Notice of Appeal + Record Designation - Family Court Navigator
Appeals · File First

Notice of Appeal + Record Designation

The documents that start your appeal. Get the record designation wrong and your appeal can end before the brief is even written.

$1,295 one-time
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Parents come to us for this when

The court has ruled, and you've decided you want to challenge the decision, starting the clock is step one.

✓A final order went against you and you want to begin an appeal before the deadline passes
✓You know appeals have strict timelines and you need the Notice filed correctly and on time
✓You want the record designated properly so the appeals court has what it needs to review
✓You're representing yourself on appeal and want the opening steps done right
An appeal that starts wrong can end before it begins. This prepares your Notice of Appeal and record designation to the court's rules, so your challenge is properly on file.

What this is

The two filings that actually open your appeal: the Notice of Appeal (which preserves your right to appeal under WASH. R. APP. P. 5.2) and the Designation of Clerk's Papers (which determines what evidence the appellate court can consider). Both prepared correctly and ready to file.

Most pro se appellants underestimate how important the record designation is. Get it wrong and the appellate court literally cannot consider half your evidence. We make sure that does not happen to you.

What you get

  • Notice of Appeal (RAP 5.2 compliant)
  • Designation of Clerk's Papers covering everything the brief will cite
  • Transcript order guidance (which hearings to order, why)
  • 1 round of corrections included
  • Deadline tracker for your case
Why this matters for your case
An appeal is built on the record. If a document was not in the trial court file, or if you did not designate it on appeal, the appellate court cannot look at it. This filing is where appeals get accidentally crippled before the brief is even written. We have done dozens of these. We know what to designate and what to skip - so when your brief writer reaches for evidence, it is there.
vs hiring an attorney
The same work. A fraction of the cost.
With an attorney
$1,500-$5,000
Notice + Record (often bundled into broader retainer)
Hourly rate: $300-$450/hour
Retainer required: $3,000-$10,000
With Family Court Navigator
$1,295
Notice of Appeal + Designation of Record
Flat fee. Pay once.
Delivered in 7 business days
You save
$605 to $4,105

We are not lawyers, and we do not give legal advice. We are Washington State document specialists who write the same court filings attorneys write - to the same Court of Appeals standards - at a flat fee instead of hourly billing. You stay on the case, you sign, you file. Most pro se appellants never had a real shot at affording an attorney for this work in the first place.

What happens after you buy

  1. You complete the appeal intake right after checkout
    The intake captures your case number, parties, deadline, and a short description of the issues. Your turnaround clock starts when intake is submitted.
  2. We draft both filings (7 business days)
    Within 7 business days you get both documents in your portal, ready to file.
  3. You file with the trial court and Court of Appeals
    You file with the trial court (for the Notice) and Court of Appeals (for the Designation of Record). One revision round is included if anything needs adjustment. If you want help walking through filing logistics, book a consultation or join a Navigator plan with messaging access.
Ready to begin?
Intake right after checkout. 7-business-day turnaround starts when intake is submitted.
$1,295 one-time
Not sure? Take a 60-second fit check →
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Need it faster? Rush turnaround is available on request - text (206) 776-3941 to arrange it (separate rush fee applies). Refundable up to 50% before intake.
Want to talk it through first?
60-min Appeals Consultation

Not sure if this is the right service for your case? Talk one-on-one with someone who knows appellate law. We review your order before the call. Walk out with a written plan tailored to your situation.

$200
60-min call · written recap
Book consultation →
Or read first
Plain-English appeals guides

Two Washington-specific guides written for parents handling their own appeal. Read first, decide later. Many parents arrive at services already knowing exactly what they need after reading these.

WA State Appeals Guide
$39
Appellate Brief Writing
$45
Get both - $74 (save $10) →