An appeal is a legal action that asks a court to review a decisions previously made by a lower court. The hope of an appeal is that the higher court will rule differently, ideally in the favor of the person who filed the appeal. Appeals are made as a result of an “adverse decision,” or a decision that did not legally favor you. However, you cannot simply make an appeal because you did not like the result of a court decision—you must have legal grounds, or a valid justification for the appeal.

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The purpose of appeals is ultimately beneficial for filers—they provide a way for mistakes committed by the court to be undone by higher authorities. If you have been subjected to a court decision that neither fair nor justified, appeals give you the second chance you need. However, you will require an attorney for the appeals process. An attorney will be able to determine if you have grounds for an appeal and file on your behalf.