In the Interest of J. B. L., a Child (Mother)

Opinion

Court of Appeals of the State of Georgia

ATLANTA,____________________ April 20, 2020

The Court of Appeals hereby passes the following order:

A20A1551. IN THE INTEREST OF J. B. L., A CHILD (MOTHER).

The parents of J. B. L. were involved in a custody dispute that was transferred to juvenile court. After resolving the custody issue, the juvenile court entered an order on December 4, 2019, ordering the mother to pay the father $6,422.50 in attorney fees. The mother filed this direct appeal from that ruling. We, however, lack jurisdiction. Appeals of orders in domestic relations cases – including attorney fee awards – must be initiated by filing an application for discretionary appeal. OCGA § 5-6-35 (a) (2); Davidson v. Callaway, 274 Ga. 813, 814-815 (559 SE2d 728) (2002). The mother’s failure to follow the required appellate procedure deprives us of jurisdiction over this direct appeal, which is hereby DISMISSED.

Court of Appeals of the State of Georgia Clerk’s Office, Atlanta,____________________ 04/20/2020 I certify that the above is a true extract from the minutes of the Court of Appeals of Georgia. Witness my signature and the seal of said court hereto affixed the day and year last above written.

, Clerk.