Need Dedicated Appellate Representation? Turn To Our Annapolis Appeals Lawyers.

Last updated on May 26, 2026

Reinstein, Glackin & Herriott, LLC, is recognized across the state for our deep understanding of Maryland law and procedure, which we apply in each of our cases. No matter how good the case, however, sometimes the court still makes a mistake.

Appealing a bad ruling is a unique challenge that relies on a different set of skills and experience than those typically used by a trial attorney, especially in family law, estates and trusts, and guardianships. Our firm is there to bridge the gap. We understand the nuances of both trial practice and appellate practice in a way that many firms do not.

You may contact us at our Annapolis office, which is only minutes away from the Robert C. Murphy Courts Of Appeal Building on Rowe Boulevard.

Family Law Appeals

Family law cases address some of life’s most personal and important issues — such as custody of your children, the division of your property, and your financial future after divorce. When the trial court gets it wrong, the results can feel overwhelming. That’s where an appeal comes in.

An appeal gives you the chance to ask a higher court to review the trial court’s decision. It’s not about starting your case over, but about finding legal mistakes that affected the outcome. Our firm has the skill and experience needed to help you through this process with clarity and care. We know how much is at stake and treat every appeal with the seriousness it deserves.

Grounds For A Family Law Appeal

To file an appeal, there must be a legal reason. Common grounds include:

• Abuse of discretion: When a judge’s ruling seems unfair or unreasonable based on the facts.

• Legal errors: When the court applies the wrong law or misunderstands what the law means.

• Procedural mistakes: When the court doesn’t follow required legal steps during the trial.

• Lack of evidence: When the decision goes against the weight of the evidence.

• Violations of rights: When your rights — like due process — were not properly respected.

In family law, the impact of a bad decision can last for years. That’s why acting quickly and choosing the right legal team matters. Appeals must follow strict timelines, and the process involves detailed written arguments and careful review of the trial record.

At Reinstein, Glackin & Herriott, LLC, we bring years of appellate experience to your case. We understand the legal standards and how to present your argument clearly and effectively. Whether you’re trying to reverse a ruling or defend one, we stand ready to help you move forward with confidence.

Filing A Notice Of Appeal

An unfavorable family court ruling is not the end of the legal process. In cases where the courts may have erred in their interpretation of the law or evaluation of the family circumstances based on established judicial precedent, parties can seek an appellate review. This can offer a path to a more reasonable, just ruling.

When you decide to appeal an inappropriate family law decision, our assertive legal team can help ensure you fulfill all legal requirements. Remember that you have a limited window of opportunity to act, and delays could cost you the right to appeal.

We can take control of the matter promptly and help ensure the submission of the Notice of Appeal in Maryland occurs within 30 days of the contested judgment. Additionally, we prepare and submit the required paperwork to the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County in Annapolis.

Another way we provide support during an appeal is by ensuring the Notice of Appeal (Form CC‑097) is completed accurately and filed on time. This document must identify the case, the court and the docket number, and any omission can delay or jeopardize the appeal. We also prepare the additional filings required to outline the legal issues raised on appeal and to document the procedural history of the case. Our team handles service on all parties who must receive notice, which is a mandatory step before the appeal can proceed.

An appeal does not re‑try the case or revisit witness testimony. Instead, the appellate court reviews the record to determine whether the trial court applied the law correctly. Because the review is limited to what occurred in the lower court, the appellant generally cannot introduce new evidence or raise issues that were not preserved during the original proceedings.

A pending appeal also does not automatically pause enforcement of the judgment. When appropriate, we can file a motion requesting a stay to prevent enforcement while the appeal is pending. Our attorneys obtain the necessary transcripts promptly – typically within 5 to 10 days of filing – and prepare a well‑supported appellate brief that presents your arguments effectively.

What Makes Our Firm Different?

Each of the attorneys at RGH has a history of appellate practice alongside their decades of experience in trial litigation. That experience is directed through the work of our dedicated appellate attorney, Brendan E. Madden, who has devoted his practice to this complex and particularized area of law, with a focus on the issues that matter most to Maryland families – divorce, custody, child support, asset division, estates and trusts, guardianships, and more.

We are able to take an appeal from start to finish, from ordering the transcripts to oral argument and beyond. Working in conjunction with his experienced and respected colleagues at RGH, he is able to present your argument in the best light to the appellate courts, maximizing the strength of your appeal and minimizing the weaknesses. Along the way, his understanding of appellate procedure ensures that the process runs smoothly, beginning to end – from ordering the transcripts all the way to oral argument (and beyond).

Our experience is not just a resource, it is a strategic advantage. Our appellate services include:

• Comprehensive brief writing
• Preparation of record extract
• Oral argument
• Stay of orders pending appeal
• Record and transcript review
• Interlocutory appeals
• Petition for writ of certiorari

Contact The Firm For Additional Information

Schedule a consultation and elevate your appeal today. Please call our law office at 301-850-7349. You may also send an inquiry online.