Opinion ID: 2570071
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Standards for writ relief

Text: A writ of mandamus is available to compel the performance of an act that the law requires or to control a manifest abuse of discretion. [3] Mandamus is an extraordinary remedy, and the decision to entertain such a petition is addressed to our sole discretion. [4] Generally, we will not exercise our discretion to consider writ petitions challenging district court orders denying motions to dismiss, unless pursuant to clear authority under a statute or rule, the district court is obligated to dismiss an action ... [or] an important issue of law requires clarification. [5] In this writ petition, important issues of law require clarification: (1) whether the filing of a suggestion of death by an opposing party, without naming a potential successor or personal representative for the adverse deceased party, triggers NRCP 25's 90-day limitation period for substituting a proper party; and (2) given NRCP 25's mandatory language generally requiring that an action be dismissed if a motion to substitute a proper party for a deceased party is not filed within 90 days of the suggestion of death on the record, may a party obtain an extension of time, under NRCP 6 and upon a showing of excusable neglect, to file a motion for substitution of a proper party. [6]