The litigation process can be long and complex. Following an unexpected or disappointing result there are opportunities to appeal the decision. At the initial levels of decision making these appeals are usually heard by the trial court, as a majority of family matters are first heard by a master or conference officer. Many attorneys handle these initial appeals on a regular basis.
Appeals from decisions of the trial court are heard by the Pennsylvania Superior Court. Not every matter is appropriate for an appeal, regardless of the level of discontent a client may have with the lower court’s decision. For those matters that are appropriate for appeal, the procedural rules must be carefully followed. Appellate practice is complex and some attorneys refer their superior court appellate work to outside counsel.