Appeals Timeline

1. Appealable Order

Issued by the superior court.

2. Notice of Appeal

Filed by the party appealing. Usually due within 60 days of appealable order.

3. Record Filed

Record due within 20 days (criminal cases) after notice of appeal filed, subject to extensions. Requests to augment/correct record can extend period.

4. Appellant's Opening Brief

Due within 40 days (criminal) cases or 30 days (most dependency cases) after record is filed. Counsel may request extensions.

5. Respondent's Brief

Due within 30 days after appellant's opening brief is filed. Counsel may request extensions.

6. Appellant's Reply Brief

Due within 20 days after respondent's brief is filed. Counsel may request extensions.

7. Oral Argument

Scheduled by the Court of Appeal upon request. The case is submitted to the court after argument or waiver of argument.

8. Court Opinion

Issued within 90 days of submission of the case. Certain actions by court can restart the 90-day clock.

9. Petition for Rehearing

Can be filed by either party within 15 days after the opinion is issued.

10. Petition for Review

Can be filed by either party in the Supreme Court within 10 days after the opinion becomes final (usually 30 days after decision issued).

11. Remittitur

Issued by the Court of Appeal usually 61 days after the opinion is issued, if no petition for review is pending. Sent to parties and the superior court.