Your legal journey does not always conclude when a trial judge delivers a final decision. If an error was made, the Canadian legal system provides a mechanism for a higher court to review the judicial decision and determine if an appeal should be granted.
At Mann Lawyers, our appeals department is here to help you navigate the specialized world of appellate advocacy. Rather than repeating the trial, an appeal is a focused review of the lower court’s record to determine whether the law was applied correctly. We assist clients – including individuals, businesses, and trial counsel seeking co-counsel – in understanding their options, evaluating the viability of an appeal, and navigating the complexities of the appellate courts.
We represent both appellants (parties seeking to overturn a decision) and respondents (parties defending a decision) before the Court of Appeal and the Divisional Court in Ontario. Our services in this area include:
- Assessing the merits of a potential appeal before significant resources are committed;
- Preparing and filing the required documents for an appeal, including the Notice of Appeal, appeal record, and factum; and
- Making oral submissions at the appeal hearing before the judicial panel.
We believe in transparency and keeping you informed at every stage of what can be an intimidating process.
Family Law Appeals
Family law decisions affect deeply personal matters such as parenting time, decision-making responsibility, spousal support, child support, and the division of property. Judges in family court are granted a broad degree of discretion in most areas. Appellate courts give significant deference to trial decisions, and as a result, only a slim number of family law appeals succeed.
Our lawyers can assist you with bringing or responding to appeals in every area of family law. We provide a realistic and timely assessment of the merit of a family law appeal and represent clients at each stage of the appellate process.
Civil and Estate Litigation Appeals
Civil appeals can involve a breach of contract, commercial disputes, property issues, or negligence, among other things. Our lawyers will represent clients bringing or responding to an appeal in any area of civil litigation and can provide assessments and opinions on the merits of those potential appeals. Our services also include appeals in the area of Estate Litigation
Let’s Discuss Your Next Steps
Appellate timelines are strict. In Ontario, you may have as little as seven days from the date of a decision to serve a Notice of Appeal, depending on the type of judgment. Missing these deadlines can mean losing your right to appeal entirely.
If you are seeking to understand the appeals process and whether you have a case worth pursuing in a higher court, we offer consultations for a fixed fee. One of our lawyers will review the original court decision and key documents, explain the steps in an appeal, and provide an analysis of the risks, costs, and potential outcomes.
If you are facing an unfavorable decision, or if the opposing party has commenced an appeal against a decision in your favour, time is of the essence. Contact one of our lawyers to learn more about our services or to schedule a confidential consultation.
