In the fall of 2024, the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) mailed letters to parents who once had an open dependency and/or severance case.
Did you receive a letter? Visit the DCS letter page for more information.
Be aware that when you receive your final order, judgment, or sentence and wish to appeal the ruling you have 5 calendar days in eviction judgments and 14 calendar days in other civil or criminal cases to file a Notice of Appeal.
Before filing an appeal, know whether or not your case qualifies. There are three instances that allow for an appeal.
There are ten basic steps for appealing a municipal or justice court ruling to a Superior Court
A Notice of Appeal has to be filed with the court in which your case was first heard (this will be either a municipal or justice court).
A record on appeal is sent to the Superior Court. It consists of exhibits and transcripts of the proceedings.
You have 14 days after the final judgment to make arrangements to pay for the record or transcript preparation fees, unless you have been declared indigent.
Filing a written Memorandum with the lower court allows you to tell your side of the case.
If an appeal is filed in a case, the other person/business has the right to file a memorandum in response as to why they believe the court made the correct decision. Not all counties require the appellee to file a Memorandum, but in some counties if a response is not filed the court rules in favor of the appellant. Contact the Superior Court to see what their policies are.
If you wrote, "Oral Argument Requested" in the caption on the front page of your Memorandum the Superior Court will set a time for both sides to appeal to discuss the facts and arguments presented in the briefs.
If you believe that a law or fact was misapplied in your case, you are able to request a Motion for Rehearing. If granted, the Superior Court will decide whether or not an oral argument is allowed.
