In re Marriage of Liu, 2025 IL App (5th) 241199-U

What should you know about in re marriage of liu, 2025 il app (5th) 241199-u?

Quick Answer: Case Summary: In re Marriage of Liu, 2025 IL App (5th) 241199-U - A father's custody appeal was obliterated—not on its merits, but because his attorney submitted a four-page brief missing basic components like a table of contents, jurisdictional statement, and proper citations, then ignored the court's show-cause order demanding an explanation. The Fifth District's dismissal in *In re Marriage of Liu* delivers a stark warning to Illinois family law practitioners: Supreme Court Rules governing appellate briefs aren't procedural formalities but gatekeepers that will lock out sloppy advocates before their arguments ever receive substantive review.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do appellate decisions affect my divorce case?

Illinois appellate decisions interpret statutes and establish binding precedent for trial courts. A relevant appellate ruling can significantly impact your case strategy, available arguments, and likely outcomes. Your attorney should research recent decisions affecting your specific issues.

Can I appeal my divorce judgment in Illinois?

Yes, but appeals are limited to legal errors, not disagreement with factual findings. You must file a notice of appeal within 30 days of the final judgment. Appellate courts review whether the trial court applied the law correctly and whether findings are against the manifest weight of evidence.

What does 'unpublished' mean for Illinois appellate decisions?

Unpublished decisions (marked '-U') may not be cited as precedent under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 23. While they show how courts analyze issues, they don't establish binding legal rules. Published decisions create precedent that lower courts must follow.

Written by Jonathan D. Steele

Chicago divorce attorney with cybersecurity certifications (Security+, ISC2 CC, Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate). Illinois Super Lawyers Rising Star 2016-2025.

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