In the Matter of the Marriage of Ashlee Desoree Johnston and Justin Ross Johnston and in the Interest of S.M.J., a Child v. the State of Texas
Court
Court of Appeals of Texas
Decided
July 31, 2025
Jurisdiction
SA
Importance
44%
Practice Areas
Case Summary
WITHDRAWN 8-6-2025 Court of Appeals Tenth Appellate District of Texas 10-25-00164-CV In the Matter of the Marriage of Ashlee Desoree Johnston and Justin Ross Johnston and in the Interest of S.M.J., a Child On appeal from the County Court at Law of Walker County, Texas Judge John R. Gaines, presiding Trial Court Cause No. D2420018 CHIEF JUSTICE JOHNSON delivered the opinion of the Court. MEMORANDUM OPINION Appellant, Justin Ross Johnston, appealed from a final decree of divorce signed by the trial court on March 21, 2025. On May 29, 2025, Appellant was notified that a docketing statement is required to be completed and returned to this Court within 21 days of that date. The required docketing statement was not received. See TEX. R. APP. P. 32.1. By letter dated June 25, 2025, the Clerk of this Court notified Appellant that the docketing statement has not been filed and warned him that the Court may dismiss the appeal without further notice if a docketing statement was not filed within twenty-one days from the date of the letter. See TEX. R. APP. P. 42.3(c). More than twenty-one days have passed, and we have not received the docketing statement. Accordingly, we dismiss this appeal. See TEX. R. APP. P. 32.1, 42.3(c); see also Hensley v. W.M. Specialty Mortg., LLC, No. 10-05-00322- CV, 2005 Tex. App. LEXIS 9614, at *1-2 (Tex. App.—Waco Nov. 16, 2005, no pet.) (mem. op.) (dismissing an appeal for failure to file a docketing statement). MATT JOHNSON Chief Justice OPINION DELIVERED and FILED: July 31, 2025 Before Chief Justice Johnson, Justice Smith, and Justice Harris Dismissed CV06 In the Matter of the Marriage of Johnston Page 2
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Status
Decided
Date Decided
July 31, 2025
Jurisdiction
SA
Court Type
federal
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Case Summary
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Case Overview
In the case In the Matter of the Marriage of Ashlee Desoree Johnston and Justin Ross Johnston and in the Interest of S.M.J., a Child, the Texas Court of Appeals addressed an appeal filed by Justin Ross Johnston against a final decree of divorce issued by the County Court at Law of Walker County, Texas. The ruling was delivered on July 31, 2025, by Chief Justice Matt Johnson.
Key Legal Issues
The primary legal issue in this case revolved around the failure to file a required docketing statement within the stipulated timeframe, which is essential for the appellate process in Texas. The court emphasized adherence to procedural rules as outlined in Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure.
Court's Decision
The Court of Appeals dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's failure to submit the necessary docketing statement. This dismissal was in accordance with TEX. R. APP. P. 32.1 and TEX. R. APP. P. 42.3(c), which provide the framework for procedural compliance in appellate cases.
Legal Reasoning
The court's reasoning was based on the following points:
- Notification of Requirements: The appellant was notified on May 29, 2025, about the requirement to submit a docketing statement within 21 days.
- Failure to Comply: After the deadline passed without compliance, the court issued a warning on June 25, 2025, indicating that failure to file could result in dismissal.
- Lack of Response: The absence of a docketing statement after the warning led the court to conclude that dismissal was warranted, as per established precedents.
Key Holdings
- The appeal was dismissed due to the failure to file a docketing statement as required by Texas procedural rules.
- The court reinforced the importance of compliance with procedural requirements in the appellate process.
Precedents and Citations
- Hensley v. W.M. Specialty Mortg., LLC, No. 10-05-00322-CV, 2005 Tex. App. LEXIS 9614 (Tex. App.—Waco Nov. 16, 2005, no pet.) was cited as a precedent for dismissing appeals based on procedural noncompliance.
Practical Implications
This case underscores the critical importance of adhering to procedural rules in appellate litigation. Legal practitioners should note the following implications:
- Timeliness: Ensure that all required documents, such as docketing statements, are filed within the specified timeframes to avoid dismissal.
- Communication: Maintain clear communication with clients regarding their responsibilities in the appellate process.
- Precedent Awareness: Be aware of relevant precedents that may impact the outcome of similar cases, particularly those concerning procedural compliance.
In conclusion, the dismissal of the appeal in Johnston v. Johnston serves as a reminder of the necessity for strict adherence to procedural rules in Texas appellate courts. Legal professionals must prioritize timely filings to safeguard their clients' interests in divorce and custody matters.
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Case Details
Legal case information
Status
Decided
Date Decided
July 31, 2025
Jurisdiction
SA
Court Type
federal
Legal Significance
Case importance metrics
Metadata
Additional information
Quick Actions
Case management tools