Appeals
A Second Chance at Justice. A Stronger Voice for Your Case.
When a court decision doesn’t reflect the facts, the law, or a fair outcome, an appeal may give you a second opportunity for justice. At Schmeltzer Law, we provide skilled and strategic appellate representation to help clients challenge improper rulings and protect their rights under Michigan law.
Whether your case involves family law, probate, or a civil dispute, we’ll analyze every detail, identify legal errors, and pursue a well-structured appeal designed to achieve the result you deserve.
Understanding the Appeals Process in Michigan
An appeal is not a new trial — it’s a careful legal review of the lower court’s proceedings to determine whether mistakes were made in applying the law or interpreting evidence.
Schmeltzer Law handles appeals in both family law and civil matters, guiding clients through this highly technical and time-sensitive process. We manage everything from reviewing trial transcripts and preparing appellate briefs to presenting compelling arguments before the Michigan Court of Appeals.
Our goal is to give you a clear understanding of your options, your likelihood of success, and what each stage of the appellate process involves — so you can make informed, confident decisions about how to move forward.
Common Issues in Appeals
Errors in Applying the Law
Sometimes a judge’s ruling is based on an incorrect interpretation or use of Michigan law. We examine the case record to pinpoint those legal errors and argue for correction through appeal.
Improper Admission or Exclusion of Evidence
If evidence was wrongly allowed or excluded at trial, it can impact the fairness of the decision. We assess these factors and show how they affected the outcome of your case.
Abuse of Discretion
Trial judges are granted discretion in many decisions, but that discretion must be used appropriately. We identify when the court’s actions went beyond reasonable limits or produced unjust results.
Procedural or Constitutional Violations
When your right to due process or fair proceedings has been compromised, we fight to ensure your case is reviewed under proper legal standards.
Every appeal starts with a thorough and objective evaluation — because strong arguments are built on precision, preparation, and truth.
Our Approach to Appellate Advocacy
Appellate work requires more than legal knowledge — it demands analytical thinking, attention to detail, and persuasive writing. Schmeltzer Law combines deep research, thoughtful strategy, and compelling argumentation to present your strongest possible case.
We take the time to:
Review the complete trial record and identify appealable issues.
Conduct legal research to support each argument with authority.
Draft precise, persuasive appellate briefs.
Deliver clear, confident oral arguments before the appellate court.
Throughout the process, we maintain open communication and transparency so you always understand the strengths, challenges, and progress of your appeal.
Why Choose Schmeltzer Law
Attorney Lori Schmeltzer brings a calm, focused, and methodical approach to appellate law. With years of experience handling complex family and civil matters, she understands how to distill complicated issues into powerful, credible legal arguments.
She also recognizes the emotional toll of appeals — and provides steady guidance, realistic expectations, and a deep commitment to doing everything possible to protect your rights.
“An appeal isn’t just about correcting an error — it’s about restoring fairness and ensuring the law is applied as it was meant to be.”
— Lori Schmeltzer, Attorney & Founder
When you work with Schmeltzer Law, you gain more than appellate experience — you gain a determined advocate who believes in your right to be heard.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you believe a court decision in your case was unjust, don’t wait; appellate deadlines are strict. Contact Schmeltzer Law today to discuss your options and get a clear, honest evaluation of your appeal.