R. P. v. Texas Department of Family and Protective Services

Opinion

TEXAS COURT OF APPEALS, THIRD DISTRICT, AT AUSTIN

NO. 03-16-00769-CV

R. P., Appellant

v.

Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, Appellee

FROM THE 340TH DISTRICT COURT OF TOM GREEN COUNTY, NO. C150047CPS, GARY L. BANKS, JUDGE PRESIDING

ORDER

Appellant R.P. filed his notice of appeal on November 21, 2016. The appellate

record was complete December 5, 2016, making appellant’s brief due December 27, 2016.

On December 27, 2016, counsel for appellant filed a motion for extension of time to file

appellant’s brief.

Amendments to the rules of judicial administration accelerate the final disposition

of appeals from suits for termination of parental rights. See Tex. R. Jud. Admin. 6.2(a)

(providing 180 days for court’s final disposition). The accelerated schedule constrains this

Court’s leeway in granting extensions. In this instance, we will grant the motion and order

counsel to file appellant’s brief no later than January 17, 2017. If the brief is not filed by that

date, counsel may be required to show cause why she should not be held in contempt of court.

It is ordered on December 29, 2016.

Before Chief Justice Rose, Justices Goodwin and Bourland