1. Arguments for the Appeal
Who Does This?
- The party who started the appeal, the appellant.
What Form?
When is it Due?
- 42 days after the Record on Appeal (see Step 3).
- The Court of Appeals will send you a letter that contains the due date.
How Difficult?
- Similar to a 15-page research paper.
- Depends on your skills as a researcher and writer.
- Depends on the number of Issues on Appeal.
More Information
2. Response Arguments
Who Does This?
- The party responding to the appeal, the appellee.
- A response is optional.
- The appellee does not have to participate in the appeal.
What Form?
When is it Due?
- Within 35 days after the Opening Brief.
How Much Does it Cost?
- Filing Fee - $148.
- Waiver
- Forms
- File with the District Court.
- Waiver
How Difficult?
- The same as a 15-page research paper.
More Information
3. Reply to the Answer Brief
Who Does This?
- The party who started the appeal, the appellant.
What Does This Do?
- This is the opportunity to respond to the arguments in the Answer Brief.
- No new arguments will be considered.
- If an Answer Brief is not filed, then a Reply Brief may not be filed.
Which Form?
When is it Due?
- Within 21 days of the Answer Brief.
- You cannot file one if an Answer Brief is not filed.
How Difficult?
- About the same as a 10-page research paper.
- Detailed instructions (PDF)
How to Get More Help
Appeals are hard. Click the Contact Options link below to get help. On that screen, go into the Sherlocks section to find self-help staff to answer your procedural or forms questions. Find a time to get legal information or advice in the clinic or events calendar sections. Or, find a free or moderate fee lawyer in the Find a Lawyer section.