Orlando Divorce Appeals Lawyer

Helping You Challenge or Defend Divorce Rulings That Affect Your Future

The Donna Hung Law Group practices family law in Orlando to guide individuals through some of life’s most challenging legal circumstances—including the aftermath of a divorce judgment that may not be fair, accurate, or legally sound. When a court issues a divorce ruling that improperly affects your rights, your financial future, or your relationship with your children, you may have the right to appeal. Divorce appeals require deep legal knowledge, precise issue analysis, and meticulous preparation. Whether you are seeking to challenge a decision or defend a ruling on appeal, our attorneys are here to provide strong, skilled advocacy every step of the way.

Clients of the Donna Hung Law Group receive thoughtful guidance, honest assessment of appellate options, and clear communication throughout the entire appeals process. Our Orlando divorce appeals lawyers take a strategic, detail-driven approach centered on protecting your rights and correcting legal errors that may have occurred at trial.

Understanding Divorce Appeals in Florida

A divorce appeal is a request for a higher court—the Florida District Court of Appeal—to review a lower court’s final judgment. Appeals do not re-litigate the entire case. Instead, they focus on whether the trial court made a legal or procedural error that affected the outcome.

Not every unfavorable ruling qualifies for an appeal. Our attorneys carefully review the trial record to determine whether the judge:

• Misapplied the law
• Abused their discretion
• Ignored key evidence
• Violated procedural rules
• Issued findings not supported by evidence
• Made constitutional or jurisdictional errors

If such errors exist, an appeal may be appropriate.

What Issues Can Be Appealed in a Divorce Case?

Not all disagreements justify an appeal. However, certain legal errors are often grounds for appellate review. Common appealable issues include:

• Errors in dividing marital assets or debts
• Incorrect alimony awards
• Improper child support calculations
• Faulty findings of fact
• Mistakes in applying custody or time-sharing laws
• Allowing or excluding evidence improperly
• Procedural violations during trial
• Improper valuation of businesses or property
• Inadequate findings in the final judgment

Appeals must be based on the trial record, not new evidence. Our firm identifies and analyzes all relevant appellate issues.

What an Appeal Cannot Do

It is important to understand what a divorce appeal cannot achieve:

• It cannot introduce new evidence
• It cannot retry the divorce case
• It cannot fix strategic errors made at trial without legal grounds
• It cannot change the judgment simply because you disagree with it

An appeal must be based on legal error, not dissatisfaction with the outcome.

The Importance of Acting Quickly

Appeals have strict deadlines. In Florida:

• A Notice of Appeal must be filed within 30 days of the final judgment

Missing this deadline almost always results in losing the right to appeal. Our attorneys act quickly to preserve your appellate rights.

The Divorce Appeals Process in Florida

Appeals involve a structured and detailed legal process. Each stage is critical to the outcome.

Filing the Notice of Appeal

The Notice of Appeal preserves your right to appellate review. It must be filed on time and properly served.

Preparing the Record on Appeal

The appellate court reviews:

• The transcripts from trial
• All evidence submitted
• Pleadings, motions, and court filings
• The final judgment

Our firm ensures the record is complete and accurate.

Writing the Appellate Brief

This is the most important part of the appeal. The brief explains:

• What errors occurred
• How the errors affected the outcome
• Why the judgment must be reversed or modified

Appellate briefs require extensive legal research and persuasive writing. Our attorneys draft clear, compelling arguments grounded in Florida law.

Oral Argument

In some cases, the appellate court may hold oral arguments. This allows the attorneys to answer questions from the judges and highlight key legal issues.

Appellate Decision

The appellate court may:

• Affirm the trial court’s ruling
• Reverse the ruling
• Remand the case for a new trial or further findings
• Modify parts of the judgment

Our attorneys explain each outcome and help you plan the next steps.

When You Should Appeal a Divorce Judgment

You may consider appealing if:

• The judge misapplied the law
• The ruling is not supported by evidence
• The judge showed bias or abused discretion
• Marital property was improperly classified
• Alimony was awarded incorrectly
• Child support calculations were wrong
• The parenting plan was based on flawed findings
• A business or asset was incorrectly valued

We conduct a detailed review of your case to determine whether an appeal is advisable.

When You Should Not Appeal

An appeal may not be the right option if:

• You simply disagree with the judge’s conclusion
• No legal errors can be identified
• The cost of appeal outweighs the potential benefit
• The issues are better resolved through modification

Our attorneys offer honest guidance so you can make informed decisions.

Defending Against an Appeal

If your former spouse appeals the judgment, our firm can defend it. Defense strategies may include:

• Showing the trial judge acted within their discretion
• Demonstrating the factual findings were supported by evidence
• Arguing any errors were harmless
• Supporting the judgment through legal precedent

We protect your hard-won results and defend the judgment on appeal.

Post-Appeal Options

After the appellate court issues its decision, options may include:

• Rehearing
• Further clarity from the trial court
• New trial or additional hearings
• Modification based on new circumstances

Our firm stays with you from start to finish, ensuring you understand what the appellate ruling means.

What to Do If You Are Considering a Divorce Appeal

If you believe your divorce judgment contains errors, you should:

• Act immediately—appeals are time-sensitive
• Consult with an appeals attorney before the 30-day deadline
• Gather your court documents
• Avoid relying on post-judgment modification if legal error is the issue
• Review the trial transcript if available
• Write down specific concerns about the ruling

Taking fast and informed action can preserve your rights.

Comprehensive Orlando Family Law Practice

The Donna Hung Law Group handles a wide range of family law matters beyond appeals. Our attorneys represent clients in:

• Contested and uncontested divorce
• High net worth and complex financial cases
• Child custody and time-sharing disputes
• Alimony and child support matters
• Domestic violence injunctions
• Post-judgment modification and enforcement
• Mediation and settlement negotiations

We have the skill and insight needed to address both trial and appellate matters.

Orlando Family Courthouse Information

Divorce appeals originate in the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida but are reviewed by the Florida District Court of Appeal.

Orange County Courthouse
425 N. Orange Avenue
Orlando, FL 32801
Phone: (407) 836-2000
Website: www.ninthcircuit.org

Appellate procedures involve strict deadlines, detailed filings, and transcript preparation.

Orlando Divorce Appeals FAQs

How long do I have to appeal a divorce judgment?

You must file the Notice of Appeal within 30 days of the final judgment.

Will an appeal stop enforcement of the judgment?

Not automatically. Additional motions may be required to pause enforcement.

Can I introduce new evidence on appeal?

No. Appeals are based solely on the trial record.

How long does the appeal process take?

It may take several months to over a year depending on the complexity of the issues.

Can the appellate court change custody or support?

The appellate court may reverse or remand decisions if legal errors are found.

Serving Throughout Orlando

• Baldwin Park
• College Park
• Lake Nona
• Winter Park
• Thornton Park
• Dr. Phillips
• MetroWest
• Hunters Creek
• Avalon Park
• Windermere
• Celebration
• Waterford Lakes
• Mills 50 District
• Audubon Park
• Conway
• South Eola
• Bay Hill
• Lake Como
• Lake Mary
• Vista Lakes

Orlando Divorce Appeals Lawyers Here for You When You Need Us

At the Donna Hung Law Group, we understand how much is at stake when a divorce judgment contains legal or factual errors. Our attorneys provide skilled appellate representation, detailed legal analysis, and strong advocacy to help you challenge or defend your case on appeal. Whether you believe the court made the wrong decision or you need to protect a favorable ruling, we are here to guide you every step of the way.

Call the Donna Hung Law Group at 407-999-0099 to schedule a confidential consultation and take the first step in your appellate strategy.