The 46-year-old Avery and his teenage nephew were convicted in 2007 of killing freelance photographer Teresa Halbach two years earlier.

Avery's attorneys have until Jan. 5 to file their post-conviction motion, a prelude to appealing the decision. Yesterday they asked for an extension.

In court documents, they said they needed more time to go through the volumes of transcripts, evidence and other documents.

Avery is sentenced to life with no possible parole. His nephew, Brendan Dassey, is serving a life term with possible parole after 41 years.

Halbach's remains were found in a fire pit near Avery's trailer home.