Family Law Appeal Attorney in Temecula, California

Do You Need a Family Law Appeals Lawyer in California?

Your best chances of success are when you have a highly qualified family law appeals attorney on your side. In California, a civil judgment can be entered after a trial or by default when the party who is sued fails to appear in court. Although considered final for most purposes, a judgment can be appealed on legal grounds, such as if the trial court misapplied the law. In order for an appeal to be made, proper formalities must be followed, including filing the appeal promptly and appealing to the correct court.

Call 951-894-8440 or send us an email for your free case review today.

To succeed, strict procedures must be followed, including ensuring the notice of appeal is filed with the court on time. Our appellate counsel is well-versed in the family law appeals process and has extensive experience in family law appellate practice.

Civil Appeals Attorney

As a civil appeals attorney in Temecula, our firm understands that the entry of a judgment in your case may not be the end. Many litigants face the prospect of dealing with an appeal after judgment is entered. Whether you need to file an appeal or respond to one, the process is often difficult to understand. Judges and juries can make mistakes, and you could be left to deal with the consequences of a family law matter or other law matter.

Your time to appeal an unfavorable judgment is extremely limited. If you are considering an appeal, or if you have been served with a Notice of Appeal, please contact our office right away to discuss your rights. We are specialized Civil and Family Law appeals lawyers in California.

Default Judgments

A default judgment is a judgment entered when a defendant fails to appear in family court or civil court to contest a case. In this situation, the defendant is treated as though they gave up a defense, but the case has not truly been decided on the merits.

Default judgments are often entered because a defendant had no notice of the pending action. This situation can arise when the plaintiff lists an incorrect address, fails to follow the proper service procedures, or serves improperly in an attempt to win unfairly. Common examples include when the plaintiff: 

• Did not have a correct address
• Failed to follow the proper procedures for serving the defendant
• Intentionally served the defendant improperly in an attempt to win a default judgment

To appeal a default judgment, a defendant needs to show two things. First, they had no notice of the action and couldn’t have reasonably had notice. Second, they are appealing promptly. An appellate attorney can review your family law matter and, where appropriate, present legal arguments before the court of appeal. Our firm has the skill and knowledge of a family law appellate attorney to fight for your case to be heard on its merits.

Post-Trial Judgments

After a civil case is decided by a judge or jury, either party can appeal the trial court’s decision, and the appellate process gives them the chance to seek a different outcome or a change to the damages awarded. In California family law, this may include issues like child support, where strong grounds for an appeal are required.

An appeal is not a second trial. There is no new evidence or witness testimony; instead, it focuses on legal arguments. The process may involve written briefs and, in some cases, an oral argument before the appellate court. To protect your rights, it is important to work with an appellate lawyer to file a notice of appeal within the required deadlines.

Founding attorney Andrew L. Westover is a Certified Family Law Specialist, certified by the California Board of Legal Specialization. Under his leadership and guidance, our firm works diligently to ensure that our clients’ child custody and financial interests are protected during family law proceedings, including family law appeals.

Contact Our Family Law Appeal Lawyers in Temecula

Our firm understands how overwhelming the appeals process can feel, especially after a difficult family law case. When you decide to appeal a family court decision, having the right legal team by your side makes all the difference. Our attorneys combine knowledge of the family code with years of practical experience to guide you through every stage of the process.

As an experienced appellate team, we focus on ensuring that the outcome of your case reflects your rights and your family’s best interests. From reviewing the record to identifying the basis for an appeal, we provide clear guidance and strong representation so you can move forward with confidence.

For a free case review with a family law appeals attorney, call Westover Law Group in Temecula at 951-894-8440 or contact us via email. We advise and represent clients throughout Southern California.