Unreported / Non-Citable
Background
Appellants appealed from a proceeding involving J.-J.O., a child, in the 30th District Court of Wichita County, Texas. Their appellate brief was due September 21, 2026, but they did not file one.
On October 5, 2026, the court of appeals warned that it could dismiss the appeal for want of prosecution unless Appellants filed, within ten days, both a brief and a motion reasonably explaining the brief’s untimeliness. More than ten days passed without a response.
The Court’s Holding
The Texas Second Court of Appeals dismissed the appeal for want of prosecution because Appellants failed to file a brief after receiving notice and an opportunity to cure the omission.
The court relied on Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure 38.8(a)(1), 42.3(b), and 43.2(f). It also ordered Appellants to pay all costs of the appeal.
Key Takeaways
- An appellant’s failure to timely file a brief may support dismissal for want of prosecution.
- The court gave Appellants notice and ten days to submit both the overdue brief and a motion explaining its untimeliness.
- Because Appellants did not respond, the court dismissed the appeal and assessed appellate costs against them.
Why It Matters
The decision underscores that appellate briefing deadlines carry dispositive consequences. When a court issues a warning and an opportunity to cure, failing to respond can end the appeal without review of its merits.