As founder of Falsely Accused Network, I've seen countless families struggle with appealing family court decisions. I want to explain why these appeals are so challenging and why you need proper legal advice before proceeding.
From my experience supporting families through this process, obtaining permission (leave) to appeal is often the first major hurdle. You must prove you have a real prospect of success or another compelling reason. This isn't about simply disagreeing with the judge - you need to demonstrate they made a material error of law, followed incorrect procedure, or reached a conclusion that no reasonable judge could have made based on the evidence.
Something I've observed repeatedly is the Court of Appeal's strong reluctance to interfere with first instance decisions in family cases, particularly those involving children. They take this stance because the trial judge has directly seen and heard witnesses, making them best positioned to assess credibility and weigh various factors.
Through our network's support work, I've seen too many people caught out by the strict time limits. You only have 21 days from the decision date to file your appeal notice. Missing this deadline means making a separate application for permission to appeal out of time - another complex obstacle to overcome.
The financial risks cannot be overstated. A failed appeal could leave you paying not just your own costs but the other side's as well. With legal aid being severely limited for appeals, most people must fund their cases privately. At Falsely Accused Network, we've seen the devastating impact this can have on families already under immense stress.
As someone who has supported many individuals through this process, I cannot emphasize strongly enough: get proper legal advice before pursuing an appeal. A qualified barrister or solicitor can assess your grounds of appeal, advise on success prospects, and ensure you meet all procedural requirements. The technical nature of appeal proceedings makes self-representation extremely risky.
Michael Thompson
Founder, Falsely Accused Network
If you've been falsely accused of domestic abuse then visit www.falselyaccusednetwork.co.uk or email support@falselyaccusednetwork.co.uk to arrange a free and confidential call.
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