Did a Washington court issue an unfavorable ruling in your divorce case? The outcome does not have to be final. An experienced appellate attorney at Appellate Counsel, P.C. can review your case for legal errors and fight to have the decision reversed or modified on appeal.

We are a top-rated appellate law firm serving Seattle, Washington, and the surrounding areas. Our Seattle divorce appeals lawyers have 84 years of combined experience and have successfully represented clients in a wide range of complex family law appeals. You can trust that your case will be in skilled hands from the moment you hire us.

Contact our law offices at (360) 660-1077 today. We offer an initial case evaluation to help you learn more about your appellate options.

How Appellate Counsel, P.C. Can Help With Your Divorce Appeal in Seattle, Washington

Receiving a divorce ruling in Seattle, WA, that feels unjust can be frustrating, especially with so much at stake for your future. Depending on the circumstances, you may have grounds to challenge the outcome through the Washington Court of Appeals. Appellate Counsel, P.C. focuses exclusively on appeals, identifying legal errors in the record and presenting persuasive arguments to appellate judges.

We can help you by:

• Reviewing the trial court record to identify appealable errors
• Advising you on the strength of your potential appeal
• Preparing and filing your notice of appeal within the required deadline
• Drafting compelling appellate briefs tailored to the applicable standard of review
• Presenting oral argument when appropriate
• Guiding you through every stage of the appellate process

Call or reach out to us online today. We’ll be able to answer all of your questions when we meet for your initial consultation with a Seattle appellate attorney. 

The Washington Divorce Appeal Process

If you want to challenge a divorce ruling in Washington, you must file a notice of appeal within 30 days of the trial court’s decision under the Rules of Appellate Procedure (RAP 5.2). Missing this window will almost always eliminate your ability to seek appellate review, so it’s best to take legal action quickly.

While the Court of Appeals will generally not hear new evidence or testimony, it can still review the existing record from the trial court to determine whether a legal error was made. If they find that the trial judge applied the law incorrectly or abused their discretion, they can reverse, modify, or send the case back for further proceedings.

The appellate court uses different standards of review depending on the issue at hand. Property division and custody decisions are reviewed under an “abuse of discretion” standard, which is a high bar to clear. Legal questions, on the other hand, are reviewed “de novo,” meaning the appellate court examines the issue from scratch with no deference to the trial judge. Knowing which standard applies to your case is critical to building an effective appeal.

Key Aspects of a Seattle Divorce Appeal

Divorce appeals can involve several issues arising from the trial court’s decisions. Some of the most common matters our attorneys handle include:

• Property division: Washington is a community property state, meaning assets and debts acquired during the marriage are generally divided equitably. If the trial court divided property in a way that was unfair or inconsistent with state law, you may have grounds for an appeal.
• Spousal maintenance: Washington courts consider several factors when awarding maintenance, including the length of the marriage, each spouse’s income and earning capacity, and the standard of living established during the marriage. An appeal may be appropriate if the trial judge failed to weigh these factors properly.
• Child custody: Custody decisions in Washington focus on the best interests of the child. The trial court must make specific findings to support its parenting plan. If the judge overlooked key evidence or applied the wrong legal standard, the ruling could be vulnerable on appeal.
• Child support: Washington uses a formula based on both parents’ incomes to calculate child support. If the court made errors in its calculations or failed to account for relevant financial information, our attorneys can pursue a correction through the appellate process.

The grounds for an appeal will depend on the specific ruling, the applicable standard of review, and what occurred in the trial court. Our Seattle appellate lawyers can review the record and determine whether there are viable issues to raise on appeal.

Schedule a Consultation With Our Seattle Divorce Appeals Attorneys

If you believe a Seattle, Washington, court got your divorce case wrong, Appellate Counsel, P.C. is here to represent you. We are confident we can advocate effectively for your interests throughout every step of the process, no matter what that might entail.

Our Seattle divorce appeals attorneys have 84 years of combined experience and are dedicated to helping clients secure better outcomes. Contact us today to learn more.