Answering Your Appeals Questions

Getting through any kind of legal needs can be an exhausting process, especially when you are appealing a court’s decision. If you are not sure about a recent verdict or you are seeking an appeal, it is natural to have questions about the process. At the Law Office of John M. Schaffranek, PLLC, here in Wexford, we can answer your questions and provide you with guidance throughout your appeal. To help you get the information you need, we have answered some of the more common questions we receive here:

I Got An Order I Disagree With. What Can I Do?

If a judge issues an order that you disagree with, you typically only have 30 days to appeal to a higher court. Sometimes, though, orders that are entered in the middle of your case cannot be appealed until your case ends.

Do Different Time Frames Apply To Different Types Of Orders?

Yes. If you get a child support order from a domestic relations officer or a hearing officer, you likely only have 20 days to elevate any complaints to a judge. This is done by filing a kind of appeal called “exceptions” or by filing a demand for a full hearing in front of a judge, depending on the rules of procedure in your county.

How Long Does The Appeal Process Last?

If you appeal to the Pennsylvania Superior Court, which is the court above county courts, an appeal can take a year from the time of filing the appeal until the Superior Court renders a decision. If you appeal a child custody order, however, the Superior Court moves faster and you can expect to receive a decision within about six months from the date you filed your appeal.

If I Had A Different Attorney For My Trial, Can You Handle My Appeal?

Absolutely. If you choose to have us pursue your appeal, the issues put before the appellate court are typically based on the transcript and documents from the trial before the county judge. We have successfully handled many appeals in cases for which we were not the trial attorney.

Get The Answers You Need

If you have more questions about your appeal, contact our Pennsylvania attorneys today. Call us at 412-643-3848 or email us here to schedule your initial consultation today.