NO. 07-03-0357-CV
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS
FOR THE SEVENTH DISTRICT OF TEXAS
AT AMARILLO
PANEL A
JULY 7, 2004
______________________________
NAVIN PATEL AND SEJAL PATEL, APPELLANT
V.
BIPIN PATEL AND MINAXI PATEL, APPELLEE
_________________________________
FROM THE 159TH DISTRICT COURT OF ANGELINA COUNTY;
NO. 33,117-00-5; HONORABLE PAUL E. WHITE, JUDGE
_______________________________
Before JOHNSON, C.J., and REAVIS and CAMPBELL, JJ.
MEMORANDUM OPINION
Appellants Navin Patel and Sejal Patel appeal from a judgment following a bench
trial, that appellees Bipin Patel and Minaxi Patel recover $53,493.98, plus attorney’s fees
in the amount of $17,613.00 from them. We abate the appeal and remand with directions
to the trial court to file findings of fact and conclusions of law.
Without the assistance of counsel, the parties signed a written contract for the sale
of a convenience store, its inventory, and certain real estate. Before the contract was
closed, appellants took possession and commenced operating the store; however, the
transaction was never closed. Appellees filed suit seeking possession of the property and
money damages. The case was tried on the merits on August 29, 2002, and on May 19,
2003, the trial court signed the judgment. Appellants requested the trial court file findings
of fact and conclusions of law on May 28, 2003, and on June 28, 2003, gave written notice
of past due findings of fact and conclusions of law. However, none were made nor filed.
By their first issue, appellants complain of the trial court’s failure to make and file
findings of fact and conclusions of law. Citing Brooks v. Housing Authority of City of El
Paso, 926 S.W.2d 316, 319 (Tex.App.--El Paso 1996, no writ), appellees acknowledge that
abatement and remand is the appropriate remedy,
Accordingly, we abate the appeal and remand this cause to the trial court. On
remand, the trial court is directed to file findings of fact and conclusions of law on or before
September 6, 2004, which date shall be deemed to be the 20th day after a timely request
for findings and conclusion for purposes of Tex. R. Civ. P. 297, 298, and 299a, which rules
shall apply to further proceedings in the trial court pursuant to this order. The trial court is
further directed to cause the trial court clerk to prepare and file a supplemental appellate
record which includes its findings of fact and conclusions of law.
2
Leave is granted to appellants to file an amended brief within 20 days after the
findings of fact and conclusions of law are filed in the trial court. Also, appellees may file
a reply brief to appellants’ amended brief within 20 days of the date appellants file their
brief.
Except as specifically set out otherwise, the provisions of the Texas Rules of
Appellate Procedure shall apply to further proceedings. Because the case was previously
submitted by oral argument, no further oral argument will be permitted, except upon motion
setting forth good cause.
It is so ordered.
Per Curiam
3