Section 26-17-20

Appeals.

(a) The State of Alabama, the person on the relation of whom the action is brought or the defendant may appeal from any final judgment rendered under the provisions of this chapter. Appeals shall be taken from the juvenile or family court division of either the district or circuit court to the circuit court for a trial de novo. On trial de novo, the parties shall not be entitled to a jury trial. Written notice of appeal shall be filed with the clerk of the circuit court within 14 days of the date of the order appealed from or the denial of a post trial motion. The defendant may file a supersedeas bond on appeal to stay enforcement of a support order, but a support order shall continue to accrue during the pendency of the appeal. Any party may appeal to the Court of Civil Appeals pursuant to the Alabama Rules of Appellate Procedure and the Alabama Rules of Juvenile Procedure upon the entry of a final judgment in the circuit court on the trial de novo. If the appeal is taken by the state, no security for the cost need be given.

(b) Appeals may be taken from the juvenile or family court division of the district or circuit court directly to the Court of Civil Appeals if there is an adequate record or stipulation of the facts by the parties. Provided, that this subsection shall specifically not be construed as requiring the juvenile and family court divisions of the district and circuit courts to maintain a record of the proceedings brought pursuant to the provisions of this chapter. Written notice of appeal in appeals brought pursuant to this subsection shall be filed within 14 days of the entry of the judgment or order appealed from.

(Acts 1984, No. 84-244, p. 375, §20; Acts 1997, No. 97-447, p. 772, §11.)