Introduction
Filing an appeal can significantly increase the total cost of a legal case. Appeals court costs include filing fees, transcript expenses, and additional administrative charges. This guide explains how much an appeal typically costs in the United States and what expenses parties should expect.
What are Appeals Court Costs?
Appeals court costs are fees required to challenge a lower court’s decision in an appellate court. Unlike initial filings, appeals involve additional procedural requirements that can raise overall expenses.
Appeals may occur in state appellate courts or federal courts, depending on the case.
Appeals Court Filing Fees
Most appellate courts charge a filing fee to accept an appeal.
Typical filing fee ranges:
- State appellate courts: $100–$300
- Federal courts of appeal: approximately $505
These fees are mandatory and usually non-refundable.
Transcript and Record Preparation Costs
One of the largest appeal-related expenses is preparing the official record from the lower court.
These costs may include:
- Court reporter transcript fees
- Copying and certification of records
- Electronic filing preparation
Transcript costs can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on case length.
Additional Costs Associated With Appeals
Appeals often involve other expenses, such as:
- Motion filing fees
- Brief printing or formatting costs
- Clerk and administrative fees
- Postage and service costs
While some costs seem minor, they can add up quickly.
Who Pays Appeals Court Costs?
The party filing the appeal is generally responsible for paying upfront appeal costs. In some cases, courts may order the losing party to reimburse certain costs after the appeal is resolved.
Fee waivers may be available for individuals who meet financial hardship requirements.
Are Appeals Worth the Cost?
Appeals can be expensive and time-consuming. Parties should carefully consider the likelihood of success, potential benefits, and total costs before proceeding.
Understanding appeal expenses is an important part of estimating total court Filing Fees in the United States.
How Appeals Court Costs Affect Total Legal Expenses
Appeal costs are usually added on top of original trial-level court fees. This can significantly increase the overall cost of litigation, especially for complex cases.
For a full overview of court-related expenses, see our Court Costs in the United States guide.