Holland Zahne Jones v. Michael Jones and Zamora Rodriguez
Court
Court of Appeals of Texas
Decided
June 20, 2025
Jurisdiction
SA
Importance
44%
Practice Areas
Case Summary
TEXAS COURT OF APPEALS, THIRD DISTRICT, AT AUSTIN NO. 03-25-00062-CV Holland Zahne Jones, Appellant v. Michael Jones and Zamora Rodriguez, Appellee FROM THE 353RD DISTRICT COURT OF TRAVIS COUNTY NO. D-1-FM-24-005736, THE HONORABLE JON N. WISSER, JUDGE PRESIDING MEMORANDUM OPINION Holland Zahne Jones filed a notice of appeal from the trial court’s “findings, conclusions, or recommendations” made at a hearing on August 21, 2024. The trial court signed “Temporary Orders in Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship” on October 24, 2024. The Temporary Orders state that the trial court heard Michael Jones and Zamora Rodriguez’s application for temporary orders on August 21, 2024. Upon initial review, the Clerk of this Court sent Jones a letter informing her that this Court appears to lack jurisdiction over the appeal because the trial court’s October 24, 2024 order does not appear to be an appealable order. In general, this Court’s jurisdiction is limited to appeals in which there exists a final or appealable judgment or order. See Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 51.012; Lehmann v. Har-Con Corp., 39 S.W.3d 191, 195 (Tex. 2001) (explaining that appeal generally may only be taken from final judgment that disposes of all pending parties and claims in record unless statute provides for interlocutory appeal). No statute provides for interlocutory appeal from the trial court’s October 24, 2024 order. The Clerk also informed Jones that the Court lacks jurisdiction over temporary orders rendered in a pending suit for modification of the parent-child relationship. Texas Family Code Section 105.001(e) expressly states: “Temporary orders rendered under this section are not subject to interlocutory appeal.” See In re Derzapf, 219 S.W.3d 327, 334–35 (Tex. 2007) (orig. proceeding) (per curiam) (granting mandamus relief from temporary orders related to grandparent access to children); see also Tex. R. App. P. 52 (governing original proceedings, including petitions for writ of mandamus). The Clerk requested a response on or before June 16, 2025, informing this Court of any basis that exists for jurisdiction. Jones filed a response that addresses the merits of her argument that the trial court erred by issuing temporary orders, but she did not put forth any argument that would allow this Court to exercise jurisdiction over nonappealable temporary orders. Because the trial court’s order from which Jones seeks to appeal is not an appealable interlocutory order, we dismiss the appeal for want of jurisdiction. See Tex. R. App. P. 42.3(a). __________________________________________ Gisela D. Triana, Justice Before Justices Triana, Theofanis, and Crump Dismissed for Want of Jurisdiction Filed: June 20, 2025 2
Case Details
Case Details
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Status
Decided
Date Decided
June 20, 2025
Jurisdiction
SA
Court Type
federal
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Case Summary
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Case Overview
In the case Holland Zahne Jones v. Michael Jones and Zamora Rodriguez, the Texas Court of Appeals addressed an appeal filed by Holland Zahne Jones concerning temporary orders issued in a suit affecting the parent-child relationship. The appeal was dismissed for lack of jurisdiction on June 20, 2025.
Key Legal Issues
The primary legal issues in this case revolved around:
- Jurisdiction of the Court of Appeals regarding temporary orders.
- Appealability of the trial court’s October 24, 2024 order.
Court's Decision
The Court of Appeals dismissed the appeal for want of jurisdiction, concluding that the order from which Jones sought to appeal was not an appealable interlocutory order.
Legal Reasoning
The Court's reasoning was based on several key points:
- Jurisdiction Limitations: The Court emphasized that its jurisdiction is limited to appeals involving final or appealable judgments or orders, as outlined in Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 51.012.
- Temporary Orders: The Court noted that temporary orders rendered under the Texas Family Code Section 105.001(e) are not subject to interlocutory appeal.
- Response to Jurisdiction Inquiry: Although Jones responded to the Clerk's inquiry regarding jurisdiction, her arguments focused on the merits of the trial court's decision rather than establishing a basis for jurisdiction.
Key Holdings
- The Texas Court of Appeals lacks jurisdiction over nonappealable temporary orders.
- Temporary orders related to parent-child relationships are not subject to interlocutory appeal under Texas law.
Precedents and Citations
- Lehmann v. Har-Con Corp., 39 S.W.3d 191 (Tex. 2001): Clarifies the appealability of judgments.
- In re Derzapf, 219 S.W.3d 327 (Tex. 2007): Discusses mandamus relief from temporary orders.
- Tex. R. App. P. 52: Governs original proceedings, including petitions for writ of mandamus.
Practical Implications
This case underscores the importance of understanding the limitations of appellate jurisdiction in Texas, particularly regarding temporary orders in family law cases. Legal practitioners should be aware that:
- Temporary Orders: Clients should be informed that temporary orders in family law matters may not be immediately appealable, which can affect their legal strategy.
- Jurisdictional Arguments: When appealing, it is crucial to establish a clear basis for jurisdiction to avoid dismissal.
This case serves as a reminder for legal professionals to navigate the complexities of family law and appellate procedures with diligence and care.
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Case Details
Legal case information
Status
Decided
Date Decided
June 20, 2025
Jurisdiction
SA
Court Type
federal
Legal Significance
Case importance metrics
Metadata
Additional information
Quick Actions
Case management tools