Appealing Property Division in Texas Divorce Case [2023]

Appealing Property Division in a Texas Divorce

Going through a divorce is challenging, and sometimes, the division of property may not seem fair. If you are unhappy about the outcome of your case, there is a process in place that allows a party to appeal a decision in a family law case.

However, it’s often an uphill challenge, mostly because appellate courts give broad discretion to trial courts when making decisions on the division of property and assets in divorce cases.

In this article, we provide an overview of possible grounds for appeal in Texas, the process of appealing a divorce ruling, and how to increase your chances of winning an appeal.

Grounds for Appealing Property Division in Texas

As mentioned, appealing a property division in a divorce case in Texas can be arduous because appellate courts often provide broad discretion to trial courts in their decisions regarding the division of marital property. However, there are several grounds that might be used to appeal the division of property. These can include:

Legal errors

Legal errors may occur when the court misinterprets the law, applies the incorrect legal standard, or improperly admits or excludes evidence. If the court made a legal error that affected your case’s outcome, you might have grounds for an appeal.

Misapplication of the law

A misapplication of the law happens when the court correctly identifies the applicable law but applies it incorrectly to the facts of the case. To appeal on these grounds, you must show that the court’s misapplication of the law had a material impact on the outcome of the property division.

Abuse of discretion

Abuse of discretion occurs when the court’s decision is arbitrary or unreasonable, considering the facts and circumstances of the case. Proving abuse of discretion requires demonstrating that the court made a clear error in judgment, resulting in an unjust division of property.

Remember, each case is unique and the success of an appeal depends on the specifics of the case and the reason for the appeal. Appealing a case can be a complex process with strict rules and deadlines, so it’s always best to consult with an attorney experienced in family law appeals in Texas if you are considering this step. Legal advice should be sought from a professional who can provide guidance based on all the facts and circumstances of your specific case.

Unfair Division of Property Ruling

An unfair division of property ruling can leave you feeling cheated. To challenge the ruling, you must identify signs of an unfair division and gather evidence supporting your claim.

In Texas, the standard for property division in a divorce is a “just and right” division. This doesn’t necessarily mean a 50/50 split, but rather what the court considers fair after considering the circumstances of the case. However, there might be signs that the property division was unfair. Some of these signs could include:

1. Disregarding Separate Property: In Texas, property owned before the marriage or acquired during the marriage by gift or inheritance is considered separate property and should not be divided in the divorce. If such property has been incorrectly classified as community property and divided, this might be considered unfair.
2. Unreasonable Valuation: Property and assets should be accurately valued for the purposes of division. If the valuation is inaccurate or biased in favor of one party, it may be a sign of an unfair division.
3. Hidden Assets: If one spouse hid assets from the other during the divorce process, this would be a clear sign of an unfair division.
4. Disproportionate Award: While Texas law doesn’t mandate a 50/50 division of marital property, a heavily disproportionate division without reasonable cause may suggest an unfair division.
5. Failure to Consider Factors: The court should consider a number of factors when dividing property, such as each spouse’s earning capacity, health, who has custody of the children, the size of the separate estates, fault in the breakup of the marriage, and the nature of the property. If the court failed to consider relevant factors, the division might be considered unfair.
6. Abuse of Discretion: If the court abused its discretion in making the division, that might be a sign of unfairness. For instance, if the court relied on clearly erroneous factual findings or misinterpreted the law, an appellate court may find the division to be unfair.

If you believe the property division in your divorce was unfair, it’s important to consult with an appellate attorney who handles divorce and family law cases. Appeals are subject to strict rules and deadlines, so it’s crucial to act promptly. Be aware that appellate courts generally give a lot of deference to the trial court’s division of property, so you would typically need to show some significant error in order to have the division reversed or modified on appeal.

The Appellate Process in Texas Divorce Cases

The appellate process for appealing a divorce decision is complex and time-consuming. There is a specific timeline for filing an appeal, and the potential outcomes vary.

Process and Timeline of Appeal

The process for appealing a divorce decree in Texas generally involves the following steps:

1. A notice of appeal must usually be filed with the trial court within 30 days of the final judgment
2. Order the court reporter’s record and the clerk’s record
3. Prepare and submit a legal brief presenting your arguments
4. Attend oral arguments, if scheduled
5. Await the appellate court’s decision

Potential Outcomes of An Appeal

Possible outcomes of a divorce decree appeal include:

1. The appellate court upholds the original ruling
2. The appellate court reverses or modifies the original ruling
3. The appellate court remands the case back to the trial court for further proceedings

What Are the Chances of Winning a Divorce Decree Appeal?

The chances of winning a divorce decree appeal depend on various factors, such as the strength of your case and the specific legal issues involved. Working with a knowledgeable family law attorney experienced in handling divorce appeals can maximize your chances of success. Keep in mind the appellate court will not reevaluate the facts of the case or the credibility of witnesses. Instead, they will focus on whether the trial court made legal errors or abused its discretion.

Increasing Your Chances of Winning an Appeal

To increase the chances that your property division appeal is successful, consider the following tips:

Hire an experienced appellate attorney: Family law appeals are a very specialized area of law. At Varghese Summersett Family Law Group, our attorneys typically don’t handle appeals. However, we are happy to refer you to an experienced appellate attorney in your area with a proven track record of success handling appeals in family law cases.

Develop a compelling legal argument: Focus on the specific legal errors, misapplications of the law, or instances of abuse of discretion that occurred during the trial. Your appeal should be based on solid legal grounds rather than simply expressing dissatisfaction with the trial court’s decision.

Be thorough and organized: Your legal brief should be carefully prepared and should meet all procedural requirements. Your attorney should present a well-organized, concise, and persuasive argument on your behalf supported by relevant case law and statutes.

Be prepared for oral arguments: If your case is scheduled for oral arguments before the appellate court, it’s important for your appellate attorney to be well -prepared and present a clear and concise argument, focusing on the key legal issues in your case.

Manage your expectations: Understand that the appellate process can be lengthy and there is no guarantee of success. However, working with an experienced appellate attorney and presenting a strong legal argument can increase your chances of a favorable outcome.

Appealing property division in a Texas divorce can be a complicated and laborious process. By understanding the grounds for appeal, the appellate process, and how to increase your chances of success, you can effectively challenge an unfair property division and work toward a more equitable outcome.

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FAQ: Appealing An Unfair Property Division in Texas