Opinion ID: 2031306
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Roger Vorachek's Appeal

Text: Although not specifically raised by any of the parties, we are compelled to consider the effect of the untimely filing of a notice of appeal by Roger Vorachek. The right of appeal in this state is governed by statute and is a jurisdictional matter which we will consider sua sponte. Union State Bank v. Miller, 358 N.W.2d 222, 223 (N.D.1984). Roger's notice of appeal was filed on September 22, 1986, nearly six months after notice of entry of judgment was served. The attempted appeal was clearly untimely under Rule 4(a), N.D.R.App.P., and did not confer jurisdiction upon this court. Although generally a party who has failed to perfect an appeal is bound by the judgment of the lower court, we have recognized an exception which applies when the rights of all parties are interwoven or when the erroneous legal decision of the lower court forms the basis for all of the parties' rights. Under those circumstances, the nonappealing party is entitled to the benefit of the appellate court determination. Kuhn v. Kuhn, 301 N.W.2d 148, 151 (N.D.1981). In the instant case, the rights of all defendants are interwoven and the erroneous legal decision of the trial court forms the basis for all of the parties' rights. We therefore conclude that justice requires that Roger is entitled to the benefit of our determination on this appeal even though he has not perfected an appeal. Kuhn v. Kuhn, supra, 301 N.W.2d at 151-152.