Illinois Appeals Attorney Robert G. Black

The appeals process in Illinois is very complex. There are numerous rules that govern appeals and navigating the process can be a challenge. A knowledgeable appellate attorney like Attorney Robert G. Black is helpful guide to both parties to a case and trial attorneys. Here are some frequently asked questions about the Illinois appeals system.

How Long Do I Have to File an Appeal?

Appellants, those who appeal a court decision, have 30 days from the final judgment in a case to file a notice of an appeal. The notice of appeal is the first step in an appeal filing. It indicates what you are appealing and your desired outcome. You must also inform other parties to the case of your intent to appeal.

How Long Will My Appeal Take?

The timetable for a civil appeal varies greatly between courts. An appeal could take as little as a few months or longer than a year. If you petition for the appellate court to rehear an appeal or for the Illinois Supreme Court to hear the appeal, it could take even longer as there are no deadlines for the court to act. In some cases, such as those involving child custody, however, the court has its own time requirements for a decision.

Do I Have to Pay a Judgment While I Appeal?

After a judgment is entered in a case, the plaintiff usually tries to collect on it. If you want to avoid paying pending an appeal, you will need to get a stay of the judgment. The court may require you to deposit the amount of the judgment (plus interest) with the court until the appeal is decided, however. The 30-day time window for appeal that follows the judgment is the same as the time window for the stay.

For answers to more of your appellate questions, contact us at the Law Offices of Robert G. Black, P.C..