NO. 01-13-00816-CV

In The

First District Court of Appeals of Texas

at Houston

Retaka Romeo Nelson, Appellant vs. Shannon Brochette Nelson, Appellee

On Appeal From

District Court No. 308, Cause 2012-04063

Harris County, Texas

THIRD AMENDED MOTION FOR REHEARING

Retaka Nelson

P.O. Box 7367

Los Angeles, CA 90007

Tel: (832) 590-9295

Email: thetakesta@gmail.com

Appellant-Petitioner, Pro Se

Third Amended Motion for Rehearing | Nelson v. Nelson | 01-13-00816-CV 

ACCEPTED

01-13-00816-CV

FIRST COURT OF APPEALS

HOUSTON, TEXAS

4/16/2015 1:30:02 PM

CHRISTOPHER PRINE

CLERK

 FILED IN 1st COURT OF APPEALS HOUSTON, TEXAS 4/16/2015 1:30:02 PM CHRISTOPHER A. PRINE Clerk
Identity of Parties and Counsel

PETITIONER/CROSS-RESPONDENT/APPELLANT: RETAKA ROMEO NELSON

Leif A. Olson

State Bar No. 24032801

leif@olsonappeals.com

PMB 188

4830 Wilson Road, Suite 300

Humble, Texas 77396

(281) 849-8382

Former Counsel on appeal

Edward C. Burwell

5151 Katy Freeway, Suite 140

Houston, Texas 77007

Former counsel in trial court

Retaka Nelson

P.O. Box 7367

Los Angeles, CA 90007

thetakesta@gmail.com

(832) 590-9295

Appellant-Petitioner, Pro Se

RESPONDENT/CROSS-PETITIONER/APPELLEE: SHANNON BROCHETTE NELSON

Shari Goldsberry

State Bar No. 24038398

shari@goldsberrylaw.com

3027 Marina Bay Drive, Suite 108

League City, Texas 77573

(281) 533-3030

Counsel on appeal

D. Michelle Tewal

950 Gemini, Suite 6

Houston, Texas 77058

Former Counsel in trial court

Third Amended Motion for Rehearing | Nelson v. Nelson | 01-13-00816-CV Page i
Table of Contents

Identity of Parties and Counsel..................................................................................... i

Table of Contents .........................................................................................................ii

Index of Authorities.....................................................................................................iii

Statement of the Case ................................................................................................... v

Statement on Oral Argument ....................................................................................... vi

Issues Presented.............................................................................................................vii

Glossary.....................................................................................................................viii

I. The trial court erred in rendering a judgment and order sustaining contest to 

pauper’s oath without notice and hearing. ................................................................ 1

Statement of Facts......................................................................................................... 1

Summary of Argument ................................................................................................. 1

Argument...................................................................................................................... 2

A. No Proof of Notice........................................................................................ 2

B. No Proof of Hearing ..................................................................................... 3

C. Fundamental Error of Due Process Violation .............................................. 4

D. Any Craddock Requirements........................................................................ 5

II. The trial court erred in rendering a final divorce decree without proper service 

of the counter-petition and citation ........................................................................... 7

Statement of Facts ........................................................................................................ 7

Summary of Argument ................................................................................................. 7

Argument...................................................................................................................... 8

A. Fundamental Error of Due Process Violation .............................................. 8

B. No Waiver of Service ................................................................................. 10

C. Any Craddock Requirements...................................................................... 13

Conclusion.................................................................................................................. 15

Third Amended Motion for Rehearing | Nelson v. Nelson | 01-13-00816-CV Page ii
Prayer.......................................................................................................................... 16

Certificate of Compliance .......................................................................................... 17

Certificate of Conference ........................................................................................... 17

Certificate of Service.................................................................................................. 18

Unsworn Declaration.................................................................................................. 19

Appendix .................................................................................................................... 20

Index of Authorities

CASES

Armstrong v. Manzo,380 U.S. 545, 550, 85 S.Ct. 1187, 1190, 14 L.Ed.2d 62 (1965) 5

Broussard v. Davila, 352 S.W.2d 753, 754 (Tex. Civ. App.—San Antonio 1961, no 

writ) .......................................................................................................................... 9

Caldwell II, 154 S.W.3d at 97 n.1.............................................................................. 14

Carr v. Smith, 22 S.W.2d 3d 128 (Tex.App. –Fort Worth, 2000, pet. denied).......... 14

Cf. Perkola v. Koelling & Assocs., Inc., 601 S.W.2d 110, 112 (Tex.Civ.App.-Dallas 

1980, writ dism'd)................................................................................................... 10

Cotton v. Cotton, 57 S.W.3d 506, 511 (Tex. App.--Waco 2001, no pet.) ................. 11

Craddock v. Sunshine Bus Lines, Inc., 134 Tex. 388, 133 S.W.2d 124 (1939)........... 5

Craddock, 1331 at S.W.2d 126 .................................................................................... 6

Director, State Employees Workers' Compensation Div. vs. Evans, 889 S.W.2d 266, 

270 (Tex. 1994)........................................................................................................ 7

Dolgencorp. Vs. Lerma, 288 S.W.3d 922, 929 (Tex. 2009) ........................................ 7

Dolly v. Aethos Commc’ns Sys., Inc., 10 S.W.3d 384, 388 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2000, 

no pet.)...................................................................................................................... 9

Ferguson & Co. v. Roll, 776 S.W.2d 692, 698 (Tex.App.—Dallas 1989, no writ)..... 5

Frederick v. Sebastian, Case 01-13-00727-CV (Tex. App. – Houston [1st Dist.], Oct. 

21, 2014)................................................................................................................... 3

Gen. Elec. Co. v. Falcon Ridge Apts., 811 S.W.2d 942, 944 (Tex.1991).................. 10

Green v. Green, 424 S.W.2d 479, 481 (Tex.Civ.App.-Tyler 1968, no writ);............ 10

In Re: Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, Realtor, Case 01–13–

00623–CV (Tex. App. – Houston [1st Dist.], Oct. 11, 2013)................................ 11

Third Amended Motion for Rehearing | Nelson v. Nelson | 01-13-00816-CV Page iii
Kastleman, v. Kastleman; Case 03-13-00133-CV (Tex. App. – Austin [3rd Dist.], Oct. 

23, 2014)(Before Justices Puryear, Rose, and Goodwin; On Motion For 

Rehearing; Supplemental Opinion).......................................................................... 5

Nabelek v. City of Houston, Case 01-06-01097-CV (Tex. App. – Houston [1st Dist.], 

Nov. 26, 2008)........................................................................................................ 14

Primate Constr., Inc. v. Silver, 884 S.W.2d 151, 153 (Tex. 1994) (citation omitted).

................................................................................................................................ 14

Rabbit Creek Oil Co. v. Shell Pet. Corp., Tex. Civ. App. 66 S.W.2d 737 .................. 4

Smith v. Amarillo Hosp. Dist., 672 S.W.2d 615, 617 (Tex.App.-Amarillo 1984, no 

writ) ........................................................................................................................ 11

St. Louis & S.F.R. Co. v. Hale, 109 Tex. 251, 206 S.W. 75 (1918).......................... 12

State v. Blue Diamond Oil Corp., Tex. Civ. App. 76 S.W.2d 852 .............................. 4

State v. Bristol Hotel Asset Co., 65 S.W.3d 638, 642–43 (Tex. 2001) (citation 

omitted)..................................................................................................................... 9

Texaco, 925 S.W.2d at 590......................................................................................... 13

Turner v. Turner, No. 14-98-00510-CV, 1999 WL 33659, at *3 (Tex. App.—

Houston [14th Dist.], Jan. 28, 1999, no pet.) ......................................................... 10

Walling v. Metcalfe, 863 S.W.2d 56, 58 (Tex.1993).................................................. 10

Wilson v. Dunn No. C-7796. 800 S.W.2d 833 (1990)................................................ 14

STATUTES

Tex. Fam. Code § 153.001 ........................................................................................... 6

Tex. Fam.Code § 153.502(a-1) .................................................................................... 6

RULES

Tex. R. App. P. 34.6(f)................................................................................................. 4

Tex. R. C. P. Rule 266................................................................................................ 14

Tex. R. Civ. P. 107 ....................................................................................................... 9

Tex. R. Civ. P. 21a ....................................................................................................... 3

Tex. R. Civ. P. 34.6(f)(4) ............................................................................................. 3

Tex. R. Civ. P. Rule 106............................................................................................... 9

Tex. R. Civ. P. Rule 124............................................................................................. 13

Tex. R. Civ. P. Rule 99(a).......................................................................................... 14

Tex.R.Civ.P. 239a ........................................................................................................ 3

Third Amended Motion for Rehearing | Nelson v. Nelson | 01-13-00816-CV Page iv
CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS

Tex. Const. Article I § 30(2) ........................................................................................ 6

Statement of the Case

Nature of the case Divorce with children

Trial court 308th District Court

Judge James Lombardino

(sitting as 312th District Court)1

Trial court

proceedings

Retaka petitioned for divorce, demanded a jury, and paid 

the jury fee.2 On the day of the final pretrial hearing, 

Shannon amended an earlier motion for sanctions. She 

requested the striking of Retaka’s jury demand and 

pleadings.3

Trial court

disposition

The trial court struck Retaka’s jury demand and petition 

and realigned Shannon as petitioner and Retaka as 

respondent.4 Following a bench trial, the trial court 

rendered a final decree that appointed as Shannon sole 

managing conservator of the couple’s two children.5

1 C.R. at 1323–24.

2 C.R. at 40–45, 657–660.

3 C.R. at 1513–1515.

4 5 R.R. 61:7–8, 99:17–22.

5 C.R. at 1523–63 (decree), C.R. 1525 (appointment).

Third Amended Motion for Rehearing | Nelson v. Nelson | 01-13-00816-CV Page v

 
Statement on Oral Argument

Retaka does not believe that oral argument is necessary.

Third Amended Motion for Rehearing | Nelson v. Nelson | 01-13-00816-CV Page vi
Issues Presented

Retaka’s statement of the issues presented on rehearing are:

I. The trial court erred in rendering a judgment and order sustaining contest to 

pauper’s oath without notice and hearing.

II. The trial court erred in rendering a final divorce decree without proper service 

of the counter-petition and citation.

Third Amended Motion for Rehearing | Nelson v. Nelson | 01-13-00816-CV Page vii
Glossary

This term: Refers to:

C.R. at x Court-ordered clerk’s record (filed Dec. 4, 2013)

at page x

JanRR xx:yy Reporter’s record of Jan. 29, 2013, hearing (filed

Feb. 19, 2014) at page x line yy

Retaka Appellant Retaka Romeo Nelson

x R.R. yy:zz Reporter’s record (filed Jan. 23, 2014) at volume

x, page yy, line zz

Shannon Appellee Shannon Brochette Nelson

Third Amended Motion for Rehearing | Nelson v. Nelson | 01-13-00816-CV Page viii
I. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN RENDERING A JUDGMENT AND ORDER 

SUSTAINING CONTEST TO PAUPER’S OATH WITHOUT NOTICE AND HEARING.

Statement of Facts

Retaka filed an affidavit of indigence along with his original divorce 

petition. The district clerk responded by sending notice of hearing to contest 

Retaka’s affidavit. Retaka used his sister’s address on the filings while he lived 

elsewhere. All court-related mail sent to him at his sister’s address was returned to 

sender as unknown. As a result he was unaware of the hearing and did not attend. 

The trial court sustained the contest by default judgment and order. Retaka was 

unable to challenge the sustained contest for abuse of discretion on appeal because 

the affidavit was missing as well as any transcript of the March 28, 2012 contest 

hearing. The order sustaining the contest was not signed on the 28th, it was signed 

on the 30th. The opinion suggested that trial court could sanction Retaka regardless 

of a new affidavit of indigence on the basis that the contest to his affidavit of 

indigence had already been sustained.

Summary of Argument

The default judgment and order sustaining contest to pauper’s oath is void 

or voidable for lack of notice and hearing. Lack of notice is shown on the face of 

the record. There is no transcript of the contest hearing, and thus no proof of an 

actual hearing. This fundamental error is a due process violation. Therefore, 

Third Amended Motion for Rehearing | Nelson v. Nelson | 01-13-00816-CV Page 1
indigence was established as a matter of law by the filing of his initial and 

subsequent uncontested affidavits of inability to pay amicus fees, he was entitled 

to a jury trial, and striking his jury demand, pleadings, and rendering judgment 

after a bench trial was reversible error.

Argument

A. NO PROOF OF NOTICE

Retaka did not receive notice of the contest hearing because all mail sent to 

his address on file, sent between February 8, 2012 to October 21st

, was returned as 

“return to sender – attempted – not known – unable to forward”.

6,7,8,9,10 The 

following mailed on February 23, 2012 would have been returned to sender:

• district clerk’s contest of affidavit of indigence (C.R. at 122-24)

• notice of hearing (C.R. at 125)

• proposed judgment and order sustaining contest to pauper’s oath (C.R. at 126)

• certificate of service (C.R. at 127)

Mere “notice left” per Track & Confirm®11,12 was rebutted13,14 later as 

“unclaimed”15 in a heard motion16,17. Even still, there was ample testimony that he 

never lived there, that his sister no longer lived there, and thus did not appear18. 

6 C.R. at 120-21 (District Clerk mailed out Feb. 15, 2012 and returned Feb 19th.)

7 C.R. at 212-13 (District Clerk mailed out Feb. 8, 2012 and returned Feb 11th.)

8 C.R. at 688-89 (District Clerk mailed out Oct. 5, 2012 and returned Oct 17th.)

9 C.R. at 706 (District Clerk mailed out Oct. 17, 2012 and returned Oct 21th.)

10 C.R. at 707 (District Clerk mailed out Oct. 5, 2012 and returned Oct 17th.)

11 C.R. at 1850

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Recitations in the judgment will not prove service when the record contains no 

independent evidence of service, such as a return.” State v. Bristol Hotel Asset Co., 

65 S.W.3d 638, 642–43 (Tex. 2001) (citation omitted). Retaka never received any 

postcard notice of the judgment and order sustaining contest as required.19

B. NO PROOF OF HEARING

The lost affidavit of indigence and March 28, 2012 contest hearing transcript

cannot be replaced by agreement of the parties. Tex. R. Civ. P. 34.6(f)(4) See 

emails. (Appendix Tab B). Shannon already thwarted Retaka’s motion for lost and 

destroyed records in open court. (9 R.R. 46:24-47:2.). The appeals court

ORDERED (“the remainder of the reporter’s record shall be filed in this court 

no later than February 28, 2014”)(Appendix Tab D). Still, there’s no affidavit, 

no transcript, and no proof that an actual contest hearing occurred.

12 Judicially notice that “Return Receipt Electronic records are kept for two years from the date 

of mailing.” http://faq.usps.com/?articleId=219152 ; USPS tracking No. 

70110470000212857690

13 Frederick v. Sebastian, Case 01-13-00727-CV (Tex. App. – Houston [1st Dist.], Oct. 21, 

2014), holding (“...certified mail envelope reflects that the post office “notified”... and then 

returned the item as “unclaimed”...The returned envelope bearing the post office’s “unclaimed” 

mark is sufficient to rebut the presumption of service. See Approximately, 261 S.W.3d at 189; 

Etheredge, 169 S.W.3d at 382; Rabie, 982 S.W.2d at 197”)

14 Tex. R. Civ. P. 21a (“Nothing herein shall preclude any party from offering proof that the 

notice or instrument was not received...and upon so finding, the court may extend the time for 

taking the action required of such party or grant such other relief as it deems just.”)

15 C.R. at 1691, 1698

16 C.R. at 1687-1708 

17 9 R.R. 11:15-19 File name in the record is “RR (VOL 09 OF 9) FLD 012314.pdf”

18 1 R.R. 6:18-32:25. (June 11, 2012 hearing. at record “RR (VOL 01 OF 03) FLD 022614.pdf”)

19 Tex.R.Civ.P. 239a

Third Amended Motion for Rehearing | Nelson v. Nelson | 01-13-00816-CV Page 3

 
The order sustaining the contest should be vacated and a new trial granted 

because the lost items were necessary to the appeals resolution. Tex. R. App. P. 

34.6(f). Retaka and the appeals court requested the affidavit and transcript.

REQUESTS FOR LOST AFFIDAVIT OF INDIGENCE

The Request for Documents to Be Included In Clerk's Record (C.R. at 2399-

2427) requested “Petitioner's Pauper's Oath, filed about January 21, 2012.” (C.R. at 

2421.) The Appeals Court Orders for Clerks Record (C.R. at 1760, C.R. at 2426)

requested affidavits of indigence and documents at Appellant’s request (Appendix 

Tab C; Appendix Tab D). The affidavit was timely requested.

REQUESTS FOR LOST TRANSCRIPT OF CONTEST HEARING

The Request to Prepare Reporter's Record Reporters Record (C.R. at 2394-

2398), requested “March 28, 2012 Hearing Transcript (C.R. at 2396) The emails to 

court reports requested supplementation. (Appendix Tab B). The transcript was 

timely requested.

C. FUNDAMENTAL ERROR OF DUE PROCESS VIOLATION

Where the statute requires notice and hearing, such prerequisite is 

jurisdictional, and its omission renders the order void. Rabbit Creek Oil Co. v. 

Shell Pet. Corp., Tex. Civ. App. 66 S.W.2d 737; State v. Blue Diamond Oil Corp., 

Tex. Civ. App. 76 S.W.2d 852

Third Amended Motion for Rehearing | Nelson v. Nelson | 01-13-00816-CV Page 4
Retaka may raise fundamental error for the first time in this motion for 

rehearing.

20 See Kastleman, v. Kastleman; Case 03-13-00133-CV (Tex. App. –

Austin [3rd Dist.], Oct. 23, 2014)(Before Justices Puryear, Rose, and Goodwin; On 

Motion For Rehearing; Supplemental Opinion). Failure to give notice violates "the 

most rudimentary demands of due process of law." Armstrong v. Manzo,380 U.S. 

545, 550, 85 S.Ct. 1187, 1190, 14 L.Ed.2d 62 (1965)

D. ANY CRADDOCK REQUIREMENTS

NOT INTENTIONAL OR THE RESULT OF CONSCIOUS INDIFFERENCE

Failure to receive notice, and appear, on March 28, 2012 to answer the 

contest to his affidavit was not intentional or the result of conscious indifference. 

Had he known that mail was being returned he would have updated his address. 

MERITORIOUS DEFENSE

Craddock requires a defendant who has suffered a default judgment to set 

up, but not prove, a meritorious defense. See Ferguson & Co. v. Roll, 776 S.W.2d 

692, 698 (Tex.App.—Dallas 1989, no writ) (citing Ivy v. Carrell, 407 S.W.2d 212, 

213 (Tex.1966)). See Craddock v. Sunshine Bus Lines, Inc., 134 Tex. 388, 133 

S.W.2d 124 (1939) 

20 Phifer v. Nacogdoches County Cent. Appraisal Dist., 45 S.W.3d 159, 166 (Tex. App.-Tyler

2000, pet. denied) (new argument asserting lack of jurisdiction could be raised for first time in 

motion for rehearing)

Third Amended Motion for Rehearing | Nelson v. Nelson | 01-13-00816-CV Page 5

 
The affidavit’s attestations of inability to pay served as a meritorious defense 

to any court presumption that he could pay filing fees and future amicus fees as 

security. Retaka could have shown at the contest hearing that he was receiving 

government entitlement from February 5, 2012 to July 31st. (C.R. at 1704-05). On 

reversal he could show that the court was not justified in upholding the contest.

Retaka was not intentionally avoiding service and notice of the contest 

hearing. He was living in a [domestic violence] shelter21 after Shannon had

received a ticket from the Sheriff's Office for physically assaulting him22,23,24,25. 

Shannon admitted to assaulting Retaka.26. Fleeing family violence with his 

children to provide a nonviolent environment for his children was statutory and 

public policy, and constitutional.

27,28,29 

NO UNDUE DELAY OR INJURY

Vacating the order sustaining contest to Retaka’s initial affidavit would not 

cause undue delay or injury.30 It would not cause him any undue delay or injury 

21 1 R.R. 13:14-12 (June 11, 2012 hearing. at record “RR (VOL 01 OF 03) FLD 022614.pdf”)

22 1 R.R. 30:23-25 (June 11, 2012 hearing. at record “RR (VOL 01 OF 03) FLD 022614.pdf”)

23 06B R.R.156-56 (June 11, 2013 trial evidence “RR (VOL 06B OF 9) FLD 012314.pdf”)

24 06B R.R.161-61 (June 11, 2013 trial evidence “RR (VOL 06B OF 9) FLD 012314.pdf”)

25 C.R. at 1770 (certified copy of 06B R.R. 161-61)

26 1 R.R. 88:13-95:6 (June 11, 2012 hearing. at record “RR (VOL 01 OF 03) FLD 022614.pdf”)

27 Tex. Fam. Code § 153.001

28 Tex. Fam.Code § 153.502(a-1)

29 Tex. Const. Article I § 30(2)

30 Craddock, 1331 at S.W.2d 126

Third Amended Motion for Rehearing | Nelson v. Nelson | 01-13-00816-CV Page 6

 
because it will assist the appeal.31 It would not cause Shannon any undue delay or 

injury because she is currently sole managing conservator.32 It would not cause the 

contest-clerk any undue delay or injury because he is not an interested party in the 

case. 

II. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN RENDERING A FINAL DIVORCE DECREE

WITHOUT PROPER SERVICE OF THE COUNTER-PETITION AND CITATION

Statement of Facts

Retaka filed an affidavit of indigence along with his original divorce 

petition. Shannon responded by serving her counter-petitioner via alternative 

service. Retaka used his sister’s address on the filings while he lived elsewhere. 

All court-related mail sent to him at his sister’s address was returned to sender as 

unknown. Retaka did not receive Shannon’s divorce papers. As a result he was 

unaware of Shannon’s court actions until later. The trial court signed an order 

determining that the alternative service was defective. It eventually struck 

Retaka’s pleadings and jury demand and signed the final divorce decree.

Summary of Argument

The Court should make a determination as to whether the trial court truly 

had jurisdictional authority to render a final judgment on the parties. When the 

31 Director, State Employees Workers' Compensation Div. vs. Evans, 889 S.W.2d 266, 270 (Tex. 

1994)

32 Dolgencorp. Vs. Lerma, 288 S.W.3d 922, 929 (Tex. 2009)

Third Amended Motion for Rehearing | Nelson v. Nelson | 01-13-00816-CV Page 7

 
trial court issued a signed order determining that Retaka was not properly served 

Shannon’s counter-petition and citation, and then subsequently struck his

pleadings, Retaka did not voluntarily generally appear and participate at the final 

trial on any question subject to his running objection to jurisdiction. Shannon was 

still required to properly serve Retaka prior to rendition of the final judgment 

because did not generally appear in the main suit and participate.

Argument

A. FUNDAMENTAL ERROR OF DUE PROCESS VIOLATION

NO PROOF OF SERVICE UPON THE FACE OF THE RECORD

The Final Decree should be reversed because there can be no judgment 

without service of Shannon’s counter-petition or citation. Tex. R. Civ. P. Rule 124

Shannon’s divorce counter-petition prayed "that citation and notice be 

issued as required by law" (C.R. at 56 ¶ 18). On August 17, 2012, the trial court 

signed an order (Appendix Tab P; See also C.R. at 370-72 ¶¶ 5-9) with written 

findings that the service address listed on the following documents were defective: 

• order granting alternative service (C.R. at 245-46)

• citation (C.R. at 260); See also (C.R. at 303)

• process server's affidavit (C.R. at 261)

• return of service (C.R. at 260); See also (C.R. at 303)

Third Amended Motion for Rehearing | Nelson v. Nelson | 01-13-00816-CV Page 8
The trial court found that “Retaka, did not receive proper service and notice 

of Shannon’s citation, counter-original petition for divorce, order granting

alternative service, and temporary restraining order, in accordance to the Texas 

Rules of Civil Procedure.” (C.R. at 370-72 ¶ 10) (“Where citation is executed by 

an alternative method as authorized by Rule 106, proof of service shall be made in

the manner ordered by the court.”) See Tex. R. Civ. P. 107. (“When a trial court 

orders substituted service under Tex. R. Civ. P. Rule 106, the only authority for the 

substituted service is the order itself.”) Dolly v. Aethos Commc’ns Sys., Inc., 10 

S.W.3d 384, 388 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2000, no pet.); Broussard v. Davila, 352 

S.W.2d 753, 754 (Tex. Civ. App.—San Antonio 1961, no writ).

Shannon then misstated this material fact to prevent the trial court 

from vacating the final decree.33 (“It seems that the basis of Mr. Nelson's 

motion to vacate is a lack of notice or service of the -- of my client's counterpetition for divorce, Your Honor. It was effective via substituted service.”)

Recitations in the judgment will not prove service when the record contains 

no independent evidence of service, such as a return.” State v. Bristol Hotel Asset

Co., 65 S.W.3d 638, 642–43 (Tex. 2001) (citation omitted).

Based on the trial court’s written findings of defects in service of process, 

and this court’s opinion that the trial court was justified in striking Retaka’s 

33 9 R.R. 10:22-25 File name in the record is “RR (VOL 09 OF 9) FLD 012314.pdf”

Third Amended Motion for Rehearing | Nelson v. Nelson | 01-13-00816-CV Page 9

 
pleadings, there was no live, valid citation and petition or counter-petition on 

which the trial court could render final judgment. The final judgment should be 

reversed because of defective service on the “face of the record”. Gen. Elec. Co. v. 

Falcon Ridge Apts., 811 S.W.2d 942, 944 (Tex.1991).

B. NO WAIVER OF SERVICE

ANCILLARY APPEARANCE IS NOT GENERAL APPEARANCE IN THE MAIN SUIT

Retaka appeared in ancillary matters on his own petition up until the day 

trial court struck his pleadings on June 6, 2013. See Tex. R. Civ. P. Rule 124. 

(“When a party asserts a counterclaim or a cross-claim against another party who 

has entered an appearance”). However, appearing in matters ancillary and prior to 

the main suit does not constitute a general appearance in the main suit. See, e.g., 

Turner v. Turner, No. 14-98-00510-CV, 1999 WL 33659, at *3 (Tex. App.—

Houston [14th Dist.], Jan. 28, 1999, no pet.) (“Here, because the temporary 

injunction hearing was related to an ancillary matter which did not resolve the 

issues of law or fact alleged in the underlying suit, we conclude counsel's 

appearance and participation did not constitute a general appearance.”) See Cf. 

Perkola v. Koelling & Assocs., Inc., 601 S.W.2d 110, 112 (Tex.Civ.App.-Dallas 

1980, writ dism'd) See also •Green v. Green, 424 S.W.2d 479, 481 (Tex.Civ.App.-

Tyler 1968, no writ); •See also Walling v. Metcalfe, 863 S.W.2d 56, 58 (Tex.1993). 

Third Amended Motion for Rehearing | Nelson v. Nelson | 01-13-00816-CV Page 10
A general appearance is normally in the form of an answer to the claims made in 

the suit. Cotton v. Cotton, 57 S.W.3d 506, 511 (Tex. App.--Waco 2001, no pet.)

MERE PRESENCE IN THE COURTROOM IS NOT AN APPEARANCE

Retaka in no way recognized that the cause was properly pending or that the 

court had jurisdiction at trial. See In Re: Texas Department of Family and 

Protective Services, Realtor, Case 01–13–00623–CV (Tex. App. – Houston [1st 

Dist.], Oct. 11, 2013):

To constitute an answer or appearance, one must seek judgment or 

adjudication on some question; although an act may relate to a pending case, 

“it does not constitute a general appearance if it in no way recognizes that 

the cause is properly pending or that the court has jurisdiction, and no 

affirmative action is sought from the court.” Invs. Diversified Servs., Inc. v. 

Bruner, 366 S.W.2d 810, 815 (Tex. Civ. App.—Houston 1963, writ ref’d 

n.r.e.), quoted in Dawson-Austin v. Austin, 968 S.W.2d 319, 322 (Tex. 

1998). “The emphasis is on a request for affirmative action, which impliedly 

recognizes the court’s jurisdiction over the parties, since the mere presence 

of a party or his attorney in the courtroom at the time of a hearing or a trial, 

where neither participates in the prosecution or defense of the action, is not 

an appearance.” See Seals v. Upper Trinity Reg’l Water Dist., 145 S.W.3d 

291, 297 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 2004, pet. dism’d).

See also Cotton v. Cotton, Case 10-00-338-CV (Tex. App. – Waco [10th 

Dist], Aug. 22, 2001) – citing Smith v. Amarillo Hosp. Dist., 672 S.W.2d 615, 617 

(Tex.App.-Amarillo 1984, no writ). The Amarillo Court concluded that (“Smith 

did not make a general appearance. He did nothing except sit at the counsel table, 

at the court's request, after being called forward, apparently from the audience. 

He filed no pleadings, neither took nor requested affirmative action and did not 

Third Amended Motion for Rehearing | Nelson v. Nelson | 01-13-00816-CV Page 11
participate in anything that occurred. He was, at best, a silent figurehead observing 

the proceedings. Thus, the trial court did not have personal jurisdiction over him 

and its judgment against him is a nullity.”) Likewise, this Court’s opinion held 

that Retaka did not participate in the trial.

NO VOLUNTARY GENERAL APPEARANCE IN THE MAIN SUIT

Retaka sat in the courtroom audience. When the trial court called him 

forward involuntarily, he objected to announcing ready.

34 He mainly objected on 

the grounds that the entire cause was in the wrong courtroom.35 That it should have 

been in Court No. 312 instead of 308. The trial court overruled his objections to 

jurisdiction. It also overruled his objection to announcing ready. It then noted his 

subsequent running objections on the same grounds.36 Thus any general 

appearance was involuntary. The trial court acknowledged Retaka’s appearance as 

involuntary when it signed the final decree as (“who appeared pro se, made a 

general appearance, and appeared at trial over objection of petitioner”). (C.R. at 

1523.) See St. Louis & S.F.R. Co. v. Hale, 109 Tex. 251, 206 S.W. 75 (1918)(“a 

general appearance occurs when the party “invokes the judgment of the court in 

any way on any question other than that of the court's jurisdiction, without being 

compelled to do so by previous ruling of the court sustaining the jurisdiction.”) –

34 (6 R.R. 7:11–17:25.) File name in the record is “RR (VOL 06 OF 9) FLD 012314.pdf”

35 (C.R. at 1323-1325)

36 (6 R.R. 18: 2 2 –19:22.) File name in the record is “RR (VOL 06 OF 9) FLD 012314.pdf”

Third Amended Motion for Rehearing | Nelson v. Nelson | 01-13-00816-CV Page 12

 
citing Accord, Toler v. Travis County Child Welfare Unit, 520 S.W.2d 834, 836 

(Tex.Civ.App.-Austin 1975, writ ref'd n.r.e.); • 2 R. McDonald, Texas Civil 

Practice § 9.04.C (1982). 

NO PARTICIPATION IN ‘THE DECISION-MAKING EVENT’ THAT RESULTED IN 

JUDGMENT ADJUDICATING THE APPELLANT'S RIGHTS

Any mere written statement that Retaka had made a general appearance for 

all purposes does not rise to the level of participation at trial. See Texaco, 925 

S.W.2d at 590. In Texaco, the Texas Supreme Court rejected the court of appeals' 

holding that the appellant participated at trial when it made a general appearance 

by announcing that it was ready for trial and announcing settlement. As stated, 

supra, this Court’s opinion held that Retaka did not participate in the trial.

NO ANSWER FILED AS TO THE COUNTER-CLAIMS

Shannon admitted at the final pretrial hearing that Retaka did not file an 

answer to her counter-claims.37

C. ANY CRADDOCK REQUIREMENTS

NOT INTENTIONAL OR THE RESULT OF CONSCIOUS INDIFFERENCE

Service was Shannon’s responsibility. Personal service of Shannon’s 

counter-petition was not required. Tex. R. Civ. P. Rule 124. However, she did not 

37 (5 R.R. 100:6–7.) File name in the record is “RR (VOL 05 OF 9) FLD 012314.pdf”

Third Amended Motion for Rehearing | Nelson v. Nelson | 01-13-00816-CV Page 13

 
reattempt service in any manner under Tex. R. Civ. P. Rule 21a. See Nabelek v. 

City of Houston, Case 01-06-01097-CV (Tex. App. – Houston [1st Dist.], Nov. 26, 

2008) – citing Primate Constr., Inc. v. Silver, 884 S.W.2d 151, 153 (Tex. 1994) 

(citation omitted). ("It is the responsibility of the one requesting service ... to see 

that service is properly accomplished.") See also Tex. R. Civ. P. Rule 99(a). In 

Wilson v. Dunn (“Dunn actually received the suit papers and actually knew of the 

pendency of the suit...Actual notice to a defendant, without proper service, is not 

sufficient to convey upon the court jurisdiction”) Wilson v. Dunn No. C-7796. 800 

S.W.2d 833 (1990)

Retaka had no duty to participate at trial. (“A party who has 

acquired knowledge but was not properly served has no duty to participate in the 

proceedings.”) See Caldwell II, 154 S.W.3d at 97 n.1. See also Wilson v. Dunn, 

800 S.W.2d 833, 837 (Tex. 1990)(“[M]ere knowledge of a pending suit does not 

place any duty on a defendant to act.”). He did not submit Jury questions, however 

“the distinction between oral and written questioning is virtually meaningless.” 

Carr v. Smith, 22 S.W.2d 3d 128 (Tex.App. –Fort Worth, 2000, pet. denied)

MERITORIOUS DEFENSE

In the event Retaka and Shannon cannot reach an agreement on decisions

regarding custody, visitation, and support (C.R. at 42 § V.5.), Retaka will 

establish key affirmative defenses to Shannon’s claims. Tex. R. C. P. Rule 266. 

Third Amended Motion for Rehearing | Nelson v. Nelson | 01-13-00816-CV Page 14
He will also remind the trial court of its pending sanction against Shannon by 

contempt for perjury. (1 R.R. 56:7–57:8)38 See footnote No. 37. He will remind 

the court of his own material claims (1 R.R. 8:10–24)

39 See also footnote No. 38. 

Above all, Retaka would address every ground in Shannon’s amended motion for 

sanctions that the trial court relied on to strike his jury demand and pleadings.

NO UNDUE DELAY OR INJURY

Vacating the final divorce decree would not cause undue delay or injury. It 

would not cause Retaka any undue delay or injury because it will assist the appeal. 

It would not cause Shannon any undue delay or injury because she is currently sole 

managing conservator.

Conclusion

The judgment and order sustaining contest to pauper’s oath was a default 

judgment because notice was not received. The transcript is missing and so is the 

affidavit of indigence although properly requested. Thus there is no proof that an 

actual contest hearing ever occurred to rebut the “missing” affidavit. Vacating the 

judgment and order sustaining the contest would effectually cause vacation of the 

sanction order that struck Retaka’s jury demand and pleadings. 

38 File name in the record is “RR (VOL 01 OF 01-Hearing 100212) FLD 021914.pdf”

39 File name in the record is “RR (VOL 01 OF 01-Hearing 100212) FLD 021914.pdf”

Third Amended Motion for Rehearing | Nelson v. Nelson | 01-13-00816-CV Page 15

 
The final divorce decree was rendered on a stricken petition and a courtdetermined defectively served counter-petition. Retaka did not voluntarily 

generally appear neither participated at trial. Both judgments and orders should be 

vacate or reversed for lack of due process. 

Relief

This Court should grant this motion for rehearing, withdraw its opinion and 

judgment of March 12, 2015, and issue a new opinion and a new judgment in their 

stead. This court should vacate the order sustaining contest to affidavit of 

indigence, reverse the trial court's judgment and remanding the case for a new jury 

trial. However, if the trial court had no authority to rule over the parties, this court 

should vacate the trial court's judgment and dismiss trial cause 2012-04063 but do 

not dismiss this appeal case 01-13-00816-CV. 

Prayer

WHEREFORE, Appellant prays that the Court grant the relief requested 

herein and such further relief, at law or in equity, to which it may be entitled.

Respectfully Submitted,

/s/ Retaka Nelson

Retaka Nelson

P.O. Box 7367

Los Angeles, CA 90007

Tel: (832) 590-9295

Email: thetakesta@gmail.com

Appellant-Petitioner, Pro Se

Third Amended Motion for Rehearing | Nelson v. Nelson | 01-13-00816-CV Page 16
Certificate of Compliance

Pursuant to Tex. R. App. P. 9.4, this is a computer-generated document that 

may be subject to a word limit under this rule. I hereby certify that the number of 

words in this document are 4,059. I have relied on the word count of the computer 

program used to prepare the document.

In calculating the length of this document, every word and every part of the 

document, including headings, footnotes, and quotations, have been counted except 

the following: caption, identity of parties and counsel, statement regarding oral 

argument, table of contents, index of authorities, statement of the case, statement 

of issues presented, statement of jurisdiction, statement of procedural history, 

signature, proof of service, certification, certificate of compliance, and appendix.

/s/ Retaka Nelson

Retaka Nelson

Certificate of Conference

Pursuant to Texas Rule of Appellate Procedure 49.12, a certificate of 

conference is not required for a motion for rehearing or en banc reconsideration of 

a panel's decision.

/s/ Retaka Nelson

Retaka Nelson

Third Amended Motion for Rehearing | Nelson v. Nelson | 01-13-00816-CV Page 17
Certificate of Service

I certify that a true copy of the all documents herein were served in 

accordance with rule 9.5 of the Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure on each party 

or that party’s lead counsel as follows:

Shannon Brochette Nelson Via Shari Goldsberry

PO Box 57765

Webster, TX 77598

Ph: (832) 240-6911

Email: sbnelson31@yahoo.com

Appellee

Shari Goldsberry Via E-Serve on 4/13/015

Texas Bar No. 24038398

Marina Bay Dr. Suite #108

League City, TX 77573

Ph: (281) 533-3030

Fx: (281) 533-3033

Email: shari@goldsberrylaw.com

Attorney for Appellee

A copy of this notice is being filed with the appellate clerk in accordance 

with rule 25.1(e) of the Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure.

/s/ Retaka Nelson

Retaka Nelson

Third Amended Motion for Rehearing | Nelson v. Nelson | 01-13-00816-CV Page 18
Unsworn Declaration

(Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Section 132.001)

My name is: Retaka Romeo Nelson. My date of birth is 01/05/1977, and my 

mailing address is: P.O. Box 7367, Los Angeles, CA 90007, Los Angeles County, 

United States of America. I declare under penalty of perjury that all information in 

this unsworn declaration and first amended motion for rehearing, and the attached 

documents is/are true and correct and within my personal knowledge. 

Signed in Los Angeles County, CA,

On this date: 04/14/2015

/s/ Retaka Nelson

Retaka Nelson

Pursuant to Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 132.001, an unsworn 

declaration may be used in lieu of a written sworn declaration, verification, 

certification, oath, or affidavit required by statute or required by a rule, order, or 

requirement adopted as provided by law. This provision does not apply to an oath 

of office or an oath required to be taken before a specified official other than a 

notary public. An unsworn declaration made under this section must be 1) in 

writing, 2) signed by the person making the declaration as true under penalty of 

perjury and 3) in substantially the form used above.

Third Amended Motion for Rehearing | Nelson v. Nelson | 01-13-00816-CV Page 19
Third	Amended	Motion	for	Rehearing	|	Nelson	v.	Nelson	|	01‐13‐00816‐CV	 Page	20	

Appendix 

Tab Contents 

 

A Order Sustaining Contest to Affidavit 

B Disagreements on Lost Records 

C First District Court Order to File Record 

D Requests and Order to Supplement 

E Tex. Fam. Code 153.001 and 153.502(a-1) 

F Tex. R. App. P. 34.6 

G Tex. R. Civ. P.266 

H Tex. R. Civ. P.107 

I Tex. R. Civ. P.21a 

J Tex. R. Civ. P. 106 

K Tex. R. Civ. P. 124 

L Tex. R. Civ. P. 99(a) 

M Tex. R. Civ. P. 239a 

N Tex. Const. Art. I sec 30(2) 

O Final Decree of Divorce 

P Signed Order of Written Findings of 

Defective Service of Counter-Petition and 

Citation 
Appendix Tab A: 

Judgment and Order 

Sustaining Contest to Pauper’s Oath
259

RET AKA ROMEO NELSON 

v. 

SHANNON BROCHETTE NELSON 

NO. 2012-04063 

§ 

§ 

§ 

§ 

§ 

IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF 

H~SCOUNTY,TEXAS 

312TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT 

JUDGMENT AND ORDER SUSTAINING CONTEST TO PAUPER'S OATH 

BE rt REMEMBERED that on this day, 3/z ... r . , 20 I 'l, , came on to be heard the 

Contest to the Affidavit of Inability to pay filing fees or post a Cost Bond of Affiant, in the above numbered and 

entitled cause. The Court, after considering the evidence and the argument of counsel, finds that Affiant 

RET AKA ROMEO NELSON is able to pay all filing fees, or to give security therefore, that the affidavit was 

not filed in good faith and that such contest should be and is hereby sustained. Affiant was notified by certified 

mail return receipt requested and regular mail. 

IT IS THEREFORE, ORDERED, ADJUDGED and DECREED, that the Contest to the Affidavit of Affiant 

RET AKA ROMEO NELSON to proceed in this matter without payment of the filing_ fees or any part .thereof, or 

to give security therefore is SUSTAINED. 

· IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the District Clerk of Harris County shall not proceed to process any 

further actions or settings on this case unless and until the Affiant RET AKA ROMEO NELSON pays in full all 

filing fees in the amount of $262.00 plus any and all costs incurred in the process of this case. Affiant shall pay 

the above.fees and costs on or before date ¢pin the event, the District Clerk of Harris County dOes 

~ot receive payment for all fees and costs on or before (date) ~ the c~se shall be dismissed without 

prejudice. Upon dismissal, the District Clerk of Harris County shall have a Judgment against Affiant RET AKA 

ROMEO NELSON in the amount of $262.00 for all costs and filing fees, together with the legal interest rate. 

' I 
Appendix Tab B: 

Emails Regarding Disagreements on 

Replacing Lost and Destroyed Records
Taka Take <thetakesta@gmail.com>

Fwd: Shannon's Trial & Appellate Attorney

1 message

Taka Take <thetakesta@gmail.com> Sat, Mar 29, 2014 at 6:38 PM

To: Leif Olson <leif@olsonappeals.com>

­­­­­­­­­­ Forwarded message ­­­­­­­­­­

From: Shari Goldsberry <shari@goldsberrylaw.com>

Date: Sun, Dec 8, 2013 at 3:40 PM

Subject: Re: Shannon's Trial & Appellate Attorney

To: thetakesta <thetakesta@gmail.com>

I only represent her on appeal.

Sent from my iPhone

On Dec 8, 2013, at 3:02 PM, thetakesta <thetakesta@gmail.com> wrote:

Cause No. 2012­04063

Appellate Case No. 01­13­00816

Mrs. Goldsberry,

Are you both Shannon's Appellate Attorney and her Trial Attorney? Or is Mrs. Tewal still her Trial

Attorney?

Regarding Lost and Destroyed Records, as well as Original Records on Appeal, I may need to file a

motion with the trial court, and I need to know which attorney to serve trial court notices on.

Also if you are Shannon's new trial attorney, can you ask Shannon if she is interested in signing an

Agreed Motion to Seal Trial Court Records from public view.

/s/ Retaka Nelson

Date: 12/8/2013
Taka Take <thetakesta@gmail.com>

Fwd: Stipulations

1 message

Taka Take <thetakesta@gmail.com> Sat, Mar 29, 2014 at 6:37 PM

To: Leif Olson <leif@olsonappeals.com>

Do you oppose

On Wed, Dec 4, 2013 at 2:46 PM, Shari Goldsberry <shari@goldsberrylaw.com> wrote:

We make no agreements regarding stipulations.

Thank you,

­Shari

Sent from my iPhone
Appendix Tab C: 

First District Court Order to File Record
District Clerk’s LetterOnReceipt NOAatt.wpd 

CHRIS DANIEL 

HARRIS COUNTY DISTRICT CLERK 

CIVIL/FAMILY POST TRIAL 

DATE: October 17, 2013

FIRST COURT OF APPEALS INFORMATION SHEET BY TRIAL COURT CLERK 

Note to trial court clerk: You are expected to file the clerk’s record by the original due date. If 

you cannot, you should advise the Clerk of the First Court of Appeals immediately in writing, 

stating the reason and the date by which the record will be filed. Generally speaking, for good 

cause shown, the Court will grant no more than two extensions from the original due date, 

each extension not to exceed 30 days. 

 Appellate Case Number 01-13-00816-CV

 Trial Court Case Number: 2012-04063 

Retaka Romeo Nelson vs. Shannon Brochette Nelson

 Trial Court Number 308TH 

______________________________________________________________________________

Information from Trial Court Clerk

 The clerk’s record will be completed and filed with the appellate court clerk by the 

original due date, subject to payment arrangements being made. 

XXX The clerk’s record will not be filed by the original due date. (Please state reasons below) 

 Reason(s): We received a correspondent by way of the runner (Scott) 10/16/2013 

asking to send Clerk’s record on indigence no later than (October 8, 2013); the file has 

been send to Imaged department (a box) to be imaged this week. I don’t know how long it’s 

going to take to get the entire filed imaged, but as soon as they finish we will send items 

pertaining to indigence Affidavit. Mr. Nelson Pauper Affidavit was denied 10/02/2013.

 I believe I can file the clerk’s record by , and I request an extension. 

 

 Appellant has not made payment arrangements. 

 Appellant has been notified that the clerk’s record is ready. 

 Appellant has made payment arrangements. 

Clerk’s Signature: _/S/ Patricia Tippins________________________________ 

 Patricia Tippins Civil/Family Post Trial Clerk 

 Harris County District Clerk 

 FILED IN 1st COURT OF APPEALS HOUSTON, TEXAS 10/17/2013 9:00:12 AM CHRISTOPHER A. PRINE Clerk

COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE

FIRST DISTRICT OF TEXAS AT HOUSTON

ORDER

Appellate case name: Retaka Romeo Nelson v. Shannon Brochette Nelson

Appellate case number: 01-13-00816-CV

Trial court case number: 2012-04063

Trial court: 308th District Court of Harris County

On October 4, 2013, appellant, Retaka Romeo Nelson, filed a motion challenging 

the trial court’s order sustaining a contest to his affidavit of indigence. See TEX. R. APP.

P. 20.1(j)(1). The motion was filed within 10 days after appellant filed his notice of 

appeal and within 10 days after the order sustaining the contest was signed. See TEX. R.

APP. P. 20.1(j)(2). Nevertheless, the trial court clerk did not file the clerk’s record related 

to indigence until October 30, 2013. See TEX. R. APP. P. 20.1(j)(3) (requiring record to 

be filed within three days after motion challenging order sustaining contest is filed). As a 

result, we were unable to rule on the motion within 10 days after it was filed, the motion 

was granted by operation of law, and appellant is entitled to proceed without advance 

payment of costs. See TEX. R. APP. P. 20.1(j)(4).

The Clerk of this Court is ORDERED to make an entry in this Court’s records 

that appellant is indigent and is allowed to proceed on appeal without advance payment 

of costs. See TEX. R. APP. P. 20.1(k), (n).

It is further ORDERED that the District Clerk file with this Court, within 30 days 

of the date of this order and at no cost to appellant, a clerk’s record containing the items 

specified in Texas Rule of Appellate Procedure 34.5(a), and that the Court Reporter file 

with this Court, within 30 days of the date of this order and at no cost to appellant, the

reporter’s record. See TEX. R. APP. P. 20.1(k), 35.1(a), (c).

Appellant’s brief is ORDERED filed with this Court within 30 days after the later 

of the date the clerk’s record is filed or the date the reporter’s record is filed. See TEX. R.

APP. P. 38.6(a). Appellee’s brief, if any, must be filed within 30 days after the date 

appellant’s brief is filed. See TEX. R. APP. P. 38.6(b).
Appellant’s “Motion to Sign Order Pursuant to Rule 20.1(J)(4)” and “Motion to 

Extend Time” are DISMISSED as moot.

It is so ORDERED.

Judge’s signature:/s/ Michael Massengale

 Acting individually  Acting for the Court

Date: November 5, 2013
Appendix Tab D: 

Requests and Orders to Supplement Record
Taka Take <thetakesta@gmail.com>

RE: Request to File Omitted Exhibits ­ Appellate Case 01­13­0016­CV;Nelson

v. Nelson

1 message

Geneva Villanueva <csrgenevapina@aol.com> Thu, Mar 20, 2014 at 5:08 PM

To: Taka Take <thetakesta@gmail.com>

Sorry. When I checked with the exhibit warehouse, the exhibits could not be located & I have my reporter

sheet showing I filed them.

From: Taka Take

Sent: 3/20/2014 12:56 AM

To: Leticia Salas; Geneva Pina; Hipolita Lopez; Hipolita Lopez

Subject: Request to File Omitted Exhibits ‐ Appellate Case 01‐13‐0016‐CV;Nelson v. Nelson

TO:

REPORTER HIPOLITA G. LOPEZ, and

REPORTER GENEVA M. VILLANUEVA

CC:

REPORTER LETICIA V. SALAS

RE:

Request to Supplement Omitted Exhibits from Reporter's Record, Divorce Cause 0122­04063; Appellate Case 01­

13­00816­CV

Hello, I did not see any exhibits attached to the following Reporter's Records below, which I originally requested

some months ago. Please let me know what exhibits you find as soon as possible and please file the missing

exhibits, and an index list of the omitted exhibits in the First Court of Appeals before the Appellant brief is due.

HEARING 6­12­12 (REPORTER HIPOLITA G. LOPEZ)

RR (VOL 01 OF 2) FLD 021114

HEARING 6­13­12 (REPORTER HIPOLITA G. LOPEZ)

RR (VOL 02 OF 2) FLD 021114

HEARING 6­11­12 (REPORTER GENEVA M. VILLANUEVA)

RR (VOL 01 OF 03) FLD 022614

HEARING 6­12­12 (REPORTER GENEVA M. VILLANUEVA)

RR (VOL 02 OF 03) FLD 022614

HEARING 6­13­12 (REPORTER GENEVA M. VILLANUEVA)

RR (VOL 03 OF 03) FLD 022614

Thank you

Retaka Nelson

832­90­9295
On Wed, Mar 19, 2014 at 4:22 AM, Leticia Salas <lsrealtime@gmail.com> wrote:

I will match it up and check it. Also, this volume was from the trial date 6/11/13

On Mar 19, 2014 1:09 AM, "Taka Take" <thetakesta@gmail.com> wrote:

Right only a portion was copied.

On Tue, Mar 18, 2014 at 7:29 AM, Leticia Salas <lsrealtime@gmail.com> wrote:

Okay. I will look for it.

Are you saying the whole document was not copied? Is that what you're looking for?

On Mon, Mar 17, 2014 at 10:51 PM, Taka Take <thetakesta@gmail.com> wrote:

I'll try to call you at work but here is what I'm seeking...The business records from SAFE was an exhibit

admitted into evidence at trial on 6/6/13.

Inside of the multiple pages of SAFE's business records there is a page called Harris County Sheriff's

Office ­ Citation, which is specifically page 161 of a 234 page PDF filed with the Appellate Court. All is

inside of the PDF that contains the trial exhibits.

On Mon, Mar 17, 2014 at 7:02 AM, Leticia Salas <lsrealtime@gmail.com> wrote:

You will need to call me at work, as I have the transcript file at work on the computer. Can you e­mail

me what you are talking about? I don't remember having a Volume 6B.

let me know.

E­mail me the portion and tell me exactly what you're talking about.

Thanks,

On Wed, Mar 12, 2014 at 7:46 PM, Taka Take <thetakesta@gmail.com> wrote:

Hi I will try to call tomorrow, I could not call this morning.

However if you have an evening phone I could call it.

On Wed, Mar 12, 2014 at 7:28 AM, Leticia Salas <lsrealtime@gmail.com> wrote:

Call me right now, it's a good time at 713­755­4802

On Tue, Mar 11, 2014 at 10:04 PM, Taka Take <thetakesta@gmail.com> wrote:

Mrs. Salas,

Hi, did you delete the audio recordings of the hearings?

Also thank you so much for all that you do. Do you have a phone number and preferred time

where I can I call you to ask a question about page 161 of RR (Vol 06B of 9) FLD 012314.pdf?

It is very important.
Thank you,

Taka

On Tue, Mar 11, 2014 at 2:11 PM, Leticia Salas <lsrealtime@gmail.com> wrote:

No I don't.

On Mar 10, 2014 5:10 PM, "Taka Take" <thetakesta@gmail.com> wrote:

Mrs. Salas,

Hello do you still have a copy of audio recordings of each hearing that you have

transcribed in my divorce case? The grey­colored audio recorder that I used to see in

Court 308 whenever you were reporting.

Taka

­­

The sky's the limit. Keep reaching for the stars!

Leticia V. Salas, CSR­RPR

­­

The sky's the limit. Keep reaching for the stars!

Leticia V. Salas, CSR­RPR

­­

The sky's the limit. Keep reaching for the stars!

Leticia V. Salas, CSR­RPR
Taka Take <thetakesta@gmail.com>

RE: NONCONCLUSIVE LIST of Hearings by Mrs Geneva, Mrs Hipolita, and Mrs

Majors on Docket Sheet

1 message

Majors, Barbara (DCA) <Barbara_Majors@justex.net> Fri, Nov 15, 2013 at 3:39 PM

To: thetakesta <thetakesta@gmail.com>

I will contact the reporters and forward your information.

From: thetakesta [mailto:thetakesta@gmail.com]

Sent: Wednesday, November 13, 2013 10:14 PM

To: Geneva Pina; Hipolita Lopez; Majors, Barbara (DCA)

Subject: NONCONCLUSIVE LIST of Hearings by Mrs Geneva, Mrs Hipolita, and Mrs Majors on Docket Sheet

Attached is a copy of the docket sheet that shows when Geneva, and Hipolita reported. This is only to help, and

is not to be considered conclusive of all hearings reported.

I cannot read who reported on 8/2/2012? Which reporter is 8/2/2012 on the docket sheet..."record by

Con___ Addison"? Who is that?

NONCONCLUSIVE LIST of Hearings

Cause 2012­04063, Court 312

Retaka Nelson
COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE

FIRST DISTRICT OF TEXAS AT HOUSTON

ORDER

Appellate case name: Retaka Romeo Nelson v. Shannon Brochette Nelson

Appellate case number: 01-13-00816-CV

Trial court case number: 2012-04063

Trial court: 308th District Court of Harris County

On November 5, 2013, this Court issued an order finding appellant to be indigent and 

ordered the filing of the reporter’s record by December 5, 2013, at no cost to appellant. On that 

date, eight court reporters filed a joint letter requesting that this Court either (i) order appellant to 

limit his record request to only those matters he intends to appeal or (ii) grant the reporters until 

March 5, 2014 to prepare the record requested by appellant.

The court reporters’ request is granted, in part. There is no requirement that an indigent 

appellant identify his appellate issues in advance of obtaining an appellate record — indeed, a 

record is usually required to determine what issues may be viable on appeal. The remainder of 

the reporter’s record shall be filed in this court no later than February 28, 2014. No further 

extensions will be granted absent extraordinary circumstances.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

Judge’s signature: /s/ Michael Massengale

Acting individually

Date: January 30, 2014
Appendix Tab E: 

Tex. Fam. Code § 153.001 

And 

Tex. Fam. Code § 153.502(a-1) 
FAMILY CODE

TITLE 5. THE PARENT-CHILD RELATIONSHIP AND THE SUIT AFFECTING THE

PARENT-CHILD RELATIONSHIP

SUBTITLE B. SUITS AFFECTING THE PARENT-CHILD RELATIONSHIP

CHAPTER 153. CONSERVATORSHIP, POSSESSION, AND ACCESS

SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS

Sec.A153.001.AAPUBLIC POLICY. (a) The public policy of this

state is to:

(1)AAassure that children will have frequent and

continuing contact with parents who have shown the ability to act in

the best interest of the child;

(2)AAprovide a safe, stable, and nonviolent environment

for the child; and

(3)AAencourage parents to share in the rights and

duties of raising their child after the parents have separated or

dissolved their marriage.

(b)AAA court may not render an order that conditions the

right of a conservator to possession of or access to a child on the

payment of child support.

Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995.

Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 751, Sec. 25, eff. Sept. 1,

1995; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 787, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.

Sec.A153.002.AABEST INTEREST OF CHILD. The best interest of

the child shall always be the primary consideration of the court in

determining the issues of conservatorship and possession of and

access to the child.

Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995.

Sec.A153.003.AANO DISCRIMINATION BASED ON SEX OR MARITAL

STATUS. The court shall consider the qualifications of the parties

without regard to their marital status or to the sex of the party or

the child in determining:

(1)AAwhich party to appoint as sole managing

conservator;

1
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995. 

Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 561, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 

1997; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1390, Sec. 13, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.

Amended by: 

Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 484 (H.B. 261), Sec. 5, eff. 

September 1, 2005.

SUBCHAPTER I. PREVENTION OF INTERNATIONAL PARENTAL CHILD ABDUCTION

Sec. 153.501. NECESSITY OF MEASURES TO PREVENT INTERNATIONAL 

PARENTAL CHILD ABDUCTION. (a) In a suit, if credible evidence is 

presented to the court indicating a potential risk of the 

international abduction of a child by a parent of the child, the 

court, on its own motion or at the request of a party to the suit, 

shall determine under this section whether it is necessary for the 

court to take one or more of the measures described by Section 

153.503 to protect the child from the risk of abduction by the 

parent.

(b) In determining whether to take any of the measures 

described by Section 153.503, the court shall consider:

(1) the public policies of this state described by 

Section 153.001(a) and the consideration of the best interest of 

the child under Section 153.002;

(2) the risk of international abduction of the child by a 

parent of the child based on the court's evaluation of the risk 

factors described by Section 153.502;

(3) any obstacles to locating, recovering, and returning 

the child if the child is abducted to a foreign country; and

(4) the potential physical or psychological harm to the 

child if the child is abducted to a foreign country.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 612, Sec. 1, eff. June 20, 2003.

Sec. 153.502. ABDUCTION RISK FACTORS. (a) To determine 

whether there is a risk of the international abduction of a child 

by a parent of the child, the court shall consider evidence that 

the parent:
(1) has taken, enticed away, kept, withheld, or concealed 

a child in violation of another person's right of possession of or 

access to the child, unless the parent presents evidence that the 

parent believed in good faith that the parent's conduct was 

necessary to avoid imminent harm to the child or the parent;

(2) has previously threatened to take, entice away, keep, 

withhold, or conceal a child in violation of another person's right 

of possession of or access to the child;

(3) lacks financial reason to stay in the United States, 

including evidence that the parent is financially independent, is 

able to work outside of the United States, or is unemployed;

(4) has recently engaged in planning activities that 

could facilitate the removal of the child from the United States by 

the parent, including:

(A) quitting a job;

(B) selling a primary residence;

(C) terminating a lease;

(D) closing bank accounts;

(E) liquidating other assets;

(F) hiding or destroying documents;

(G) applying for a passport or visa or obtaining 

other travel documents for the parent or the child; or

(H) applying to obtain the child's birth certificate 

or school or medical records;

(5) has a history of domestic violence that the court is 

required to consider under Section 153.004; or

(6) has a criminal history or a history of violating 

court orders.

(a-1) In considering evidence of planning activities under 

Subsection (a)(4), the court also shall consider any evidence that 

the parent was engaging in those activities as a part of a safety 

plan to flee from family violence.

(b) If the court finds that there is credible evidence of a 

risk of abduction of the child by a parent of the child based on 

the court's consideration of the factors in Subsection (a), the 

court shall also consider evidence regarding the following factors 

to evaluate the risk of international abduction of the child by a 

parent:
Appendix Tab F:

Tex. R. App. P. 34.6
Page 40 TEXAS RULES OF APPELLATE PROCEDURE

(1) Time for Request. At any time before the

clerk’s record is prepared, any party may file

with the trial court clerk a written designation

specifying items to be included in the record.

(2) Request Must be Specific. A party requesting

that an item be included in the clerk’s record

must specifically describe the item so that the

clerk can readily identify it. The clerk will

disregard a general designation, such as one for

“all papers filed in the case.”

(3) Requesting Unnecessary Items. In a civil case,

if a party requests that more items than

necessary be included in the clerk’s record or

any supplement, the appellate court may —

regardless of the appeal's outcome — require

that party to pay the costs for the preparation of

the unnecessary portion.

(4) Failure to Timely Request. An appellate court

must not refuse to file the clerk’s record or a

supplemental clerk’s record because of a

failure to timely request items to be included in

the clerk’s record.

(c) Supplementation.

(1) If a relevant item has been omitted from the

clerk’s record, the trial court, the appellate

court, or any party may by letter direct the trial

court clerk to prepare, certify, and file in the

appellate court a supplement containing the

omitted item.

(2) If the appellate court in a criminal case orders

the trial court to prepare and file findings of

fact and conclusions of law as required by law,

or certification of the defendant's right of

appeal as required by these rules, the trial court

clerk must prepare, certify, and file in the

appellate court a supplemental clerk’s record

containing those findings and conclusions.

(3) Any supplemental clerk’s record will be part of

the appellate record.

(d) Defects or Inaccuracies. If the clerk’s record is

defective or inaccurate, the appellate clerk must

inform the trial court clerk of the defect or

inaccuracy and instruct the clerk to make the

correction.

(e) Clerk’s Record Lost or Destroyed. If a filing

designated for inclusion in the clerk’s record has

been lost or destroyed, the parties may, by written

stipulation, deliver a copy of that item to the trial

court clerk for inclusion in the clerk’s record or a

supplement. If the parties cannot agree, the trial

court must — on any party's motion or at the

appellate court's request — determine what

constitutes an accurate copy of the missing item and

order it to be included in the clerk’s record or a

supplement.

(f) Original Documents. If the trial court determines

that original documents filed with the trial court

clerk should be inspected by the appellate court or

sent to that court in lieu of copies, the trial court

must make an order for the safekeeping,

transportation, and return of those original

documents. The order must list the original

documents and briefly describe them. All the

documents must be arranged in their listed sequence

and bound firmly together. On any party's motion or

its own initiative, the appellate court may direct the

trial court clerk to send it any original document.

(g) Additional Copies of Clerk’s Record in Criminal

Cases. In a criminal case, the clerk’s record must be

made in duplicate, and in a case in which the death

penalty was assessed, in triplicate. The trial court

clerk must retain the copy or copies for the parties to

use with the court’s permission.

(h) Clerk May Consult With Parties. The clerk may

consult with the parties concerning the contents of

the clerk’s record.

34.6. Reporter’s Record

(a) Contents.

(1) Stenographic Recording. If the proceedings

were stenographically recorded, the reporter’s

record consists of the court reporter’s

transcription of so much of the proceedings,

and any of the exhibits, that the parties to the

appeal designate.

(2) Electronic Recording. If the proceedings were

electronically recorded, the reporter’s record

consists of certified copies of all tapes or other

audio-storage devices on which the

proceedings were recorded, any of the exhibits

that the parties to the appeal designate, and

certified copies of the logs prepared by the

court recorder under Rule 13.2.

(b) Request for preparation.

(1) Request to Court Reporter. At or before the

time for perfecting the appeal, the appellant

must request in writing that the official reporter

40
TEXAS RULES OF APPELLATE PROCEDURE Page 41

prepare the reporter’s record. The request must

designate the exhibits to be included. A request

to the court reporter — but not the court

recorder — must also designate the portions of

the proceedings to be included.

(2) Filing. The appellant must file a copy of the

request with the trial court clerk.

(3) Failure to Timely Request. An appellate court

must not refuse to file a reporter’s record or a

supplemental reporter’s record because of a

failure to timely request it.

(c) Partial Reporter’s Record.

(1) Effect on Appellate Points or Issues. If the

appellant requests a partial reporter’s record,

the appellant must include in the request a

statement of the points or issues to be presented

on appeal and will then be limited to those

points or issues.

(2) Other Parties May Designate Additions. Any

other party may designate additional exhibits

and portions of the testimony to be included in

the reporter’s record.

(3) Costs; Requesting Unnecessary Matter.

Additions requested by another party must be

included in the reporter’s record at the

appellant's cost. But if the trial court finds that

all or part of the designated additions are

unnecessary to the appeal, the trial court may

order the other party to pay the costs for the

preparation of the unnecessary additions. This

paragraph does not affect the appellate court's

power to tax costs differently.

(4) Presumptions. The appellate court must

presume that the partial reporter’s record

designated by the parties constitutes the entire

record for purposes of reviewing the stated

points or issues. This presumption applies even

if the statement includes a point or issue

complaining of the legal or factual

insufficiency of the evidence to support a

specific factual finding identified in that point

or issue.

(5) Criminal Cases. In a criminal case, if the

statement contains a point complaining that the

evidence is insufficient to support a finding of

guilt, the record must include all the evidence

admitted at the trial on the issue of guilt or

innocence and punishment.

(d) Supplementation. If anything relevant is omitted

from the reporter’s record, the trial court, the

appellate court, or any party may by letter direct the

official court reporter to prepare, certify, and file in

the appellate court a supplemental reporter’s record

containing the omitted items. Any supplemental

reporter’s record is part of the appellate record.

(e) Inaccuracies in the Reporter’s Record.

(1) Correction of Inaccuracies by Agreement. The

parties may agree to correct an inaccuracy in

the reporter’s record, including an exhibit,

without the court reporter's recertification.

(2) Correction of Inaccuracies by Trial Court. If

the parties cannot agree on whether or how to

correct the reporter's record so that the text

accurately discloses what occurred in the trial

court and the exhibits are accurate, the trial

court must – after notice and hearing – settle

the dispute. If the court finds any inaccuracy,

it must order the court reporter to conform the

reporter’s record (including text and any

exhibits) to what occurred in the trial court, and

to file certified corrections in the appellate

court.

(3) Correction After Filing in Appellate Court. If

the dispute arises after the reporter’s record has

been filed in the appellate court, that court may

submit the dispute to the trial court for

resolution. The trial court must then proceed as

under subparagraph (e)(2).

(f) Reporter’s Record Lost or Destroyed. An appellant

is entitled to a new trial under the following

circumstances:

(1) if the appellant has timely requested a

reporter’s record;

(2) if, without the appellant's fault, a significant

exhibit or a significant portion of the court

reporter's notes and records has been lost or

destroyed or – if the proceedings were

electronically recorded – a significant portion

of the recording has been lost or destroyed or is

inaudible;

(3) if the lost, destroyed, or inaudible portion of

the reporter’s record, or the lost or destroyed

exhibit, is necessary to the appeal's resolution;

and

(4) if the lost, destroyed or inaudible portion of the

reporter's record cannot be replaced by

41
Page 42 TEXAS RULES OF APPELLATE PROCEDURE

agreement of the parties, or the lost or

destroyed exhibit cannot be replaced either by

agreement of the parties or with a copy

determined by the trial court to accurately

duplicate with reasonable certainty the original

exhibit.

(g) Original Exhibits.

(1) Reporter May Use in Preparing Reporter’s

Record. At the court reporter's request, the trial

court clerk must give all original exhibits to the

reporter for use in preparing the reporter’s

record. Unless ordered to include original

exhibits in the reporter’s record, the court

reporter must return the original exhibits to the

clerk after copying them for inclusion in the

reporter’s record. If someone other than the

trial court clerk possesses an original exhibit,

either the trial court or the appellate court may

order that person to deliver the exhibit to the

trial court clerk.

(2) Use of Original Exhibits by Appellate Court. If

the trial court determines that original exhibits

should be inspected by the appellate court or

sent to that court in lieu of copies, the trial

court must make an order for the safekeeping,

transportation, and return of those exhibits. The

order must list the exhibits and briefly describe

them. To the extent practicable, all the exhibits

must be arranged in their listed order and

bound firmly together before being sent to the

appellate clerk. On any party's motion or its

own initiative, the appellate court may direct

the trial court clerk to send it any original

exhibit.

(h) Additional Copies of Reporter’s Record in Criminal

Cases. In a criminal case in which a party requests 

a reporter’s record, the court reporter must prepare a

duplicate of the reporter’s record and file it with the

trial court clerk. In a case where the death penalty

was assessed, the court reporter must prepare two

duplicates of the reporter’s record.

(i) Supreme Court and Court of Criminal Appeals May

Set Fee. From time to time, the Supreme Court and

the Court of Criminal Appeals may set the fee that

the court reporters may charge for preparing the

reporter’s record.

Notes and Comments

Comment to 1997 change: Former Rules 50, 51 and 53 are

merged. Clerk’s record is substituted for transcript, and

reporter’s record is substituted for statement of facts throughout

the rules. In subdivision 34.2, the requisites of an agreed record

are more clearly stated. Former Rule 50(d), regarding the burden

to file a complete record, is repealed. Subdivision 34.4 is from

former Rules 51(c) and 53(h). Former Rule 50(f), regarding a

violation of the rules, is repealed. Subparagraph 34.5(b)(3)

allows the appellate court to tax costs against a party for

requiring unnecessary items to be included in the clerk’s record. 

Paragraph 34.5(c) is new and provides for supplementation of the

clerk’s record. The provisions of paragraph 34.5(d) are from

former Rule 55(b). The provisions of paragraph 34.5(e) are from

former Rule 50(e). Paragraph 34.5(h) specifically allows the

clerk to consult with the parties to determine the contents of the

clerk’s record. Paragraph 34.6(a), defining the reporter’s record,

is new. Former Rules 53(b) (Other Requests), (d) (Partial

Statement), and (e) (Unnecessary Portions) are merged into

paragraph 34.6(c). Paragraph 34.6(d) is new. Paragraph 34.6(e)

is from former Rule 55. Paragraph 34.6(f) is from former Rule

50(d). The provisions of former Rules 53(f) (Certification by

Court Reporter) and (h) (Form) are moved to the Order of the

Supreme Court and the Court of Criminal Appeals on the

preparation of the record. Former Rule 53(I) (Narrative

Statement) is repealed. The provisions of former Rule 53(j)

(Free Statement of Facts) are moved to Rule 20. Former Rule

53(k) (Duty of Appellant to File) is repealed; it is now the duty

of the court reporter to file the reporter’s record. Paragraph

34.6(g) is from former Rule 51(d). Former Rule 53(g) is now

paragraph 34.6(I). Former Rule 53(l) is now paragraph 34.6(h). 

The need for two duplicate records in a death penalty case was

created by the habeas corpus provision in Code of Criminal

Procedure article 11.071.

Comment to 2002 change: Rule 34.5(a) is amended to

require that the record in a criminal case include the certification

of defendant's right of appeal; see Rule 25.2(d). Rule 34.5(c) is

amended to make clear that an appellate court may order the trial

court to make such a certification for inclusion in a supplemental

clerk's record. Subparagraphs 34.6(e) and (f) are amended to

clarify the application to exhibits. The language in subparagraph

(e)(2) referring to the text of the record is simplified without

substantive change. Subparagraph (e)(3) incorporates the

procedures specified in (e)(2). The language in subparagraph (f)

is clarified to require agreement only as to the portion of the text

at issue, and to provide that the trial court may determine that a

copy of an exhibit should be used even if the parties cannot

agree.

Rule 35. Time to File Record; 

Responsibility for Filing Record

35.1. Civil Cases

The appellate record must be filed in the appellate court

within 60 days after the judgment is signed, except as follows:

(a) if Rule 26.1(a) applies, within 120 days after the

judgment is signed;

42
Appendix Tab G: 

Tex. R. Civ. P. Rule 266 
(b) The party upon whom rests the burden of proof on the whole case shall then introduce his

evidence.

(c) The adverse party shall briefly state the nature of his claim or defense and what said party

expects to prove and the relief sought unless he has already done so.

(d) He shall then introduce his evidence.

(e) The intervenor and other parties shall make their statement, unless they have already done

so, and shall introduce their evidence.

(f) The parties shall then be confined to rebutting testimony on each side.

(g) But one counsel on each side shall examine and cross-examine the same witness, except on

leave granted.

RULE 266. OPEN AND CLOSE - ADMISSION

Except as provided in Rule 269 the plaintiff shall have the right to open and conclude both in

adducing his evidence and in the argument, unless the burden of proof on the whole case under the

pleadings rests upon the defendant, or unless the defendant or all of the defendants, if there should

be more than one, shall, after the issues of fact are settled and before the trial commences, admit that

the plaintiff is entitled to recover as set forth in the petition, except so far as he may be defeated, in

whole or in part, by the allegations of the answer constituting a good defense, which may be

established on the trial; which admission shall be entered of record, whereupon the defendant, or the

defendants, if more than one, shall have the right to open and conclude in adducing the evidence and

in the argument of the cause. The admission shall not serve to admit any allegation which is

inconsistent with such defense, which defense shall be one that defendant has the burden of

establishing, as for example, and without excluding other defenses: accord and satisfaction, adverse

possession, arbitration and award, contributory negligence, discharge in bankruptcy, duress,

estoppel, failure of consideration, fraud, release, res judicata, statute of frauds, statute of limitations,

waiver, and the like.

RULE 267. WITNESSES PLACED UNDER RULE

(a) At the request of either party, in a civil case, the witnesses on both sides shall be sworn and

removed out of the courtroom to some place where they cannot hear the testimony as

delivered by any other witness in the cause. This is termed placing witnesses under the rule.

(b) This rule does not authorize exclusion of (1) a party who is a natural person or the spouse

of such natural person, or (2) an officer or employee of a party that is not a natural person

and who is designated as its representative by its attorney, or (3) a person whose presence

is shown by a party to be essential to the presentation of the cause.
Appendix Tab H: 

Tex. R. Civ. P. Rule 107 
The officer or authorized person to whom process is delivered shall endorse thereon the day and

hour on which he received it, and shall execute and return the same without delay.

RULE 106. METHOD OF SERVICE

(a) Unless the citation or an order of the court otherwise directs, the citation shall be served by

any person authorized by Rule 103 by

(1) delivering to the defendant, in person, a true copy of the citation with the date of

delivery endorsed thereon with a copy of the petition attached thereto, or

(2) mailing to the defendant by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, a

true copy of the citation with a copy of the petition attached thereto.

(b) Upon motion supported by affidavit stating the location of the defendant's usual place of

business or usual place of abode or other place where the defendant can probably be found

and stating specifically the facts showing that service has been attempted under either (a)(1)

or (a)(2) at the location named in such affidavit but has not been successful, the court may

authorize service

(1) by leaving a true copy of the citation, with a copy of the petition attached, with

anyone over sixteen years of age at the location specified in such affidavit, or

(2) in any other manner that the affidavit or other evidence before the court shows will

be reasonably effective to give the defendant notice of the suit.

RULE 107. RETURN OF SERVICE

(a) The officer or authorized person executing the citation must complete a return of service. 

The return may, but need not, be endorsed on or attached to the citation.

(b) The return, together with any documents to which it is attached, must include the following

information:

(1) the cause number and case name;

(2) the court in which the case is filed;

(3) a description of what was served;

(4) the date and time the process was received for service;

(5) the person or entity served;

(6) the address served;

(7) the date of service or attempted service;
Appendix Tab I:

Tex. R. Civ. P. Rule 21a
appear, unless the document is notarized or sworn; or 

(B) an electronic image or scanned image of the signature.

(8) Format. An electronically filed document must:

(A) be in text-searchable portable document format (PDF);

(B) be directly converted to PDF rather than scanned, if possible;

(C) not be locked; and 

(D) otherwise comply with the Technology Standards set by the Judicial

Committee on Information Technology and approved by the Supreme Court. 

(9) Paper Copies. Unless required by local rule, a party need not file a paper copy of

an electronically filed document.

(10) Electronic Notices From the Court. The clerk may send notices, orders, or other

communications about the case to the party electronically. A court seal may be electronic.

(11) Non-Conforming Documents. The clerk may not refuse to file a document that fails

to conform with this rule. But the clerk may identify the error to be corrected and state a

deadline for the party to resubmit the document in a conforming format. 

(12) Original Wills. When a party electronically files an application to probate a document

as an original will, the original will must be filed with the clerk within three business days

after the application is filed.

(13) Official Record. The clerk may designate an electronically filed document or a

scanned paper document as the official court record. The clerk is not required to keep both

paper and electronic versions of the same document unless otherwise required by local rule. 

But the clerk must retain an original will filed for probate in a numbered file folder.

Comment to 2013 Change: Rule 21 is revised to incorporate rules for electronic filing, in

accordance with the Supreme Court's order - Misc. Docket No. 12-9206, amended by Misc. Docket

Nos. 13-9092 and 13-9164 - mandating electronic filing in civil cases beginning on January 1, 2014. 

The mandate will be implemented according to the schedule in the order and will be completed by

July 1, 2016. The revisions reflect the fact that the mandate will only apply to a subset of Texas

courts until that date. 

RULE 21a. METHODS OF SERVICE

(a) Methods of Service. Every notice required by these rules, and every pleading, plea, motion,
or other form of request required to be served under Rule 21, other than the citation to be served

upon the filing of a cause of action and except as otherwise expressly provided in these rules, may

be served by delivering a copy to the party to be served, or the party's duly authorized agent or

attorney of record in the manner specified below: 

(1) Documents Filed Electronically. A document filed electronically under Rule 21 must

be served electronically through the electronic filing manager if the email address of the

party or attorney to be served is on file with the electronic filing manager. If the email

address of the party or attorney to be served is not on file with the electronic filing manager,

the document may be served on that party or attorney under subparagraph (2).

(2) Documents Not Filed Electronically. A document not filed electronically may be

served in person, by mail, by commercial delivery service, by fax, by email, or by such other

manner as the court in its discretion may direct.

(b) When Complete. 

(1) Service by mail or commercial delivery service shall be complete upon deposit of the

document, postpaid and properly addressed, in the mail or with a commercial delivery

service.

(2) Service by fax is complete on receipt. Service completed after 5:00 p.m. local time

of the recipient shall be deemed served on the following day. 

(3) Electronic service is complete on transmission of the document to the serving party's

electronic filing service provider. The electronic filing manager will send confirmation of

service to the serving party.

(c) Time for Action After Service. Whenever a party has the right or is required to do some act

within a prescribed period after the service of a notice or other paper upon him and the notice or

paper is served upon him by mail, three days shall be added to the prescribed period. 

(d) Who May Serve. Notice may be served by a party to the suit, an attorney of record, a sheriff

or constable, or by any other person competent to testify. 

(e) Proof of Service. The party or attorney of record shall certify to the court compliance with

this rule in writing over signature and on the filed instrument. A certificate by a party or an attorney

of record, or the return of the officer, or the affidavit of any other person showing service of a notice

shall be prima facie evidence of the fact of service. Nothing herein shall preclude any party from

offering proof that the document was not received, or, if service was by mail, that the document was

not received within three days from the date that it was deposited in the mail, and upon so finding,

the court may extend the time for taking the action required of such party or grant such other relief

as it deems just. 

(f) Procedures Cumulative. These provisions are cumulative of all other methods of service

prescribed by these rules.
Appendix Tab J:

Tex. R. Civ. P. Rule 106
The officer or authorized person to whom process is delivered shall endorse thereon the day and

hour on which he received it, and shall execute and return the same without delay.

RULE 106. METHOD OF SERVICE

(a) Unless the citation or an order of the court otherwise directs, the citation shall be served by

any person authorized by Rule 103 by

(1) delivering to the defendant, in person, a true copy of the citation with the date of

delivery endorsed thereon with a copy of the petition attached thereto, or

(2) mailing to the defendant by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, a

true copy of the citation with a copy of the petition attached thereto.

(b) Upon motion supported by affidavit stating the location of the defendant's usual place of

business or usual place of abode or other place where the defendant can probably be found

and stating specifically the facts showing that service has been attempted under either (a)(1)

or (a)(2) at the location named in such affidavit but has not been successful, the court may

authorize service

(1) by leaving a true copy of the citation, with a copy of the petition attached, with

anyone over sixteen years of age at the location specified in such affidavit, or

(2) in any other manner that the affidavit or other evidence before the court shows will

be reasonably effective to give the defendant notice of the suit.

RULE 107. RETURN OF SERVICE

(a) The officer or authorized person executing the citation must complete a return of service. 

The return may, but need not, be endorsed on or attached to the citation.

(b) The return, together with any documents to which it is attached, must include the following

information:

(1) the cause number and case name;

(2) the court in which the case is filed;

(3) a description of what was served;

(4) the date and time the process was received for service;

(5) the person or entity served;

(6) the address served;

(7) the date of service or attempted service;
Appendix Tab K:

Tex. R. Civ. P. Rule 124
affirmatively that the affiant is competent to testify.

Should it appear from the affidavits of a party opposing the motion that he cannot for reasons

stated present by affidavit facts essential to justify his opposition, the court may order a

continuance to permit affidavits to be obtained or depositions to be taken or discovery to be

had or may make such other order as is just.

Should it appear to the satisfaction of the court at any time that any of such affidavits are

presented in violation of Rule 13, the court shall impose sanctions in accordance with that

rule.

4. If the court sustains the objection to jurisdiction, an appropriate order shall be entered. If the

objection to jurisdiction is overruled, the objecting party may thereafter appear generally for

any purpose. Any such special appearance or such general appearance shall not be deemed

a waiver of the objection to jurisdiction when the objecting party or subject matter is not

amenable to process issued by the courts of this State.

RULE 121. ANSWER IS APPEARANCE

An answer shall constitute an appearance of the defendant so as to dispense with the necessity for

the issuance or service of citation upon him.

RULE 122. CONSTRUCTIVE APPEARANCE

If the citation or service thereof is quashed on motion of the defendant, such defendant shall be

deemed to have entered his appearance at ten o'clock a.m. on the Monday next after the expiration

of twenty (20) days after the day on which the citation or service is quashed, and such defendant

shall be deemed to have been duly served so as to require him to appear and answer at that time, and

if he fails to do so, judgment by default may be rendered against him.

RULE 123. REVERSAL OF JUDGMENT

Where the judgment is reversed on appeal or writ of error for the want of service, or because of

defective service of process, no new citation shall be issued or served, but the defendant shall be

presumed to have entered his appearance to the term of the court at which the mandate shall be filed.

RULE 124. NO JUDGMENT WITHOUT SERVICE

In no case shall judgment be rendered against any defendant unless upon service, or acceptance or

waiver of process, or upon an appearance by the defendant, as prescribed in these rules, except

where otherwise expressly provided by law or these rules.

When a party asserts a counterclaim or a cross-claim against another party who has entered an

appearance, the claim may be served in any manner prescribed for service of citation or as provided

in Rule 21(a).
Appendix Tab L:

Tex. R. Civ. P. Rule 99(a)
(c) Counterclaim Exceeding Opposing Claim. A counterclaim may or may not diminish or

defeat the recovery sought by the opposing party. It may claim relief exceeding in amount

or different in kind from that sought in the pleading of the opposing party, so long as the

subject matter is within the jurisdiction of the court.

(d) Counterclaim Maturing or Acquired After Pleading. A claim which either matured or

was acquired by the pleader after filing his pleading may be presented as a counterclaim by

amended pleading.

(e) Cross-Claim Against Co-Party. A pleading may state as a cross-claim any claim by one

party against a co-party arising out of the transaction or occurrence that is the subject matter

either of the original action or of a counterclaim therein. Such cross-claim may include a

claim that the party against whom it is asserted is or may be liable to the cross-claimant for

all or part of a claim asserted in the action against the cross-claimant.

(f) Additional Parties. Persons other than those made parties to the original action may be

made parties to a third party action, counterclaim or cross-claim in accordance with the

provisions of Rules 38, 39 and 40.

(g) Tort shall not be the subject of set-off or counterclaim against a contractual demand nor a

contractual demand against tort unless it arises out of or is incident to or is connected with

same.

(h) Separate Trials; Separate Judgments. If the court orders separate trials as provided in

Rule 174, judgment on a counterclaim or cross-claim may be rendered when the court has

jurisdiction so to do, even if the claims of the opposing party have been dismissed or

otherwise disposed of.

RULE 98. SUPPLEMENTAL ANSWERS

The defendant's supplemental answers may contain special exceptions, general denial, and the

allegations of new matter not before alleged by him, in reply to that which has been alleged by the

plaintiff.

SECTION 5. CITATION

RULE 99. ISSUANCE AND FORM OF CITATION

a. Issuance. Upon the filing of the petition, the clerk, when requested, shall forthwith issue

a citation and deliver the citation as directed by the requesting party. The party requesting

citation shall be responsible for obtaining service of the citation and a copy of the petition.

Upon request, separate or additional citations shall be issued by the clerk. The clerk must

retain a copy of the citation in the court’s file.

b. Form. The citation shall (1) be styled "The State of Texas," (2) be signed by the clerk under

seal of court, (3) contain name and location of the court, (4) show date of filing of the

petition, (5) show date of issuance of citation, (6) show file number, (7) show names of
Appendix Tab M:

Tex. R. Civ. P. Rule 239a
RULE 238. CALL OF APPEARANCE DOCKET

On the appearance day of a particular defendant and at the hour named in the citation, or as soon

thereafter as may be practicable, the court or clerk in open court shall call, in their order, all the

cases on the docket in which such day is appearance day as to any defendant, or, the court or clerk

failing therein, any such case shall be so called on request of the plaintiff's attorney.

RULE 239. JUDGMENT BY DEFAULT

Upon such call of the docket, or at any time after a defendant is required to answer, the plaintiff may

in term time take judgment by default against such defendant if he has not previously filed an

answer, and provided that the return of service shall have been on file with the clerk for the length

of time required by Rule 107.

RULE 239a. NOTICE OF DEFAULT JUDGMENT

At or immediately prior to the time an interlocutory or final default judgment is rendered, the party

taking the same or his attorney shall certify to the clerk in writing the last known mailing address

of the party against whom the judgment is taken, which certificate shall be filed among the papers

in the cause. Immediately upon the signing of the judgment, the clerk shall mail written notice

thereof to the party against whom the judgment was rendered at the address shown in the certificate,

and note the fact of such mailing on the docket. The notice shall state the number and style of the

case, the court in which the case is pending, the names of the parties in whose favor and against

whom the judgment was rendered, and the date of the signing of the judgment. Failure to comply

with the provisions of this rule shall not affect the finality of the judgment.

RULE 240. WHERE ONLY SOME ANSWER

Where there are several defendants, some of whom have answered or have not been duly served and

some of whom have been duly served and have made default, an interlocutory judgment by default

may be entered against those who have made default, and the cause may proceed or be postponed

as to the others.

RULE 241. ASSESSING DAMAGES ON LIQUIDATED DEMANDS

When a judgment by default is rendered against the defendant, or all of several defendants, if the

claim is liquidated and proved by an instrument in writing, the damages shall be assessed by the

court, or under its direction, and final judgment shall be rendered therefor, unless the defendant shall

demand and be entitled to a trial by jury.
Appendix Tab N:

Tex. Const. Art. I § 30(2)
Sec.A29.AAPROVISIONS OF BILL OF RIGHTS EXCEPTED FROM POWERS

OF GOVERNMENT; TO FOREVER REMAIN INVIOLATE. To guard against

transgressions of the high powers herein delegated, we declare that

everything in this "Bill of Rights" is excepted out of the general

powers of government, and shall forever remain inviolate, and all

laws contrary thereto, or to the following provisions, shall be

void.

A

Sec.A30.AARIGHTS OF CRIME VICTIMS. (a)AA crime victim has

the following rights:

(1)AAthe right to be treated with fairness and with

respect for the victim ’s dignity and privacy throughout the

criminal justice process; and

(2)AAthe right to be reasonably protected from the

accused throughout the criminal justice process.

(b)AAOn the request of a crime victim, the crime victim has

the following rights:

(1)AAthe right to notification of court proceedings;

(2)AAthe right to be present at all public court

proceedings related to the offense, unless the victim is to testify

and the court determines that the victim ’s testimony would be

materially affected if the victim hears other testimony at the

trial;

(3)AAthe right to confer with a representative of the

prosecutor ’s office;

(4)AAthe right to restitution; and

(5)AAthe right to information about the conviction,

sentence, imprisonment, and release of the accused.

(c)AAThe legislature may enact laws to define the term

"victim" and to enforce these and other rights of crime victims.

(d)AAThe state, through its prosecuting attorney, has the

right to enforce the rights of crime victims.

(e)AAThe legislature may enact laws to provide that a judge,

attorney for the state, peace officer, or law enforcement agency is

not liable for a failure or inability to provide a right enumerated

10
Appendix Tab O:

Final Decree of Divorce
NO. 2012-04063 

IN THE MATTER OF

THE MARGE OF 

RETAKA ROMEO NELSON A/KIA 

TAKE JONES 

AND 

SHANNON BROCHETTE NELSON 

AND IN THE INTEREST OF

KMN AND 

APN, CIDLDREN

§ 

§ 

§ 

§ 

§ 

§ 

§ 

§ 

§ 

§ 

§ 

IN THE DISTRICT CO y . 

C-HNAX 

308TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT \FJR£, 

HAR COUNTY, TEXAS

FINAL DECREE OF DIVORCE 

On June 11, 2013 the Court heard and rendered the following judgment in this case. 

Appearances 

Petitioner/Counter-Respondent, RETAKA ROMEO NELSON A/KIA TAKE JONES, 

who appeared pro '5• made a general appearance, and appeared at trial. OtJ � 0 ��Qfl'�rf

c:J p- r-t-r l rAW .tr. f � 

Respondent/Counter-Petitioner, SHANNON BROCHETIE NELSON, appeared through 

attorney of record, D. Michelle Tewal, and announced ready for trial. 

Also appearing was Attorney Jolanda Jones, appointed by the Court as amicus attorney to 

assist the Court in protecting the best interests of the children the subject of this suit, who 

announced ready for trial. 

Record 

The record of testimony was duly reported by the court reporter for the 308th Judicial 

District Court. FILED 

Chris Danlel 

Dl1trlat Clerk 

JUN 2 8 2013 

Tlme1_.,., 

0 4i�wnu==• 

:}'f' : ii!-- ==

1523 
Jurisdiction and Domicile 

The Court finds that the pleadings of Respondent are in due form and contain all the 

allegations, information, and prerequisites required by law. The Court, after receiving evidence, 

finds that it has jurisdiction of this case and of all the parties and that at least sixty days have 

elapsed since the date the suit was filed. 

The Court further finds that, at the time this suit was filed, Respondent had been a 

domiciliary of Texas for the preceding six-month period and a resident of the county in which 

this suit was filed for the preceding ninety-day period. All persons entitled to citation were 

properly cited. 

Jury 

A jury request was made by Petitioner, but was ultimate 11&iwd aftca .tbe reftst was

�ly stru� y the Court, and questions of fact and of law were submitted to the Court. D v-.R/" 

. "G<.f-ecn'91'V' 'i-f�;,·n�r· � Divorce � 

IT IS ORDERED AND DECREED that SHANNON BROCHETTE NELSON, 

Respondent, is granted a divorce from RETAKA ROMEO NELSON AIK/A TAKE JONES, 

Petitioner, because of cruel treatment toward Respondent by Petitioner of a nature that renders· 

further living together insupportable, and the marriage between them is dissolved on the ground 

of cruelty. 

Children of the Marriage 

The C�urt finds that Petitioner and Respondent are the parents of the following children: 

Name: KMN

Sex: Female 

Birth date: February 12, 2006 

2 

1524 
IT IS ORDERED that SHANNON BROCHETTE NELSON is appointed Sole Managing 

Co�servator and RETAKA ROMEO NELSON AIK/ A T � JONES is appointed Possessory

Conservator of the following children: KMN and APN.

Home state: Texas 

Social Security number: XXX-XX---

Driver's license number and issuing state: n/a 

Name: APN

Sex: Female 

Birth date: January 20, 2009 

Home state: Texas 

Social Security number: XXX-XX-__ _ 

Driver's license number and issuing state: n/a 

The Court finds no other children of the marriage are expected. 

Parenting Plan 

The Court finds that the provisions in this decree relating to the rights and duties of the 

parties with relation to the children, possession of and access to the children, child support, and 

optimizing the development of a close and continuing relationship between each party and the 

children constitute the parenting plan established by the Court. 

Conservators hip 

The Court, having considered the circumstances of the parents and of the children, finds 

that the following orders are in the best interest of the children. 

MICHEi J .E 

3 

1525 
IT IS ORDERED that, at all times, SHANNON BROCHETTE NELSON, as a parent 

sole managing conservator, shall have the following rights: 

1. the right to receive information from any other conservator of the children

concerning the health, education, and welfare of the children; 

2. the right to confer with the other parent to the extent possible before making a

decision concerning the health, education, and welfare of the children; 

3. the right of access to medical, dental, psychological, and educational records of 

the children; 

4. the right to consult with a physician, dentist, or psychologist of the children;

5. the right to consult with school officials concerning the children's welfare and

educational status, including school activities; 

6. the right to attend school activities;

7. the right to be designated on the children's records as a person to be notified in

case of an emergency; 

8. the right to consent to medical, dental, and surgical treatment during an

emergency involving an immediate danger to the health and safety of the children; and 

9. the right to manage the estates of the children to the extent the estates have been

created by the parent or the parent's family. 

IT IS ORDERED that, at all times, RETAKA ROMEO NELSON A/K/A TAKE JONES,

as a parent possessory conservator, shall have the following rights: 

1. the right to receive information from any other conservator of the children

concerning the health, education, and welfare of the children; 

2. the right to confer with the other parent to the extent possible before making a

decision concerning the health, education, and welfare of the children; 

3. the right to consult with a physician, dentist, or psychologist of the children;

4. the right to consult with school officials concerning the children's welfare and

educational status, including school activities; 

4 

1526 
5. the right to be designated on the children's records as a person to be notified in

case of an emergency; 

6. the right to consent to medical, dental, and surgical treatment during an

emergency involving an immediate danger to the health and safety of the children; and 

7. the right to manage the estates of the children to the extent the estates have been

created by the parent or the parent's family. 

IT IS ORDERED that, at all times, SHANNON BROCHETTE NELSON, as a parent 

sole managing conservator shall have the following duties: 

1. the duty to inform the other conservator of the children in a timely manner of

significant information concerning the health, education, and welfare of the children; and 

2. the duty to inform the other conservator of the children if the conservator resides

with for at least thirty days, marries, or intends to marry a person who the conservator knows is 

registered as a sex offender under chapter 62 of the Code of Criminal Procedure or is currently 

charged with an offense for which on conviction the person would be required to register under 

that chapter. IT IS ORDERED that this information shall be tendered in the form of a notice 

made as soon as practicable, but not later than the fortieth day after the date the conservator of 

the children begins to reside with the person or on the tenth day after the date the marriage 

occurs, as appropriate. IT IS ORDERED that the notice must include a description of the 

offense that is the basis of the person's requirement to register as a sex offender or of the offense 

with which the person is charged. WARNING: A CONSERVATOR COMMITS AN 

OFFENSE PUNISHABLE AS A CLASS C MISDEMEANOR IF THE CONSERVATOR 

FAILS TO PROVIDE THIS NOTICE. 

IT IS ORDERED that, at all times, RETAKA ROMEO NELSON AIK/A TAKE JONES, 

as a parent possessory conservator, shall have the following duties: 

1. the duty to inform the other conservator of the children in a timely manner of

significant information concerning the health, education, and welfare of the children; and 

2. the duty to inform the other conservator of the children if the conservator resides

with for at least thirty days, marries, or intends to marry a person who the conservator knows is 

registered as a sex offender under chapter 62 of the Code of Criminal Procedure or is currently 

charged with an offense for which ori conviction the person would be required to register under 

that chapter. IT IS ORDERED that this information shall be tendered in the form of a notice 

made as soon as practicable, but not later than the fortieth day after the date the conservator of 

the children begins to reside with the person or on the tenth day after the date the marriage 

occurs, as appropriate. IT IS ORDERED that the notice must include a description of the 

offense that is the basis of the person's requirement to register as a sex offender or of the offense 

5 

1527 
IT IS ORDERED that SHANNON BROCHETTE NELSON, as parent sole managing 

conservator, shall have the following exclusive rights and d�ty: 

with which the person is charged. WARNING: A CONSERVATOR COMMITS AN 

OFFENSE PUNISHABLE AS A CLASS C MISDEMEANOR IF THE CONSERVATOR 

FAILS TO PROVIDE THIS NOTICE. 

IT IS ORDERED that, during her periods of possession, SHANNON BROCHETTE 

NELSON, as a parent sole managing conservator, shall have the following rights and duties: 

1. the duty of care, control, protection, and reasonable discipline of the children; 

2. the duty to support the children, including providing the children with clothing,

food, shelter, and medical and dental care not involving an invasive procedure; 

3. the right to consent for the children to medical and dental care not involving an

invasive procedure; and 

4. the right to direct the moral and religious training of the children.

IT IS ORDERED that, during his periods of possession, RET AKA ROMEO NELSON 

A/KIA TAKE JONES, as a parent possessory conservator, shall have the following rights and 

duties: 

1. the duty of care, control, protection, and reasonable discipline of the children; 

2. the duty to support the children, including providing the children with clothing,

food, shelter, and medical and dental care not involving an invasive procedure; 

3. the right to consent for the children to medical and dental care not involving an

invasive procedure; and 

4. the right to direct the moral and religious training of the children.

1. the right to_ designate the primary residence of the children wi�out regard to 

geographic restriction; 

2. the right to consent to medical, dental, and surgical treatment involving invasive

procedures; 

6 

1528 
3. the right to consent to psychiatric and psychological treatment of the children; 

4. the right to receive and give receipt for periodic payments for the support of the

children and to hold or disburse these funds for the benefit of the children; 

5. the right to represent the children in legal action and to make other decisions of

substantial legal significance concerning the children; 

6. the right to consent to marriage and to enlistment in the armed forces of the

United States; 

7. the right to make decisions concerning the children's education;

8. except as provided by section 264.0111 of the Texas Family Code, the right to the

services and earnings of the children; 

9. except when a guardian of the children's estates or a guardian or attorney ad litem

has been appointed for the children, the right to act as an agent of the children in relation to the 

children's estates if the children's action is required by a state, the United States, or a foreign 

government; and 

10. the duty to manage the estates of the children to the extent the estates have been

created by community property or the joint property of the parents. 

Possession and Access 

1. Stair Step Visitation

A. Phase 1: 

RETAKA ROMEO NELSON a/k/a TAKE JONES shall have visitation with the 

children through the SAFE Program beging on June 22, 2013 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 

p.m. and on Saturdays following the first, third, and fifth Friday of each month thereafter 

from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. for a total of sixteen (16) visits. RETAKA ROMEO 

NELSO!':l a/k/a TAKE JONES shall be responsible for all costs associated with said

visits. 

7 

1529 
B. Phase 2: 

Following the completion of all sixteen (16) visits of Phase 1, RETAKA ROMEO 

NELSON a/k/a TAKE JONES shall have visitation with the children on Saturdays 

following the first, third, and fifth Friday of each month from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. for 

a total of sixteen ( 16) visits. Said visits shall be unsupervised. 

C. Phase3: 

Following the completion of all sixteen ( 16) visits of Phase 2, RET AKA ROMEO 

NELSON a/k/a TAKE JONES shall have visitation with the children on Saturdays and 

Sundays following the first, third, and fifth Friday of each month from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00

p.m. on each day respectively for a total of nine (9) visits, including visitation on both 

days. Said visits shall be unsupervised. 

D. Phase4: 

Following the completion of all nine (9) visits of Phase 3, including visitation on 

both days respectively, RETAKA ROMEO NELSON a/k/a TAKE JONES shall have 

visitation with the children beginning on Saturday at 9:00 a.m. and ending on Sunday at 

10:00 a.m. following the first, third, and fifth Friday of each month. Said visits shall be 

unsupervised. 

E. General Terms and Conditions 

1. Al

 visits in each phase must be completed in order for RETAKA 

ROMEO NELSON a/k/a TA� JONES to graduate to the next 

phase. 

2. Surrender of Child by SHAN

ON BROCHETTE NELSON for

Phases 2-4- SHANON BROCHETTE NELSON is ORDERED to

8 

1530 
surrender the child to RET AKA ROMEO NELSON a/k/a TAKE 

JONES at the beginning of each period of RETAKA ROMEO 

NELSON a/k/a TAKE JONES' possession at a location to be 

designated by SHANNON BROCHETTE NELSON. 

3. Return of Child by RETAKA ROMEO NELSON a/k/a TAKE

JONES for Phases 2-4 - RETAKA ROMEO NELSON a/k/a

TAKE JONES is ORDERED to return the child to the location to

be designated by SHANNON BROCHETTE NELSON at the end

of each period of possession.

4. Surrender of Child by RETAKA ROMEO NELSON a/k/a TAKE

JONES for Phases 2-4- RETAKA ROMEO NELSON a/k/a TAKE

JONES is ORDERED to surrender the child to SHANNON

BROCHETTE NELSON, if the child is in RETAKA ROMEO

NELSON a/k/a TAKE JONES' possession or subject to RETAKA

ROMEO NELSON a/k/a TAKE JONES' control, at the beginning

of each period of SHANNON BROCHETTE NELSON's

exclusive periods of possession, at the location to be designated by

SHANNON BROCHETTE NELSON at the end of each period of

possession.

5. Return of Child by �HANNON BROCHETTE NELSON for

Phases 2-4-SHANNON BROCHETTE NELSON is ORDERED to

return the child to RET AKA ROMEO NELSON a/k/a TAKE 

JONES, if RETAKA ROMEO NELSON a/k/a TAKE JONES is 

9 

153 1 
entitled to possession of the child, at the end of each of SHAN

ON 

BROCHETTE NELSON's exclusive periods of possession, at 

the location to be designated by SHANNON BROCHETTE 

NELSON . 

6. Personal Effects - Each conservator is ORDERED to return with

the child the personal effects that the child brought at the

beginning of the period of possession.

7. Inability to Exercise Possession - Each conservator is ORDERED

to give notice to the person in possession of the child on each

occasion that the conservator will be unable to exercise that

conservator's right of possession for any specified period.

2. Duration

The periods of possession ordered above apply to each child the subject of this 

suit while that child is under the age of eighteen years and not otherwise emancipated. 

3. Noninterference with Possession

Except as expressly provided herein, IT IS ORDERED that neither conservator 

shall take possession of the children during the other conservator's period of possession 

unless there is a prior written agreement signed by both conservators or in case of an 

emergency. 

4. Termination of Orders

The provisions of this decree relating to conservatorship, possession, or access 

terminate on the remarriage of RETAKA ROMEO NELSON AIK/A TAKE JONES to 

SHANNON BROCHETTE NELSON unless a nonparent or agency has been appointed 

10 

1532 
conservator of the children under chapter 153 of the Texas Family Code. 

Child Support 

Statement on Guidelines 

In accordance with Texas Family Code section 154.130, the Court makes the following 

findings and conclusions regarding the child support order made in open court in this case on 

June 11, 2013: 

1. The amount of child support required by the guidelines of $634.00 per month is

appropriate in this case as demonstrated by RETAKA ROMEO NELSON a/k/a TAKE JONES's 

previous testimony regarding his current income of $3,00.00 per month. 

Child Sup Due Beginning July 1. 2013 

IT IS ORDERED that RET AKA ROMEO NELSON a k a TAKE JONES pay to 

S ANO N BROC ETTE NELSON for the support of K M N and A P N three hundred 

fifty-eight dollars ($358.00) being due and payable on July 1, 2013. Said amount equals the 

guideline child support amount minus the sum of two hundred seventy-six dollars ($276.00) that 

RET AKA ROMEO NELSON a k a TAKE JONES is obligated to pay the SAFE program. 

Child Sup Due Beginning August 1. 2013 

IT IS ORDERED that RETAKA ROMEO NELSON a/k/a TAKE JONES pay to 

S ANO N BROC ETTE NELSON for the support of K M N and A P N six hundred dollars 

($600.00) per month, with th� first payment being due and payable on August 1, 2013 and a like 

payment being due and payable on the first day of each month thereafter through July 31, 2014. 

Said amount equals the guideline child support amount minus a credit of thirty-four dollars 

($34.00) per month that RETAKA ROMEO 

11 

1533 
NELSON a/kla TAKE JONES may apply toward the SAFE program. 

Child Support Due Beginning August 1. 2014 

IT IS ORDERED that RETAKA ROMEO NELSON a/k/a TAKE JONES pay to 

SHANNON BROCHETTE NELSON for the support of KMN and 

APN six hundred thirty-four dollars ($634.00) per month, with the first 

payment being due and payable on August 1, 2014 and a like payment being due and payable on 

the fust day of each month thereafter until the fust month following the date of the earliest 

occurrence of one of the events specified below: 

1. any child reaches the age of eighteen years or graduates from high school,

whichever occurs later, subject to the provisions for support beyond the age of eighteen years set 

out below; 

2. any child marries;

3. any child dies;

4. any child enlists in the armed forces of the United States and begins active service

as defined by section 101 of title 10 of the United States Code; or 

5. any child's disabilities are otherwise removed for general purposes.

Thereafter, RETAKA ROMEO NELSON AIKJA TAKE JONES is ORDERED to pay to 

SHANNON BROCHETTE NELSON child support of five hundred and seven dollars ($507.00) 

per month, due and payable on the 1st day of the first month immediately following the date of 

the earliest occurrence of one of the events specified above for the oth�r child and a like sum of 

five hundred and seven dollars ($507.00) due and payable on the 151 day of each month thereafter 

until the next occurrence of one of the events specified above for the other child. 

12 

1534 
If the child is eighteen years of age and has not graduated from high school, IT IS

ORDERED that RETAKA ROMEO NELSON NK/A TAKE JONES's obligation to pay child 

support to SHANON BROCHETTE NELSON shall not terminate but shal continue for as 

long as the child is enrolled1. under chapter 25 of the Texas Education Code in an accredited secondary school

in a program leading toward a high school diploma or under section 130.008 of the Education 

Code in courses for joint high school and junior college credit and is complying with the 

minimum attendance requirements of subchapter C of chapter 25 of the Education Code or 

2. on a full-time basis in a private secondary school in a program leading toward a

high school diploma and is complying with the minimum attendance requirements imposed by 

that school. 

Material and Substantial Change 

If RETAKA ROMEO NELSON NK/A TAKE JONES obtains employment as a

pharmacist or becomes employed utilizing his doctorate degree in pharmacy, the Court will 

consider this fact to be a material and substantial change in circumstances to modify child 

support accordingly. 

Withholding from Earnings 

IT IS ORDERED that any employer of RETAKA ROMEO NELSON NK/A TAKE 

JONES shall be ordered to withhold from earnings for child support from the disposable e�ngs 

of RETAKA ROMEO NELSON NK A TAKE .JONES for the support of KMN and APN. 

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that all amounts withheld from the disposable earnings of 

RETAKA ROMEO NELSON NK/A TAKE JONES by the employer and paid in accordance 

13 

1535 
with the order to that employer shall constitute a credit against the child support obligation. 

Payment of the full amount of child support ordered paid by this decree through the means of 

withholding from earnings shall discharge the child support obligation. If the amount withheld

from earnings and credited against the child support obligation is less than 100 percent of the 

amount ordered to be paid by this decree, the balance due remains an obligation of RET AKA 

ROMEO NELSON A/KIA TAKE JONES, and it is hereby ORDERED that RETAKA ROMEO 

NELSON A/KIA TAKE JONES pay the balance due directly to the state disbursement unit 

specified below. 

On this date the Court signed an Employer's Wage Withholding Order. 

Payment 

IT IS ORDERED that all payments shall be made through the state disbursement unit at 

Texas Child Support Disbursement Unit, P.O. Box 659791, San Antonio, Texas 78265-9791, 

and thereafter promptly remitted to SHANNON BROCHETTE NELSON for the support of the 

children. IT IS ORDERED that each party shall pay, when due, all fees charged to that party by 

the state disbursement unit and any other agency statutorily authorized to charge a fee. 

Change of Employment 

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that RETAKA ROMEO NELSON A/KIA TAKE JONES 

shall notify this Court and SHANNON BROCHETTE NELSON by U.S. certified mail, return 

receipt requested, of any change of address and of any termination of employment. This notice 

shall be given no later than seven days after _the change of address or the termination of 

employment. This notice or a subsequent notice shall also provide the current address of 

RETAKA ROMEO NELSON A/KIA TAKE JONES and the name and address of his current 

employer, whenever that information becomes available. 

14 

1536 
Clerk's Duties 

IT IS ORDERED that, on the request of a prosecuting attorney, the title N-D agency, the 

friend of the Court, a domestic relations office, SHANON BROCHEITE NELSON, RETAKA 

ROMEO NELSON AIK/A TAKE JONES, or an attorney representing SHANNON 

BROCHETTE NELSON or RETAKA ROMEO NELSON AIK/ A TAKE JONES, the clerk of 

this Court shall cause a certified copy of the Income Withholding for Support to be delivered to 

any employer. 

Health Care 

1. IT IS ORDERED that RETAKA ROMEO NELSON AIK/A TAKE JONES and

SHANNON BROCHEITE NELSON shall each provide medical support for each child as set 

out in this order as additional child support for as long as the Court may order RET AKA 

ROMEO NELSON A/KIA TAKE JONES and SHANNON BROCHEITE NELSON to provide 

support for the child under sections 154.001 and 154.002 of the Texas Family Code. Beginning 

on the day RETAKA ROMEO NELSON AIK/A TAKE JONES and SHANNON BROCHEITE 

NELSON's actual or potential obligation to support a child under sections 154.001 and 154.002 

of the Family Code terminates, IT IS ORDERED that RETAKA ROMEO NELSON AIK/A 

TAKE JONES and SHANNON BROCHEITE NELSON are discharged from the obligations set 

forth in this medical support order with respect to that child, except for any failure by a parent to 

fully comply with those obligations before that date. 

2. Definitions -

"Health Insurance" means insurance coverage that provides basic health-care services, 

including usual physician services, office visits, hospitalization, and laboratory, X-ray, and 

emergency services, that may be provided through a health maintenance organization or other 

15 

1537 
private or public organization, other than medical assistance under chapter 32 of the Texas 

Human Resources Code. 

"Reasonable cost" means the total cost of health insurance coverage for all children for 

which RETAKA ROMEO NELSON AIKIA TAKE JONES is responsible under a medical 

support order that does not exceed 9 percent of RETAKA ROMEO NELSON AIK/A TAKE 

JONES' annual resources, as described by section 154.062(b) of the Texas Family Code. 

"Reasonable and necessary health-care expenses not paid by insurance and incurred by or 

on behalf of a child" include, without limitation, any copayments for office visits or prescription 

drugs, the yearly deductible, if any, and medical, surgical, prescription drug, mental health-care

services, dental, eye care, ophthalmological, and orthodontic charges. These reasonable and 

necessary health-care expenses do not include expenses for travel to and from the health-care 

provider or for nonprescription medication. 

"Furnish" means: 

a. to hand deliver the document by a person eighteen years of age or older

either to the recipient or to a person who is eighteen years of age or older

and permanently resides with the recipient;

b. to deliver the document to the recipient by certified mail, return receipt

requested, to the recipient's last known mailing or residence address; or

c. to deliver the document to the recipient at the recipient's last known

m�g or residence address using any person or entity wh�se principal

business is that of a courier or deliverer of papers or documents either

within or outside the United States.

16 

1538 
3. Findings on Health Insurance Availability- Having considered the cost,

accessibility, and quality of health insurance coverage available to the parties, the Court finds: 

Health insurance is available or is in effect for the children through SHANNON 

BROCHETTE NELSON's employment or membership in a union, trade association, or other 

organization at a reasonable cost of $132.00 per month. 

IT IS FURTHER FOUND that the following orders regarding health-care coverage are in 

the best interest of the children. 

4. Provision of Health-Care Coverage -

As child support, SHANNON BROCHETTE NELSON is ORDERED to continue to 

maintain health insurance for each child who is the subject of this suit that covers basic healthcare services, including usual physician services, office visits, hospitalization, laboratory, X-ray, 

and emergency services. 

SHANNON BROCHETTE NELSON is ORDERED to maintain such health insurance in 

full force and effect on each child who is the subject of this suit as long as child support is 

payable for that child. SHANNON BROCHETTE NELSON is ORDERED to convert any group 

insurance to individual coverage or obtain other health insurance for each child within fifteen 

days of termination of her employment or other disqualification from the group insurance. 

SHANNON BROCHETTE NELSON is ORDERED to exercise any conversion options or 

acquisition of new health insurance in such a n:ianner that the resulting insurance equals or 

exceeds that in ef�ect immediately before the change.

SHANNON BROCHETTE NELSON is ORDERED to furnish RETAKA ROMEO 

NELSON A/KIA TAKE JONES a true and correct copy of the health insurance policy or 

certification and a schedule of benefits within 30 days of the signing of this order. SHANNON 

17 

1539 
BROCHETIE NELSON is ORDERED to furnish RETAKA ROMEO NELSON A/KIA TAKE 

JONES the insurance cards and any other forms necessary for use of the insurance within 30 

days of the signing of this order. SHAN

ON BROCHETIE NELSON is ORDERED to 

provide, within three days of receipt by her, to RETAKA ROMEO NELSON A/KIA TAKE 

JONES any insurance checks, other payments, or explanations of benefits relating to any 

medical expenses for the children that RETAKA ROMEO NELSON A/KIA TAKE JONES paid 

or incurred. 

Pursuant to section 1504.051 of the Texas Insurance Code, IT IS ORDERED that if

SHANNON BROCHETIE NELSON is eligible for dependent health coverage but fails to apply 

to obtain coverage for the children, the insurer shall enroll the children on application of 

RETAKA ROMEO NELSON A/KIA TAKE JONES or others as authorized by law. 

RETAKA ROMEO NELSON A/KIA TAKE JONES is ORDERED to pay SHANNON 

BROCHETIE NELSON cash medical support, as additional child support, of one hundred 

thirty-two dollars ($132.00) per month, with the fust installment being due and payable on July 

1, 2013 and a like installment being due and payable on or before the 1st day of each month until 

the termination or modification of current child support for al children under this order. 

IT IS ORDERED that the cash medical support provisions of this order shall be an 

obligation of the estate of RETAKA ROMEO NELSON A/KIA TAKE JONES and shall not 

terminate on his death. 

RETAKA ROMEO NELSON A/KIA TAKE JONES �s allowed to discontinue payment

of cash medical support, for the time RETAKA ROMEO NELSON A/KIA TAKE JONES is 

providing coverage, ifa health insurance for the child becomes available to RETAKA ROMEO 

18 

1540 
NELSON A/K/A TAKE JONES at a reasonable cost; 

b. RETAKA ROMEO NELSON A/K/A TAKE JONES enrolls the child in

the insurance plan; and 

c. RETAKA ROMEO NELSON A/K/A TAKE JONES provides

SHANNON BROCHETTE NELSON and the title N-D agency the 

information required under section 154.185 of the Texas Family Code. 

Pursuant to section 154.183(c) of the Texas Family Code, the reasonable and necessary 

health-care expenses of the children that are not reimbursed by health insurance are allocated as 

follows: RETAKA ROMEO NELSON A/KJ A TAKE JONES is ORDERED to pay 50 percent 

and SHANNON BROCHETTE NELSON is ORDERED to pay 50 percent of the unreimbursed 

health-care expenses if, at the time the expenses are incurred, SHANNON BROCHETTE 

NELSON is providing health insurance as ordered. 

The party who incurs a health-care expense on behalf of a child is ORDERED to submit 

to the other party al forms, receipts, bills, statements, and explanations of benefits reflecting the 

uninsured portion of the health-care expenses within thirty days after he or she receives them. 

The nonincurring party is ORDERED to pay his or her percentage of the uninsured portion of the 

health-care expenses either by paying the health-care provider directly or by reimbursing the 

incurring party for any advance payment exceg the incurring party's percentage of the 

uninsured portion of the health-care expenses within thirty days after the nonincurring party 

receives the forms, receipts, bills, statements, and explanations of benefits. 

These provisions apply to all unreimbursed health-care expenses of any child who is the 

subject of this suit that are incurred while child support is payable for that child. 

19 

154 1 
The parties may submit all forms, receipts, bills, statements, and explanations of benefits 

reflecting the uninsured portion of the health-care expenses incurred on behalf of the children to 

each other via mail, email, or facsimile. Submission through any of these mediums will be 

deemed proper notice. 

5. Secondary Coverage - IT IS ORDERED that if a party provides secondary health

insurance coverage for the children, both parties shall cooperate fully with regard to the handling 

and filing of claims with the insurance carrier providing the coverage in order to maximize the 

benefits available to the children and to ensure that the party who pays for health-care expenses

for the children is reimbursed for the payment from both carriers to the fullest extent possible. 

6. Compliance with Insurance Company Requirements - Each party is ORDERED

to conform to all requirements imposed by the terms and conditions of the policy of health 

insurance covering the children in order to assure the maximum reimbursement or direct 

payment by the insurance company of the incurred health-care expense, including but not limited 

to requirements for advance notice to any carrier, second opinions, and the like. Each party is 

ORDERED to use "preferred providers," or services within the health maintenance organization, 

if applicable. Disallowance of the bill by a health insurer shall not excuse the obligation of 

either party to make payment. Excepting emergency health-care expenses incurred on behalf of 

the children, if a party incurs health-care expenses for the children using "out-of-network"

health-care providers or services, or fails to follow the health insurance company procedures or 

requirements, that party shall pay all s.uch health-care expenses incurred absent ( 1) written

agreement of the parties allocating such health-care expenses or (2) further order of the Court.

7. Claims - Except as provided in this paragraph, the party who is not carrying the

health insurance policy covering the children is ORDERED to furnish to the party carrying the 

20 

1542 
policy, within fifteen days of receiving them, any and all forms, receipts, bills, and statements 

reflecting the health-care expenses the party not carrying the policy incurs on behalf of the 

children. In accordance with section 1204.25 1 and 1504.055(a) of the Texas Insurance Code, IT 

IS ORDERED that the party who is not carg the health insurance policy covering the 

children, at that party's option , may file any claims for health-care expenses directly with the 

insurance carrier with and from whom coverage is provided for the benefit of the children and 

receive payments directly from the insurance company. Further, for the sole purpose of section 

1204.25 1 of the Texas Insurance Code, RETAKA ROMEO NELSON A/KJA TAKE JONES is 

designated the managing conservator or possessory conservator of the children. 

The party who is carrying the health insurance policy covering the children is 

ORDERED to submit all forms required by the insurance company for payment or 

reimbursement of health-care expenses incurred by either party on behalf of a child to the 

insurance carrier within fifteen days of that party's receiving any form, receipt, bill, or statement 

reflecting the expenses. 

8. Constructive Trust for Payments Received - IT IS ORDERED that any insurance

payments received by a party from the health insurance carrier as reimbursement for health-care 

expenses incurred by or on behalf of a child shall belong to the party who paid those expenses. 

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the party receiving the insurance payments is designated a 

con�tructive trustee to receive any insurance checks or payments for health-care expenses paid 

by the other party, and th� party carrying the policy shall endorse and forward 

_

the checks or

payments, along with any explanation of benefits received, to the other party within thre days of 

receiving them. 

9. WARNING - A PARENT ORDERED TO PROVIDE HEALTH INSURANCE

21 

1543 
OR TO PAY THE OTHER PARENT ADDIDONAL CHILD SUPPORT FOR THE COST OF 

HEALTH INSURANCE WHO FAILS TO DO SO IS LIABLE FOR NECESSARY MEDICAL 

EXPENSES OF THE CHILDREN, WITHOUT REGARD TO WHETHER THE EXPENSES 

WOULD HA VE BEEN PAID IF HEALTH INSURANCE HAD BEEN PROVIDED, AND FOR

THE COST OF HEALTH INSURANCE PREMIUMS OR CONTRIBUTIONS, IF ANY, PAID

ON BEHALF OF THE CHILDREN. 

Miscellaneous Child Support Provisions 

No Credit for Informal Payments 

IT IS ORDERED that the child support as prescribed in this decree shall be exclusively 

discharged in the manner ordered and that any direct payments made by RETAKA ROMEO 

NELSON A/K/A TAKE JONES to SHANNON BROCHETTE NELSON or any expenditures 

incurred by RETAKA ROMEO NELSON A/K/A TAKE JONES during RETAKA ROMEO 

NELSON A/K/A TAKE JONES's periods of possession of or access to the children, as 

prescribed in this decree, for food, clothing, gifts, travel, shelter, or entertainment are deemed in 

addition to and not in lieu of the support ordered in this decree. 

Support as Obligation of Estate 

IT IS ORDERED that the provisions for child support in this decree shall be an 

obligation of the estate of RETAKA ROMEO NELSON A/K/A TAKE JONES and shall not 

terminate on the death of RETAKA ROMEO NELSON A/K/A TAKE JONES. Payments 

received for �e benefit of the children, including payments fr�m the Social Security 

Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs or other governmental agency or life insurance 

proceeds, annuity payments, trust distributions, or retirement survivor benefits, shall be a credit 

22 

1544 
against this obligation. Any remaining balance of the child support is an obligation of RET AKA 

ROMEO NELSON A/KIA TAKE JONES's estate. 

Termination of Orders on Remarriage of Parties but Not on Death of Obligee 

The provisions of this decree relating to current child support terminate on the remarriage 

of RETAKA ROMEO NELSON A/KIA TAKE JONES to SHANNON BROCHETTE NELSON 

unless a nonparent or agency has been appointed conservator of the children under chapter 153 

of the Texas Family Code. An obligation to pay child support under this decree does not 

terminate on the death of SHANNON BROCHETTE NELSON but continues as an obligation to 

KMN and APN. 

Required Notices 

NOTICE TO ANY PEACE OFFICER OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: YOU MAY 

USE REASONABLE EFFORTS TO ENFORCE THE TERMS OF CllD CUSTODY 

SPECIFIED IN TIDS ORDER. A PEACE OFFICER WHO RELIES ON THE TERMS 

OF A COURT ORDER AND THE OFFICER'S AGENCY ARE ENTITLED TO THE 

APPLICABLE IM AGAINST ANY CLAIM, CIVIL OR OTHERWISE, 

REGARDING THE OFFICER'S GOOD FAITH ACTS PERFORMED IN THE SCOPE 

OF THE OFFICER'S DUTIES IN ENFORCING THE TERMS OF THE ORDER THAT 

RELATE TO CllLD CUSTODY. ANY PERSON WHO KNOWINGLY PRESENTS 

FOR ENFORCEMENT AN ORDER THAT IS INVALID OR NO LONGER IN EFFECT

COMMITS AN OFFENSE THAT MAY BE PUNISHABLE BY CONFINEMENT IN JAIL 

FOR AS LONG AS TWO YEARS AND A FINE OF AS MUCH AS $10,00. 

WARNINGS TO PARTIBS: FAILURE TO OBEY A COURT ORDER FOR Cll

D 

SUPPORT OR FOR POSSESSION OF OR ACCESS TO A CllD MAY RESULT IN 

23 

1545 
FURTHER LITIGATION TO ENFORCE THE ORDER, INCLUDING CONTEMPT OF 

COURT. A FINDING OF CONTEMPT MAY BE PUNISHED BY CONFINEMENT IN 

JAIL FOR UP TO SIX MONTHS, A FINE OF UP TO $500 FOR EACH VIOLATION,

AND A MONEY JUDGMENT FOR PAYMENT OF ATTORNEY'S FEES AND COURT 

COSTS. 

FAILURE OF A PARTY TO MAKE A CHILD SUPPORT PAYMENT TO THE 

PLACE AND IN THE MANNER REQUIRED BY A COURT ORDER MAY RESULT IN

THE PARTY'S NOT RECEIVING CREDIT FOR MAKING THE PAYMENT. 

FAILURE OF A PARTY TO PAY CHILD SUPPORT DOES NOT JUSTIFY 

DENYING THAT PARTY COURT-ORDERED POSSESSION OF OR ACCESS TO A 

CHILD. REFUSAL BY A PARTY TO ALLOW POSSESSION OF OR ACCESS TO A 

CHILD DOES NOT JUSTIFY FAILURE TO PAY COURT-ORDERED CHILD 

SUPPORT TO THAT PARTY. 

Division of Marital Estate 

The Court finds that the following is a just and right division of the parties' marital estate, 

having due regard for the rights of each party and the children of the marriage. 

Property to Husband 

IT IS ORDERED AND DECREED that the husband, RETAKA ROMEO NELSON 

A/KIA TAKE JONES, is awarded the following as his sole and separate property, and the wife is 

divested of all right, title, interest, and claim in and_ to that property: 

H-1. All household furniture, furnishings, fixtures, goods, art objects, collectibles, 

appliances, and equipment in the possession of the husband or subject to his sole control. 

24 

1546 
H-2. All clothing, jewelry, and other personal effects in the possession of the husband 

or subject to his sole control. 

H-3. All sums of cash in the possession of the husband or subject to his sole control, 

including funds on deposit, together with accrued but unpaid interest, in banks, savings 

institutions, or other financial institutions, which accounts stand in the husband's sole name or 

from which the husband has the sole right to withdraw funds or which are subject to the 

husband's sole control. 

H-4. All sums, whether matured or unmatured, accrued or unaccrued, vested or 

otherwise, together with all increases thereof, the proceeds therefrom, and any other rights 

related to any profit-sharing plan, retirement plan, Keogh plan, pension plan, employee stock 

option plan, 401 (k) plan, employee savings plan, accrued unpaid bonuses, disability plan, or 

other benefits existing by reason of the husband's past, present, or future employment. 

H-5. Al individual retirement accounts, simplified employee pensions, annuities, and 

variable annuity life insurance benefits in the husband's name. 

H-6. All policies of life insurance (including cash values) insuring the husband's life. 

H-7. All brokerage accounts, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and securities registered in the 

husband's name, together with all dividends, splits, and other rights and privileges in connection 

with them. __

 

H-8. The 2006 Mercedes __ motor vehicle, vehicle identification number 

,, together with all prepaid insurance, keys, and title documents. 

25 

1547 
Property to Wife 

IT IS ORDERED AND DECREED that the wife, SHANNON BROCHETTE NELSON, 

is awarded the following as her sole and separate property, and the husband is divested of all 

right, title, interest, and claim in and to that property: 

W-1. Al household furniture, furnishings, fixtures, goods, art objects, collectibles, 

appliances, and equipment in the possession of the wife or subject to her sole control. 

W-2. All clothing, jewelry, and other personal effects in the possession of the wife or 

subject to her sole control. 

W-3. Al

 sums of cash in the possession of the wife or subject to her sole control, 

including funds on deposit, together with accrued but unpaid interest, in banks, savings 

institutions, or other financial institutions, which accounts stand in the wife's sole name or from 

which the wife has the sole right to withdraw funds or which are subject to the wife's sole 

control. 

W-4. The sums, whether matured or unmatured, accrued or unaccrued, vested or 

otherwise, together with all increases thereof, the proceds therefrom, and any other rights 

related to any profit-sharing plan, retirement plan, Keogh plan, pension plan, employee stock 

option plan, 401(k) plan, employee savings plan, accrued unpaid bonuses, disability plan, or 

other benefits existing by reason of the wife's past, present, or future employment. 

W-5. The individual retirement accounts, simplified �mployee pensions, annuities, and 

variable annuity life insuran� benefits in the wife's name. 

W-6. All policies of life insurance (including cash values) insuring the wife's life. 

26 

1548 
W-7. All brokerage accounts, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and securities registered in the 

wife's name, together with all dividends, splits, and other rights and privileges in connection with 

them. 

W-8. The 201 lNissan Versa motor vehicle, vehicle identification number ____ _ 

_ , together with all prepaid insurance, keys, and title documents. 

W-. The 2004 Saab 95 ARC motor vehicle, vehicle identification number 

YS3ED49A743003729, together with all prepaid insurance, keys, and title documents, which is 

currently is Husband's possession and control, and which shall be returned to wife at 950 

Gemini, Suite 6, Houston, Texas 77058 by no later than June 14, 2013 at 3:00 p.m. 

W-10. In the case that the 2004 Saab 95 ARC is no longer in Husband's possession and 

control and/or not returned to wife by June 14, 2013 as above, Wife is awarded a judgment of 

$2,00.00 against Husband as reimbursement for the vehicle to equalize the community estate. 

Division of Debt 

Debts to Husband 

IT IS ORDERED AND DECREED that the husband, RETAKA ROMEO NELSON 

A/KIA TAKE JONES, shall pay, as a part of the division of the estate of the parties, and shall 

indemnify and hold the wife and her property harmless from any failure to so discharge, these 

items: 

H-1. The balance due, including principal, interest, and all other charges, on the 

promissory note �i ven as part of the purchase price of and secured by a lien on the 2006 

Mercedes motor vehicle awarded to husband. 

H-2. The following debts, charges, liabilities, and obligations: 

a. Federal income tax for the previous year: 2012

27 

1549 
Husband shall pay 10

% of any and all amounts, including principal,

interest, and penalties, assessed against the parties, jointly or individually, 

due to Husband's fraudulent joint filing for tax year 2012. 

H-3. Al

 debts, charges, liabilities, and other obligations incurred solely by the husband 

from and after January 20, 2012 unless express provision is made in this decree to the contrary. 

H-4. Al

 encumbrances, ad valorem taxes, liens, assessments, or other charges due or 

to become due on the real and personal property awarded to the husband in this decree unless 

express provision is made in this decree to the contrary. 

H-5. In the case that the 2004 Saab 95 ARC is no longer in Husband's possession and 

control and/or not returned to wife by June 14, 2013 as above, Wife is awarded a judgment of 

$2,00.00 against Husband as reimbursement for the vehicle to equalize the community estate. 

Debts to Wife 

IT IS ORDERED AND DECREED that the wife, SHANON BROCHETTE NELSON, 

shall pay, as a part of the division of the estate of the parties, and shall indemnify and hold the 

husband and his property harmless from any failure to so discharge, these items: 

W-1. The balance due, including principal, interest, and all other charges, on the 

promissory note given as part of the purchase price of and secured by a lien on the 2011 Nissan 

Versa motor vehicle awarded to wife. 

W-2. All debts, charges, liabilities, and other obligations incurred solely by the wife 

from an� after January 20, 2012 unless express provision is mad� in this decree to the contrary. 

W-3. Al

 encumbrances, ad valorem taxes, liens, assessments, or other charges due or 

to become due on the real and personal property awarded to the wife in this decree unless 

express provision is made in this decree to the contrary.

28 

1550 
Notice 

IT IS ORDERED AND DECREED that each party shall send to the other party, within 

thre days of its receipt, a copy of any correspondence from a creditor or taxing authority

concerning any potential liability of the other party. 

Judgments to Equalize the Community Estate 

A. IT IS ORDERED that SHANNON BROCHETTE NELSON is granted a 

judgment to equalize the community estate, against RET AKA ROMEO NELSON 

A/K/A TAKE JONES of two thousand dollars ($2,00.00) as reimbursement for 

the 2004 Saab 95 ARC, such judgment bearing interest at six (6) percent simple 

interest per year from the date this order is signed, for which let execution issue. 

B. IT IS ORDERED that SHANNON BROCHETTE NELSON is granted a 

judgment to equalize the community estate, against RETAKA ROMEO NELSON 

AIKIA TAKE JONES of seven thousand five hundred dollars ($7,500.00) as 

reimbursement for the 2012 federal income tax liability assessed against

SHANNON BROCHETTE NELSON, such judgment bearing interest at six (6) 

percent simple interest per year from the date this order is signed, for which let 

execution issue. 

Judgment for Attorney's Fees As Additional Child Support 

The Court finds that SHANNON BROCHETTE NELSON has incurred $22,800.00 as 

attorney's fees, expenses, and costs, which were necessary as support for SHANNON 

BROCHETTE NELSON and the children the subject of this suit. IT IS ORDERED that good 

cause exists to award SHANNON BROCHETTE NELSON a judgment, as additional child 

support, in the amount of $22,800.00 for attorney's fees, expenses, and costs, with interest at 6 

29 

155 1 
percent per year compounded annually from the date this Final Decree of Divorce is signed until 

paid. The judgment, for which let execution issue, is awarded against RETAKA ROMEO 

NELSON A/K/A TAKE JONES, and RETAKA ROMEO NELSON A/K/A TAKE JONES is 

ORDERED to pay the fees, expenses, costs, and interest to SHANON BROCHETTE 

NELSON for the support of the children, in installments of $300.00 per month beginning 

September 1, 2013 and the first of each month thereafter until paid in full. SHAN

ON 

BROCHETTE NELSON may enforce this judgment for fees, expenses, and costs in her own 

name by any means available for the enforcement of a judgment for debt. 

Withholding from Earnings 

IT IS ORDERED that any employer of RETAKA ROMEO NELSON A/K/A TAKE 

JONES shall be ordered to withhold from earnings for attorneys fees child support from the 

disposable earnings of RETAKA ROMEO NELSON A/K/A TAKE JONES for the support of 

KELLY MICHELLE NELSON and ALEXIS PAIGE NELSON. 

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that all amounts withheld from the disposable earnings of 

RETAKA ROMEO NELSON A/K/A TAKE JONES by the employer and paid in accordance 

with the order to that employer shall constitute a credit against the child support obligation. 

Payment of the full amount of child support ordered paid by this decree through the means of 

withholding from earnings shall discharge the child support obligation. If the amount withheld

from earnings and credited against the child support obligation is less than 100 percent of the 

amount ordered to be paid by this decree, the balance due remains an obligation of RET AKA 

ROMEO NELSON A/K/A TAKE JONES, and it is hereby ORDERED that RETAKA ROMEO 

NELSON A/K/A TAKE JONES pay the balance due directly to the state disbursement unit 

specified below. 

30 

1552 
On this date the Court signed an Employer's Wage Withholding Order. 

Payment 

IT IS ORDERED that all payments shall be made through the state disbursement unit at 

Texas Child Support Disbursement Unit, P.O. Box 659791, San Antonio, Texas 78265-9791, 

and thereafter promptly remitted to SHANNON BROCHETIE NELSON for the support of the 

children. IT IS ORDERED that each party shall pay, when due, all fees charged to that party by 

the state disbursement unit and any other agency statutorily authorized to charge a fee. 

Attorney's Fees on Ap

al to Court of Ap

als 

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED AND DECREED that SHANNON BROCHETIE 

NELSON is awarded a judgment of ten thousand dollars ($10,00.00) against RETAKA 

ROMEO NELSON AIK/A TAKE JONES for attorney's fees on appeal for the benefit of 

attorney, D. Michelle Tewal of Hegwood & Associates, P.C. or her respective counsel. The

judgment shall bear interest at 6 percent per year compounded annually from the date of 

judgment, for which let execution issue. 

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED AND DECREED that the judgment of attorney's fees on 

appeal rendered against RETAKA ROMEO NELSON AIK/A TAKE JONES is conditioned on 

the pursuit of an ultimately unsuccessful appeal to the Court of Appeals. 

Attorney's Fees on ARpeal to SuRreme Court of Texas 

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED AND DECREED that SHANNON BROCHETIE 

NELSON is awarded a j�dgment of ten thousand dollars ($10,00.00) again�t RETAKA 

ROMEO NELSON AIK/A TAKE JONES for attorney's fees on appeal for the benefit of 

attorney, D. Michelle Tewal of Hegwood & Associates, P.C. or her respective counsel. The

judgment shall bear interest at 6 percent per year compounded annually from the date of 

31 

1553 
judgment, for which let execution issue. 

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED AND DECREED that the judgment of attorney's fees on 

appeal rendered against RETAKA ROMEO NELSON A/K/A TAKE JONES is conditioned on 

the pursuit of an ultimately unsuccessful appeal to the Supreme Court of Texas. 

Amicus Attorney Fees 

The Court finds that Attorney Jolanda Jones has satisfactorily discharged all of the 

attorney duties and obligations under chapter 107 of the Texas Family Code, and IT IS 

ORDERED that Attorney Jolanda Jones is hereby discharged and relieved of any further rights, 

duties, and responsibilities in this case. The Court finds that the fees are necessaries for the 

benefit of the children. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Attorney Jolanda Jones is awarded a 

judgment, for which let execution issue, of $18,016.50 as additional legal fees, expenses, and 

costs, with interest at 6 percent per year compounded annually from the date this Final Decree of 

Divorce is signed until paid, for services rendered as amicus attorney from April 28, 2013 

through the entry of this Decree. These fees are taxed as costs, and RETAKA ROMEO 

NELSON AIK/A TAKE JONES is ORDERED to pay $14,691.25 of said fees and applicable 

interest and SHANNON BROCHETTE NELSON is ORDERED to pay $3,325.25 and 

applicable interest of said fees to Attorney Jolanda Jones. RETAKA ROMEO NELSON A/K/A 

TAKE JONES is ORDERED to pay his balance in installments of $300.00 per month beginning 

September l, 2013 and the first of each month thereafter until paid in full via wage or income

�ithholding order. SHANNON BROCHETTE NELSO� is ORDERED to pay by cash, cashier's

check, or money order on or before October 1, 2013. Attorney Jolanda Jones may enforce this 

order for fees in the attorney's own name. 

32 

1554 
disposable earnings of RETAKA RO EO NELSON NKIA TAKE JONES for the support of 

KMN and APN

Withholding from Earnings 

IT IS ORDERED that any employer of RETAKA ROMEO NELSON NKIA TAKE 

JONES shall be ordered to withhold from earnings for attorneys fees as child support from the 

MICHEi J .E 

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that all amounts withheld from the disposable earnings of 

RETAKA ROMEO NELSON NKIA TAKE JONES by the employer and paid in accordance 

with the order to that employer shall constitute a credit against the child support obligation. 

Payment of the full amount of child support ordered paid by this decree through the means of 

withholding from earnings shall discharge the child support obligation. If the amount withheld

from earnings and credited against the child support obligation is less than 100 percent of the 

amount ordered to be paid by this decree, the balance due remains an obligation of RETAKA 

ROMEO NELSON NKIA TAKE JONES, and it is hereby ORDERED that RETAKA ROMEO 

NELSON NKIA TAKE JONES pay the balance due directly to the state disbursement unit 

specified below. 

On this date the Court signed an Employer's Wage Withholding Order. 

Payment 

IT IS ORDERED that all payments shall be made through the state disbursement unit at 

Texas Child Support Disbursement Unit, P.O. Box 659791, San Antonio, Texas 78265-9791, 

and thereafter promptly remitted to Attorney Jolanda Jones at Law Office of Jolanda Jones, PO 

Box 8312, Houston, Texas 77288. 

33 

1555 
Treatment/ Allocation of Community Income for Year of Divorce 

IT IS ORDERED AND DECREED that, for the calendar year 2013, each party shall file 

an individual income tax return in accordance with the Internal Revenue Code. 

IT IS ORDERED AND DECREED that for calendar year 2013, each party shall 

indemnify and hold the other party and his or her property harmless from any tax liability 

associated with the reporting party's individual tax return for that year unless the parties have 

agreed to allocate their tax liability in a manner different from that reflected on their returns. 

IT IS ORDERED AND DECREED that each party shall furnish such information to the

other party as is requested to prepare federal income tax returns for 2013 within thirty days of 

receipt of a written request for the information, and in no event shall the available information be 

exchanged later than March 1, 2014. As requested information becomes available after that date, 

it shall be provided within ten days of receipt. 

IT IS ORDERED AND DECREED that all payments made to the other party in 

accordance with the allocation provisions for payment of federal income taxes contained in this 

Final Decree of Divorce are not deemed income to the party receiving those payments but are 

part of the property division and necessary for a just and right division of the parties' estate. 

No Alimony 

IT IS ORDERED AND DECREED that no provision of this decree shall be construed as 

alimony under the Internal Revenue Code, except as this decree expressly provides for payment 

of maintenance or alimony under the Internal Reven�e Code. 

34 

1556 
Transfer and Delivery of Properly 

Direction to Deliver Property 

RETAKA ROMEO NELSON AIK/A TAKE JONES is ORDERED to deliver to 

SHANNON BROCHETTE NELSON on June 14, 2013 by no later than 3:00 p.m at Hegwood & 

Associates, P.C., 950 Gemini, Suite 6, Houston, Texas 77058 these items:

1. 2004 Saab 95 ARC together with all keys, insurance policies, registration papers,

and title documents or 

Permanent Injunctions as to Persons 

The Court finds that, because of the conduct of RETAKA ROMEO NELSON AIK/A 

TAKE JONES, a permanent injunction against him should be granted as appropriate relief

because there is no adequate remedy at law. 

The permanent injunction granted below shall be effective immediately and shall be 

binding on RETAKA ROMEO NELSON AIK/A TAKE JONES; on his agents, servants, 

employees, and attorneys; and on those persons in active concert or participation with them who 

receive actual notice of this order by personal service or otherwise. 

IT IS ORDERED AND DECREED that RETAKA ROMEO NELSON AIK/A TAKE 

JONES is permanently enjoined from: 

1. Committing family violence, including physical, mental, emotional, verbal or 

cyber abuse of any nature, as well as stalking, as defined by section 71.004 of the 

Texas Family Code. 

2. Doing any act that is intended to result in physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or

sexual assault against Kelly Michelle Nelson, Alexis Paige Nelson, or Shannon 

Brochette Nelson. 

35 

1557 
3. Doing any act that is a threat that reasonably places KMN

APN, or Shannon Brochette Nelson in fear of imminent physical 

harm, bodily injury, assault, or sexual assault. 

4. Committing abuse of a child of the family or household as defined by Texas

Family Code section 261 .00l(l)(C), (E), and (G). 

5. Communicating directly with KMN, APN, or

Shannon Brochette Nelson in a threatening or harassing manner. 

6. Communicating a threat through any person to KMN, APN,

or Shannon Brochette Nelson. 

7. Communicating with the children outside of the SAFE Program or

communicating negative comments about Shannon Brochette Nelson to the 

children or asking the children questions regarding Shannon Brochette Nelson, 

Morris Edwards, Amanda Norris, PhD., Octavia Jones-Reed, and Chris Jones. 

8. Communicating to KMN or APN to not obey

Shannon Brochette Nelson or other adults. 

9. On the basis of good cause shown, engaging in conduct directed specifically

toward KMN, APN, or Shannon Brochette 

Nelson, including following KMN, APN, or 

Shannon Brochette Nelson, that is reasonably likely to harass, annoy, alarm, 

abuse, torment •. or embarrass KMN, APN, or 

Shannon Brochette Nelson. 

10. Accessing Shannon Brochette Nelson's wireless and/or wired internet network in

any manner, including but not limited to remote, wired, or wireless access. 

36 

1558 
1 1. Accessing Shannon Brochette Nelson's cellular and/or wireless and/or wired 

phone services or data storage via iCloud or any other virtual or actual storage 

medium in any manner, including but not limited to remote, wired, or wireless 

access. 

12. Accessing Shannon Brochette Nelson's wireless and/or wired electronic devices 

and accounts, remotely or otherwise, including but not limited to cell phone, 

computer, modem, router, hard drive, cable box, global positioning satellite 

device, personal digital assistant, tablet pc, digital camera, smart television,

gaming systems, DVD/Blueray player. 

�3. Going to or near the residences or places of employment or business or school of 

KMN, APN, or Shannon Brochette Nelson. The 

Court specifically prohibits Respondent from going to or near the following 

addresses, but not limited to: 2323 West Bay Area Blvd. #716, Webster, Texas 

77598; 3001 West Bay Area Blvd., Friendswood, Texas 77546; 2903 

Friendswood Link Rd., Webster, Texas 77598; 200 Garth Rd., Baytown Texas

77520 and specifically requires Respondent to maintain at least one (1) mile from 

the above-listed addresses. 

14. Going to or near, or within one (1) mile of, any location where KMN,

APN, or . Shannon Brochette Nelson is known by 

Resp�ndent to be and further prohibited from remaining wi�n one (1) mile after

Respondent becomes aware of KMN, APN, or 

Shannon Brochette Nelson's presence. 

37 

1559 
15. Going to or near the residences, caregivers, child-care facilities, or schools where 

KMN and APN normally attend or in which 

KMN and APN normally reside or are cared for. 

The Court specifically prohibits Respondent from going to or near 2323 West Bay 

Area Blvd. #716, Webster, Texas 77598; 3001 West Bay Area Blvd., 

Friendswood, Texas 77546; 2903 Friendswood Link Rd., Webster, Texas 77598;

6327 Tautenhahn, Houston, Texas 77016 and specifically requires Respondent to 

maintain at least one (1) mile from the above-listed addresses. 

16.

Removing KMN and/or APN from the possession of any school where KMN or 

APN attend or from the possession and/or care of Shannon Brochette Nelson, 

Octavia Jones-Reed, and/or Chris Jones.

17. Possessing a firearm or am

unition, unless Respondent is a peace officer, as

defined by section 1 .07 of the Texas Penal Code, actively engaged in employment

as a sworn, full-time paid employee of a state agency or political subdivision.

18. Removing KMN and/or APN or causing or

directing someone else to remove said children outside of Harris county and 

contiguous counties for any reason. 

Service of Writ 

IT IS ORDERED that RETAKA ROMEO NELSON AIK/A TAKE JONES shall be 

deemed to be duly served with the writ of injunction. 

38 

1560 
Change of Respondent's Name 

IT IS ORDERED AND DECREED that SHANNON BROCHETIE NELSON's name is 

changed to SHANNON BROCHETIE JONES. 

Court Costs 

IT IS ORDERED AND DECREED that costs of court are to be borne by the party who 

incurred them. 

Resolution of Temporary Orders 

Disclue from Discovery Retention Requirement 

IT IS ORDERED AND DECREED that the parties and their respective attorneys are 

discharged from the requirement of keeping and storing the documents produced in this case in 

accordance with rule 191.4(d) of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure. or/�,�� � I 

DI' 'J'V"' I C{Qt'.e.I 01. d1 J,' �/ ('fJ[Jrt Jh1/( 61' /HIA 1\,.//l. V 

Indemnification /)--ec. ,�64" 1 /1 GJ.

/S-" 

Each party represents and warrants that he or she has not incurred any outstanding debt, 

obligation, or other liability on which the other party is or may be liable, other than those 

described in this decree. Each party agrees �d IT IS ORDERED that if any claim, action, or

proceeding is hereafter initiated seeking to hold the party not assuming a debt, an obligation, a 

liability, an act, or an omission of the other party liable for such debt, obligation, liability, act or 

omission of the other party, that other party will, at his or her sole expense, defend the party not 

assuming the debt, obligation, liability, act, or omission of the other party against any such claim 

or demand, whether or not well founded, and will indemnify the party not assuming the debt, 

39 

156 1 
obligation, liability, act, or omission of the other party and hold him or her harmless from all 

damages resulting from the claim or demand. 

Damages, as used in this provision, includes any reasonable loss, cost, expense, penalty, 

and other damage, including without limitation attorney's fees and other costs and expenses 

reasonably and necessarily incurred in enforcing this indemnity. 

IT IS ORDERED that the indemnifying party will reimburse the indemnified party, on 

demand, for any payment made by the indemnified party at any time after the entry of the 

divorce decree to satisfy any judgment of any court of competent jurisdiction or in accordance 

with a bona fide compromise or settlement of claims, demands, or actions for any damages to 

which this indemnity relates. 

The parties agree and IT IS ORDERED that each party will give the other party prompt 

written notice of any litigation threatened or instituted against either party that might constitute 

the basis of a claim for indemnity under this decree. 

Clarifying Orders 

Without affecting the finality of this Final Decre of Divorce, this Court expressly 

reserves the right to make orders necessary to clarify and enforce this decree. 

Relief Not Granted 

IT IS ORDERED AND DECREED that all relief requested in this case and not expressly 

granted is denied. This is a -- -final judgment, for which let execution and al Writs and processes 

-·-· · · -·- · 

necessary to enforce this judgment issue. '.fhis judgment finally disposes of al

 claims and all 

parties and is appealable. 

40 

1562 
Date of Judgment 

JUN 26 Z0.13 

SIGNED on --

 

APPROVED AS TO FORM ONLY: 

Hegwood & Associates, P.C.

Kimberly A. Hegwood 

State Bar No. 00798248 

950 Gemini, Suite 6

Houston, Texas 77058 

Tel: (28 1) 2 18-0880 

Fax: (28 1) 938-1 785 

Attorney for Shannon Brochette Nelson 

State B o.

PO Box 83 2 

HOUSTON, TX 77288

Tel: (71 3) 874- 1 111 

Fax: (888) 874-8076 

Jii1(9B'PRESIDING 

Amicus Attorney for Kelly Michelle Nelson and Alexis Paige Nelson

41 

1563 
APPROVED AND CONSENTED TO AS TO 

BOTH FORM AND SUBSTANCE: 

RETAKA ROMEO NELSON a/k/a TAKE JONES 

42 

1564 
Appendix Tab P:

Signed Order of Written Findings of 

Defective Service of Counter-Petition and 

Citation
370

NO. 2012-04063 

IN THE MATTER OF 

THE MARRIAGE OF 

RETAKA ROMEO NELSON 

AND 

SHANNON BROCHETTE NELSON 

AND IN THE INTEREST OF 

KELLY MICHELLE NELSON AND 

ALEXIS PAIGE NELSON, CHILDREN 

§ 

§ 

§ 

§ 

§ 

§ 

§ 

§ 

§ 

§ 

IN THE DISTRICT COURT 

312TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT 

HARIUSCOUNTY,TEXAS 

ORDER ON MOTION TO SET ASIDE OR DISSOLVE RESPONDENT'S 

DEFAULT TEMPORARY ORDERS 

On JlUle 11, 2012 the Court heard and GRANTED Petitioner's motion to set aside or 

dissolve Respondent's default temporary orders signed and entered on April 4, 2012 for 

Respondent, SHANNON BROCHETTE NELSON, against Petitioner, RETAKA RQEo -~ 

r-1'!!:; 

NELSON. . ~~.~ ::: 

·- .... A n'Pearances .._. l: u; (.!:J 

r. ~uc ~ 

Petitioner/Counter-Respondent, RETAKA ROMEO NELSON appeared in~ and 

through Lead Counsel, Edward C. Burwell, and announced ready. 

KespomtentJCounter-l'etJ.tJ.oner, :StlANNUN tlKUCH.t-11 t- Nt-L:SUN appeared m person 

and through attorney of record, D. Michelle Tewal, and announced ready. 

Defective Service of Process 

The Court finds that setVice of process ofthe defaulttemporary orders signed and entered 

on April 4, 2012 for SHANNON BROCHETTE NELSON, against RETAKA ROMEO 

NELSON, contains multiple defectives. 

The Court finds that the service address listed on the Order Granting Alternative Service 

on RET AKA ROMEO NELSON for SHANNON BROCHETTE NELSON, is defective. 

RET AKA ROMEO NELSON AND SHANNON BROCHE'ITE NELSON 

IN THE INTEREST OF KELLY MICHELLE NELSON AND ALEXIS PAIGE NELSON 

ORDER ON MOTION TO SET ASIDE OR DISSOLVE RESPONDENT'S DEFAULT TEMPORARY ORDERS 

1 RECORDER'S MEMORANDUM 

This Instrument Is of poor quality 

at the time of imaging 
371

..... 

·I 

The Court finds that the service address listed on the Citation executed on RETAKA 

ROMEO NELSON for SHANNON BROCHETTE NELSON, is defective. 

The Court finds that the service address listed on the Process Server's Affidavit executed 

on RET AKA ROMEO NELSON for SHANNON BROCHETTE NELSON, is defective. 

The Court finds that the service address listed on the Return of Service executed on 

RET AKA ROMEO NELSON for SHANNON BROCHETTE NELSON, is defective. 

The Court finds that Petitioner, RETAKA ROMEO NELSON, did not receive proper 

service and notice of Respondent's Citation, Counter-Original Petition for Divorce, Order 

Granting Alternative Service, and Temporary Restraining Order, in accordance to the Texas 

Rules ofCivil Procedure. 

On June 11, 2012 the Court ORDERED that the default temporary orders signed and 

entered on April 4, 2012 for Respondent, SHANNON BROCHETTE NELSON, against 

Petitioner, RETAKA ROMEO NELSON, is void and set aside, as evidenced by the June 11, 

2012 entry on the General Order ofthe Court, and by signature below. 

SIGNED this t1- day of ikbt2Y 

u 

RET AKA ROMEO NELSON AND SHANNON BROCHETTE NELSON 

oz..., 

'20_\_. 

IN THE INTEREST OF KELLY MICHELLE NELSON AND ALEXIS PAIGE NELSON 

ORDER ON MOTION TO SET ASIDE OR DISSOLVE RESPONDENT'S DEFAULT TEMPORARY ORDERS 

2 
372

AGREED AS TO FORM ONLY 

RET AKA ROMEO NELSON 

ProSe Petitioner/Counter-Respondent 

3007 Woodland Hills Dr.# 219, Kingwood, TX 77339 

Tel: (832) 590-9295/ Alt (415) 446-9395 

Fax:~- (888) 633- ~~ 

D. 

State Bar No. 

~ 06618 

95 Gemini, Suite 6 

Houston, TX 77058 

Tel: (281) 218-0880 

Fax: (281) 938-1785 

Attorney for Respondent/Counter-Petitioner, 

Shannon Brochette Nelson 

Nathene Caldwell 

State Bar No. 22050800 

Assistant Attorney General 

Child Support Division 

Child Support Unit 0608E 

450 N. Sam Houston, Suite 190 

Houston, TX 77060 

Tel: (218) 820-1200 

Fax: (281) 445-3301 

AGREED AND CONSENTED TO AS BOTH FORM AND SUBSTANCE 

SHANNON BROCHETTE NELSON 

Counter-Petitioner/Respondent 

.--"' 

~..-oz.__ 

RET AKA ROMEO NELSON 

Pro Se Petitioner/Counter-Respondent 

RET AKA ROMEO NELSON AND SHANNON BROCHETIE NELSON 

IN THE INTEREST OF KELLY MICHELLE NELSON AND ALEXIS PAIGE NELSON 

ORDER ON MOTION TO SET ASIDE OR DISSOLVE RESPONDENT'S DEFAULT TEMPORARY ORDERS 

3