Art. 337 Preference

When someone appeals a case covered by these parts of the Children's Code, the court of appeals has to treat it as a priority. These cases involve things like child protection, custody, delinquency, and other matters listed in those specific sections of the law.

This means the appeals court can't let these cases sit and wait behind other, less time-sensitive matters. Instead, judges are required to move quickly and decide these appeals as soon as they reasonably can. The rule exists because cases involving children often need fast answers. Delays can hurt kids and families who are waiting to know what happens next with custody, placement, or other important decisions affecting their lives.