Opinion
13-24-00009-CV
02-23-2024
IN THE INTEREST OF E.M., W.S., CHILDREN
On appeal from 343rd District Court of Bee County, Texas.
Before Justices Longoria, Silva, and Pena
ORDER
PER CURIAM
This cause is before the Court on the first unopposed motion for extension of time to file appellant's brief filed by appellant W.S. This Court, having fully examined and considered appellant's motion is of the opinion that, in the interest of justice, appellant's first motion for extension of time to file his brief should be granted pursuant to this order.
We are bound by the Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure in parental termination cases. Appeals in parental termination and child protection cases are governed by the rules of appellate procedure for accelerated appeals but include additional expedited deadlines and procedures. See TEX. R. APP. P. 28.4; TEX. R. JUD. ADMIN. 6.2(a). The intermediate appellate courts are directed to ensure "as far as reasonably possible" that appeals are brought to final disposition within 180 days of the date the notice of appeal is filed. See TEX. R. JUD. ADMIN. 6.2(a). Because these appeals involve fundamental rights that necessitate expedited consideration, this Court requires strict adherence to the deadlines provided by the appellate rules and looks with disfavor upon the delays caused by requests for extensions of time. See TEX. R. APP. P. 38.6; see also id. R. 28.4.
Appellant's motion for extension of time to file his brief is granted, and appellant is ordered to file his appellate brief with this Court on or before 5:00 p.m. on March 11, 2024. Further motions for extension of time will not be favorably entertained by this Court, absent truly extraordinary circumstances alleged and supported by appropriate argument, authority, and any necessary evidence.