In all areas of law, including divorce and family law cases, there are instances when a trial court does not render a fair, just, or equitable decision. This does not necessarily mean that all is lost.
If you have received an adverse ruling in your divorce or paternity case, you may benefit from consulting with the attorneys at Hurst, Robin, Kay & Allen, LLC. Our attorneys can identify instances where the court has failed to properly apply the law to the facts of a given case. We have successfully represented clients in numerous Illinois State Court appeals and are available to assist you in this process. Attorney Brian Hurst has successfully argued before the Illinois Supreme Court, which is a rarity in family law cases. At Hurst, Robin, Kay & Allen, LLC, our attorneys have the legal knowledge, skill and experience to assist you in determining whether an appeal is appropriate for your case. If you are interested in appealing a ruling, please contact us for a consultation.
If you are considering an appeal, time is of the essence. Appellate courts set strict timelines for appeals and, if those are not met, an appeal may be forever barred. If you think you have a potential appeal, or may have one in the near future, please reach out to us today.
Appeals
Trial courts make mistakes. This is true in divorce and family law cases, where decisions handed down by the court may not be appropriate for everyone involved. If the family law court made a decision that you don’t feel is in you or your children’s best interests, it doesn’t necessarily mean that all is lost.
If you have received a ruling that you don’t like or doesn’t serve you and your family’s needs in your divorce or paternity case, you may benefit from consulting with our family law appeals attorneys.
Our Approach
Our family law firm provides masterful and aggressive appellate services to clients who need help appealing a trial court’s decision. We handle appeals relating to complex family law matters involving
- Child custody
- Child support
- Child visitation
- Spousal support
- Separate property
- Community property
- Breach of fiduciary duty
- Premarital agreements
- And more
Our family law attorneys have the reputation and breadth of knowledge to handle the complex issues that may arise in the appeals process. Having an attorney on your side who has experience in handling appeals and writs may make all the difference.
How the Appeals Process Works
An appeal’s purpose is to request that a higher court reverse the trial court’s decision. The Courts of Appeals steps in to review the record and determine if the trial judge made any mistake or neglected to account for anything that affected the final decision.
You can challenge an adverse decision that the trial court handed down by filing an appeal in the Court of Appeals (appellate court). Protecting the record of proceedings and evidence at the trial court level is crucial. Without securing this trial court information, there may be no practical way to appeal.
A panel of judges from the appellate court typically decides the issue. This panel hears oral arguments from both sides. However, it doesn’t provide an opportunity to bring in new evidence or listen to novel witnesses. Bear in mind that an appeal is not a re-trial of your case.
If you expect an unfavorable decision at the trial court level, it is helpful to secure appellate counsel early in the process. Or, if you wish to protect a favorable ruling you anticipate receiving, it is also beneficial to engage appellate counsel first — before the appeal is filed.
Once you receive a final decision from the trial court, you have only a short amount of time to file your appeal. If you intend to launch an appeal, an experienced appellate attorney can provide legal advice about the applicable filing deadline.
Successes in Appellate Court
Illinois Supreme Court
In re Marriage of Gutman, 232 Ill.2d 145 (2008) (published): Hurst, Robin, Kay & Allen prevailed on behalf of the petitioner. The Supreme Court held that in light of former wife’s pending contempt petition, an order terminating maintenance was not a final order that was immediately appealable, in the absence of a finding by the trial court that there was no just reason for delaying the appeal. This matter clarified conflicting case law regarding Illinois Supreme Court Rule 304(b).
United States Court of Appeals
In Weinhaus v. Cohen, 18-3185 (7th Cir. 2019), Appellant unsuccessfully sued his ex-relatives and the state of Illinois over provisions in a state-court custody judgment that required him to exercise his parenting time outside Illinois, arguing that the requirement violated his constitutional right to travel and that the custody proceedings generally violated his right to due process. Hurst, Robin, Kay & Allen, prevailed on behalf of the Appellee, with the Court of Appeals granting their Motion to Dismiss.
First District Appellate Court
In re Marriage of Edelberg and Slobodien, 2015 IL App (1st) 141940-U. HRK prevails in defense of appeal addressing maintenance in gross, valuation issues. The Appellate Court affirmed all of the trial court’s rulings. At issue on appeal was an order of maintenance “in gross”, valuation of the marital residence and interest in a business, the propriety of a nunc pro tunc order, and the award of attorney’s fees to Husband for the defense of the appeal.
In re Marriage of Levinson, 2012 IL App (1st) 112567. In 2012 Hurst, Robin, Kay & Allen successfully overturned a decision of the trial court awarding exclusive possession of the marital residence to the wife. The Appellate Court reversed the finding of the trial court relating to exclusive possession pursuant to 750 ILCS 5/701. It was held that the trial court’s judgment granting the wife’s petition for exclusive possession of the marital residence was unsubstantiated by the evidence. This matter addressed an issue without extensive precedent in case law. This was the first published case on this issue in eighteen years in Illinois.
Chraca v. Chraca, 2012 IL App (1st) 111938-U (unpublished): Hurst, Robin, Kay & Allen prevailed on behalf of the respondent. The Appellate Court affirmed the trial court’s dismissal of petitioner’s petition for a rule to show cause why respondent should not be held in contempt for failing to make certain court-ordered payments where respondent did not willfully refuse to obey the court order and where the petitioner failed to make a cohesive argument and provide a complete record on review.
In re Marriage of Workman, 09-0045 (2009) (unpublished): Hurst, Robin, Kay & Allen successfully defended the trial court’s award of property and support. The Appellate Court affirmed all findings of the trial court relating to property, debt, and support, and found that the Judgment for Dissolution of Marriage and underlying Agreement in Principle were not unconscionable.
Illinois Second District Appellate Court
In re Marriage of Brubaker, 2022 IL App (2d) 200160: Hurst, Robin, Kay & Allen succeeded in overturning the ruling of the trial court that by waiving formal discovery in a divorce action, the Appellant had not exercised due diligence and could not move to vacate the divorce decree when he learned of an undisclosed asset, a condo purchased in cash, after the divorce was finalized. The Appellate Court remanded the matter back to the trial court to allow the trial court to make the necessary findings as to Appellant’s diligence in the original action, including whether Appellant knew or reasonably should have known of the condo, whether Appellee intentionally misstated or concealed her ownership interest in the condo, and if so, whether Appellant’s reliance on Appellee’s statements was reasonable under the particular facts and circumstances of this case
In re Marriage of Blackburn, 2013 IL App (2d) 110719-U (unpublished): Hurst, Robin, Kay & Allen prevailed at trial and successfully defended the decision in the Appellate Court. The Appellate Court affirmed the trial court’s determination as to the apportionment of stock and other marital property, petitioner’s 401(k) account, and interest payments on loans apportioned to respondent. The trial court reasoned that the stock, which was valued at $6,101,335, was obtained during the marriage through the exercise of nonmarital options utilizing marital funds, resulting in the newly acquired stock being marital property.
In re Marriage of Preston, 2-08-0826 & 09-0090 cons. (2008) (unpublished): The Appellate Court agreed with Appellant, who was represented by Hurst, Robin, Kay & Allen, that the trial court’s determination that commingling between marital and nonmarital funds had occurred was against the manifest weight of the evidence. The court found that Appellant’s non-marital property did not lose its identity. The Appellate Court also reversed the award to Appellee of $194,282.84 from Appellant’s inheritance, and found this award was against the manifest weight of the evidence.
Illinois Third District Appellate Court
In In re Marriage of Bailey, 2025 IL App (3d) 240282-U (unpublished), the Illinois Appellate Court reversed the trial court’s ruling that the Appellant’s dissipation claim should be stricken, with Hurst, Robin, Kay & Allen representing the Appellant and prevailing on their claim.
In In re Marriage of Robbins, 2024 IL App (3d) 230399-U, the Illinois Appellate Court reversed a trial court’s ruling, finding that a Roth IRA was improperly classified as marital property and that the wife made a prima facie case for dissipation of assets by the husband. The case was remanded for further proceedings regarding the dissipation claim.
How to Get Professional Representation
The attorneys of Hurst, Robin, Kay & Allen LLC can assist you in the appeals process. We have the legal expertise to help you. If an appeal is appropriate in your circumstances, we’ll let you know once we’ve completed a case review. If you would like to appeal an unfair or biased ruling, please contact Hurst, Robin, Kay & Allen, LLC today to schedule a consultation.
5 Essential Steps To Appeal Spousal Support
When it comes to appealing spousal support, your trusted Illinois appeals lawyer can tell you that it’s crucial to have a clear strategy and professional guidance. We understand the complexities of spousal support cases. It is crucial that you understand the essential steps to successfully appeal spousal support. If you’re facing the daunting task of appealing spousal support, don’t go it alone. We’re here to provide expert legal counsel and support throughout the process. Contact us today to help you secure the fair outcome you deserve.
- Understand Your Grounds for Appeal:
The first step in appealing spousal support is to understand the grounds for your appeal. This could include errors in the initial judgment, changed circumstances, or unfair calculations. Our experienced attorneys will assess your case and identify the strongest grounds for your appeal.
- Gather Supporting Evidence:
To strengthen your appeal, you’ll need solid evidence. This may include financial records, proof of changes in income or expenses, and any relevant documents that support your case. Our team will help you gather and organize this evidence effectively.
- Proceed Through the Legal Process:
Appealing spousal support involves navigating a complex legal process. Our Illinois appeals lawyer has the expertise to guide you through each step, from filing the necessary paperwork to representing you in court if required.
- Build a Persuasive Argument:
Crafting a compelling argument is essential in spousal support appeals. Our attorneys will work with you to build a strong case, presenting the evidence and legal arguments that support your appeal.
- Negotiate or Litigate:
Depending on the circumstances, your appeal may involve negotiation with your former spouse or litigation in court. We will help you determine the best approach for your case and work toward a favorable outcome.
Why Choose Us For Your Spousal Support Appeal?
- Experience and Expertise: Our team of skilled family law attorneys has extensive experience handling spousal support cases. We understand the nuances of the law and how to navigate the legal system effectively.
- Personalized Guidance: We recognize that every case is unique. We provide personalized guidance tailored to your specific situation, ensuring your appeal is built on a solid foundation.
- Effective Communication: Communication is key in legal matters. Our attorneys will keep you informed throughout the process, ensuring you are well-prepared and confident at every stage.
Know You Are In Good Hands When You Turn To Us
Appealing spousal support can be a challenging process, but with the right legal support, you can pursue a fair resolution. If you’re considering an appeal of spousal support, contact our firm today for a consultation. Let us help you take the first step toward achieving the outcome you deserve. We know that appealing spousal support is a significant step in securing your financial future. Reach out to us now, and together, we’ll work toward a fair resolution for your spousal support appeal. Hurst, Robin, Kay & Allen, LLC is here to guide you every step of the way, so set up an appointment with our Illinois appeals lawyer today.
