Appeal Matters

Helping clients challenge decisions through Family Law Appeals.

In some cases, parties may feel that the court’s decision was made in error or resulted in an unjust outcome. In these situations, it may be possible to appeal the decision to a higher court. At NLS Law, we guide clients through the complex appeals process with clarity and strategic expertise.

Appeal matters require experienced legal insight and a thorough understanding of court procedures. Our team can assess the merits of your appeal, prepare persuasive legal arguments, and represent you at all stages of the process. We are committed to helping you achieve a fair and lawful outcome.

Grounds for Appeal

An appeal is a request to a higher court to review and reconsider a decision made by a lower court. In family law, this often relates to final decisions about parenting arrangements, property settlements or spousal maintenance. Importantly, an appeal is not a re-hearing of the original case. Instead, it examines whether the original decision involved a legal error or misapplication of the law.

To successfully appeal a family law decision, you must show that:

• There was a significant legal error
• The decision was not supported by the evidence
• The trial judge failed to provide adequate reasoning

Disagreement with the outcome alone is not enough, there must be a basis in law for the appeal.

Appeals process

1. Seek Legal Advice – NLS Law can help determine if you have grounds to appeal.
2. File a Notice of Appeal – We will lodge the Appeal with the appellate court.
3. Prepare Appeal Documents – Including submissions and evidence from the original case.
4. Appeal Hearing – The higher court will hear legal arguments from both sides.
5. Outcome – The court may dismiss the appeal, allow it (and set aside or vary the orders), or send the matter back to the original court for reconsideration.

Decisions of a single judge of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2) are usually appealed to a single judge or Full Court of Division 1. Appeals from Division 1 or complex matters may be heard by the Full Court or, in rare cases, the High Court of Australia.

Next Steps & Initial Conference

Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation and take steps toward obtaining advice that gives you clarity and certainty about your matter. An initial consultation allows NLS Law to advise you specifically to your circumstances. During this consultation, we assess your situation, explain your options, and outline the next practical steps toward resolution.

Book an initial conference with NLS Law for $550 (incl. GST).

Appeal Matters

Helping clients challenge decisions through Family Law Appeals.

Grounds for Appeal

Appeals process

Next Steps & Initial Conference

Newcastle

Sydney