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In an effort to streamline the appellate process and improve efficiency, the Missouri Court of Appeals has announced new guidelines for appellate practice effective January 2, 2026. These guidelines will impact how cases are handled on appeal and aim to provide a clearer and more transparent framework for litigants and attorneys.One of the key changes includes a new requirement for electronic filing of appellate briefs. Attorneys will now be required to submit their briefs in a digital format, making it easier for judges to access and review the documents. This change is expected to expedite the review process and reduce the amount of time it takes for cases to be heard on appeal.Additionally, the court has introduced a new scheduling system for oral arguments. Attorneys will now be assigned specific dates and times for their oral arguments, providing more predictability and allowing for better coordination of court schedules. This change is intended to reduce delays and ensure that cases are heard in a timely manner.Another important update to the appellate practice guidelines is the requirement for attorneys to include a concise summary of the case at the beginning of their briefs. This summary will provide judges with a quick overview of the key issues in the case and help focus their attention on the most important arguments presented by the parties.Overall, these new appellate practice guidelines are designed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the appellate process in Missouri. By implementing these changes, the court hopes to provide a more streamlined and consistent approach to handling appeals, ultimately benefiting both litigants and attorneys involved in the appellate process.