You Have Options After a Bad Ruling
Your family matters are too important to accept an unfair judgment. We meticulously analyze trial court records to find the critical errors needed to overturn wrongful decisions on appeal.
Appealing cases for more than three decades.
Recognized Excellence
Top Rated Appellate Counsel & Selected to Super Lawyers
My Services
Appellate law is a distinct discipline. Whether you are seeking to overturn an unfair judgment or defending a hard-won victory, I provide the specialized expertise needed at the appellate level.
Trial Errors
If the trial judge misapplied the law or abused their discretion, I conduct a microscopic review of your trial record to find reversible errors and craft persuasive appellate briefs to fight for a reversal.
Trial Success
When the opposing party appeals a judgment that went in your favor, I develop the arguments to confirm the trial court's decision, dismantling the appellant's arguments so your victory stands.
Consulting
I am consulted by trial attorneys before a final judgment is entered, ensuring the record is properly preserved for a future appeal, and documenting when the trial court makes a critical procedural error.
Family Law
Navigating and appealing decisions where the court improperly evaluated the best interests of the child.
Financials
Challenging mischaracterizations of nonmarital versus marital property, erroneous business valuations, and the improper ruling regarding the tracing of financial assets.
Support
Appealing judgments where the court failed to properly calculate income, ignored statutory factors, or awarded unjustifiably high or low support.
About the Attorney
I serve clients who are facing complex, high-stakes appeals involving divorce, child custody, and significant property division. Over the course of my career, I have handled numerous appeals, argued before the Illinois Supreme Court and lectured on appellate issues.
Because I am an experienced litigator, I bring an objective perspective to every case. I am frequently consulted by trial attorneys to preserve the record or help frame closing arguments or motions to consider when an appellate strategy is the only path forward.
“Appeals aren't won with emotion. They are won through strategic application of the law, dissecting a complete record, and persuasive legal writing.”Connect with Annette to discuss your appeal
Client Reviews
Google reviews
What clients say about Law Offices of Annette M. Fernholz, P.C.
R. G.
Great candor and straight-forward advice! Incredibly helpful to understanding the appeal process and costs (financial and emotional) involved. No BS here, which is a breath of fresh air in the legal world.
Priscilla D.
Annette is a master of her craft! She's not "frilly", let's you know what you need to know quickly and succinctly, VERY reasonable rates for the EXCELLENT quality of work. I won my appeal as a result of her diligence and precise, on-point
MoreRyan B.
Solid. Will always use her. Definitely recommend. Divorce and post divorce child custody
Leonard M.
As my attorney Annette Fernholz has been in my corner for almost 15 years, from the time of my divorce, through child support negotiations, and even now that my daughter is in college. She is effective (we won every motion), efficient (turns things around quickly and doesn’t consume my time unnecessarily) and has always managed my expectations in an honest and realistic manner – something I have highly valued given the emotions of family law. She has kept me focused, encouraged me to pursue my best interests when appropriate and leveled with me the times I needed to let go. I have recommended her to many others, all of whom are grateful that I did.
FAQ
Some appeals move quickly. Appellate rules are technical. These answers cover a few of the most common questions clients ask when they are deciding what to do next.
Strict deadlines. Careful review.
If you are on trial, make sure you have a court reporter preserve the record.
No. An appeal is not a "do-over" or a second chance to present new evidence. To win an appeal, we must prove that the trial judge made a specific legal error, improperly weighed the evidence, misapplied the law, or erred in a way that significantly impacted the outcome of your case, which is contrary to the law.
The window to file a Notice of Appeal is strictly limited, often 30 days or less from the date the judgment is entered, depending on the Supreme Court Rule giving a reviewing court jurisdiction. If you miss this deadline, you could forfeit your right to appeal forever. It is critical to consult an appellate attorney immediately after an adverse ruling.
Defending a judgment on appeal requires the same specialized legal research and brief-writing skills as filing one. You need an advocate who understands appellate procedure to dismantle the appellant's arguments and protect your hard-won victory.
Trial attorneys excel at presenting evidence, questioning witnesses, and arguing before a judge. Appellate attorneys specialize in legal research, identifying procedural flaws, and writing, and if necessary, arguing before a panel of appellate judges. A fresh, objective perspective is often exactly what is needed to present the trial court errors in a persuasive manner.
Start Today
Appellate deadlines are strict and unforgiving. Contact my office today to schedule a confidential consultation to review the merits of your case.
All communications are strictly confidential. Prefer email? Email my office.
Color palette