District Court judges are given broad discretion in deciding family law cases and are not likely to be overturned unless the Court of Appeals determines the trial judge abused his or her discretion. Appeals cases are complicated endeavors which can be costly to pursue. They can take a year or more to be decided. For these reasons, it is wise to consult with an experienced appeals lawyer in North Carolina to determine whether your case qualifies for an appellate review – and whether it is worth the time, effort and money it would take to prevail at the Court of Appeals.