One of the major points of confusion that arise when an individual or family wish to appeal a courts decision concerns the actual nature of the appeals process. As opposed to your previous action, an appeal typically reexamines the previous court's decision and the case as it was presented. It is not a new trial, nor is it a new ruling on the evidence presented, although an appellate court may send the case back to the trial court for further hearing in certain instances. Rather it is an examination of the previous courts decision and a confirmation or negation of their interpretation of the law. This is a critical difference, as many individuals believe there will be opportunity to present new facts or findings. Instead, in most instances, it will be up to your attorney to prove that the court's decision was made in error.
More often than not, appeals are made on the more contentious issues found in family law. These include:
Child custody arrangements and visitation scheduling
Child support structures and payments
Spousal support or maintenance
Division of assets