to put the order on hold, but stays are generally not favored, and it depends on the circumstances.

How an Appellate Attorney Helps

Asking the Court of Appeals to overturn a judge’s decision is no small task. The Court prefers to uphold trial court rulings unless there is a clear legal error. Add to that the unforgiving deadlines and strict technical requirements of appellate practice, and the value of an experienced appellate attorney becomes immeasurable.

Drafting an appellate brief is also a specialized skill. It requires precise writing, accurate legal citations, and carefully crafted arguments designed to persuade appellate judges. With so much at stake, working with a skilled attorney gives you the strongest chance of success.

Consult with a Skilled Appellate Attorney

If you believe a legal mistake affected your case, it may be worth exploring your options on appeal. An attorney who understands the appellate process can help you navigate the process and preserve your ability to appeal. Act quickly to preserve all your options.