Appealing a court order or responding to a petition from a family member requires a thorough understanding of family law. At Melone Hatley, P.C., our Chesapeake family law appeals lawyers are committed to providing the legal support you need.
We are here to assist you, whether you’re looking to challenge a court decision or defend against an appeal. Our Chesapeake family lawyers have handled thousands of divorce, child custody, and child support cases—including ones that involve appeals.
Reach out today for a free consultation with our Client Services Coordinators. Let us help you address your concerns and find a path forward.
Our Chesapeake Family Law Appeals Attorneys Help With Various Legal Matters
At Melone Hatley, P.C., our Chesapeake family law appeals attorneys will assist you with a range of legal matters. We understand that each case is unique, and we are dedicated to providing tailored support for your specific situation.
Divorce
Our Chesapeake divorce lawyers will work diligently to represent your best interest in court. We will help you appeal unfavorable terms or defend against appeals challenging your order. Our aim is to secure a fair resolution that reflects your goals and priorities.
Child Custody
Child custody cases often involve intense emotions and critical decisions. If you are facing an appeal related to this area of family law, our experienced team is here to advocate for your rights.
Our Chesapeake child custody lawyers will guide you through the appeals process, whether you are contesting a custody decision or responding to an appeal initiated by another party.
Child Support
Child support disputes can arise from various circumstances, including changes in financial situations or disagreements over initial terms. We are prepared to assist you in appealing a child support order or defending against a petition to modify your support obligations.
Our Chesapeake child support lawyers focus on achieving an outcome that serves the best interests of your child and your financial future.
Visitation Arrangements
Visitation arrangements help you maintain a healthy relationship with your children. If you need to appeal a visitation order or are facing an appeal regarding your visitation rights, our team is here to help.
We will provide the legal guidance you deserve and work to uphold your rights and your child’s best interests.
Grounds for Appealing a Family Law Court Order in Virginia
There are specific grounds under which you can appeal a family law court order under Virginia Code § 17.1-405. Challenging a decision made by the court requires ample evidence. Our attorneys at Melone Hatley, P.C., will assess your case and determine an appropriate course of action.
Here are the primary grounds for appealing an order in family court:
- Legal errors: This can include misinterpretation of the law, improper application of legal standards, or failure to follow procedural rules. If you believe that the judge made a significant legal error that affected the outcome of your case, you may have grounds for an appeal.
- Insufficient evidence: If the court’s decision was not supported by sufficient evidence, this can be a valid reason to appeal. In family law cases, decisions regarding child custody, support, and visitation must be grounded in factual evidence. If you can demonstrate that the evidence presented was inadequate or improperly weighed, you may pursue an appeal.
- Abuse of discretion: Family law judges have a certain degree of discretion when making decisions. However, if you can show that the judge abused this discretion—meaning their decision was arbitrary, unreasonable, or outside the bounds of acceptable legal judgment—you may have grounds to appeal. This often applies to decisions regarding custody, visitation, and support.
- New evidence: New evidence may emerge after the trial that was not available during the original proceedings and could potentially change the court’s decision. You must demonstrate that this evidence could not have been obtained earlier with reasonable diligence.
- Procedural errors: Errors in the procedural aspects of the trial can also be grounds for an appeal. This includes issues such as not allowing certain evidence to be presented, improper jury instructions, or failing to provide a fair hearing. If procedural errors impacted the fairness of the trial, you may have grounds to appeal the decision.
If you believe you have valid grounds for appealing a family law court order in Virginia, you can benefit from consulting with an experienced attorney. At Melone Hatley, P.C., we will help you understand your options and guide you through the appeals process.
Chesapeake Family Appeals
Lawyer Near Me
(757) 296-0580
Risks of Trying to Appeal Without a Chesapeake Family Law Lawyer
Appealing a family law court order without a lawyer poses significant risks. You may struggle to identify valid grounds for appeal or fail to follow necessary procedures due to a lack of legal knowledge.
Effectively gathering and presenting evidence can be challenging without training, and missing critical filing deadlines can lead to case dismissal. Even a slight error or omission in paperwork increases the chance of errors that could undermine your appeal.
Handling these matters alone can also heighten emotional strain, particularly in sensitive family law cases. You don’t have to struggle with the appeals process and take high-stakes risks when you hire our Chesapeake family law appeals attorneys.
Call Melone Hatley, P.C., for Help from Our Chesapeake, VA, Family Law Appeals Lawyers
Whether you are an appellant seeking to appeal a court order or a respondent seeking to defend one, Melone Hatley, P.C. will help you throughout every step of the legal process. Our Chesapeake, Virginia, family law appeals lawyer will file a notice, prepare the record of evidence, and advocate for your family goals. We provide client-focused, personalized legal care for a range of family law matters.
Call us today to access a free, confidential consultation with one of our Client Services Coordinators. We are available any time of the day to take your call and explore your legal options.
