- How do I Respond to the Appeal?
- You will make your written counter arguments to the Opening Brief in a document called an "Answer Brief."
- When is the Brief Due?
- Within 21 days of the Opening Brief being filed.
- What is the Cost?
- There is a $158 filing fee.
- Waiving the Fee: If you cannot afford the filing fee, you may request that it be waived by filing a Motion to Waive the Filing Fee - JDF 205 and Proposed Order - JDF 206 along with your first filing.
- With whom do I Give a Copy?
- File your brief into the District Court appellate case. Give a copy to the other parties. DO NOT file a copy into your County Court case.
- What goes in an Answer Brief?
- Issues on Appeal - State the mistakes the other party believes the County Court made in deciding the case.
- Facts - Include any additional facts the District Court will need to know to resolve the Issues on Appeal. Cite to the page in the Record on Appeal or in the transcript where that fact may be found. For example,
- Cinderella lost her shoe on the way out of the ball. Record p. 5. She testified in court that she only lost her shoe that one time. Transcript p. 12 lines 7-15.
- Discussion - Discuss the law affecting each issue on appeal. Then apply the facts of your case to the law to reach your conclusion. Discuss how the other party's conclusion is wrong. Let the District Court know how you want it to resolve the appeal.
Materials for the Answer Brief
Detailed Instructions (PDF) (90.5 KB)
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.