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Appeal from Family Support Magistrate

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APPEAL FROM FAMILY
SUPPORT MAGISTRATE

JD-FM-111 Rev. 3-17

C.G.S. § 46b-231(n), P.B. §§ 25a-5, 25a-29

STATE OF CONNECTICUT
SUPERIOR COURT

www.jud.ct.gov

COURT USE ONLY

APFFSM

ADA NOTICE

The Judicial Branch of the State of Connecticut complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you need a reasonable accommodation in accordance with the ADA, contact a court clerk or an ADA contact person listed at www.jud.ct.gov/ADA.

Instructions To Person Appealing The Decision (Appellant)

  1. Type or print this form neatly and sign the certification section below.
  2. Give the reasons for the appeal on this form and, if necessary, on a separate piece of paper with the title of Petition and attach that petition to this form.
  3. Mail or deliver a copy of this form and all sheets that are attached, if any, to each party in the case, and mail one copy, by certified mail, to the following address: OFFICE OF ATTORNEY GENERAL, CHILD SUPPORT DEPARTMENT, 55 ELM ST., HARTFORD, CT 06106
  4. Give this form, and all sheets that are attached, if any, to the clerk of the court for the Judicial District where the magistrate's decision was made WITHIN 14 DAYS OF:
    1. the date the final decision of the magistrate was given to the clerk, or
    2. if a rehearing was asked for, and a decision was made on that request, the date the notice of the decision on the request was given to the clerk, whichever is later.

Instructions To Clerk

  1. Provide a copy of the filed appeal form and all sheets that are attached, if any, to the Family Support Magistrate whose decision is being appealed.
  2. Provide a copy of the Superior Court Judge's verbal or written decision on the appeal to the Family Support Magistrate.
  3. Code this appeal into the court file using the docket legend on this form. If this is an appeal from a Uniform Interstate Child Support Act (UIFSA) matter and there is no existing court file, create one using the F87 case type.

Name of case

Docket number

Name and address of Court

Name of magistrate who made decision

Date magistrate's decision was filed with (given to) the Court

Date decision on request for rehearing was filed with the Court (If a request was filed)

Attorneys or self-represented (pro se)
party or parties at magistrate hearing

Attorney for plaintiff (Include Juris number) or name of
self-represented party

Attorney for respondent (Include Juris number) or name of self-
represented party

Transcript

Explain why a transcript is not necessary (if applicable):

Additional evidence requested

If yes, attach statement pursuant to section 46b-231(n)(5) of the Connecticut General Statutes

Notice

When a Family Support Magistrate decision is appealed, the support order remains in effect until the appeal is decided. When the appeal is decided, the decision may change the original support order or the original support order may remain in effect without any changes. Any order made by the court as a result of this appeal may be made effective beginning on the date the original order was made.

Petition

The reasons for this appeal are:*

*If necessary, attach additional sheet(s).

Signed (Attorney or self-represented party)

Telephone number

Juris number of attorney

Appeal by:

Name of person signing above (type or print)

Mailing address

Certification

I certify that a copy of this document and all attachments to it, if any, were mailed or delivered electronically or non-electronically to all attorneys and self-represented parties of record on and that written consent for electronic delivery was received from all attorneys and self-represented parties receiving electronic delivery.

Name and address of each party and attorney that copy was mailed or delivered to*

*If necessary, attach additional sheet or sheets with name and address which the copy was mailed or delivered to.

Signed (Attorney or self-represented party)

Court Use Only

File date

Print or type name and mailing address of person signing

I further certify that a copy was mailed, by certified mail, to the Office of the Attorney General,
Child Support Department, 55 Elm Street, Hartford, CT 06106.

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What an Appeal from a Family Support Magistrate Is

An Appeal from Family Support Magistrate is a formal request to a higher Family Court judge to review and change a decision issued by a family support magistrate, commonly involving child support, paternity, or related enforcement matters. The appeal record typically includes the magistrate's decision, the appeal notice, supporting affidavits, and transcripts or summaries of the hearing. Procedures, filing locations, and deadlines are set by state and local court rules; parties generally must follow strict timelines and procedural steps to preserve appellate rights and obtain a stay or modification of the magistrate's order.

Why You Might File This Appeal

An appeal allows review of legal or factual errors, misapplied child support calculations, or improper evidentiary rulings. It preserves parties’ rights to a fair outcome and can correct material mistakes that affect obligations or enforcement.

Why You Might File This Appeal

Typical Users and Role Profiles

Who commonly files these appeals and why.

  • Custodial parent seeking modified or reinstated support obligations in response to changed facts or calculation errors.
  • Noncustodial parent disputing paternity findings, imputed income determinations, or procedural errors affecting support amounts.
  • Family law attorneys who prepare, file, and advocate on appeal, ensuring compliance with appellate procedure and evidence standards.

Attorneys and self-represented litigants both use the appeal process; accurate forms and timely filing are essential.

Step-by-Step: Completing the Appeal Form

Follow these core steps to prepare and file an appeal from a family support magistrate decision.

  • 01
    Prepare Record: Gather order, transcript, exhibits, and hearing notes.
  • 02
    Draft Notice: Complete appeal notice with precise grounds and relief requested.
  • 03
    File and Serve: File with court clerk and serve all parties per local rules.
  • 04
    Pay Fees: Pay required filing fees or apply for a fee waiver.

Key Parts of an Effective Appeal Package

An organized appeal contains specific documents and clear identifiers to make the court record complete and support an efficient review.

Notice of Appeal

Form or pleading that formally notifies the court and parties you are appealing the magistrate's decision; must state the order appealed and relief sought.

Order Being Appealed

Include a certified copy or clerk-stamped copy of the magistrate's order to identify the judgment under review.

Transcript or Summary

Provide the hearing transcript if required; if unavailable, submit a stipulated summary or request preparation per local rules.

Supporting Affidavits

Attach affidavits or exhibits that were part of the original hearing or that support the appealable errors alleged.

Proof of Service

Document showing all parties were served with the notice and supporting documents in the manner required by court rule.

Cover Letter and Index

A cover letter and index of papers help the clerk and judge locate key materials quickly during review.

Essential Case Identifiers to Include

Petitioner: Full legal name
Respondent: Full legal name
Docket: Case or index number
Order Date: MM/DD/YYYY format
Relief Sought: Clear short description
Contact: Address and phone

Penalties and Risks of Incorrect Filing

Late Filing: Appeal may be dismissed
Insufficient Service: Other party not notified
Missing Record: Key evidence excluded
Fee Denial: No processing without payment
Sanctions: Court may impose costs
Procedural Waiver: Issues may become unreviewable

Common Preparation Mistakes to Avoid

  • Failing to use the exact docket number from the magistrate's order, which slows clerical processing and risks misfiling.
  • Omitting the specific grounds for appeal and instead submitting a general complaint; appellate review requires articulated legal or factual errors.
  • Not including a transcript or timely requesting one when required; lack of a record can limit the court’s ability to review findings.
  • Improper service methods or missing proof of service can result in dismissal or delay of the appeal process.

Typical Filing and Review Workflow

The appeal process moves from filing to review. Each step requires specific filings and timelines determined by local court rules.

  • File Notice: Submit appeal notice and required copies to the clerk.
  • Serve Parties: Provide all parties with served copies per rule.
  • Record Assembly: Compile transcripts, exhibits, and index.
  • Judicial Review: Judge reviews record and issues decision.

How to Prepare an Electronic Filing Workflow

Configure an e-filing workflow to collect signatures, assemble the record, and satisfy court submission requirements.

Field Configuration
Document Upload PDF, OCR-friendly, bookmarked
Signature Fields Sign, date, and print name fields
Service Automation Email or court e-service notifications
Indexing Create table of contents for record

Digital Filing and eSubmission Considerations

Courts accept electronic documents differently; confirm file format, size, and signing rules before e-submission.

  • Accepted Formats: PDF is universally preferred
  • Signer Authentication: Email, SMS code, or stronger methods
  • Audit Trail: Maintain timestamps and IP records

Use a platform that creates tamper-evident PDFs, preserves audit trails, and integrates with court e-filing portals to streamline submission.

Key Deadlines to Track

Appeal timing and related deadlines are controlled by local court rules; missing a deadline often results in dismissal or forfeiture of appellate review.

Notice Filing Deadline:

Often within 30 days of the magistrate's order; confirm local rule

Transcript Request Deadline:

Request transcript promptly; courts vary on preparation timelines

Service Deadline:

Serve opposing parties when filing the notice of appeal

Record Completion:

Complete and file the appellate record per court schedule

Motion Deadlines:

Motions for stays or expedited review follow separate shorter timelines

Milestones in the Appeal Process

A typical appeal progresses through numbered milestones; track each stage against the court’s scheduling order to avoid procedural defaults.

01

Stage 1: Notice Filed

Clerk accepts the appeal filing and assigns a case number

02

Stage 2: Service Completed

All parties must receive copies of the notice and proof must be filed

03

Stage 3: Record Assembled

Transcripts and exhibits are compiled and submitted to the court

04

Stage 4: Judicial Decision

Judge issues a written ruling after reviewing the record

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Frequently Asked Questions About Appealing a Magistrate’s Decision

Answers to common questions help avoid procedural errors and delays. When in doubt, contact the clerk’s office or consult counsel for jurisdiction-specific rules.


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