Family Law Appeals in California
Family law cases are often fraught with emotion and complexity, especially when it comes to high-stakes appeals. At Provinziano & Associates, we specialize in handling family law appeals for high-income individuals in California, understanding the unique challenges and nuances that accompany these cases.
After a 16-year marriage, I was terrified of losing my sons and being drained financially, but Alphonse helped me win primary custody and child support, which also reduced my spousal payments. At 60, I finally feel I can protect my sons' future, thanks to the guidance and strength of my attorney.
Why You Might Consider an Appeal
If a family court decision has left you feeling that justice was not served, an appeal may be the appropriate path forward.
Valid Grounds for Family Law Appeals in California
Legal Error
The judge misapplied or misinterpreted the law in your case. This occurs when the court uses the wrong legal standard, misunderstands how a statute applies, or fails to follow binding precedent.
Abuse of Discretion
The judge made a decision so unreasonable that no reasonable judge would have made it given the circumstances presented.
Procedural Error
The court failed to follow required legal procedures in a way that affected your substantive rights. This includes denying your right to present evidence, refusing to hear relevant testimony, making decisions without required hearings, or violating your due process rights. Procedural errors are particularly compelling grounds for appeal when they prevented you from fully presenting your case.
New Material Evidence
Important evidence was discovered after the trial that couldn't have been found earlier despite reasonable diligence. This is typically addressed through a motion for reconsideration rather than a direct appeal. The new evidence must be significant enough that it would likely change the outcome of the case.
Attorney Misconduct/Incompetence
Your previous lawyer made serious errors that harmed your case outcome beyond simply poor strategy choices. This might include failing to present crucial evidence they possessed, missing critical filing deadlines, or not informing you of settlement offers. To succeed on this ground, you must show both that your attorney's performance fell below professional standards and that this deficiency affected the outcome of your case. This is typically one of the more difficult grounds to prove on appeal.
Appeals aren’t appropriate for cases where you simply disagree with the judge’s reasonable interpretation of facts or witness credibility.
How We Approach Family Law Appeals
Comprehensive Case Evaluation
We don’t proceed with an appeal simply based on dissatisfaction with the outcome. We conduct a detailed assessment to ensure that there are valid legal grounds for the appeal, focusing on whether a mistake was made that affected the decision.
Strategic and Tailored Representation
Our expert attorneys develop a strategic plan tailored to your unique situation. We understand that these cases are often emotionally charged, and we approach them with sensitivity, precision, and a determined commitment to justice.
Protecting Children’s Interests
When children are involved, we make their welfare a central focus of our efforts. Whether you are appealing a custody decision or other family court ruling, we prioritize the best interests of your children.
Defending Against Appeals
If you are on the receiving end of an appeal, our attorneys can provide robust defense strategies, reinforcing the original decision and working to uphold what was fairly and justly decided.
The Provinziano & Associates Difference
What Sets Our Family Law Appeals Firm Apart?
Appellate-Specific Expertise
Our attorneys understand the distinct technical requirements of family law appeals, including briefing standards, preservation of issues, and appellate court procedures.
Strategic Case Selection
We conduct thorough evaluations to identify genuine judicial errors and procedural missteps that create viable grounds for appeal, focusing on cases with strong legal merit.
High-Asset Case Experience
We regularly handle appeals involving substantial marital estates, business valuations, executive compensation packages, and other financial concerns specific to high-income individuals.
Emotional Intelligence
We balance the technical demands of appellate practice with an understanding of the deeply personal impact these cases have on you and your family.
Clear Communication
We break down complex legal concepts, ensuring that you understand each step of the process.
A Reputation for Excellence
With years of experience and a proven track record, we are known for our exceptional legal service and unwavering dedication to our clients.
What Our Clients Say
Are You Ready for a Private, No-Cost Case Evaluation?
With a deep understanding of California family law and over 75 years of combined experience, we’ve helped clients resolve everything from high-conflict custody cases to complex, high-asset divorces.
Other Practice Areas
When It’s All on the Line, This Is Who Leads the Room
Alphonse Provinziano
Managing Partner & Senior Trial Attorney
With over 2,000 cases and more than 220 trials behind him, Alphonse Provinziano is one of California’s most trusted authorities in complex divorce, custody,
support, and property matters.
- A Former Prosecutor
- Certified Family Law Specialist
- Fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers (IAFL)
He brings extensive courtroom experience and strategic depth to every high-stakes family law case.
Respected by peers, sought after by clients, and featured in national media, Alphonse also teaches and presents to top family law attorneys across the U.S. and beyond.
Featured in: Bloomberg Law, People, Fortune, Insider, Fast Company, Newsweek, LA Times, The Mirror, and more.
Meet Alphonse Provinziano
Meet
Alphonse Provinziano
Managing Partner & Senior Trial Attorney
Featured in: Bloomberg Law, People, Fortune, Insider, Fast Company, Newsweek, LA Times, The Mirror, and more.
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