Opinion ID: 2104274
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: the abatement order

Text: American Home also contends that the court of appeals violated Rule 29.5 of the Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure by abating the appeal and asking the trial court to enter an order specifying the basis for its ruling. American Home's position is that the court of appeals' jurisdiction attached when American Home filed its notice of appeal and that the court should have exercised its jurisdiction free from the trial court's interference. Specifically, American Home asserts that the court of appeals' abatement order violated Rule 29.5 by inviting interference with the court of appeals' jurisdiction and instructing the trial court how to make its decision nonreviewable. Rule 29.5 provides that while an interlocutory appeal is pending, a trial court retains jurisdiction of the case and may make further orders and may even proceed with the trial on the merits. Tex. R.App. P. 29.5. The rule only prohibits a trial court from entering an order that (1) is inconsistent with any appellate court temporary order, or (2) interferes with or impairs the appellate court's jurisdiction or the effectiveness of any relief sought or that may be granted on appeal. Tex. R.App. P. 29.5. Here, American Home complains only about the court of appeals' abatement order and asserts no complaint about the trial court's order. Accordingly, Rule 29.5 of the Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure is not the governing rule. Instead, Rule 44 of the Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure governs the court of appeals' action in this case. Rule 44.4(a) prohibits the court of appeals from affirming or reversing a judgment if a trial court's erroneous action or inaction prevents a proper presentation of a case to the court of appeals and the trial court can correct its action or failure to act. Tex.R.App. P. 44.4(a). If the circumstances in 44.4(a) exist, the court of appeals must direct the trial court to correct the error. Tex.R.App. P. 44.4(b). Here, the court of appeals complied with Rule 44.4 in requiring the trial court to enter a clarifying order to allow a proper presentation of the appeal.