Opinion
NO. 09-12-00016-CV
05-24-2012
IN THE INTEREST OF C.N.S. AND T.G.S.
On Appeal from the 75th District Court
Liberty County, Texas
Trial Cause No. CV1003318
ORDER
The trial court terminated the parental rights of the appellant. After appeal was perfected to this Court, appellant's appointed attorney filed a brief which urges this Court to review this appeal pursuant to Anders v. California, 386 U.S. 738, 87 S.Ct. 1396, 18 L.Ed.2d 493 (1967). Although this is a civil appeal, there is precedent for applying Anders to termination proceedings. In the Interest of K.D., 127 S.W.3d 66 (Tex. App— Houston [1st Dist.] 2003, no pet.). Appellant's attorney certified that a copy of the brief and a copy of the record have been furnished to appellant. Appellant's attorney notified appellant of his right to review the record and file a pro se brief, and the Court finds that appellant should be granted an extension of time to respond to the Anders brief and motion to withdraw that has been filed by counsel.
It is, therefore, ORDERED that appellant be given 40 days from the date hereof to file a response pro se. The motion to withdraw will be held in abeyance until appellant has had an opportunity to file his response and this Court has examined the record to determine if arguable grounds for an appeal exist.
It is, further, ORDERED that the appellee may file a reply brief, due 20 days from the date appellant files his pro se brief, or if no response is filed by appellant, 50 days from the date hereof.
PER CURIAM Before McKeithen, C.J., Gaultney and Horton, JJ.