Steven Lamont Thomas v. Carlene Michelle Thomas

Opinion

Court of Appeals of the State of Georgia

ATLANTA,____________________ August 26, 2025

The Court of Appeals hereby passes the following order:

A26A0224. STEVEN LAMONT THOMAS v. CARLENE MICHELLE THOMAS.

The trial court issued a final judgment and decree of divorce between Steven Lamont Thomas and Carlene Michelle Thomas. Steven filed a motion for new trial, which the trial court denied. Steven then filed this direct appeal. We, however, lack jurisdiction because “[a]ppeals from judgments or orders in divorce, alimony, and other domestic relations cases” must be initiated by filing an application for discretionary review. OCGA § 5-6-35 (a) (2), (b); see also Evans v. Jackson, 368 Ga. App. 170, 173 (1) (b) (889 SE2d 343) (2023). “Compliance with the discretionary appeals procedure is jurisdictional.” Smoak v. Dept. of Human Resources, 221 Ga. App. 257, 257 (471 SE2d 60) (1996). Steven’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,____________________ 08/26/2025 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.