The Appellate Process:  A Simple Flow Chart

A notice of appeal, a docketing statement with the trial court's final judgment entry attached, a praecipe to the court reporter, if a transcript from the official court reporter is required, as well as a $125 security deposit for costs, are filed with the clerk of the trial court. Appellant must then ensure that the same notice of appeal, praecipe, and docketing statement are filed with the appellate clerk of courts. Some trial courts will transmit these documents to the appellate clerk of courts, while others require the appellant to take the documents and fee to the appellate clerk.

40 days - The record must be transmitted to the Court of Appeals within 40 days of the filing of the notice of appeal.  App.R. 10(A).

20 days - Appellant's brief is due within 20 days of the clerk's mailing of the notice of the filing of the record.  App.R. 18(A).

20 days - Appellee's brief is due within 20 days of the service of the appellant's brief.  App.R. 18(A).

10 days - Appellant's reply brief, if appellant chooses to file a reply brief, is due within 10 days after service of the appellee's brief.  App.R. 18(A).

When briefing is completed, the Court of Appeals schedules oral argument, if requested.

The Court of Appeals announces its decision in the form of an opinion and journal entry.  Loc.R. 22(A).