Mullins Mullins Sexton & Reaves

Appealing a divorce, parentage, guardianship, or other family law decision can be a difficult, time-sensitive, and procedurally complex exercise which even some family attorneys do not fully understand. Appeals are not “do-overs”—they focus on legal error, abuse of discretion, and whether the record supports the trial court’s ruling.

When a final decision is entered, appellate rights can be lost quickly if deadlines are missed. In Oklahoma civil cases (including most family law cases), an appeal is generally initiated by filing a petition in error within 30 days of the filing of the judgment, decree, or appealable order. Family law cases are commonly assigned to the Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals, with further review potentially available by the Oklahoma Supreme Court. 

The ability of an attorney to not only effectively evaluate appealable issues, but to craft persuasive briefs is essential. We evaluate appealable issues candidly and, when appropriate, build targeted appellate arguments to ensure the best possible chance of success.