📅 2026 Update: Changes in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals

Since the original article was published, there have been important updates regarding the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Key changes involve new rules and fees that affect how appeals are handled. The following sections outline these updates, focusing on what matters most for understanding the current state of appeals.

📜 New Federal Rules and Amendments

On December 1, 2025, significant amendments to the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure (FRAP) took effect. These changes clarify procedures for certain bankruptcy appeals and codify the holding in *City of San Antonio v.*. Understanding these rules is essential for anyone considering an appeal.

  • 📅 Bankruptcy Rule Updates: The Judicial Conference approved amendments to various Bankruptcy Rules. This impacts how bankruptcy cases are processed in the appellate courts.

💰 Updated Fees and Costs

The costs associated with filing an appeal have also changed. The docketing fee for appealing a case is now set at $600.

  • 📄 PACER Access: Accessing federal court records through PACER costs $0.10 per page, with a maximum charge of $3.00 per document.

📝 New Forms for Appeals

Filing an appeal has specific requirements. The Notice of Appeal must be submitted using Form 1A.

  • 🖊️ Petition for Review: To seek a review of an agency's decision, use Form 3.

⏳ Notice of Appeal Deadlines

The general deadline for filing a notice of appeal remains at 30 days after the judgment or order is entered.

  • 📅 In Forma Pauperis Filing: Parties unable to pay fees can file a motion for permission to appeal in forma pauperis using Form 4.

📌 Key Updates Summary

  • 📜 New FRAP amendments were made in December 2025.
  • 💰 Docketing fee for appeals is now $600.
  • 📝 Notice of Appeal must use Form 1A.
  • ⏳ Deadline for notice of appeal is still 30 days.
  • 📄 PACER access costs $0.10 per page.

💡 Tips for Navigating the Appeals Process

Review the details of your specific situation with your attorney.

🖊️ Understand the New Rules

Familiarize yourself with the recent amendments to the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure. Knowing these changes can help you navigate the appeals process more effectively.

📅 Pay Attention to Deadlines

Make sure to file your notice of appeal within 30 days of the judgment. Missing this deadline can result in losing the right to appeal.

💰 Be Aware of Fees

Consider the $600 docketing fee and the costs associated with accessing court records. This can add up, so budget accordingly.

📝 Use Proper Forms

Ensure you are using the correct forms when filing your appeal. Using Form 1A for the notice of appeal and Form 3 for petitions will help avoid delays.

📄 Explore Fee Waivers

If you cannot afford the filing fees, check if you qualify for a fee waiver. This can make the appeals process more accessible.

📌 Utilize Public Resources

Take advantage of free public access terminals at courthouses to view case information without charge. This can be a helpful resource when preparing for your appeal.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What are the new filing fees for appeals?

The current docketing fee for filing an appeal is $600. This fee is part of the Court of Appeals Miscellaneous Fee Schedule.

📅 How long do I have to file a notice of appeal?

You generally have 30 days to file a notice of appeal after the judgment or order is entered. Missing this deadline can result in losing the right to appeal.

📝 What forms do I need to submit for an appeal?

You must use Form 1A for the notice of appeal and Form 3 for petitions for review. Using the correct forms is crucial for a smooth process.

💰 Are there any options for fee waivers?

Yes, courts can exempt individuals or groups from filing fees if they demonstrate financial need. This includes indigents and nonprofit organizations.

📁 Can I access court documents for free?

While accessing court records through PACER incurs a fee, viewing case information at public access terminals in courthouses is free.

⏳ How are bankruptcy appeals affected by recent changes?

Recent amendments to the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure clarify procedures for bankruptcy appeals. It is important to understand these changes if you are involved in such cases.

⚖️ Recent Cases Related to Appeals

Recent court rulings have further impacted the appellate process and clarified procedural rules. Understanding these decisions is essential for anyone considering an appeal or involved in the appeals process.

For more recent rulings, you can browse more rulings on the news page.

End of October 2026 Update






 



What is the United States Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals?



 

The Facts on the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals


The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, in the United States, is a federal court that possesses appellate jurisdiction over the various district courts in the following national jurisdictions:



 



District of Alaska



 



District of Arizona



 



Central District of California



 



Eastern District of California



 



Northern District of California



 



Southern District of California



 



District of Hawaii



 



District of Idaho



 



District of Montana



 



District of Nevada



 



District of Oregon



 



Eastern District of Washington



 



Western District of Washington



 



In addition to the aforementioned districts, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in the United States also possesses appellate jurisdiction over the District Court of Guam and the District of the Northern Mariana Islands—two United States’ operated territorial court systems.



 



The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals is headquartered in San Francisco California; the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals is the largest of the thirteen courts of appeals that currently operate in the United States. 



 



The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals is headed by 29 judgeships; each judge will travel around the aforementioned circuits, although the court will typically arrange its hearings based on a regional travelling system—for example, cases from the northern region of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals are typically heard in Portland or Seattle, while a cases in the Southern District of California will be heard in Pasadena. 



 



Chief Judges of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals:



 



The Chief Judges of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals possess a series of administrative responsibilities with respect to their underlying circuits; the Chief Judges of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals preside over any panel on which they serve unless a circuit justice (for example a Supreme Court Justice responsible for the circuit) is also established on the panel. Dissimilar to the Supreme Court, where one justice will be nominated to act as chief, the office of chief judge in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals will rotate among a series of circuit judges. 



 



To be positioned as a chief judge, the individual must been in active service within the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals for at least one year, while being younger than 65 years of age and having previously never served as chief judge. Any vacancy present in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals will be filled by the chief judge who has highest seniority among the pool of qualified judges. The chief judge of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals will serve for a term of seven years or until they reach age 70, whichever occurs first.