What is an appeal?
After a case is decided in trial court, either party may petition an appellate court to review the decision and determine if any legal error was made that affected the outcome of the case. An appeal is not a retrial of the facts of the case.
California has six appellate court districts. Riverside County is located in the Second Division of the Fourth District. Limited civil cases are heard in the appellate division of the case's Superior Court.
When can I appeal?
If a court decision is appealable (which isn't always the case), it can be appealed by the party who lost in Superior Court. The appeal must show that a legal error affecting the outcome of the case was made.
Appeals generally must be filed within 60 or 180 days after the judge's decision, depending on several factors. For more information, see California Rules of Court rule 8.104.
Do I have to appeal?
No. Options other than appealing include moving for a new trial, moving to reconsider the judgment, and settlement/mediation between parties.
Recommended Resources
Online:
California Judicial Branch Self-Help: Appeals
Riverside Superior Court Appellate Division
Fourth District Court of Appeals Local Rules & Orders
Video Presentation: "How to Handle Your Own Appeal: A Step-by-step Overview" (60 min.)
- PowerPoint slides from the video presentation (29 slides)
Civil Appeals Quick Reference Flowchart
CA Fourth Appellate District Division Two: "Step by Step Guide to Civil Appeals" (PDF)
San Diego Law Library: Sample Appellate Briefs
Books:
(All titles are available electronically from any RCLL location unless otherwise noted. Ask staff about remote availability.)
California Civil Appellate Practice (CEB)
Available in print: Riverside, Palm Springs
Call Number: KFC 1075 .C323 CEB
Handling Civil Appeals - Action Guide (CEB)
Available in print: Riverside, Palm Springs
Call Number: KFC 1075 .D38 2023 CEB
Matthew Bender Practice Guide: California Civil Appeals and Writs (Lexis)
Available digitally on-site only.
The Rutter Group California Practice Guide: Civil Appeals and Writs (Westlaw)
Available in print: Riverside, Palm Springs, Temecula
Call Number: KFC 1075 .E37
Please Note: The information presented in this research guide is intended to provide a
foundation for legal research. For information pertaining to your case please consult with an
attorney, court facilitator, or specialist.
Revised 10/29/25
