Unreported / Non-Citable
Background
Natalia A. Luyt appealed from a proceeding in the 231st District Court of Tarrant County, Texas, involving appellee Justin C. Luyt.
On July 1 and July 17, 2026, the court of appeals notified Natalia that it would dismiss the appeal under Texas Rule of Appellate Procedure 42.3(c) unless she paid the $205 filing fee. She did not pay the fee.
The Court’s Holding
The court dismissed the appeal because Natalia failed to comply with the procedural requirement to pay the filing fee. It relied on Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure 42.3(c) and 43.2(f), as well as the Texas Supreme Court’s August 28, 2015 fee order.
The court also ordered Natalia to pay all costs of the appeal under Texas Rule of Appellate Procedure 43.4.
Key Takeaways
- A Texas appellate court may dismiss an appeal when an appellant fails to pay the required filing fee after receiving notice.
- The court gave the appellant two notices before dismissing the appeal.
- The appellant was assessed all appellate costs.
Why It Matters
The decision underscores that failure to satisfy basic appellate procedural requirements can end an appeal without review of its merits. Attorneys and litigants should promptly address filing-fee notices to preserve appellate review.