Affirmed and Opinion Filed October 17, 2014
Court of Appeals
S In The
Fifth District of Texas at Dallas
No. 05-14-00710-CV
IN THE INTEREST OF T.N.A., ET AL., CHILDREN.
On Appeal from the 304th Judicial District Court
Dallas County, Texas
Trial Court Cause No. 12-1094-W-304
MEMORANDUM OPINION
Before Justices O’Neill, FitzGerald, and Stoddart
Opinion by Justice FitzGerald
The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services filed suit to terminate the
parental rights of appellant T.D.A. with respect to her seven children. During the litigation,
appellant signed a mediated settlement agreement in which she agreed to the termination of her
parental rights. After a hearing, the trial judge signed a decree terminating appellant’s parental
rights.
Appellant appealed, and counsel was appointed to represent her on appeal. Appellate
counsel then filed an Anders1 brief and a motion to withdraw, averring that the appeal is wholly
without merit and is frivolous. The Anders brief presents a professional evaluation of the record
1
Anders v. California, 386 U.S. 738 (1967). The Anders procedure applies in termination of parental rights cases. In re D.D., 279 S.W.3d
849, 850 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2009, pet. denied).
showing why, in effect, there are no arguable grounds to advance.2 Counsel certified that she
had delivered a copy of the brief to appellant and informed appellant of her right to review the
record and file a response. Appellant filed a one-page letter response.
We have reviewed the record, the Anders brief, and appellant’s response.3 We agree with
counsel’s assessment that the appeal is frivolous and without merit. We find nothing in the
record that might arguably support the appeal.
We affirm the trial court’s judgment and grant counsel’s motion to withdraw.
140710F.P05 /Kerry P. FitzGerald/
KERRY P. FITZGERALD
JUSTICE
2
See High v. State, 573 S.W.2d 807, 811–12 (Tex. Crim. App. [Panel Op.] 1978).
3
See Bledsoe v. State, 178 S.W.3d 824, 826–27 (Tex. Crim. App. 2005) (explaining appellate court’s duty in Anders cases).
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S
Court of Appeals
Fifth District of Texas at Dallas
JUDGMENT
IN THE INTEREST OF: T.N.A., ET AL., On Appeal from the 304th Judicial District
CHILDREN Court, Dallas County, Texas
Trial Court Cause No. 12-1094-W-304.
No. 05-14-00710-CV Opinion delivered by Justice FitzGerald.
Justices O’Neill and Stoddart participating.
In accordance with this Court’s opinion of this date, the judgment of the trial court is
AFFIRMED.
It is ORDERED that each party bear its own costs of this appeal.
Judgment entered October 17, 2014.
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