Note: The DearEsq free 'ask a lawyer' site is offered as a free informational service to the public and is not intended as legal advice. Laws vary from state-to-state, and in addition every situation is unique, and relevant facts may not be known. The answer to the question posed below may not apply to in your state or to your situation. For legal advice in your state and your situation you should consult with an attorney in your state who is familiar with the rules and laws in your state.
“My parental rights were terminated after five years in New York City family court, I filed an appeal and lost. Now I am in the process of petitioning to have my appeal reconsidered. It’s been seven years. My question is do I have resources if my petition is denied. I was an active participant in my service plan and visitation. My children are now in prospective adoptive homes, separately. What can I do?”If your appeal is denied, the only place you can go is either back to the same Court or up to a higher one. Sometimes a court can be asked to reconsider its decision. Other times a State Supreme Court (that’s what’s its called in California) will grant cert to review an appellate decision. Procedurally, these would be your options.
Question: As a practical matter, a person representing themselves will have a difficult time figuring out the appellate process, unless they are an appellate attorney, or the Court relaxes the filing requirements, and does some of the research for them.
