Brenda Simmons McGowen, Evelyn Simmons Woodfork, and the Unknown Heirs of Georgia Lee Riles v. Vanderbilt Mortgage & Finance, Inc.
Court
Court of Appeals of Texas
Decided
June 26, 2025
Jurisdiction
SA
Importance
44%
Practice Areas
Case Summary
Court of Appeals Tenth Appellate District of Texas 10-25-00171-CV Brenda Simmons McGowen and Evelyn Simmons Woodfork, Appellants v. Vanderbilt Mortgage & Finance, Inc., Appellee On appeal from the 278th District Court of Walker County, Texas Judge Tracy Sorenson, presiding Trial Court Cause No. 2029747 JUSTICE SMITH delivered the opinion of the Court. MEMORANDUM OPINION Brenda Simmons McGowen and Evelyn Simmons Woodfork appealed from a final judgment signed by the trial court on December 16, 2024. The appellants filed a motion for new trial on December 20, 2024. The appellants’ first notice of appeal was filed in the trial court on April 28, 2025. After that appeal was dismissed by this Court on May 29, 2025, the appellants filed a second notice of appeal in the trial court on June 2, 2025. See McGowen v. Vanderbilt Mortg. & Fin., Inc., No. 10-25-00138-CV, 2025 WL 1523017, 2025 Tex. App. LEXIS 3674 (Tex. App.—Waco May 29, 2025, no pet. h.). No motion for rehearing was filed in the earlier appeal, and nothing in the notice of appeal filed in this proceeding in the trial court indicates that the appellants were attempting to file a motion for rehearing of the prior appeal. By letter from the Clerk of this Court dated June 4, 2025, the appellants were informed that the second notice of appeal appeared to be untimely and a response was requested relating to whether this Court has jurisdiction over this appeal. No response has been filed. We find that the notice of appeal was not timely. Accordingly, we dismiss this appeal for want of jurisdiction. TEX. R. APP. P. 26.1; 42.3(a). STEVE SMITH Justice OPINION DELIVERED and FILED: June 26, 2025 Before Chief Justice Johnson, Justice Smith, and Justice Harris Appeal dismissed CV06 McGowen v. Vanderbilt Mortg. & Fin., Inc. Page 2
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Status
Decided
Date Decided
June 26, 2025
Jurisdiction
SA
Court Type
federal
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Case Summary
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Case Overview
Case Name: Brenda Simmons McGowen, Evelyn Simmons Woodfork, and the Unknown Heirs of Georgia Lee Riles v. Vanderbilt Mortgage & Finance, Inc.
Court: Court of Appeals of Texas
Date: June 26, 2025
Citation: Unknown
This case involves an appeal by Brenda Simmons McGowen and Evelyn Simmons Woodfork against Vanderbilt Mortgage & Finance, Inc. The appeal was filed following a final judgment from the 278th District Court of Walker County, Texas, presided over by Judge Tracy Sorenson. The appellants sought to challenge the trial court's decision but faced procedural hurdles regarding the timeliness of their appeal.
Key Legal Issues
- Timeliness of Appeal: Whether the second notice of appeal was filed within the appropriate time frame as mandated by Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure.
- Jurisdictional Concerns: The Court's authority to hear the appeal based on the timing and procedural compliance of the appellants.
Court's Decision
The Court of Appeals of Texas dismissed the appeal for want of jurisdiction. The dismissal was based on the finding that the notice of appeal was not timely filed, as per the Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure (TEX. R. APP. P. 26.1; 42.3(a)).
Legal Reasoning
Justice Steve Smith delivered the opinion of the Court, emphasizing the following points:
- The appellants filed their first notice of appeal on April 28, 2025, after the trial court's final judgment on December 16, 2024.
- The initial appeal was dismissed on May 29, 2025, due to procedural deficiencies, and the appellants subsequently filed a second notice of appeal on June 2, 2025.
- The Court noted that no motion for rehearing was filed regarding the earlier dismissal, which further complicated the jurisdictional standing of the second appeal.
Key Holdings
- The second notice of appeal was deemed untimely, leading to the dismissal of the case for lack of jurisdiction.
- The Court reaffirmed the importance of adhering to procedural timelines as outlined in the Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure.
Precedents and Citations
- McGowen v. Vanderbilt Mortg. & Fin., Inc., No. 10-25-00138-CV, 2025 WL 1523017, 2025 Tex. App. LEXIS 3674 (Tex. App.—Waco May 29, 2025, no pet. h.)
- Reference to Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure (TEX. R. APP. P. 26.1; 42.3(a)) regarding appeal timelines and jurisdiction.
Practical Implications
This case underscores the critical importance of adhering to procedural timelines in appellate practice. Legal practitioners must ensure that all notices of appeal and motions for rehearing are filed within the specified time frames to maintain jurisdiction. Failure to comply can result in dismissal, as seen in this case.
Additionally, this case serves as a reminder for appellants to thoroughly understand the procedural requirements of the appellate process, particularly in Texas, where strict adherence to timelines is enforced. Legal professionals should advise clients on the potential risks associated with procedural missteps to avoid unfavorable outcomes in future appeals.
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Case Details
Legal case information
Status
Decided
Date Decided
June 26, 2025
Jurisdiction
SA
Court Type
federal
Legal Significance
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Additional information
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