Appeals From Interlocutory Orders

Most people who have been either the petitioner or the respondent in a contested dissolution of marriage action know that they have a right to appeal from the final judgment. Even if they disagree with the trial court's decision on only one of the contested issues, such as property classification or division, child custody, child support, maintenance, or attorney fees, they have a right to ask the appellate court to review any portion of the judge's decision. In fact, most appeals are taken in just such circumstances. Waiting to appeal until the end of the case, however, may not be the only option available to the appealing party (the appellant). In certain circumstances, which do not necessarily occur in every case, a party who disagrees with a decision made during the progress of the case may immediately appeal that decision. Such appeals are called "interlocutory appeals."