Before you appeal, find out if an appeal is the best option. An appeal may not be the correct or easiest way to try to address what you feel was wrong with the trial court’s decision. There are motions you may want to consider or settlement or mediation programs.
PRINT EMAILDepending on the circumstances in your case, you may be able to file a motion asking the court to change, fix, or cancel the judgment against you. These are some of the more common options:
Either before or after you appeal, consider settlement or mediation. You may be able to reach an agreement about resolving your dispute with the other side instead of going through the appeal process.
If you have filed your notice of appeal, the Court of Appeal or superior court appellate division may have a mediation or settlement program that can help you explore settlement. Each court may be different, so make sure you ask your superior court (if appealing a limited case) or your Court of Appeal (if appealing an unlimited civil case) if any programs like this are available.
Get more information about your Court of Appeal’s settlement or mediation programs:
If you miss your deadline for the notice of appeal because you were trying to mediate or settle, you will have lost your chance to file an appeal. So, unless you have already reached a settlement, make sure you file your notice of appeal within the deadline.