When a trial court makes a decision that doesn't go your
way, it can feel frustrating or unfair. Fortunately, you may have
the option to ask a higher court to review that decision. However,
not every ruling can be appealed automatically, and not every
appeal works the same way.
In Washington state, there are two main paths
to have a trial court decision reviewed:
- Appeal as a Matter of Right, and
- Discretionary Review (which requires
permission from the appellate court).
Understanding the difference between these two processes is key
to knowing your options and choosing the right approach for your
case.
1. Appeals as a Matter of Right
An appeal as a matter of right means you are
automatically entitled to have an appellate court review the trial
court's decision — as long as you follow the proper
procedures and file on time.
