Divorce Order Appeals

When a Texas court issues a divorce decree, it becomes the final judgment that resolves all matters between you and your former spouse — including property division, child custody, visitation, child support, and spousal support. While the decision is meant to be final, it is not immune from error. Judges can misapply the law, overlook key evidence, or make procedural mistakes that lead to an unfair outcome.

Challenging Unfair or Legally Flawed Judgments

If you believe your divorce order contains legal errors or results that are unjust, you have the right to appeal. An appeal is not a new trial — it’s a legal process where a higher court reviews the trial court’s decision to determine whether mistakes were made that affected the outcome. At the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, we represent clients throughout Texas in divorce order appeals, working to protect their rights and secure a fair resolution.

Concerned couple reviewing divorce documents and using smartphone, reflecting the complexities of divorce order appeals in Texas.

Grounds for Divorce Order Appeals in Texas

An appeal requires more than just dissatisfaction with the court’s ruling — it must be supported by legal grounds. Some of the most common reasons to appeal a divorce decree in Texas include:

Misapplication of Texas Family Law

The judge applied the wrong legal standard when deciding property division, custody, or support.

Key Procedural Errors in Texas Divorce Order Appeals

Mistakes during trial, such as improper admission or exclusion of evidence, missed deadlines, or failure to follow correct legal procedures.

Incorrect Property Classification or Division

Assets that should have been considered marital property were classified as separate, or the division was not “just and right” as required under Texas law.

Improper Child Custody or Support Orders

Decisions not based on the child’s best interests or inconsistent with Texas child support guidelines.

Judicial Bias or Misconduct

Evidence of favoritism, prejudice, or behavior that compromised the fairness of the proceedings

Misapplication of Texas Family Law

The judge applied the wrong legal standard when deciding property division, custody, or support.

Key Procedural Errors in Texas Divorce Order Appeals

Mistakes during trial, such as improper admission or exclusion of evidence, missed deadlines, or failure to follow correct legal procedures.

Incorrect Property Classification or Division

Assets that should have been considered marital property were classified as separate, or the division was not “just and right” as required under Texas law.

Improper Child Custody or Support Orders

Decisions not based on the child’s best interests or inconsistent with Texas child support guidelines

Judicial Bias or Misconduct

Evidence of favoritism, prejudice, or behavior that compromised the fairness of the proceedings.

Texas Divorce Order Appeals Process

The appeals process in Texas is complex, highly procedural, and subject to strict deadlines. Missing even a single requirement can result in losing your right to appeal. Our attorneys guide clients through each step, including:

1

Case Evaluation

We carefully review the trial transcript, court documents, and all admitted evidence to identify legal errors or procedural missteps that can be challenged on appeal.

2

Notice of Appeal

This is the official filing that informs the court and opposing party of your intent to appeal. In Texas, it must typically be filed within 30 days of the divorce decree, though exceptions exist in certain situations. .

3

Appellate Record Preparation

We work with the court reporter and clerk to compile the complete trial record for review by the appellate court.

4

Appellate Brief Preparation

This written document is the heart of your appeal, presenting detailed legal arguments and citing specific evidence and laws to show why the trial court’s ruling should be reversed or modified.

5

Oral Argument

In some cases, the appellate court allows oral arguments, giving our attorneys the opportunity to answer questions directly from the judges and reinforce our position.

6

Decision by the Appellate Court

The appellate court may affirm the trial court’s decision, reverse it, or remand (send it back) for a new hearing or further proceedings.

1

Case Evaluation

We carefully review the trial transcript, court documents, and all admitted evidence to identify legal errors or procedural missteps that can be challenged on appeal.

2

Notice of Appeal

This is the official filing that informs the court and opposing party of your intent to appeal. In Texas, it must typically be filed within 30 days of the divorce decree, though exceptions exist in certain situations.

3

Appellate Record Preparation

We work with the court reporter and clerk to compile the complete trial record for review by the appellate court.

4

Appellate Brief Preparation

This written document is the heart of your appeal, presenting detailed legal arguments and citing specific evidence and laws to show why the trial court’s ruling should be reversed or modified.

5

Oral Argument

In some cases, the appellate court allows oral arguments, giving our attorneys the opportunity to answer questions directly from the judges and reinforce our position.

6

Decision by the Appellate Court

The appellate court may affirm the trial court’s decision, reverse it, or remand (send it back) for a new hearing or further proceedings.

Why Choose the Law Office of Bryan Fagan for Your Appeal

Divorce appeals require a unique combination of trial-level family law knowledge and appellate procedure experience. Our firm offers both:

Comprehensive Texas Family Law Knowledge

We understand the nuances of divorce law, from high-asset property division to complex custody arrangements.

Proven Appellate Record

We have successfully identified and argued reversible errors before appellate courts across Texas

Statewide Representation

Whether your divorce took place in Harris County, Travis County, Bexar County, or a rural Texas jurisdiction, our attorneys can handle your appeal.

Detailed Legal Analysis

We don’t simply “reargue” your case — we identify specific legal errors that can stand up under appellate scrutiny.

Couple seated at a table discussing divorce, with divorce decree and wedding rings visible, reflecting emotional tension in family law context.

Schedule a Free Consultation

If you believe your divorce order was unfair or issued in error, you must act quickly. Texas law allows only a short time to file an appeal, and early action gives your attorney the best chance to protect your rights and interests.

Contact the Law Office of Bryan Fagan today for a confidential consultation. Our Texas divorce appeal attorneys are ready to review your case, explain your legal options, and fight for the outcome you deserve.

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