TEXAS COURT OF APPEALS, THIRD DISTRICT, AT AUSTIN
NO. 03-21-00162-CV
J. H., Appellant
v.
Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, Appellee
FROM THE 146TH DISTRICT COURT OF BELL COUNTY
NO. 315,728-B, THE HONORABLE JACK WELDON JONES, JUDGE PRESIDING
ORDER
PER CURIAM
Appellant J. H. filed her notice of appeal on March 31, 2021. The appellate
record was complete on April 8, 2021, making appellant’s brief due on April 28, 2021. On
April 28, 2021, counsel for appellant filed a motion for extension of time to file appellant’s brief
requesting a new deadline of May 10, 2021. On May 11, 2021, counsel for appellant filed a
second motion for extension of time to file appellant’s brief.
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 dismiss as moot appellant’s first motion for extension of time,
grant appellant’s second motion for extension of time, and order Natalie N. Fowler to file
appellant’s brief no later than May 17, 2021. 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 May 12, 2021.
Before Justices Goodwin, Triana, and Kelly
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