(508) 736 - 6209 
Among the most common motions filed with the Massachusetts Appeals Court are those seeking additional time to file briefs. Under Mass. R. App. P. 19(a), the appellant must file a brief within 40 days after the date on which the appeal is docketed. The appellee’s brief must be filed within 30 days after service of the brief of the appellant. Thereafter, a reply brief for the appellant may be filed within 14 days after service of the brief of the appellee.
A party needing additional time to file a brief or reply brief must seek an extension from the Appeals Court. Mass. R. App. P. 14(b) provides that the Appeals Court may enlarge the time for doing any act prescribed by the rules, upon motion, for good cause shown. A party seeking an extension of time for an appellate brief should file a motion, supported by an affidavit, which establishes good cause for the extension.
The Appeals Court has indicated that such motions should be filed at least one week before the brief’s due date.
