Despite the broad discretion enjoyed by Family Court judges in rendering decisions, appeals of orders often yield modifications and reversals. Decisions granting such relief can change the client’s life, educate the bench and bar, and create sound precedent. But counsel’s valiant efforts may be for naught if procedural and structural elements inherent in Family Court appellate practice are not heeded.

This column seeks to alert practitioners to common threshold pitfalls to avoid under the Family Court Act, as well as under certain CPLR provisions that apply to Family Court cases and appeals pursuant to Family Ct Act §§165 (a) and 1118.