Get Justice: Appeal the Divorce Settlement

How Does the Appeal System Work?   

If you are unsatisfied with your final divorce decree, you can appeal the final decision of a Wisconsin divorce through the Wisconsin Court of Appeals. The Wisconsin Court of Appeals is the next court level that reviews the trial court’s decision for errors that need to be righted.

You may immediately want to appeal the final decision, but it is not as easy as one would think. An appeal can be a costly experience. The process is an uphill battle from the very beginning. In order to prevail in an appeal, the appellate court must find the trial findings to be clearly erroneous. A trial court has the ability to use discretion in family law cases and their discretionary decisions will be upheld if the court applied the proper standard of law and came to a reasonable conclusion.

If the Court of Appeals does find there was an error in the trial court's decision, it will most commonly send the case back down to the trial court to allow the court to correct its error. In certain circumstances, a party may request a substitution of the judge when the case returns to the trial court level.

The challenges that come with an appeal should not dissuade you, but they should prepare you for the task ahead. Many cases have been successfully appealed for issues relating to divorce, child placement, child support, and other areas of family law.

Our Milwaukee divorce attorneys can quote a flat fee for the cost of your appeal. Schedule a consultation with one of our experienced family law attorneys to discuss your appellate options. Please note there is a $400 consultation fee for divorce appeals. (If you need legal help for a new divorce, your initial consult is free.)