Dallas, TX family law attorney Holly Draper explains when it makes sense to file an appeal in a family law case. She informs that in most family law cases, filing an appeal is often not worthwhile due to the cost and time involved. However, there are certain situations where an appeal makes sense. One example is when a non-parent has been granted rights or possession of a child while one or more fit parents are involved. In these cases, an appeal can be crucial because once a non-parent is “in the door,” they may remain involved indefinitely. An appeal in this situation is often the only opportunity to remove them from the case permanently.

Another example where an appeal may be appropriate is in property division cases. If significant property is at stake and the client believes the judge made an egregious error in dividing assets, pursuing an appeal can be worth the time and expense. In contrast, traditional custody cases are often not ideal for appeal because modification proceedings may be available later if circumstances change. Ultimately, whether an appeal is appropriate depends on the specific facts of the case and how the judge ruled, making it a decision that must be carefully considered for each client.