What must a party do to initiate an appeal in New York?

To initiate an appeal in New York, a party must file a notice of appeal within a specified time frame after the judgment or order being appealed. This notice is crucial as it formally informs the court and all parties involved that the appealing party intends to contest the decision. The timing for filing is governed by the relevant rules, which typically require the notice to be filed within 30 days following the service of the order or judgment.

Filing a notice of appeal sets the stage for the appellate process, ensuring that the case can move forward through the proper channels of the appellate court. Other suggested actions, such as submitting a motion for reconsideration or requesting a hearing on the merits, do not serve as the means to formally initiate an appeal; rather, they pertain to different procedural aspects or are part of alternative routes for relief that do not necessarily signify the start of the appeals process. Additionally, preparing a trial brief is more related to the preparation for trial rather than an appellate procedure and is not required to begin an appeal.