Court Opinion

ID: 4076968
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2016-09-30 19:26:49.67672+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T14:33:16.389985
License: Public Domain

ACCEPTED
                                                                                       04-15-00557-CV
                                                                           FOURTH COURT OF APPEALS
                                                                                SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS
                                                                                   9/4/2015 7:00:05 PM
                                                                                        KEITH HOTTLE
                                                                                                CLERK

                              04-15-00557-CV
                        No. ______________                        FILED IN
                                                           4th COURT OF APPEALS
                                                            SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS
                                                           9/4/2015 7:00:05 PM
               IN THE COURT OF APPEALS                       KEITH E. HOTTLE
                                                                   Clerk
          FOR THE FOURTH DISTRICT OF TEXAS
                  SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS

                 In Re Stephanie Rios, Relator

        Original Proceedings from the County Court at Law,
          Sitting as a Probate Court, Starr County, Texas
             The Honorable Romero Molina Presiding
                    From Cause No. PR-14-016

        PETITION FOR WRIT OF MANDAMUS

Followed by an Emergency Motion to Abate & Preserve Docket Control Order

                                Flor E. Flores
                                THE LAW FIRM OF FLOR E. FLORES, PLLC
                                700 N. Flores St., Ste. E
                                Rio Grande City, Texas 78582
                                Tel: (956)263-1786
                                Fax: (956)263-1750
                                Email: ffloreslaw@gmail.com

                                Attorney for Stephanie Rios, Relator

                                   1
                  IDENTITY OF PARTIES AND COUNSEL

PARTIES                        COUNSEL

Relator:

Stephanie Rios                 Flor E. Flores
                               THE LAW FIRM OF FLOR E. FLORES, PLLC
                               700 N. Flores St., Ste. E
                               Rio Grande City, Texas 78582
                               Tel: (956)263-1786
                               Fax: (956)263-1750
                               Email: ffloreslaw@gmail.com

Respondent:

County Court at Law, sitting as a Probate Court, Starr County, Texas
Honorable Romero Molina

Real Parties In Interest:

Maria Adriana Flores           Gilberto Falcon
                               THE LAW OFFICE OF GILBERTO FALCON, PLLC
                               320 Lindberg Ave.
                               McAllen, Texas 78501
                               Email: gilberto@gilbertofalconlaw.com

                               Roel “Robie” Flores
                               FLORES ATTORNEYS AT LAW
                               3331 N. Ware Rd.
                               McAllen, Texas 78501
                               Email: robieflores@att.net

Attorney Ad Litem:

Minerva Garza
LAW OFFICE OF BALDEMAR GARZA AND MINERVA GARZA, PLLC
200 East Second Street
Rio Grande City, Texas 78582
Email: garzalawoffice@aol.com

                                        2
                                     TABLE OF CONTENTS

Identity of Parties and Counsel…………………………………………………..…2

Index of Authorities……………………………………………………………...4, 5

Statement of Jurisdiction …………………………………………………………..6

Statement of the Case……………………………………………………………7, 8

Issues Presented…………………………………………………………………….9
   A. Did the trial court clearly abuse its discretion when it granted a continuance
      of the trial, over Relator’s written and oral objections, when Real Party in
      Interest failed to show good cause? …………………………………….19-21

   B. Did the trial court clearly abuse its discretion in granting a trial continuance,
      over Relator’s written and oral objections, to allow Real Party in Interest to
      conduct discovery outside the deadlines imposed by the Agreed Docket
      Control Order, when Real Party in Interest failed to show that she exercised
      due diligence in utilizing the procedures for discovery afforded by the Texas
      Rules of Civil Procedure?.........................................................................20-25

   C. Did the trial court clearly abuse its discretion when it granted a continuance
      of the trial, over Relator’s written and oral objections, to allow Real Party in
      Interest to conduct discovery outside of the deadlines imposed by the Docket
      Control Order?..........................................................................................26-28

Statement of Facts……………………………………………………………..10-14

Argument & Authorities……………………………………………………….15-28

Conclusion……………………………………………………………………..29-31

Prayer………………………………………………………………………….32-33

Certificate of Compliance………………………………………………………...34

Certificate of Service……………………………………………………………...35

Appendix………………………………………………………………………36-37

                                                        3
                           INDEX OF AUTHORITIES

Case Law                                                                        Pages

Coker v. Coker, 650 S.W.2d 391, 393 (Tex. 1983)……………………….15, 18, 26

CSR Ltd. v. Link, 925 S.W.2d 591, 596 (Tex. 1966)……………………………...15

Fritsch v. J.M. English Truck Line, Inc., 151 Tex. 168 (Tex. 1952)...........16, 17, 20

Gabaldon v. General Motors Corp., 876 S.W.2d 367, 370
     (Tex.App.—El Paso, 1993…………………………………………………24

Gen. Motors Corp. v. Gayle, 951 S.W.2d 469, 477 (Tex. 1997)…………………16

In re Ford Motor Co., 988 S.W.2d 714, 721 (Tex. 1998)………………………...16

In re H & R Block, 159 S.W.3d 127, 132 (Tex. App. Corpus Christi 2004)……...16

In re Luna, 12-07-00185-CV (Tex.App.—Tyler, 2007)……………...16, 19, 21, 22

In re Prudential Ins. Co., 148 S.W.3d 124, 13536 (Tex. 2004) …………………15

In re Van Waters & Rogers, Inc., 145 S.W.3d 203, 210-11 (Tex.2004)……….....16

Johnson v. Fourth Court of Appeals, 700 S.W.2d 916, 917 (Tex. 1985)…………15

Lopez v. Munoz, Hockema & Reed, L.L.P., 22 S.W.3d 857, 861 (Tex. 2000)..18, 26

MCI Telecommunications Corp. v. Texas Utilities Elec. Co.,
     995 S.W.2d 647, 650-51 (Tex. 1999)………………………………………26

Nat’l Union Fire Ins., Co. v. CBI Indus., Inc., 907 S.W.2d 517,
      520 (Tex. 1995)………………………………………………………...18, 26

Sanchez v. Duke Energy Field Services, Inc., No.
     04-05-00926-CV, 2006 WL 2546365, at 2
     (Tex.App.—San Antonio Sept. 6, 2006)…………………………...18, 26, 27

State v. Crank, 666 S.W.2d 91, 94 (Tex. 1984)……………………………….16, 20

                                           4
State v. Wood Oil Distrib., Inc., 751 S.W.2d 863 (1988)…………16, 17, 20, 21, 25

Villegas v. Carter, 171 S.W.2d 624, 626 (Tex. 1986)………………………...16, 20

Verkin v. SW Cent 1, 784 S.W.2d 92 (Tex. App. 1990)…………………………..23

Wagner & Brown v. E.W. Moran Drilling Co., 702 S.W.2d 760,
     769 (Tex.App.—Fort Worth 1986……………………………………...18, 26
Walker v. Packer, 827 S.W.2d 833, 840 (Tex. 1992)……………………………..15

Statutes                                                               Pages

Tex. R. Civ. P. 247……………………………………………………17, 19, 24, 27

Tex. R. Civ. P. 251………………………………………………………..17, 19, 27

Tex. R. Civ. P. 252………………………………………………..17, 20, 21, 23, 24

                                      5
                    STATEMENT OF JURISDICTION

     This court has jurisdiction over this petition for writ of mandamus under

Section 22.201 and 22.221(b) of the Texas Government Code.

                                      6
                         STATEMENT OF THE CASE

      The underlying case involves an Application to Appoint Dependent

Administrator of the Estate of Artemio Rios, deceased, and an Application to

Determine the Heirs of Artemio Rios, deceased. Both applications were filed by

Stephanie Rios, Relator and the biological daughter of Artemio Rios.

      The cases originated in the County Court at Law, sitting as a Probate Court,

of Rio Grande City, Starr County, Texas, in Cause No. PR-14-13 and Cause No PR-

14-16, both styled In the Estate of Artemio Rios, deceased.

      Real Party in Interest Maria Adriana Flores filed a Petition for Intervention

for Determination of the Right of Inheritance on March 4, 2015, alleging to be the

common law wife of Artemio Rios, deceased. Relator disputes that a common law

marriage between her father and Real Party in Interest existed. Relator filed a

Demand for a Jury Trial solely on the issue of whether a common law marriage

existed between Real Party in Interest and Decedent. A Special Jury Trial was

scheduled for September 3, 2015.

      Real Party in Interest filed a Motion for Continuance of the Trial on

September 1, 2015, on the ground that she had not yet had an opportunity to depose

Relator, her biological brother and heir to Artemio Rios, and a non-party. Relator

objected to those depositions on the ground that the discovery deadlines imposed by

the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, incorporated into the Agreed Docket Control

                                         7
Order had expired and objected to the trial continuance by way of argument at the

hearing held on September 1, 2015 and the written Response and Objection to the

Motion for Continuance incorporated by reference into the oral argument. The trial

court granted a continuance of the trial, without a showing of good cause and due

diligence, and after several resets at the request of Real Party in Interest over

Relator’s objections.

      Relator complains that Respondent clearly abused its discretion in granting a

trial continuance to allow Real Party in Interest to conduct discovery after the

expiration of the discovery deadline and disregarding the Agreed Docket Control

Order. Relator further complains that Respondent clearly abused its discretion in

opening the discovery period two (2) days before the scheduled trial date to allow

Real Party in Interest to take depositions of witnesses when Real Party in Interest

completely failed to exercise due diligence in conducting discovery during the

discovery period, in contravention to the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure and the

Agreed Docket Control Order.

                                         8
                           ISSUES PRESENTED

A. Did the trial court clearly abuse its discretion when it granted a continuance
   of the trial, over Relator’s written and oral objections, when Real Party in
   Interest failed to show good cause?

B. Did the trial court clearly abuse its discretion in granting a trial continuance,
   over Relator’s written and oral objections, to allow Real Party in Interest to
   conduct discovery outside the deadlines imposed by the Agreed Docket
   Control Order, when Real Party in Interest failed to show that she exercised
   due diligence in utilizing the procedures for discovery afforded by the Texas
   Rules of Civil Procedure?

C. Did the trial court clearly abuse its discretion when it granted a continuance
   of the trial, over Relator’s written and oral objections, to allow Real Party in
   Interest to conduct discovery outside of the deadlines imposed by the Docket
   Control Order?

                                       9
                            STATEMENT OF FACTS

      Relator Stephanie Rios was the biological daughter of Artemio Rios,

deceased. Artemio Rios died as a result of an automobile accident on November 30,

2013. Relator filed a wrongful death suit in Cause No. DC-13-971 in the 381st

Judicial District Court, Rio Grande City, Starr County, Texas. Relator subsequently

also filed an Application for Appointment of Dependent Administrator under Cause

No. PR-14-13 in the County Court at Law, sitting as a Probate Court, Rio Grande

City, Starr County, Texas. [Apx. 1]. Relator also filed an Application to Determine

Heirship in Cause No. PR-14-16 in the County Court at Law, sitting as a Probate

Court, Rio Grande City, Starr County, Texas. [Apx. 2]. Relator’s wrongful death

suit is set for Trial on October 19, 2015. [Apx. 3].

      Real Party in Interest Maria Adriana Flores filed a Petition in Intervention for

Determination of the Right of Inheritance on or about March 4, 2015, claiming to be

the common law wife of Artemio Rios, deceased. [Apx. 4]

      Since the Intervention was filed, both cases were set for hearings on Relator’s

pending applications and at every hearing set, Real Party in Interest requested a reset

by way of oral motions for continuances of the hearings. Relator objected to every

reset of the case and the trial court nonetheless granted each request for a

continuance.    The trial court set the case for a hearing on all pending

applications/motions for March 26, 2015. Again, Real Party in Interest requested a

                                          10
reset, and again, over Relator’s objections, the trial court granted the reset and

ordered the parties to enter into a docket control order and set the case for trial.

Relator filed a Motion to Compel Discovery and after a hearing, Real Party in

Interest was ordered to respond to Relator’s discovery by July 30, 2015. [Apx. 5].

Relator attempted to prepare a Docket Control Order, sent Real Party in Interest’s

attorney an email requesting tentative trial dates, and counsel never responded.

[Apx. 6] Relator filed a Motion for Docket Control Order on June 11, 2015 and said

motion was set for a hearing on July 23, 2015. [Apx. 7] On the same date, the

parties entered into an Agreed Docket Control Order, which was signed by the Court

on the same date. [Apx. 8] Said Agreed Docket Control Order set all the deadlines,

including deadlines to complete discovery, as per the Texas Rules of Civil

Procedure.

      Relator took depositions of Real Party in Interest and three witnesses

disclosed in Real Party in Interest’s response to Relator’s discovery. [Apx. 9] These

witnesses were disclosed late and only after the filing of a Motion to Compel. The

depositions of the Real Party in Interest and her witnesses were set for July 31, 2015

by agreement of the parties and later moved to August 4, 2015 at Real Party in

Interest’s request. Said depositions were noticed after the discovery deadline by

agreement of the parties, as allowed by the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, and due

to Real Party in Interest’s failure to timely disclose in response to discovery requests.

                                           11
      Real Party in Interest for the first time attempted to engage in discovery and

sent Relator’s counsel a letter with tentative deposition dates on August 6, 2015,

after the expiration of the discovery deadlines as per the Agreed Docket Control

Order. [Apx. 10]. Real Party in Interest, however, attempted to set those depositions

in the wrongful death case filed by Relator individually and on behalf of the Estate

of Artemio Rios, her deceased father, and filed in Cause No. DC-13-971 in the 381st

Judicial District Court, Starr County, Texas. Id. Real Party in Interest also filed an

intervention in that case. Defendant in Cause No. DC-13-971 filed a Motion to

Quash and for Protective Order on the ground that the depositions of the parties

noticed by Real Party in Interest had already been taken. [Apx. 11]. Real Party in

Interest was notified, and in that case also, failed to exercise due diligence and failed

to participate in those depositions. Moreover, Real Party in Interest’s intervention

had also already been stricken at the time she noticed depositions of the parties.

[Apx. 12]. Real Party in Interest incorrectly claimed in her argument on the

continuance of the trial in this case that Relator not only failed to cooperate in

scheduling depositions, that said depositions were noticed unilaterally because of

Relator’s failure to cooperate, and that Relator filed an untimely Motion to Quash

and for Protective Order. Relator denies those allegations as evidenced by the

documents attached in Appendix 8 – 11 and in fact, never filed a Motion to Quash

and for Protective Order.

                                           12
      Real Party in Interest again sent another correspondence attempting to notice

depositions in Cause No. DC-13-971. [Apx. 13]. Real Party in Interest noticed

depositions for August 25, 2015 and Relator filed a timely Motion to Quash and for

Protective Order on the ground that the depositions were noticed after expiration of

the discovery deadlines as per the Docket Control Order, that Real Party in Interest

failed to comply with the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure in noticing the deposition

of a non-party, and that Real Party in Interest failed to comply with the Texas Rules

of Civil Procedure in failing to properly schedule depositions in Cause No. PR-14-

16. [Apx. 14]. Real Party in Interest filed Amended Notices of Intent to Depose on

August 31, 2015 and Relator again filed a second timely Motion to Quash and for

Protective Order on the same grounds. [Apx. 15].

      Real Party in Interest filed a Motion for Continuance of the Trial on August

30, 2015, alleging that she had not had an opportunity to depose witnesses. [Apx.

16]. Relator timely filed a Response and Objection to the Motion for Continuance

on August 31, 2015. [Apx. 17, 17-A through 17-K]. The trial court set the case for

a hearing on Real Party in Interest’s motion for continuance for September 1, 2015.

At that hearing, Real Party in Interest urges a trial continuance to allow her to depose

Relator and her witnesses and further claims that Relator could not quash the

depositions the motions to quash required a five (5) day notice of a hearing on said

motions had been filed less than five (5) days of the September 1, 2015 hearing.

                                          13
Real Party in Interest fails to point out that her untimely request to depose witnesses

days before the trial necessitated the filing of said motions to quash. Real Party in

Interest also fails to point out that she was attempting to schedule depositions after

the expiration of the discovery period as per the Agreed Docket Control Order.

      More significantly, Real Party in Interest fails to point out that during the six

(6) months period since her intervention was filed, she completely failed to exercise

due diligence in scheduling deposition or conducting any discovery whatsoever,

even though she requested several resets of this case. In addition, when Real Party

in Interest, through her counsel, entered into the Agreed Docket Control Order, she

was well aware that a Demand for Jury Trial had been made and filed by Relator and

that Relator had made at least two attempts to set the matter for trial. After two

docket control order hearings, a trial date was secured by agreement of all parties.

                                          14
                       ARGUMENT AND AUTHORITIES

      Mandamus is an extraordinary remedy that is available only in limited

circumstances.    CSR Ltd. v. Link, 925 S.W.2d 591, 596 (Tex. 1966) (orig.

proceedings) (citing Walker v. Packer, 827 S.W.2d 833, 840 (Tex. 1992) (orig.

proceedings)). Mandamus is appropriate “only to correct a clear abuse of discretion

or the violation of a duty imposed by law when there is no other adequate remedy

by law.” Id. “In order to obtain mandamus relief, a relator must show both that the

trial court has clearly abused its discretion and that relator has no adequate appellate

remedy.” In re Prudential Ins. Co., 148 S.W.3d 124, 13536 (Tex. 2004); Walker,
827 S.W.2d at 83940.

      “A trial court abuses its discretion if it reaches a decision ‘so arbitrary and

unreasonable as to amount to clear and prejudicial error of law.’” Walker v. Packer,

827 S.W.2d 833, 839 (quoting Johnson v. Fourth Court of Appeals, 700 S.W.2d 916,

917 (Tex. 1985). “Appellate courts will not intervene to control incidental trial court

rulings when an adequate remedy by appeal exists.” In re Prudential Ins. Co. of

Am.,148 S.W.3d 124, 136 (Tex. 2004)(orig. proceeding); Walker, 827 S.W.2d at

840. “But a party will not have an adequate remedy by appeal (1) when the appellate

court would not be able to cure the trial court's discovery error, (2) when the party's

ability to present a viable claim or defense at trial is vitiated or severely

compromised by the trial court's discovery error, or (3) when the trial court disallows

                                          15
discovery and the missing discovery cannot be made a part of the appellate record

or the trial court, after proper request, refuses to make it part of the record.” In re

Van Waters & Rogers, Inc., 145 S.W.3d 203, 210-11 (Tex.2004) (orig.

proceeding); In re Ford Motor Co., 988 S.W.2d 714, 721 (Tex. 1998) (orig.

proceeding); Walker, 827 S.W.2d at 843.

       The denial of a motion for continuance is an incidental trial ruling ordinarily

not reviewable by mandamus. Gen. Motors Corp. v. Gayle, 951 S.W.2d 469, 477

(Tex. 1997). An exception to this general rule occurs when special circumstances

are present. Id. Special circumstances are present when other errors exist that are

themselves properly reviewed on petition for writ of mandamus. Id.; In re H & R

Block, 159 S.W.3d 127, 132 (Tex. App. Corpus Christi 2004, orig. proceeding

[mand. dismissed]); In re Luna, 12-07-00185-CV (Tex.App.—Tyler, 2007).

       “It is well established that the granting or denial of a motion for continuance

is within the trial court’s sound discretion.” State v. Wood Oil Distrib., Inc., 751
S.W.2d 863 (1988) (citing Villegas v. Carter, 171 S.W.2d 624, 626 (Tex. 1986));

State v. Crank, 666 S.W.2d 91, 94 (Tex. 1984). “The exercise of discretion will not

be disturbed on appeal unless the record discloses a clear abuse of discretion.” Id.

“It is also well established that the failure of a litigant to diligently utilize the rules

of civil procedure for discovery purposes will not authorize the granting of a

continuance.” Fritsch v. J.M. English Truck Line, Inc., 151 Tex. 168 (Tex. 1952).

                                            16
“A trial court will not be required to grant a motion for continuance, at the risk of

committing error in overruling it, when the allegations in the motion examined in

light of the record show beyond cavil a complete lack of diligence…” Id. at 858.

“A party who does not diligently utilize the procedures for discovery can seldom

claim reversible error when the trial court refuses a continuance.” State v. Wood Oil

Distributing, Inc., 751 S.W.2d 863, 865 (Tex. 1988).

      Texas Rules of Civil Procedure 247 further states that “[n]o cause which has

been set upon the trial docket of the court shall be taken from the trial docket for the

date set except by agreement of the parties or for good cause upon motion and notice

to the opposing party.” Tex. R. Civ. P. 247; Tex. R. Civ. P. 251. The rules further

state that “[t]he failure to obtain the deposition of any witness residing within 100

miles of the courthouse or the county in which the suit is pending shall not be

regarded as want of diligence when diligence has been used to secure the personal

attendance of such witness under the rules of law….” Tex. R. Civ. P. 252. Rule 252

further requires that “if a continuance is sought to depose a witness, the motion must

include the following information: 1.) the witness’s name and address (street,

county, and state of residence); and 2.) a description of the testimony the witness

will probably give and what the party expects the testimony to prove. Id.

      Agreed docket control orders are governed by contract principles. “When a

contract is not ambiguous, the construction of the written instrument is a question of

                                          17
law for the court that is reviewed de novo.” MCI Telecommunications Corp. v.

Texas Utilities Elec. Co., 995 S.W.2d 647, 650-51 (Tex. 1999); Coker v. Coker, 650
S.W.2d 391, 393 (Tex. 1983). “Whether a contract is ambiguous is a question of

law that must be decided by examining the contract as a whole in light of the

circumstances present when the contract was entered.” Nat’l Union Fire Ins., Co. v.

CBI Indus., Inc., 907 S.W.2d 517, 520 (Tex. 1995); Sanchez v. Duke Energy Field

Services, Inc., No. 04-05-00926-CV, 2006 WL 2546365, at 2 (Tex.App.—San

Antonio Sept. 6, 2006, pet. denied); see also Wagner & Brown v. E.W. Moran

Drilling Co., 702 S.W.2d 760, 769 (Tex.App.—Fort Worth 1986, no writ)(court

must determine from expressions used in a written contract whether there has been

a meeting of the minds). “If a written contract is worded so that it can be given a

definite or certain legal meaning, then it is unambiguous.” Nat’l Union Fire Ins.

Co., 907 S.W.2d at 520; Coker, 650 S.W.2d at 393. “An ambiguity does not arise

simply because the parties offer forceful and diametrically opposing interpretations.”

Lopez v. Munoz, Hockema & Reed, L.L.P., 22 S.W.3d 857, 861 (Tex. 2000);

Sanchez, 2006 WL 2546365 at 2. “Rather, a contract is ambiguous only if two or

more reasonable interpretations are genuinely possible after application of the

pertinent rules of interpretation to the face of the instrument.” Sanchez, 2006 WL
2546365 at 2.

                                         18
   I.      Real Party in Interest Failed to Show Good Cause

        “A continuance shall not be granted except for sufficient cause supported by

affidavit, or by consent of the parties, or by operation of law.” In Re Luna, 12-07-

00185-CV (Tex.App.—Tyler, 2007). Texas Rules of Civil Procedure 247 further

states that “[n]o cause which has been set upon the trial docket of the court shall be

taken from the trial docket for the date set except by agreement of the parties or for

good cause upon motion and notice to the opposing party.” Tex. R. Civ. P. 247; Tex.

R. Civ. P. 251.

        Relator contends that Real Party in Interest’s motion for continuance and her

argument at the hearing on said motion are devoid of any showing of good cause. In

her motion, Real Party in Interest simply states that “counsel has previously noticed

the opposing parties in this case, and they improperly quashed the depositions…”

The verified affidavit attached to her motion for continuance is also devoid of any

reason, justification or ground which constitutes good cause for the granting of a

continuance. What Real Party in Interest fails to state in her motion is that she was

attempting to schedule depositions just days before the scheduled trial and past the

expiration of the discovery deadlines as per the Agreed Docket Control Order.

Absent an agreement between the parties to allow for depositions past the expiration

of discovery deadlines, Real Party in Interest was required to show good cause for a

continuance, which she failed to do. Relator further contends that Real Party in

                                          19
Interest could not show good cause for the granting of a continuance when Real

Party in Interest had already unreasonably delayed the proceedings by requesting

resets over Relator’s objections, all of which were granted by the trial court, also

absent good cause.

   II.      Real Party in Interest Failed to Exercise Due Diligence

         “It is well established that the granting or denial of a motion for continuance

is within the trial court’s sound discretion.” State v. Wood Oil Distrib., Inc., 751
S.W.2d 863 (1988) (citing Villegas v. Carter, 171 S.W.2d 624, 626 (Tex. 1986));

State v. Crank, 666 S.W.2d 91, 94 (Tex. 1984). “The exercise of discretion will not

be disturbed on appeal unless the record discloses a clear abuse of discretion.” Id.

         “A trial court will not be required to grant a motion for continuance, at the

risk of committing error in overruling it, when the allegations in the motion

examined in light of the record show beyond cavil a complete lack of diligence…”

Id. at 858. “A party who does not diligently utilize the procedures for discovery can

seldom claim reversible error when the trial court refuses a continuance.” State v.

Wood Oil Distributing, Inc., 751 S.W.2d 863, 865 (Tex. 1988).

         “The failure to obtain the deposition of any witness residing within 100 miles

of the courthouse or the county in which the suit is pending shall not be regarded as

want of diligence when diligence has been used to secure the personal attendance

of such witness under the rules of law….” Tex. R. Civ. P. 252. Rule 252 further

                                            20
requires that “if a continuance is sought to depose a witness, the motion must include

the following information: 1.) the witness’s name and address (street, county, and

state of residence); and 2.) a description of the testimony the witness will probably

give and what the party expects the testimony to prove. Id.

      In Wood, Wood asked for a continuance “[o]n the morning of the trial…to

obtain additional time to take depositions of the State’s witnesses….” State v. Wood

Oil Distrib., Inc., 751 S.W.2d 863 (Tex. 1988). “Wood also sought the continuance

in order to discovery more detailed information from the State….” Id. Wood had

not conducted discovery during the two years in which suit was pending. Id. The

Supreme Court held that the trial court did not abuse its discretion because Wood

did not prove diligence. Id. The Court said that Wood’s inability…to take the

deposition of State’s witnesses was ‘a predicament of its own making.’ Id. The

Court further stated “that is a risk Wood took by not diligently pursuing discovery.”

Id. “To reward such conduct with a new trial is manifestly improper.” Id.

      Moreover, in Luna, a trial was scheduled for May 21, 2007 by Agreed Docket

Control Order. In Re Luna, 12-07-00185-CV (Tex.App—Tyler, 2007). On May 4,

2007, Luna filed a motion for continuance of the trial “requesting that the trial be

continued for sixty days because she needed additional time…to obtain deposition

testimony...to obtain precise details concerning the nature, depth, and breadth of the

operational agreement in effect at the time of this incident….” Id. A hearing was

                                         21
held on May 15, 2007, and the trial court denied said motion. Id. Luna [sought]

“’mandamus relief from the respondent trial court’s denial of her motion for

continuance’….[and] ‘also filed a motion for an emergency stay of all proceedings

pending…disposition of her petition.’” Id. The Court denied mandamus relief and

held that “the record does not affirmatively show the diligence necessary for Luna

to obtain a continuance to conduct additional discovery.” Id.

      Realtor contends that Real Party in Interest has failed to show any exercise of

due diligence on her part to engage in discovery. Real Party in Interest’s motion for

continuance fails to emphasize that she failed to engage in any discovery during the

pendency of the suit and that on the eve of trial, she attempts to take depositions after

expiration of the discovery deadlines. Like in Luna, Real Party in Interest has failed

to show due diligence in utilizing the discovery procedures afforded to all parties by

the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure. Moreover, also like in Luna, Relator contends

that the record in this case does not affirmatively show the diligence necessary for

Real Party in Interest to obtain a continuance to conduct additional discovery.

      Additionally, Relator contends that Real Party in Interest’s motion for

continuance should have been denied because in addition to failing to show good

cause and due diligence, her motion for continuance is not in substantial compliance

with Rule 252, which requires that “when requesting additional time for discovery,

a party must fulfill six requirements under oath: 1.) the testimony is material; 2.)

                                           22
proof of materiality; 3.) show of diligence; 4.) cause of failure, if known; 5.)

evidence not available; 6.) continuance is not for delay only but so that justice be

done. Tex. R. Civ. P. 252; Verkin v. SW Cent 1, 784 S.W.2d 92 (Tex. App. 1990).

Real Party in Interest counsel filed a motion for continuance and attached an affidavit

to said motion. In his affidavit, Real Party in Interest’s counsel simply states “I am

hereby acquainted with the facts stated in the Motion for Continuance.” The motion

itself states that “counsel has previously noticed the opposing parties in this case,

and they improperly quashed the depositions…” It further states that “depositions

are scheduled for September 1, 2015 at 9:00 a.m.; 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.” Relator

filed a written response and objection to Real Party in Interest’s motion for

continuance, and incorporated written arguments into oral arguments at the hearing

on said motion, controverting the statements in the motion and objecting to its non-

compliance with the rules. Relator contends that Real Party in Interest failed to

comply with Rule 252 in that she has completely failed to show that she exercised

due diligence in trying to obtaining depositions and conduct any discovery within

the six (6) months that her intervention had been pending; has failed to completely

state a cause for her failure to do so; has failed to show that evidence was not

available during that time; and has failed to show how her request for a continuance

is for anything other than to delay the case, an impermissible attempt to obtain

evidence and conduct discovery past the discovery deadlines, and cause prejudice to

                                          23
Relator.   Real Party in Interest has further failed to state in her motion for

continuance “the type of information sought” in the depositions she attempts to

notice. Gabaldon v. General Motors Corp., 876 S.W.2d 367, 370 (Tex.App.—El

Paso, 1993, no writ).   In fact, Real Party in Interest’s motion for continuance is

devoid of any of the information required by Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 252.

The strict requirements of Rule 252 clearly state that ‘if a continuance is sought to

depose a witness, the motion must include…’ the above stated requirements. Tex.

R. Civ. P. 252. The language in Rule 252 is mandatory, and Real Party in Interest’s

motion for continuance does not satisfy those mandatory requirements. Most

importantly, Real Party in Interest’s motion for continuance also fails to state that

the discovery period had expired at the time she attempted to schedule depositions.

      Real Party in Interest’s motion for continuance is devoid of any showing of

due diligence in procuring depositions of witnesses in this case. In fact, Real Party

in Interest has failed to satisfy the requirement and describe the attempts she has

made in a period of six (6) months to secure discovery of evidence. Rule 247 further

imposes mandatory language when a party moves for a trial continuance to conduct

discovery. Rule 247 specifically requires that Real Party in Interest show good cause

and due diligence, none of which Real Party in Interest showed in her motion for

continuance or argument at the hearing on said motion. Real Party in Interest’s only

argument in her attempt to show good cause was that she had not taken depositions

                                         24
yet. However, Real Party in Interest failed to emphasize that her attempts to depose

witnesses were all made after the expiration of the discovery deadlines. Real Party

in Interests attempts to show due diligence was to produce correspondence and

emails showing her attempts to notice depositions, but Real Party in interest also

failed to emphasize that the correspondence and email sent were for attempts to

schedule depositions in a case not before the Probate Court, and most importantly,

also beyond the Docket Control Order and the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure

deadlines. Real Party in Interest attempts to show good cause and due diligence

in scheduling depositions within a week from the scheduled Trial. Real Party in

Interest’s failure to conduct discovery and take depositions was not the result of

accident or mistake, but rather the result of conscious indifference. Relator has no

adequate remedy at law because the trial court’s order opening discovery two (2)

days before the scheduled trial and clearly way past the expiration of the discovery

deadlines now subject Relator and her witnesses that Real Party in Interest could

have taken during the six-month period from the filing of the petition in intervention

to the date of trial. “A party who does not diligently utilize the procedures for

discovery can seldom claim reversible error when the trial court refuses a

continuance.” State v. Wood Oil Distributing, Inc., 751 S.W.2d 863, 865 (Tex.

1988).

                                         25
   III.   Agreed Docket Control Order

      Agreed docket control orders are governed by contract principles. “When a

contract is not ambiguous, the construction of the written instrument is a question of

law for the court that is reviewed de novo.” MCI Telecommunications Corp. v.

Texas Utilities Elec. Co., 995 S.W.2d 647, 650-51 (Tex. 1999); Coker v. Coker, 650
S.W.2d 391, 393 (Tex. 1983). “Whether a contract is ambiguous is a question of

law that must be decided by examining the contract as a whole in light of the

circumstances present when the contract was entered.” Nat’l Union Fire Ins., Co. v.

CBI Indus., Inc., 907 S.W.2d 517, 520 (Tex. 1995); Sanchez v. Duke Energy Field

Services, Inc., No. 04-05-00926-CV, 2006 WL 2546365, at 2 (Tex.App.—San

Antonio Sept. 6, 2006, pet. denied); see also Wagner & Brown v. E.W. Moran

Drilling Co., 702 S.W.2d 760, 769 (Tex.App.—Fort Worth 1986, no writ)(court

must determine from expressions used in a written contract whether there has been

a meeting of the minds). “If a written contract is worded so that it can be given a

definite or certain legal meaning, then it is unambiguous.” Nat’l Union Fire Ins.

Co., 907 S.W.2d at 520; Coker, 650 S.W.2d at 393. “An ambiguity does not arise

simply because the parties offer forceful and diametrically opposing interpretations.”

Lopez v. Munoz, Hockema & Reed, L.L.P., 22 S.W.3d 857, 861 (Tex. 2000);

Sanchez, 2006 WL 2546365 at 2. “Rather, a contract is ambiguous only if two or

more reasonable interpretations are genuinely possible after application of the

                                         26
pertinent rules of interpretation to the face of the instrument.” Sanchez, 2006 WL
2546365 at 2.

      Texas Rules of Civil Procedure 247 further states that “[n]o cause which has

been set upon the trial docket of the court shall be taken from the trial docket for the

date set except by agreement of the parties or for good cause upon motion and notice

to the opposing party.” Tex. R. Civ. P. 247; Tex. R. Civ. P. 251.

       Real Party in Interest filed her Petition in Intervention six (6) months prior to

the date of the scheduled Trial. Real Party in Interest joined in the Agreed Docket

Control Order setting the case for Trial on September 3, 2015. It is significant to

emphasize that the Agreed Docket Control Order was entered into after the second

request for a docket control order by Relator. Approximately two (2) months passed

between the first hearing on Relator’s Motion for Docket Control Order and the

second. During that period of time, Real Party in Interest failed to engage in

absolutely any discovery. On July 23, 2015, the Agreed Docket Control Order was

executed by all parties and signed by the Court. During the period of time between

the filing of the intervention and the trial, Real Party in Interest failed to conduct any

discovery. On the eve of trial, Real Party in Interest attempted to notice depositions,

after the discovery deadlines have passed, and without proving any due diligence in

attempting to conduct discovery or procure depositions of the witnesses.

                                           27
      Relator contends that principles of contract apply to the Agreed Docket

Control Order executed between the parties. That agreement clearly states that all

deadlines, including the deadline to complete discovery, were set as per the Texas

Rules of Civil Procedure. The Texas Rules are very clear that discovery begins on

the date the suit is filed up to thirty (30) days before trial. There is no ambiguity in

the Agreed Docket Control Order executed between the parties and no reason for the

agreement of the parties to be undone by the trial court or Real Party in Interest. The

trial court provided no justification for undoing the agreement of the parties and

opening the discovery deadline to allow Real Party in Interest to take depositions

just days before the scheduled trial, especially when the agreement governs the

deadlines in this case. Relator contends that the trial court clearly abused its

discretion in opening the discovery deadlines in contravention to valid Agreed

Docket Control Order and further in rewarding Real Party in Interest with the

opportunity to take depositions after expiration of the discovery deadlines, when

Real Party in Interest failed to show good cause and due diligence. The trial court’s

actions in ignoring the docket control order are in contravention with the rules of

law and applicable case law, and constituted a clear abuse of discretion.

                                          28
                                  CONCLUSION

      The trial record is clear that Real Party in Interest intervened in the probate

matters and did absolutely nothing after the intervention. Real Party in Interest

claims to have been the common law wife of Artemio Rios, decedent, and not only

has she failed to produce any evidence or substantial witnesses to support her claim,

but has also engaged in zero discovery. Real Party in Interest, during the six-months

period she has been in this litigation, has done nothing other than request reset after

reset, and after agreeing to a trial date, files a Motion for Continuance of the trial

just five (5) days before the trial is set to begin, claiming she hasn’t had the

“opportunity” to depose Relator and some of her witness. It was not Real Party in

Interests lack of opportunity to depose, but an absolute lack of due diligence on her

party. The Texas Rules are very clear that discovery begins on the date the suit is

filed up to thirty (30) days before trial. On the eve of trial, Real Party in Interest

tries to come up with some evidence, through depositions, to prove her claim. With

the assistance of the trial court, Real Party in Interest was given yet another

opportunity to do the work she should have done during the discovery period. Both

Real Party in Interest and the trial court have completely ignored the fact that the

parties agreed to the Docket Control Order and that that Order and the Texas Rules

of Civil Procedure are clear as to the discovery deadlines. Real Party in Interest’s

                                          29
failure to diligently utilize the procedures for discovery disprove any attempted

showing of good cause for the granting of a trial continuance to conduct discovery.

      Relator will be prejudiced by the granting of a continuance in this case

because the trial court not only gave Real Party in Interest even more time but most

significantly, has allowed Real Party in Interest to do the work that she should have

done to prove her case within the deadlines imposed by the Agreed Docket Control

Order. Real Party in Interest has had more than sufficient time to conduct discovery

and obtain evidence to prove her alleged claim of common law and has failed to do

so. Relator contends that the trial court abused its discretion in granting the trial

continuance and opening discovery to allow Real Party in Interest to take depositions

and attempt obtain evidence to prove her claim of common law marriage, essentially

shifts the burden to Relator to disprove the claim. Relator has been diligent in

conducting discovery, secured evidence, and procured witnesses to dispute Real

Party in Interest’s alleged claim of common law marriage to Relator’s deceased

father while Real Party in Interest has caused nothing but delays in these proceedings

and has failed to do anything to prove her alleged claim of common law marriage.

      By granting the trial continuance, the trial court has allowed Real Party in

Interest to bypass the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure and the Agreed Docket Control

Order, giving her the opportunity to obtain evidence to prove her case, when she has

displayed a complete lack of diligence in doing so within the deadlines imposed by

                                         30
the rules. The trial court’s action clearly amounts to abuse of discretion, especially

when the trial court had previously allowed Real Party in Interest resets of the

matters pending before the court to prepare her case. Relator further contends that

the trial court’s actions of opening the discovery period to allow Real Party in

Interest to take depositions outside the discovery deadlines is not only a clear abuse

of discretion but extremely prejudicial to Relator, who vehemently disputes the Real

Party in Interest’s common law marriage with Relator’s father and has worked

diligently to counter Real Party in Interest’s claim and prepare for trial. To excuse

Real Party in Interest’s lack of due diligence and allow her to conduct discovery in

contravention with the rules and the Agreed Docket Control Order constitutes a clear

abuse of discretion by the trial court. The trial court in its ruling allowed Real Party

in Interest to take the deposition of Relator, her biological brother, and a non-party

and ordered Relator to make herself and her brother available for depositions on or

before September 10, 2015. Relator has no adequate remedy at law and moves this

Court for a writ of mandamus to stay those depositions and the trial date rescheduled

to September 17, 2015, and directing Respondent to abate all further proceedings in

this matter until this Honorable Court rules in this matter.

                                          31
                                      PRAYER

      Relator requests that this Court grant her Petition for Writ of Mandamus and

Order the County Court at Law, sitting as a Probate Court, Starr County, Texas, to

vacate its Order dated September 1, 2015 granting Real Party in Interest’s trial

continuance and opening the discovery period to allow Real Party in Interest to take

depositions of witnesses outside the Docket Control Order deadlines. Relator further

requests that this Court enter an emergency order abating all further proceedings

before the County Court at Law and to preserve the Docket Control Order and its

deadlines in all respects which was entered by the parties on July 23, 2015, closing

the discovery period as per the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure incorporated into the

Docket Control Order. Relator further requests that this Court abate the depositions

ordered by the trial court to be taken on or before September 10, 2015 and the trial

set for September 17, 2015 at 9:00 a.m. until a further date after a decision by this

Court. Relator further requests that this Court remand the case for trial without

further discovery, and any filing of motions past the deadline to file motions, and for

any and all other relief, in law or in equity, to which Relator may be justly entitled

to.

                                          32
Respectfully Submitted,

/S/FLOR E. FLORES

Flor E. Flores
THE LAW FIRM OF FLOR E. FLORES, PLLC
700 N. Flores St., Ste. E
Rio Grande City, Texas 78582
Tel: (956)263-1786
Fax: (956)263-1750
Email: ffloreslaw@gmail.com

Attorney for Stephanie Rios, Relator

  33
                     CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE

      Pursuant to Texas Rule of Appellate Procedure 9.4, I hereby certify that this

Petition for Writ of Mandamus contains 4,995 words. This is a computer generated

document created in MicroSoft Word 2013, using 14-point typeface for all text,

except the footnotes which are 12-point typeface. In making this certificate of

compliance, I am relying on the word count provided by the software used to prepare

the document.

                                             /S/FLOR E. FLORES
                                             Flor E. Flores

                                        34
                         CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

      I, Flor E. Flores, certify that on this the 4th day of September, 2015, I served,

with prior notice, a copy of this Petition for Writ of Mandamus, to all required

parties as per the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure and Texas Rules of Appellate

Procedure, as follows:

      VIA HAND DELIVERY
      VIA CMRRR NO: 7014 1820 0001 7960 7289
      Hon. Romero Molina
      504 N. Britton Ave.
      Rio Grande City, Texas 78582

      VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL: gilberto@gilbertofalconlaw.com
      Gilberto Falcon
      THE LAW OFFICE OF GILBERTO FALCON, PLLC
      320 Lindberg Ave.
      McAllen, Texas 78501
      Attorney for Real Party in Interest Maria Adriana Flores

      VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL: robieflores@att.net
      Roel “Robie” Flores
      FLORES ATTORNEYS AT LAW
      3331 N. Ware Rd.
      McAllen, Texas 78501
      Attorney for Real Party in Interest Maria Adriana Flores

      VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL: garzalrawoffice@aol.com
      Minerva Garza
      LAW OFFICE OF BALDEMAR GARZA AND MINERVA GARZA, PLLC
      200 East Second Street
      Rio Grande City, Texas 78582
      Attorney Ad Litem for Unknown Heir of Artemio Rios, Deceased

                                               /S/FLOR E. FLORES

                                          35
                                APPENDIX

1. Application for Appointment of Dependent Administrator

2. Application to Determine Heirship

3. Agreed Amended Docket Control Order – Cause No. DC-13-971

4. Petition in Intervention for Determination of Right of Inheritance

5. Oder on Applicant’s Amended Motion to Compel Discovery & for Sanctions

6. Email to Real Party in Interest’s Attorney Re: Docket Control Order and late
   Discovery

7.    Applicant’s Motion for Docket Control Order

8.    Agreed Docket Control Order – Cause No. PR-14-16

9.    Amended Notices of Intention to Take Video and/or Oral Depositions, with
     Subpoena Duces Tecum of Maria Adriana Flores, Ana Belia Rios, Beatriz
     Rios, and Felix Rios, Jr.

10. August 6, 2015 letter from Real Party in Interest’s Attorney attempting to
   schedule Depositions in Cause No. DC-13-971

11. Defendant’s Motion to Quash Depositions of Stephanie Rios Noticed by
   Intervenor Maria Adriana Flores and Motion for Protective Order

12. Order Granting Defendant’s Motion to Strike Maria Adriana Flores
   Individual Capacity’s Plea in Intervention

13. Letter from Real Party in Interest dated August 18, 2015 attempting to
   schedule depositions in Cause No. DC-13-971

14. Applicant’s Motion to Quash Depositions of Stephanie Rios, Artemio Rios,
   Jr. and Hugo Alaniz, Jr.

15. Amended Notice of Intent to Take the Video and/or Oral Deposition of
   Stephanie Rios, Artemio Rios, Jr. and Hugo Alaniz, Jr.

                                     36
16. Real Party in Interest’s Motion for Continuance

17. Relator’s Response & Objection to Motion for Continuance (17 and 17-A
   thru 17-K)

                                    37
                                                                                                       0cloc(

                                                                                           MAY 0   I    20r{

     IN TIIE ESTATE OF
                                                li                                  RT
    ARTEMIO RIOS,                               s
                                                9
                                                $
                                                $        SI'ARR COUNTY,TF]XAS

    TO THE IIONORARLE JUDGE
                            OF COUITT
           COMES NOW, STEPHANTE LEE
                                                 RIOS. ApplcanL. ,nd files Lhrs
                                                                                Appticaron
    ApFoinrmenrofDepsndenr Adjrnj
                                      $mlor oa Lhe Flae oI ARTEMIO
                                                                      RloS, Dec.rsld xnd
    ..use oracr'or wjllshow Lu!o rhrs
                                      coun rhe ioltoung:

                   is m individul doniciled in and
                                                   restding al l8j0 Cuadalupe St, Rio
  ^. Texa 78j82, SlaF Coulr_ Texas, and jj
 CiLl,
        _Applicanr                                                                     Crando
                                                a.r0rg ,n Lhr rnrtrer try and rhroush
                                                                                      her dtrt)
 iullDrized rdrEsenhhe. Thr app|canr
                                          r Lhe dccedor\ daugncr drd ha\4n rL.r!{trr rrc
 cskre ofARTEMTO RIOS, Deceased

          Deceden! died on Novenber 30,
                                        201:l   h    Rio Crdde CiLy. SLan CourLy.   Tcx{   ar   $eaee
 ol 19 yeds. Thedcccdenrdied inle$arc

                                                     L
       This Coun ha j uisdrcrion ord verue isproper
                                                     because Al.RrrMtO RrOS Deccasrd
                                                                                         war
doniciled.nd had a n\ed ptace ofEsidcnce
                                            in drh.ounrr, r( Lho trDr oi dcrLh h Sr..
                                                                                      CounLv

      Decedenr owned propeny described gcDerxt
                                               ], as real      pbper' snh   an   unknou eilue      a(
de dme oI tiling tlis applaion

       Decedem owned propcny dcscribcd
                                         Eenemily         !s F,:omr propcly wi(h an unknorD
wlue aL the rine offitine rhis apptiadon
        Appr.ur.on beball.of Deccdent, fited a wrlngfLt
                                                         dsarh slir curcnLly pendoe uDder
-
Cause   No DC-ll971. in the l8l'L Jndicjat Dhhcr cour1.
                                                        sLa,r Co!nly, Texas. tor damages ,o
excss ofOne Mnlion DoUan ($t,000,000.00)
                                                       v,
         Tle @es,        ages,   meiul shlus,    addre$es.   dd Elanon       ps !o decedenr of each her ro
 lhe d@edenL is     a   follows:
         STEIHANIE LEE RIOS (razsrle.l
         Ager l8
         Single
         lElo cuadatupe Sl.
         Rio Gande Ciry, Tex$ 78582
         s@coury,Texas

         ARTEMIO tuOS, JR.            (lb,l

         1810 cuadallpe SL
         Rio c@de CiLy, Texas 78582
         SuE Cobly, rexas
                                                      u
         As far   a knoq   by Lhe aFpLjcanr ar dre riDe ofttrc fi jDe otLh6.ppLtcaLt.n. rh.
                                                                                            tiLkNing
child   *d   presuinably bom 6 rtre decedenr. burpaLcnry rsdtrpurert

         AMYRTOS

         5691Tmpi@St.
        RioCmndeCiry.TexasTB58z
        SLacCouhry.Texas
                                                     YII,
        As   te d   known by lhe applictur at rhe     hre of   Lhe   fihrg of dns   app   icatron,.{RTBMIO
RIOS, Decedent, w6 neler           ndied.

        Th€ inteEs        in   Decedenas eslarc requtfes mmed,,le ipFonrmeDr                ol.a   Dependenr
Adm'ntrtra'or ARTEMIO RrOS has died *nho lervnrs a w lt. thc indivrdlalr named jn
rh6 applicarion consrirule aU of rhc Decedcnfs hei6 ed disorbules
                                                                  and have lon rn rh6
appncauon     ed     de advNabiliLy ofhavins a Dependcnl Adnnntsldtron S,l.DpflANtE
                   agree on

LEE RIOS has been designard by the known hens aL Iaw otDecedenr
                                                                10 se.!e as Dependenl
Adminhttsbr. The distribulees reqlesl rhar 0o rcrion be Gken ,n lLls ( o0n on ,e djon
                                                                                      @ lhe
sedeme offiedecedenasesEcofier rd Lhe rerum ofa. Lnverory,opprarscmenr, and
                                                                                      tisrot
clains of rhe de@denas         cNaLe and    se{le all pending clainrs for money dama8es on behalt.of
 Decedhas    .srsF AI    disribLkes join in rhjs rc.lLes ard warve
                                                                   rc issrancc aDd seN,cc of
 citalion. Allesed heirs &d dinriburees .a
                                              Deccdenl whose paremiry is dhplred
                                                                                  have bcen
 seryed w'lh Cirado. rhrcugh pesonat
                                     seiviccs

        Appl'c&l would be        a    suraote rop.esenlarive, is enLnlcd ro admnxjraLjor
                                                                                         and ,5 nor
 dhqualilied by lowro srve      ds   aonx.6tErorot         dns esate

       The adhinkrraror ofrtris e$are shou
                                           d be                 siver rtrc l.oltowDrg   !olej\:
        I   Tale charge   ad        possession       of   DeccdeDas esmle. LnctLLdmg.             bd   noL Iinrired   Lo.
            peenar   and real   popeay
       2.   Payany   dd all dcbrowedbyDecedetrraL                   the   ddreofhhdeah.
       l    R€piese.r Decedenr in       ey     and   a    hrgadon pendingpiorio Decedenfs dearlr
            RepEseft Decede.t        ir hisarion aisjns
            ed a,                                b.,."".
                                                                 oul ol.Decedenfs u
                                                                                                                  -'
                    Defehdanls $hich inay
                                                                                        J;::::_Tii":il^
                                                          XJ.
                                                                    "-".",,".
      The adDinisrraroi shoutd be appoinled penaneDr
                                                     adnrtnrftLor puNrtu ro secroo
lllAC) ofrhe Probsle code.
       WTJEREFORE, PREMISES CONSTDDR!]I),
                                                        s IElllANlt: RIOS. ApptLcror hosn
reque$s rhat Cihrion be issued as requifed
                                           by la,! aod thar appjtrallr be ]nxncdracty
                                                                                                           appornLed
a Adoinishlor   of Decedenf     s    esrllc.

                                                                 'IdE LAN FrnM oF t.Lon
PLLC

                                                                 RiocmndeCiLy, Texas 7s592
                                                                 Tel (956) 261-t786
                                                                 Ia\. (956)263 t75.l
                                                                                                ., +ILED
                                                                                                   |   0r1-0.tsl:M
                                                                                                 r,raY 2 8 20v1

    IN TEE ESTATE OF                                    $       TN   TIIE C              COURT
                                                        s
    ARTEMO RIOS,                                        s       AT L^W       Or
                                                        s
                                                        $       STARR COUNTY, TEXAS

                               .A.PPLICATION TO DEIERM]NE TIEIRSHTP
                The   folding ApPlidL        STEPHAITIE        Rro9 tumtuhes rh. toUowii€ inlnmuon

                I      aRTEMIO RIoS         ("D*edmtl         djed on Novmb€! 30, 2013, at tlE aBE oI 39

    h     FaLon rieighb, StaE      C@ty, T€s.
                2,     A   D€p4dmt                    D4€d6(s 6tate ji Fndmg beioE Lhs
                                                  ation uPon

        udd
    court              c:]G Nd PR-1!r3, stJba tu th. Est4t of '(,tm to Rios Ii i' in tlE hst
    inssl ol rhe Estate ior L\e Courr b detemine                 who    N     rhe heirs and orny hei6 of the

                3,     Appliat claiN       |o be the   owr      o! aI   d   a Paft or    D(edstr Estak nE
    la5l    Lhc {iigjls of t]le smial     suty nubq            ol 033       Tlt lst rlte      digrs of hd Tdas

    Identin@tion       cd.l de    16?

                 4     Th€   lrdo ed Fsid6.5           of all or Dfr€dent s heus,        tlE relatioch]P oI eacl

    her b Ddedmi  dd dE he                intere* of   Bre   APPIidt    and of each ol the hei6 in the EstaE

    of De.edstft d follosl

                                                                ARTEMIO RIOS,            JL
                                                                Rjo Grdde Cirt,          Td6   78s82

                        Shat   of Real PmPeny
                        Shd    of Pqsn l PloP€rtY:

                                                                 Rio    cdde      Gry,   TM    745e2

     I.   ttu   eshkalAei         D'c6l
                             ^@

\
                                        CAUSE NO, DC-13-9?l

I{UGO AI,ANIZ JR., STEPIIANIE RIOS                  6      IN TIIE DISTRICT COURT
   d ARTEMIO RIOS, JR, Ibdividurlly lnd             s
Oa h.U of ti. Esrar. of ARTEMIO RIOS,               I
                         Praintillr,                s
                                                    s
                                                    $
                                                    s
JOANN GONZAj        f,Z md                          s
TLAMES   GONZAIEZ,                                  s
                                                    $
AND                                                        38f' JUDICTAL DISTfuCT
                                                    s
MARIA MAGDAI,ENA FLORES, AS NEXT                    s
FRIEND OF AIIfY DEL CARMEN RIOS, A                  s
MINOR CHILD                                         5
                 rnletukoFPraintills                $
                                                    I
                                                    s
                                                    5
ANDERSON COLUMBIA COM}ANY, INc-,                    s
                                                    I
                                                    $      STANR COI,NTY, TEX,AS

                    AGREED AMENDED DOCKET CONTROL ORDER

Plointiflss InrePcnos,   od Defendd! app.&.d dd alE       d,   dd   rhe   coun .nter.n   the lollowiDg

   1.      Jury   rel4tioFTri.l:              octoberl9,2015 rr 9:00 a.m,

   2,      Dsign.tioborE        p..t:
           aJ Plaintif*4nre no^;              May8,20l5

   3.

                                                        I3,2015

                                                        18,2015

   4,      Daub.rt/Rob'.&r E€rrtbca (ir fteded):           ffisr-?-           mrs rt e:oo !.D.
                                                          May    ll   I0,2015

      3,    Fiul PFTrtrl Corlft.e         PuBu@r lo T.R,C,P. #   t66:        Oclob.r

      6.   Arl Motiols n lihine sh,U h.6lcd dd h€.d ot    6nal         rl.

           Tri.l Noteb@ks shall   be   incompli sth   T R C,P, 166, irctudjns sFEiat

              srcNED AND ORjIER'ED ON rrtrS           _Ld,y of _Eq                     2015.

LAPFAE&!         S,P.L.L.C.
601 Sa$ter StsEt, Suit€ 650

!d:    (713)?3910r5

lreiLhab@iohs.com
chri{opt'q@oFzcjohB.@d
Co        Ploi.r't/ InENetur
0rl30/2dj.6       33Pl

                         4 AmmdnanrofPrudingr(Pllindfi)r Maylll0,20l5
                         b)   Amendnenr ol Plc.dinss   (Dcfqrdmo:    Iuty6,20L5

              5          rhrlPrsjl.i!lcoDterence Purruanrtd l.R.C.t,r     td6       O.rober   J        20ls
                         .lc:00r,n.
                         AllMoions in Linine lhdlbefileddd hddar 6Mt!Etri.L.

                         T.tul Notabooks aE due No (2) wc.k befoe tinal Pe-TrL,l   coo cie.
                         Ti,rlNorebook sh'l b. in@mpliatrc w"h   T R.C.P t66, inoludingsp@ial

                              SICNED         ORDERID ON THIS                                       t0r5.

                                                                 THE I-AW FIAfi OF IIOR       !,
                                                                 700 N. Flora Srot Sufue E
                                                                 R o Cad! C'ty, Tdas ?3532

                                s, P.L.t-c                       Fax. (956) 263'1750
                                 sun.650

       ConNel       lbr Ptaintilf /   ln t
                             FIRM, PLLC

              (e5o 658.3t@
        i   (956) 66&8101

Kni( D,      Willii
S            llo,2l64i5oo

s                240?0854
                                ,   Suile 520

    '   (2t4) 736.9t94
                                                                                              6l^",g,JX

II{ TBE FITATE OF                                         9       I]t TIIE COIJ]\TY COIJRT AT LAW
                                                          $
NRTEMIO RIOS,                                             sor
                                                          $
DECE       I)                                             5          ARRCOt TY, TEXaS
                          PETTTION IN INTERVENTION FOR
                     DETERMINATION OF RICEr OF INEERITANCE

tu of InhcdbiE wiL'r tbis Coun 6 e Brh of rhe d@6 ot Andio Rios CDenmr"), and
psur to s4rion 2ol .052 of the Texa Bbld codc ed Espedily sbmi6 b llc cout lhc

                                                              !
       Sr@heir Rios ha filed          e   Applienon to        Dclmidc         iship in tlis &rion dd my              b€

       wid nolie ofihi! Pailion in htrmrion by sddin!                   o   6py   ro   hd adomcy,   FIor E.     FtoE,
d700N    no      Sr., Sr., E, tuo    Ctud.   Cify, Texs 73532. Arcmio              tuc, J. hs     6lcd   o   Ejvn of
ldie   olrhc ADpliQlion fil.d by scphmie            tu6 fiemayt                        *nn rcd* ofrbis !.tirion
ir      ddon by endrng       a   6py b     his   addcs,       l33O   GuddlulE Cnok, Rjo CEde City, TX

78582. Any      rj6 (r b'niot lhbugh [d n*r              6cDd     Mdir Masda]@          Flc   ha fital       a pcrirron

inlnrdenlionofrlcApplidion                shc   m   b€   3@.d wjth no.i€ of riis p.rition in         tnR{rion

       Mqi, Ailnua FloFs, is a cidcnr of Se Coury rno                         r6i        at l?2   L4 bbs,          Rio

Gadc   Ciry.      TS5e2   hd ha ajdiciabtc lnr.Esr in rfit pftc..ding 6 rh. @hnon t.w wifc                          oa

       Aenio tu6      ridd       E   S    Cou(y,    Tq6, ud          dicd incabre on or aboutNowmh.r lO,
2013.

         Thar Ais Court     ha   venue MdjuisdicLion oflhc nader             b€@w          De.€ie   M   donioitcd in

         To ttc howledge ofPeliLionq, lhc decedenL died intcsrat., lcavins no                    MI.
                                                             u.
         Maie Adri@         Ftor B        rtuIty   otoift    ro bc thc      omd of sll       or o pelt of D€c€ddrs
Esre 6      shc   B {'.    cl@nt spos. of      tf,e   d4dhr        ar rhc   rinc of his denise orhe l]1u this

         Thc   @s ed Esidd@s of 6tl .f                Dc.dent s          hm,    thc Flsrio6hp of eeh hcir lo

        enr md lnc      u!. nl.€r   oi rhc Petilrond Md of @h of rhe hei6 in lhe EsEle of Deccddr

dd t[e !!e     i.        r of rhc Pelirionu   ed   of @ch of       Lhc   i.i6   in   rho   Btob of D.c.de.r @    s

        Nme:                              Mdia Adrieo Florcs
                                          t72tat @
                                                 cit
                                          tuo GMdc                 Tx ?35a2
        Relatioctupr                      omon         law   spow
        Sh@ofR@lPrcperty ll2
        S         ofP.6odlProp..tyi l/2

        Nmc.                              Anehio tuos,        J.
        AddEs-                            1830 GDdslupc           Circl.,
                                          Rio cfld. city,          Ts       73532
        RclalioEhip:                      child
        Sh@ ofEs.Lp |                     16 66%
        Sha       of   pson.l pEpertr:    16.66%

        Nm.:                              S    hdi.    Rios
        Add :                             l33O Gu.dalupe          CiEl.,
                                          Rio Gtudc Ciry,         T.xa 73542
        R.lationship:                     child
        SbeofFdpmperty:                   16.66%
         s       ofFEoMl pFlcny:               16,66%

                                               tuo Cftrde City,       TeE    ?3532

         She ofpcFobd pDpcrry:                 16 66%

               D.cedent   An.dio    Rios   w6 n@i.d          by   €nmon taw        t    Maio Adiida FtoM_ 1lle

Cour!   SeCoety, Texs.
         All knoM chndEn bon !o or                 odopted   b, De@d hdc               b€en   lisred   lsh kbq
Euiagc ofDe€ldt na ben             ln@d

         A! olllrcation for indeFld.At rdrinishrio!               is p.nding    bdor? C.Msdcrti.tu.
ClE     No                 B    not n   nc.t   s   a parry in trle   adninisratior poc€dings.

h de    €mon la* sifc        or dE deedeDt ed h4 slanding                  s d inEBr.!         pdson          wilt   be
                                                                                                       ']|r
!trc.lcd by lhc pob61c po6-di!gs.              MnaA.Litu!Flo re                 norlroviden wib noli@ ofde

pFbarc   F*.dinss ed           for good    su.      deircs ro     r.         . 6 d ;FE$.d          pcmd bd b.

          on. of rh. De..dols heiE h lie pFb& pFecdrSs.

                                         PRAYER TOR            RELIEI
        Th.t   rhc   Pctiriolq h aq@ of        lne f&15   smeding         lhis pelirion   od slae lie rollowinEl

        Ttur Pdition r Equ6l rhis Cod              ro   Bi.w   lnis   i       nLion    md pdirion md sho d de
 cou 6rd il !6r.r,      ro cntcr   llos   ordc6 n.@s$ry ed     dul6ri*d       wirrl   ardio{!siD@dridn
              & LiirioM     slat6 tlEt sbc udcEllrd! rhlr by 6lDS ihis peufion ia         I   cdcnLion tor

          Pctitond cqu6B      rhis Coun     dcGtuiE od   st    hlish who is .nLidci ro dE disiibuhon oa

Llrc   Coun   my d€n Int.denor Mda A

Artemio Rios Estate

FlorFloEs                                                       !lbd. May 13,2015   ar 1209 pM
ro   's'rb€rto@s b€norarcon aw.com' 
ccr Nad a LA1 

 Oh Apdl 1si,   lsenlboth ol you   an emaitrequeslinq lenralNe   tna dates so we coutd nnatze the Oocket Conrrol
 OrderrheJudgeinstructed!sloslbmilnrhsmaller.Isn@M6y13thand havenolEcevedacspons,"
 from you. l am requesling one lasl   lrhetnaldales n June lrcmyou so can gel lhis casescheduted tr tdont
 rcceive a esponse, l wjll subm l a   Dmkd conlrolord€r wjlhoul you inpul hnk thavewaited tong enouqh
 Addrl'onally. yourdiscovery €sponses a€    ovedue Pl€ase atlow th's etecllon c corespondenc€ lo setoe as a
 Iomarcq*sl for€sponses     by no lat€rlhan lhe end otlhebusiness day on Monday, May 13,2015 Lftdonot
 Eceive sad rcsponses I wilL be liling a Ntot on for conlempl and forsanclons.

 Tnank   yN loryour prompt atlenl   on 10 lhese   malleF

  li\tt.\4).t LdLttr, knq.\tr^ 2nl| 4tl:t)it
 The Law Fim of Flor E. Flores, PLLC
 7tl0 N.I.lorcs St., Stc. E
 tuo G.,nde      (iio,'le$s   78581
 'rer (956)263,1786
 |ix: (956)263-1750
 \ \ \. fflo.csla\ .com
 trlo.cnr(@goin.(,m
                                                                                                         Fir€d:05111/2015

NTHEISTATEOF                                             O             NTHE COU\TI COURT
                                                         s
                                                         5              ^T
                                                                              LAW
                                                         s
                                                         $             STAXR COUITTY, TEXAS

TO TIIf, HONORABLE JUDCf, OF SAID COURT:
          coMES \Ow, STEPIId\IE RIOS,                        rhe Aptlicanr   l.    Lh   s   lcion, .nd Rques for      a
D..keLConrclConfeence, and in suppon dercotwtllsho$ unro lhis Cour fie fotlow'.e:

          Thh prc.ecdi4 h          i   conreied mader *heEby rhe Appliconr is seeking b be appoinled
rcpresenorive        of de Enate ol ARTEMIO RIOS. Applk.nr is lhc biological                               daugh@r   ol
ARTEMIO RIOS, dec&$d. MARIA ADRrA\A FloRtrs hd nled                          lnrd.dion dajmin!
                                                                                             an

ro b. de common         LN wife        of ARTE:VIIO RIOS, de.elsed I!,{RL{ ADRIA\A FLORES is
                                            STEPHAME RIOS e reprsenraLile ofAXTEMIO RIOS'
6Ee      ThE maoerha be.n pendingsince Mry l,2011.
     Applimr STEPI{ANIE RIOS hd filcd , J!ry D.mand on ft. isiuc ofcommon lae
ndiag! an,l dl plnns app.&ed for a heari.g in Uis man{ on Mrch 26, 201J. The Coln
Or!i*e'i lhe panEs       ro   edr.r rnto a do.ker conml order and       seL   fte daner for          dal. Since L\en.
AppLhanr has madr           requc$ for Trial dncs from lnr!frcnor's counsel                       and non hale been

         Applica fil.d awonsluldedh              cNe on behallofher tarher,ARTtr}rIO RIOS.                    decs$d
rdfie33l'Jud'cioLDudc!Cou(!^deidcsehserlorTdrlonOdobeil9,20l5.Thisnate.
hsb.enconrinuedon..sdrhepsdiessillnorasreeroflothercontinusce thk hadshs ro
b. (solv.d beforc rhe {rongfuL dedh kial.
         Allpanns, indudin8 lnredcnor            II{RIA ADRUu\A FLORXS, h6                          had sufficrcnr rime
Lo   ensase in   di$ove!-     ro finrLize rheprcbale   mr(flandprcc.ed        1o   rial     on th. common Laq issue,

which needs      o   be.esoLved b.forc ihew.onsfuLderfi cssepmceed! ro trial.                     AppL'chra$.dr dar
                                            5 daJ_s   h necesary o    prcvent hinh
       WEI.REIORE, PREnflSES CONSIDERED, STEPdANIE RIOS, Aptlrcml                            8bd

hrer   for Tdal on rh. McriB, md for sny   rd ,ll   oAd Eli.f, ir   lN   or in .qunt   o   which

R€pond. n.y     b€   jdly   en   tl.d6.
                                           R6F.tflllt $bmille4
                                           TS'L FM          TqNR E. FLONES'
                                                           OF                   TLLC
                                           700   N FloG st,   St
                                                               E
                                           tuo CFndc CirY, TerG 73512
                                           T.L(956)261_l?36
                                           Fq: (95O   26r_ 1750
                                           EFAiI:

                                           Bv, /gFLOR f,. FLORFI

                              9EBrgre4x!-9rs!8ucE
        I, Flor E Flor.., by cdiry $don lhis rtE!:!9 d.v of rue     2015 d   de ad codt     copv

        ]I!A.EMA!,I
        v!A-E!4Ae:
        VI-{ ELECTRONIC FILINCi

        TH'   LAW OFTICE OF GILAERTO FAICON'              PLIT

        McAIl.n, Tcxa 73501
        )turvrJor ltuenent Mo'o A.lrino Ftotu!

                                                    1t!!!o8-E      MBES--

   ft    ?Nr4t6t h   tu tud.41d.dp Atq k@dd
 IN TI1I ESTAT' O}'                                 s                  IN   TIII COU\ry     COURT
                                                    I
AX,TEMIO fuOS,                                      I
                                                    s
                                                                       STAIR COU\TYi TEXAS
       OR'f,ROI         AT'PLICANTIS MOTION TO COMPIL & FOR SAIVCTIONS

                                                          . rhc Coun @nidcr.d App ir&r s Mor on ro
Cohp.l& lor Sdflrcns.      and aner rcviewing rhc         pL*d'ncs and he ne arcu(hrotcouset. rhe
coud noalhe opinion rhrl erd morion shoutd bc GIIANTED.
       The Coun ORDERS         lnrsrenor MARIA ADRIA,\ A FLORi'SI
       L    To P3) Applienr's dromey, FLor!. FtoEs, $e slm ofS7O0.m                 tor$endccsiq,otntjng
            6i5 Morion b Compcl and tor Ssctions on b€hrtfofsTEplll-Vf, RroS.
      2.    To prcdue   dcmenb h Appiitrl s Reqfs tor P,odu on of Deumens s,din five
            15)&rsorr h€iis n s ddrcrorby
                                  'h
      I     To p.ovidc resp.nses oAppticdrs Re,]l66 fo.Disct6uEs wnhin five (5) dlts ota

                                                                                 ,20r5.
      .1    To pmvide   fs-..e6 F ]\ppticanfs       FiNL   s.r otlnLerosarnes drhin five (5) da': ofa
         hqi.g i. rhis msner or by                                                 ,2olj.
      Ihe coun fuihs oRDERS and mks                     a Jud'c al   findins rhar |ne Admissions *ru.d uno
lnrdenor 34 dc.md adhiftd ,nd pEvenr tfledenor tdm                       presenunc evidcnce ar   trnt which
conftr.tr   nane6 *hich have be€n dehedadmined.
      The Coun tunher ORDERS          dal:
      l.    Thel cfrcnor   r plead in8s be   nnck   n   and LeminoB dny      fuans d G.overy b) tncdqor
      2.    Prchrbir lnrencnor Fom   iilFdrcing &y documen6 d                 dd   shich reE equen.d jn
            dtrcovq- and   noL pnnued.
                                      CAUSE NO.      PR.I+I6
 IIi T}IX ISTATE OF
                                                       s                 I\   TEf, COUNTY COURT
                                                       $
                                                       s
                                                       !
                                                       $                 STAITR   COU\TY, TXXAS
          ORDIRON A}PLIC{XT'S MOITON                         I COVPIL&            FOR sANCTIONS

                                                rhe coln lon'derd qppti!&,3 \ronon
                                                                                    b
 Compeia lor Sandionl' and sner rcvic*idg LhepteadinCs
                                                       and hlanDgarsmenrofcounset. ge
 CounEofd. opinron thar said hodon shautd b.         TXD    C
       Thr coln ORDERS tnredenor MARIA ADRIAT\A
                                                ILORXSI
       L  rop3) Appliqfsadomcy, FtorE. FtoEs, dcsuD of$700 i]O
                                                               a.! rh. ieesiryotnting
             Morjon b compet and for soc ons on behalfoa
         'nh                                             sl uHs^rx Rros.
      ?. loproduedocMcnb inAppt,.das Rcqusr Iof pnrdua,on or Docunenawj$in
                                                                                  fivc
         T5)&y\ofr heJnng h dris mJnerorby
      I     To pmvide rcsponses       b    Appliqm s Requcsb tor Dn.lo:ns              wd   d tjve (5) dals   ofa

      4     To pmvide    ssqcE        @   apptrsnrs tri^r    ser oa   Incnogmrjes
            hannsin     rhis   h,n{   or by
      The coutr tud\er         oItDERs aid maks ,          ,!dic,l    finding rhd dc   Admjssions       ed unro
fcruenor aE demen admrd.d             and     prve   tikdcnor rdm prc*nhnB             evidencc   d oiat   qhich
controv.e manen       shih     hrvc been deem.,l adniien
      The   coln tuahd ORDERS               rar.
      L     T]1e   Inroenots    pteadings h€ erick.n
                                              dd r.minatcs dy 6fner djsoverl by rnbn.nor
     2.     PrchibiL tnuo-e'or trom inhduc,ng my deudenE
                                                            ar ,nd shhh *eE Equsred in
            oKovery od norprcdued
   SICNEDON:

                                                   JUDCE
                                            CAUSENO,
 I]Y   TIIE ESTATE OF
                                                        t
 ARTEItroRtoq                                           I
-                                                       :             arlAw
                                                        S             STARR COTA"TY,
                                                                                     TP,JTAS

Do.td   Contror
                                                            , rhe   cou   .dnsid..cd Appt,canas
                  Conlecne.                                                                     Mo.ion   b
        ft.   coud   s*          mrq                            Julv 23, 2o1s
                          'nis
                                       aor a he atinE   dn
                      6/122015
    s,cNrDon

                                   .1l5PLLC
                                                                                             .,+.t:;                      ,
                                                                                                       AUG 2   0   2015

                     CAUSENO                  PIt-\,.l. \rp

Cl.r"       +               i"q*

                                                                       SIARRCOTNry,IE).AS

                             DOC]GT CONTROL ORDER

     BE REMEMBERiD lnAI         ON                 dryol                                     201i, ad€kd

     JurlTialreqEied          Yes

B.   I)ead ine ro rcqlen foflury:

     n.a..:,erio. In.l                                                                q   oO   >.d
     { Pre.Tral6     eEn.e   i5 ser   for                               (Prrr3 Nokbd rmadbo)
E.   The dadhne    to'fitingaLl disposit'
                                                                          The coun will $hedule         o
     hariig oi eid moion,     upod de       filng df   tre.
     Thededhne     forfitiiS: td    sposit'\e ,u,nn,D morions

     herngon e'd     morionsupon lhe fihng

     The deadhne for dcngnarion of expen        * ni$ses tor D€fendmt G)              ,,.   rV'f   l
H.   The deadL'ne lor desigration ol expen      vM6scs lor PlaintifG)            is       TftCP
     The dead ,ne ror !omplerion      ofdi*o\err       for DdcnLlrnr (r) trr              TNI P
     The   dsd
             'tu
                   ror (ompletion     ofdb6v!.J rorPtamtifi(,1L                           [4tp
     Ih" dtudL'r   forn".dnr        .or atlp'e.o ng. o        hrn frno.nr\.rj               7-7C P

L.   -hedm.'oe ro' amenomel           .Irllpl""dns.forh"Ps" r                  
                          causE No. PR'14-015
                                        s
                                        s
                                        s
                                        s
DECEASED                                s     STARR COUNTY, TEXAS

       AMENDED NOTICE OF INTENTTO TAKE THE VIDEO AND/OR OTLAL
                   DEPOSITION OF SIEPHANIE RIOS

      STEPHANIE RIOS, Plamtiii. by and thrclgh hef allomeyolrecord, Flor E. Floes.
      700 N. Flores Streel. Ste E Rio Grande CiV T€x€s 74542

      PLEASE TAKE NOTICE thal ihe Vrdeo and/or Oral oeposnion of STEPHANIE RIOS
wiLl be taken pu6uanl io the prcv sions of Ru es 200 and 201 Iexas Ru es of Ovil
Proc€dure al Law oftice of Roel "Robie F ofes 3331 N. Wa€ Rd MoAllen, Texas 78501
Respondenl In lhe abore captioned cals€ will lake the Video and/or OEL Deposilion oI
STEPHANIE RIOS, on
conlinu ng day to day unlilcompleted.
      It   he€by reqlesled lhat the Plaintfl, S'EPHANIE Rlos appea. in such trme a nd
           s
place lorthe purpose ofgMng h6 depos tion in this cause, Mlich depos ton when laken
may be lsed in €vidence dunng ihe t.ialof said cause, and wilconlinue from dav to day

                                        Respectfuly submitled
                                        The Frm ofRoe "RobE" Fores

                                        (956) 631-7188 ofllce

                                        Emarl: @bieiorcslaw@alt.net

                                         Hon. Ro€l'Robie Flores
                                         srare BarNo 07167020
                                         AIIoTney Io. MARIA ADRIANA FLORES

                                                                  rJob ruober   ?616r 6000!
                                  Certificate of Service
          I ceR'ry thal a 1ru6 @py of the AJITIENDED   NollCE oF INTENT TO TAKE THE
    VIDEO AND,OR ORAL OEPOSITIoN OF STEPHANIE RIOS was seded on bv hand
    delivery, by fa6imile, or by email, bv @nified mai retum Eceipt €quesled each anom6v
    oi€cord   or   nyin aeodancewithlhe Texas Rules or Ovrl Pbc€durc on     lhegldav

    Flor E Flores
    7o0 N Flores st@t Ste E
    Rio G€nde city, Texas 78532
    Fa* 956,263.1750
    Emarl:tfl oeslaw@gmail com

    Gilbeno Falcon
^   Faxi(956)487-6336
    Email:€neonandoqaza@gmail com

                                           Ho.. Roel 'Robte" Flores
                                           Atlomey lor MARIA AoRIANA FLORES

                                                                      r   rob Nube. 7633r ao00e
              SUBPOENA DIJCES TECUM TO THE DEPOSITION OF
                            STEPHANIE RIOS
                                   (EXHlBllA     )
            The term   !o!'or 'deponent rele6lo STEPHANIE RIOS Ljnl€ss(
othee se specined  the I'me w thin whLch maleials are soughl s the past len I0)
vears Trelcms docur€rt! wr'lhos ano records ateu'sInl| s'rhibil r" lhen
l:sromarr o-oaa .ense ano            w lour limiraloa rhe lollowng lems '€odrdless of
                            'n.lloed
ongm orlo€lion, whether prnred, re@rded, rilmed, or feprcduced bvanvoLher
mechanica prccess or wnnen or poduced by h.nd whelher or nol clarded to be
pdvieqed aga nst discovery on anyground, and whelhefan onsrnal master or copv

      writt€n or Recorded stat€menl ofthe Pa.tv Proboundino lhissubb@na
                                                                   padY
      C-!.99€ !e!r!!4! any.nd a I slalements prevously made by lhe
      p@poundrng this subpoena duces lecum concernng the subject matler ol lhis
      lawsuit whch is n tha possession, cuslody, orco.tro lhe party lo *hom this
      subooena is drected ( Rlle 166b.2.q.). Forthe plrpose ollhE request. a
      sralemenl previous y hade is (a) a wrtten peBon makng . (b) a stenogfaphic
      mechani€|, eleclncalorother type ol r€codirq. or any t€nscriplion theeol
      which is a substani a ly velballm rec talof a slalement made bv lhe pe6on and
      contemDo€neo!slv recorded

      Photoaraphs: Each and every photogEph in vour possesslof orslbject lo
      vour @ntol and or dlv tqllve or anv'L'r pfolog aon '''prrl he€o'rsroi
      :vaibole $ nrch oeoicls r"ne6 €le rs 1l Io lh6 lawsJ I Fo'fepuDo+sorlhis
      subpoena, lhe lerm photograph would include the video pornon oi anv mouon
      pElue. vdeo-lape, or other recorded medra

3.    Pr€oaration forthis d€.osition: any and all documenls, repons pape6
      coresponden@, pholog€phs. and nemoranda e thef i. vour possessron or
      lnder yolr conlo re atrng lo lhe occlren@ mad€ the basis of thrs lamlit
      p'epared or reviewed pnorto lhis depos't'on In preparatDn lor ih s dePosition

                          a copy ofyour curenl driver's rcense
5
      Reports   ofErpe.ts:   Any and aildocuments and langible thrngs ncluding all
      lanqrble repofts, physi€lmodels, complications oi data, and olhermalenal
      prepared by an expeftwho may be called as a. etp€Ls lrialor deposilion
      i€siimony, and anysuch marenalprepared bv an expert used ror consullaron

       lnvestioator's Reports: The nafre a
       reDorts ofany private lnvesliqato6 empioved bvvou in @nn€c1ion witlr lhs   ese
a     Panies and wltn€sses: The names and addfesses ol anvpotenla partiesor
      witness€s lhatcan be oblained ffom any comfrunication orolher papeB In you
       possess on, custody, of conlol

                                                                    LrqD   .rb-A.76d6r 6ooro
                             causE No. PR-la-016
IN THE ESTATE OF                         5       IN COUNTY COURT
                                         s
                                         s
                                         s
DECEASEO                                 s       STARR COUNTY, TEXAS

       AMENOED NOIICE OF INTENT TO TAKE THE VIDEO AND/OR ORAL
                   OEPOSITION OF ARTEMIO RIOS JR,

      ARTEMIO RIOS JR., P ainLitr. by and lhDugh her altornev ol record, Flot   E Floes
      700 N. Flor€s steet Ste E Rio Grande Ctv T€ss 74542.

      PLEASE TAKE NOTICE thatlhe Video and/or 016l Deposition oIARTEMIO RIOS
JR. wil be taken purslanl lo the p@vsrons of Rlles 200 and 20r, Texas Rules oi Civil
Prcced uE at Law otfice of Roel 'Robie Flores 3331 N. ward Rd McA len T€xas 74501 .
Respondent   i.   the above caploned €usewilltake the Video andlor Oral Deposition of
ARTEMIO RIOSJR,,        on                                                           Nd

ontrnurng day lo day untl@mpleted
      ll is hereby requesled lhal the Pantifl, ARTEMIo Rlos      JR appearln such time
and plaG   for$e    purpos6 ofgiving his deposilion in thrs cause, which deposition when
taken, maybe used in evidence dunng the tdalolsaid cause, and willconlinue tom dav

                                         Respecif ully s!bm'lted,
                                         The Fkm of R@l"Rob e'Flores

                                          (9s6) 631-7133 Oifce

                                          Ems   r obienoeslaw@att.net

                                          Hon Roel'Robre' Flores
                                          stale Bar No 07167020
                                             Atlomey IoT MARIA ADFIANA FLORES

                                                                     r   hh \uober 7636r   o0002
                                       Certificare of SeNice
          | @nfy lhai a lru€ @py ofine AMENDEO NOTTCE OF TNTENT TO TAXE THE
    VIDEO ANO/OR ORAL oEpOStTtON OF ARTEM|o R|OS               JR,    s serued on by hand
    delivery, bylaFimile, or byemai, by ceriified m.it, return re4ipl r€quested each anomey
    or re@rd   orparty
                         'n
                              a@rdan@ with lh€ TeEs Rltes otCMtprocedue on   ther4day

    Flor E. Ftores
    700 N FroEs Sreel Ste E
    RD Grande CiV, Tess ?85S2
    Fak 956.263.1750
    Email:filoedaw@gmait.com

    Rene ca@
    Gilberto Far@n
^   Faxr(956x€7 6336
    Emarl:reneodandogaa@smait.@m

                                                  nz       ru,"       lz,--
                                              Hon. Ro6l "Robie' Flores
                                              Atlomey tor MARIA ADRIANA FLORES

                                                                      rrob Nuber   zi!6r Amol
                SUBPOENA DUCES'TECUM TOTHE OEPOSITION OF
                                   ARTEMIO RIOS JR-
                                      IEXHIBIT "A"I
               Thetem yo! or'deponeni releb to ARTEIT/I|O RIOS JR., Untess
otheMise speciiied lhe lrhe wilhin which malerials a€ sought is the past ten O0)
yea.s. The tems document. 'w llngs."afd ,lecords'aE used rn this exhrb rn lher
clsloharyb.o.d sense and Inclldedwrthout rmtalon rhe following ilems. regad ess of
onqin or localion, wheihef printed, recoded nlmed, orrepbduced by anyothe.
mechanica pD@ss or winen or podlc€d bV hand whelher or not claimed io be
pnvileg€d aoanstdFcoveryo. anygDund, andwhetheranonojnal, mast€r,o.@py.

      Writt.n orRecorded Stalenontoflh€ Partv Proooundin. this subboena
      ducos lecum: Anyand alslatemenls pfeviously hade by lh6 pa
      popoundrng lhis slbpoena dues tecum concemrng lhe sublst natteroflhis
      lawsurl which is inlhe possession, coslody ordnto the parly to whom this
      subpoena sdirected. (Rule 166b.2.9.). Forrhe purpose ofths requesi, a
      slalement prevjously made is (a) a wnften pe6on making [ (b) a stenographc
      mechanica, electrca or oth6r lype of recording. o.any lEnscnp on theeol
      whch is€ slbslanlrally verbal m Gcita ofa statement made by the pe6on a.d
      contem@.ansuslv r*oded.

2.    Phoroor.ohs:      Each and every pholograph in yolrpossession of subtedr to
      your conl.ol, and/o. any negat ve ol any slch photograph, f€ pnnt thereofrsnot
      avai able, $h .h depicts mallers elevant to this lawslrl. For lhe purposes of rhis
      subpoena, the term photograph would hclude lh€ vdeo poftion of any dolioo
      pictlre, video-lape, or olher recorded media.

3     Prcbaration for this d€position: Any and alldoc!nents. reporls, p6pe6,
      @respondence, photographs, and memoanda, either r your possessionor
      under your contrclrelatng 1o the occuren.e made the basis oilh's laclit,
      p€pa€d or eviewed prjor to thE depostrion in pepaElion for this deposition.

      Orivei's License: A copy    or your cutrenL dnveas lrcense
5
      Rebo.is   ofErp6rrs:   Any and alldocuments and tafgblethings, ncLudrnq all
      tangible reporis, physica models. comphcalions oldata and other material
      prepaEd by an expen who may be.aled as an etperl's lrial or deposil on
      teslimony and anysuch malenalprepared byan €xpert used for.onsuhalion
      (even rf rt was prepared n anticipaL on of litigal on of lof lnar) the @nsuri ng
      expens opinions or impressrons have been €v ewed by a testitl.g expen.
      Invslioator's Reoorrs: The name addesses, telephone n!hbe6, and
      replris olanyp.ivate inveslgators empoyed byyou n conneclronwrlh this case.
     P.rties and Witnesses: The names and add.esses oI any potentiaL panies or
     w nesses that can be obtained iiom any communrcal@n orother papec In you
      possess on, custodv, or conrrol

                                                                    rrob lulber 7o36r b0oo4
                                                                            I!11     5ik >
                              causE No, PR-t+016
IN THE ESTATE OF                            s        IN COUNTY COURT
                                            s
ARTEMIO RIOS,                               s

DECEASEO                                    5        STARR COUNTY, TEXAS

       AMENDED NOTICE OF INTENTTO TAKE THE VIDEO AND/ORORAL
                   DEPOSITION OF HUGO ALANIZ JR.

To:   HUGO ALANIZ JR,, P aintiff, by and lhrouqh her adomey of        r*ord, Flor E. Flores
      700 N. Flores Slreel, sle E Rio Grande cV. TeEs 74542

      PLEASE TAKE NOTICE lhatlhe Vldeo and/or O€lOeposition ot HUGO ALANIZ
JR. wlLlbe   t   ken DuBuanl lo lhe Drcvisions or Rures 2Oo and 201 Texas RuLes of CivI
Pocedu€ at Law office of Roel Robie' Flores 3331 N Ware Rd, McA len, TeEs 78501 .
R€spond€nt in the above captloned @usewilllake the Vids and/o. o€lo€posilion of
HUGO AI.ANIZ JR,,       on                                                               nd
@ntinuing day lo day unlilcomplel
      llishe€by.equested thatlhe Plarntrfi, HUGo ALANIZ JR, appearinsuch timeand
placeiorthe purpose ofgiving his depos tion in thrs cause, wh ch depos tion, when taken,
may be lsed in evidenc6 du.ing the    l   al ot said cause and will contrnue frcm day to day

                                            Respecttutly subm(ed,
                                            The Fim of R@l'Robre" Flores

                                            (956) 631-7188 office

                                            Eha'l:   @b'efl o€slaw@an.nel

                                             srare Ba. No. 07167020
                                             Anomey for MARIA ADRIANA FLORES

                                                                        lrob Nubcr 76a6t 40005
                                       Certificate ot Ssrvic.
            I ceniry thal a true @py olthe AMENOEO NOTICE OF INTENTTO TAKE                tHE
    VIDEO AND/oR oRAL DEPOSITION OF HIJGo ALANIZ JR. was s€p€d on by hand
    delivery,   byf.6rm   e,   orbyemail, byc€nined mail. relurn Ecelpt Equested each.ltom€y
    of   r*od   or party in a@rdanc6 wlth the Texas Rul6s of CMI Prccedure on     the      ay

    Flor E. Florcs
    700 N Floes st€Et Ste E
        GEnde city, Texas 73532
    Far 956 263.1750
    Emaif flloreslas@gmail.@m

    Gibeno Fal@n

                                                   ru
-   Fd:   (956X€7$336                   .,
    Emarl:enedandosa%@smd @m
                                                                       "
                                                                           /1-.
                                                Hon. Roel Robie" FloEs
                                                Aitoney ior MARIA AORIAIIA FLORES

                                                                           trdb   rrbef 7r!61   60006
              SUBPOENADUCES TECUM TO THE OEPOSITION OF
                          HUGO ALANIZ JR.
                                    (EXHta[    "A)
             Th6   tem'you or'deponeft,  reters to HUGoaL-ANtzJR., untess
olheMise specrled rhe lime wrlhin which maieria s are suQhl is the past len (10)
yea6. The lems'doclments 'writhgs and 're.ords' are lsed in rhis exhrb h rhei.
customary broad s6nse€nd Inctlded withoul rmitation lhefollowing tems, relardtess of
ongrn o. ocalron, whetherprlnt€d, E6rded, timed, or reprcdu.ed bya.yother
mechanrcalpo@ss ofwrinen orp.odued by hand wherherornol claned to be
pnvibged againsr dlscoveryon anyground. and whelh€. an ongina . master orcopy,

      WrlttenorR€cordedSt.tcmgntof theParrvprcpoundtnothtssub@ena
      popounding lhis subpoena d!c€s lecum @ncernrngthe subject maher of thts
      lareuil whEh is in lhe possessDn, custody, orconlrctrhe pany b whom thts
      subpoena 6 drccled (Rule 1 66b.2 g ). For the purpose of rhis feqlest , a
      statement previolsy hade B (a) a wriften peMn makins ir, (b). sienogEphic.
      mechanr€|. elech€lo. olher type of record nq , orany tEnscrpl on lherml
      which isa substantrally vedatim recrlatofa statement made bvLhe oe6on and
      6nremporaneously ecorded.

2.    Photoqralhsr Each and every pholosraph in yolrpossess@n orsubjecl ro
      yourcont@|, and/orany negative ol ahysu.h photogEph ta pnnt thefeof is not
      ava lable, which depcls matteF .elevanr lo this tawsu . For the olrNses of this
      s-bpoera. rre tem phoroq.aph *ortd n. rude.Fe r'deo Don on ol anv mol,on
      pcrlre, vdeo-laoe. orolher re@rded media.
3     prepaEtion forthls d6oosition: Anyand atdocufrents, repons, pape.s,
      @despondene phologEphs, and memoranda. eithe.rn youf oossesson o.
      under yolr @n!rc| relatrns lo the occurenc made rhe basts oflhis awsuit
     prepa Ed or €viewed pno.   b   lhis depos tion n preparat on lor lhis deposit on.

     Driver's License: A copy ofVo!r c!rent dnvers ti@nse
     R€po.ts ofExo.rts: Anyand altdocuments and tangjbte lhings. r.cludrng all
     langiblereports, physi€l models,@mpticauonsordala,and othermalerial
     prepared by an erpen who may be called as an experl s kiator deposirion
     teslrmony. and anysuch materiat prepared by a. expe.l lsed forconsuttation
     (even if it was prepar€d in anlicipaton ot ftgaUon or lor tnaD it rhe @nsuttrng
     e4ens oprnons or mp€ssions have beeh r€viewed by a tesiitrng expert.
     Inv€stidalo.'s Reports: The name, add16sses, letephone numbe6, and
     repons or any pnvale invesligatoG employed by you In connectio. wrth lhrs €se

I    Parti€s and Witn6ss€s: The names and add.esses otany porenti€tDartes or
     witnesses lhat can be oblain€d iiom any communicatof or
     possess on custooy, or conlrcl

                                                                     rrob ,ube, ?3e6r    @0dd7
                                                                 +    A(a181tb
                        causE No. PR-14016
IN THE ESTATE OF                      6        IN COUNTYCOURT
                                      s
ARTEMIO RIOS,                         s
                                      s
DECEASED                              s        STARR COUNTY, TEXAS

                         IMOTION FOR CONTINUANCE

TO THE HONORABLE JIJDGE OF SAID COURT:

     This MoTroN FoR CoNTTNUANCE is brought by ROEL ROSTE FLORES,
Movant, on b6half ol MARIA AORIANA FLORES. In supporl            olsad motion, Mo€n(

     I.    Th6 case is pres€ntly sel for a hea.ing on September 1,2015, al9:00 a.m.

           in SlaE Counly, Texas.

     2.    Movanl, co!.sel has prevrously noticed the opposing parlies in this     ese,
           and theylmpEpenyquash€d the deposillon, argurng lhey had        b*n    depose

           even though they were not deposed in lhis   €se- Inaddiion,   deposition are

           schedlled forSeptember l,2015 atS.00 6.m,10:30a.m. and 1.30 p.m.

     3.    Movant!motonforconlrnuance6nolsoughlsolelyfordelaybd              that justice

     Movant p.a/srhe co-n granl rhe   roi   on lorconrnuan.e be qrarled.

                                      R6sp6.lfully submlned,

                                      FLORES ATTORNEYS AT LAW

                                      Toi (e5€)631-7r€3 orficd
                                      Fax {es6) 6s1 7263 Fax

                                                     07167420

                                                                    rrob Nurber   r66dr     6ooor
                                             SaEh W. Flores
                                             stal€ Ba. No 24045340
                                             Attom€ys for MARIA ADRIANA FLORES

                                 CERTIFICATEIESE8!4CE
       I   enit   ihar a ttue and @rect copy of lh€ roresoins   l!!!tf:!olIoBleo!!MlA!:leE
has be€n     etued by hand dolivory, by lacsimlle, or by cedlne! mall, relum r@ipl
requesled, on lhis    rhe       dayorAugust, 2015 on the following:

700 N Frores slre€i Sle E
Rio Gcnde City, IeEs 74532

Email;flloresla hall.@h

Far (956)4875336
EmailrEner andoga@@ghail.@m

                                                                          lJob           7668t 6000!
                                                                                 ^ub.r
STATE OF TEXAS

COUNTY OF HIDALGO

         BEFORE ME, the undeFigned aurhority,       petunaly appeaGd   R@t " Robje"   Bora
,   wllo, by he   duly   h,   deposed asto   tomi
         "My name is ROEL "ROB|E' FLORES, , am a ltcnEed anorney in the Slare or

Texas and I am h€reby acquainted with the facts siated In the Motion tor      Coniinuan€   |

heeby state that the racrs h the Motion lor Continlan€ ae true and corect to th€ besr

         sisned on   Ausud/2,       201s.

                                             ROEL 'ROBIE' FLORES

        Slgn€d under oarh b€foe me

                                                                       lrob   Nukf 766r)       60oos
                           causE No, PR-1rt.016
 IN THE ESTATE OF                     s           tN   colrNw
                                      5
 ARTEMIO RIOS,                        s
 DECEASED                             s           STARR COUNTY. TEXAS

                     ORDER ON MOTION FOR CONIINUANCE

                               ,2015, rhe Louil @nsdered tle Motor torconnnLance
ol MARIA ADRIANA FLORES. Movani andordeB:thal lhis Mouon is GRANTED and tT

lsTHEREFOREOROEREDth6lrheheanng is resetfol
                                                                              ,20r5,
                M

                                               20r5.

                                     JUOGE PRESIDING

.c   Roel "Robi." Ftores
     Fai (s56) 631,726S
     Email rob efl orestaw@au.f et

     700 N FtoesStE€l ste E
     Rio Gr.nde City, Texas 78562
     Far 956.263.1750
     EFail:mo@staw@gmart @m

     Far. (9s€)447-6336
     Emarl.cneonandogau@gnait com

                                                                rJob Nurb-r   7663r 6ooor
                          CAUSE NO

IN THE ESTATE OF                      5
                                      s
ARTEMIO RIOS,                         5
                                      s
DECEASEO                              5                          TEXAS

                           MOfION FOR CONiINUANCE

TO THE HONORABLE JUDGE OF SAID COURT:

     This MOTIoN FoR CONTTNUANCE is brolght by ROEL ^RoatE" FLoRES,
Movant, on behalf ot MARTA ADRTANA FIORES. In suppod ot sad mohon, Movant

     L     This case 6 presenuy set for a Jury Tnal hea.ing on September   3   201   5 al
           9:Oo a.m.In   StarCounty, Texas.
     2.    Movant, counselhas lssued notEes ofdeposirion for rhe followrngw ness

           Stephanie Rios. Adenio Rlos, Jr . and Hugo Alanrz Jr. and are eheduted

           lor Seplember 1,2015 al9.00 a.m,10130 a h. and 1:30 p.m.

     3     Movanl, counsel is requesting addrhona limeto prepared fortnal.

     3     Movanlsmotonforconllnuanceisnoisoughlsot€tyfordetaybdthallustce

     Movanl p.als lhe @un grantthe motion lofoontinlance be granted

                                     R6sp6ctfuily submrtted

                                     FLORES ATTORN EYS AT LAW

                                     Ter: (e5€) 631 7133Oflrce
                                     Fax (s56)631-7263 Fax
                                    BY:

                                    Sble AarNo.07167020
                                    Sabh W. Floros
                                    srate Bar. No 24045340
                                    Anorneys for MARIA AORIANA FLORES

                           CERIIFICATE OF SERVICE

      l@nifylhai airueand corecl@pyof lh€ fofego ng MOTION FORCONNNUANCE
has b€en eNed by hand deliv€ry, by facslmie, or by certili€d mail, €turn €ceipt
Eque(ed. on rhis lhe Al day orAugusl, 2015 on the followinq:

700 N Flor6 Slr6etSle E
Rio GBnde Cay T.xas 78582

Emairfiloreslaw@ghail.6h

Ehailx€neorlandosa%@shail.com

                                                             rJdb Nurber   7313r   40003
STA]E OF TEXAS

COUNTY OF HIDALGO

        BEFORE ME the undgr€igned autho.ity, peBonat/yappeaed Roei. Robie" Ftores

,   wlro, bym€    duly      m, deposed as folowsi

        'My name is ROEL "ROBTE FLORES, I am a ti@nsed ailorney in rhe siaie of
TeB     and   |   .m   her€by acquainied   $th th€ facts staled   in the Moflon for Continuan@.   I

hereby stale lhal th6 f6cts n th6 Motion tor continuan@ a.€ true and           6red   to the b€st

        Siqred on       Aususl       ,2015.

                                                ROEL'ROBIE" FLORES

        Sjgned under oath beto€ me
 IN THE ESTATE OF
                                                    IN COUNTY COURT
                                       5
 ARTE |o RIOS,                         5
 DECEASED
                                       s
                                       5           STARR COUNTY, TEXAS

                               N MOTION FOR CONTINUANCE

                                2015. rhe coun consid€red lh€ Molron forcontrnuance
ol llrARlA ADRtAitA FLORES, MovanL and odeEi
                                             thal rhrs Motjon is GRANTED and tT
lS IHEREFORE ORDEREDtha hehea.ing is €ser.o-
                                                                              201s,

     SIGNED   ON
                                                2015.

                                     JUDGE PRESIDING

     F i(956)631-726S
     Email bbi€f torestawasl.,ner

     70O N Flor€s StE€r Ste E
     Rio cEnde Chy, Teras 7OSS2

    En|ail;no.€sraw@gmait.com

    Ehair:reneonandogau @qm.it @m

                                                               rJob Nubsf   76d3t odoro
                                                                               Filed: 8/31/2015 10:45:48 AM
                                                                               Dennis D. Gonzalez
                                                                               County Clerk
                                                                               Starr County, Texas
                                                                               Lilly Guerrero
                                    CAUSE NO. PR-14-016

IN THE ESTATE OF                             §       IN THE COUNTY COURT AT LAW
                                             §
ARTEMIO RIOS,                                §       SITTING AS A PROBATE COURT
                                             §
DECEASED                                     §       STARR COUNTY, TEXAS

                      APPLICANT’S RESPONSE & OBJECTION TO
                     INTERVENOR’S MOTION FOR CONTINUANCE

TO THE HONORABLE JUDGE OF SAID COURT:

       COMES NOW, Applicant STEPHANIE RIOS, and files this Response and Objection to
Intervenor’s Motion for Continuance, and in support thereof will show unto this Court as follows:
                                     I.      Procedural History

       On May 1, 2014, Applicant STEPHANIE RIOS filed an Application for Appointment of
Dependent Administrator in this Court under Cause No. PR-14-013, styled In the Estate of Artemio
Rios on May 1, 2014. See attached Exhibit “A.” On May 28, 2014, Applicant further filed in this
Court an Application to Determine Heirship under Cause No. PR-14-016, styled In the Estate of
Artemio Rios. See attached Exhibit “B.” Applicant STEPHANIE RIOS was Artemio Rios,
Decedent’s, biological daughter. See attached Exhibit “C.”
       On August 1, 2014, Intervenor MARIA ADRIANA FLORES filed a Petition in
Intervention for Determination of Right of Inheritance and an Opposition to Application for Letters
of Administration both under Cause No. PR-14-016. See Exhibits “D” and “E.” These matter
has been set for a hearing on the following dates since Intervenor’s filing of her Petition in
Intervention: January 15, 2015; February 19, 2015; March 19, 2015; and March 26, 2015.
Applicant was prepared to proceed on the Appointment of Administrator and Determination of
Heirship, and all hearings were reset at Intervenor’s oral and/or written Motions for
Continuance, and all over Applicant’s objections.
       The hearing on March 26, 2015 was set by the Court to proceed with all pending matters.
Intervenor again made a request for a reset and the Court granted said request, also over
Applicant’s objection. At that hearing, Court instructed the parties to enter into a Docket Control
Order and set the case for Trial. Applicant made attempts to confer with Intervenor’s counsel to
select a trial date and enter into a Docket Control Order. See attached Exhibits “F” and “G.”
Intervenor’s counsel never responded to said requests.
        Consequently, Applicant filed a Motion for Docket Control Order on June 10, 2015 and
said motion was set for a hearing on August 20, 2015. A Docket Control Order, setting this case
for a Special Trial on September 3, 2015 at 9:00 a.m. was signed by all counsel of record and by
this Honorable Court. See attached Exhibit “H.” Said Docket Control Order dictate the deadlines
in this case.
        During the time of the filing of the Intervention and the signing of the Docket Control
Order, Applicant engaged in discovery, as Applicant disputes Intervenor’s claim that she was
Decedent’s common law wife. Applicant served Intervenor with Requests for Disclosures, First
Set of Interrogatories, Requests for Admissions, and Requests for Production. See attached
Exhibit “I.” Due to Intervenor’s failure to timely respond to said discovery, Applicant filed a
Motion to Compel and for Sanctions and Intervenor was ordered to respond to the discovery by
July 30, 2015.
        In her discovery responses, Intervenor for the first time identified several witnesses who
allegedly have knowledge of the common law marriage. Applicant immediately requested and by
agreement, obtained dates to depose and later deposed three witnesses and Intervenor. See
attached Exhibit “J.”
        During the same period of time between the filing of her Petition in Intervention and the
signing of the Docket Control Order, Intervenor has engaged in zero (0) discovery. Now, days
before the Trial, Intervenor has attempted to Notice Depositions of Applicant and her sibling, and
a non-party. Intervenor attempts to notice depositions outside the discovery period and improperly
served the notice on the non-party. In her Motion for Continuance Intervenor alleges that “counsel
has previously noticed the opposing parties in this case, and they improperly quashed the
depositions, arguing they had been deposed even though they were not deposed in this case.”
Intervenor’s statements are incorrect as the only depositions previously quashed were those
noticed in Cause No. DC-13-971, not in PR-14-013 or PR-14-016. Applicant filed her first Motion
to Quash in this case on August 28, 2015 on the ground that said depositions were noticed after
the discovery deadline had passed but also because Intervenor failed to come to an agreement on
taking of depositions, improperly noticing the deposition of a non-party, and failing to meet the
requirements of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure in scheduling depositions.
        Prior to the above-referenced filings, Applicant STEPHANIE RIOS filed a wrongful
death suit in the 381st Judicial District Court under Cause No. DC-13-971, styled Hugo Alaniz, et
al v. Anderson Columbia, individually and on behalf of her father, ARTEMIO RIOS’ estate. The
lawsuit was filed within thirty (30) days of the death of ARTEMIO RIOS, Applicant’s father.
That case was set for trial and a continuance was granted. It was later reset, and Trial is currently
for October 19, 2015. See attached Exhibit K.” The parties in that suit have engaged in extensive
discovery, including the taking of many depositions of witnesses and experts. The parties intend
to proceed to Mediation in late September 2015, as per the last discussions between the parties’
attorneys. Intervenor MARIA ADRIANA FLORES filed an Intervention but her Intervention
was stricken upon Defendant’s Motion to Strike. Although having been in that case for almost a
year, Intervenor engaged in little to no discovery in that case and failed to participate in any of the
depositions taken to date. Any further delay before this Court will cause extreme prejudice to
Applicant, as the parties are preparing for mediation and trial in the wrongful death suit and must
dispose of the common law marriage dispute and obtain the administration of the estate of
Decedent prior to mediation and Trial in the wrongful death suit.
                           II.     Response & Objection to a Continuance
       “It is well established that the granting or denial of a motion for continuance is within the
trial court’s sound discretion.” Villegas v. Carter, 171 S.W.2d 624, 626 (Tex. 1986); State v.
Crank, 666 S.W.2d 91, 94 (Tex. 1984). “The exercise of discretion will not be disturbed on appeal
unless the record discloses a clear abuse of discretion.” Id. “It is also well established that the
failure of a litigant to diligently utilize the rules of civil procedure for discovery purposes will not
authorize the granting of a continuance.” Fritsch v. J.M. English Truck Line, Inc., 151 Tex. 168
(Tex. 1952). “A trial court will not be required to grant a motion for continuance, at the risk of
committing error in overruling it, when the allegations in the motion examined in light of the record
show beyond cavil a complete lack of diligence…” Id. at 858. “A party who does not diligently
utilize the procedures for discovery can seldom claim reversible error when the trial court refuses
a continuance.” State v. Wood Oil Distributing, Inc., 751 S.W.2d 863, 865 (Tex. 1988).
       Texas Rules of Civil Procedure 247 states that “[n]o cause which has been set upon the
trial docket of the court shall be taken from the trial docket for the date set except by agreement of
the parties or for good cause upon motion and notice to the opposing party.” Tex. R. Civ. P. 247;
Tex. R. Civ. P. 251. The rules further state that “[t]he failure to obtain the deposition of any witness
residing within 100 miles of the courthouse or the county in which the suit is pending shall not be
regarded as want of diligence when diligence has been used to secure the personal attendance of
such witness under the rules of law….” Tex. R. Civ. P. 252. Rule 252 further requires that “if a
continuance is sought to depose a witness, the motion must include the following information: 1.)
the witness’s name and address (street, county, and state of residence); and 2.) a description of the
testimony the witness will probably give and what the party expects the testimony to prove. Id.
       Furthermore, in Wood, Wood asked for a continuance…to take depositions of the State’s
witnesses. State v. Wood Oil Distrib., Inc., 751 S.W.2d 863 (Tex. 1988). Wood had not conducted
discovery during the two years in which suit was pending. Id. The Supreme Court held that the
trial court did not abuse its discretion because Wood did not prove diligence. Id. The Court said
that Wood’s inability…to take the deposition of State’s witnesses was ‘a predicament of its own
making.’ Id.
       Like in Wood, Intervenor’s petition was filed over a year ago. During that period of time,
Intervenor has failed to conduct any discovery. Now on the eve of trial, Intervenor attempts to
notice depositions, after the discovery deadlines have passed, and without proving any due
diligence in attempting to conduct discovery or procure depositions of the witnesses.
       Moreover, Intervenor’s motion for continuance is not in substantial compliance with the
rules. Rule 252 requires that “when requesting additional time for discovery, a party must fulfill
six requirements under oath: 1.) the testimony is material; 2.) proof of materiality; 3.) show of
diligence; 4.) cause of failure, if known; 5.) evidence not available; 6.) continuance is not for delay
only but so that justice be done. Tex. R. Civ. P. 252; Verkin v. SW Cent 1, 784 S.W.2d 92 (Tex.
App. 1990). Intervenor’s counsel filed a motion for continuance and attached an affidavit to said
motion. In his affidavit, Intervenor’s counsel simply states “I am hereby acquainted with the facts
stated in the Motion for Continuance.” The motion itself states that “counsel has previously
noticed the opposing parties in this case, and they improperly quashed the depositions…” It further
states that “depositions are scheduled for September 1, 2015 at 9:00 a.m.; 10:30 a.m. and 1:30
p.m.” Applicant contends that Intervenor failed to comply with Rule 252 in that she has completely
failed to show any diligence in obtaining depositions within the year that her intervention has been
pending; has failed to completely state a cause for her failure to do so; has failed to show that
evidence was not available during that year; and has failed to show how her request for a
continuance is for anything other than to delay the case and cause prejudice to Applicant.
Intervenor has further failed to state in her motion for continuance “the type of information sought”
in the depositions she attempts to notice. Gabaldon v. General Motors Corp., 876 S.W.2d 367,
370 (Tex.App.—El Paso, 1993, no writ).        Intervenor’s motion for continuance also fails to state
that the discovery period has expired.
       Intervenor’s motion for continuance is devoid of any showing of due diligence in procuring
depositions of witnesses in this case. In fact, Intervenor has failed to satisfy the requirement and
describe the attempts she has made in a period of one (1) year to secure discovery of evidence.
       Applicant STEPHANIE RIOS will be prejudiced with the granting of a continuance in
this case. Applicant is preparing her wrongful death suit for mediation in September 2015 and
Trial in October 2015. The delaying of this case will prevent mediation and trial to proceed in her
wrongful death suit. Intervenor has had more than sufficient time to conduct discovery and obtain
evidence to prove her alleged claim of common law and has failed to do so. Applicant has
diligently conducted discovery, secured evidence, and procured witnesses to dispute Intervenor’s
alleged claim of common law marriage to Applicant’s deceased father while Intervenor has caused
nothing but delays in these proceedings.
                                             III.   Prayer

       WHEREFORE, PREMISES CONSIDERED, Applicant STEPHANIE RIOS, ask this
Court to deny Intervenor MARIA ADRIANA FLORES’ motion for continuance, and for such
other and further relief to which Applicant may be justly entitled to, in law or in equity.
                                              Respectfully Submitted,

                                              THE LAW FIRM OF FLOR E. FLORES, PLLC
                                              700 N. Flores St.
                                              Rio Grande City, Texas 78582
                                              Tel. (956)263-1786
                                              Fax. (956)263-1750
                                              Email: ffloreslaw@gmail.com

                                              BY: /S/FLOR E. FLORES
                                                  Flor E. Flores
                                                  State Bar No. 24065235
                                                  Counsel for Applicant Stephanie Rios

                                              LAPEZE & JOHNS, PLLC
                                              601 Sawyer Street, Ste. 650
                                              Houston, Texas 77007
                                              Tel: (713)739-1010
                                              Fax: (713)739-1015
                                              Email: chris@lapezejohns.com

                                              BY: /S/CHRIS K. JOHNS
                                                  Chris K. Johns
                                                  State Bar No. 24002353
                                                  Co-Counsel for Applicant Stephanie Rios
                              CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

  I, Flor E. Flores, hereby certify that on this the 31st day of August, 2015, a true and correct copy

of the foregoing Applicant’s Response & Objection to Intervenor’s Motion for Continuance, has

been upon all parties of record in accordance with the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure.

       VIA ELECTRONIC FILING
       VIA EMAIL: gilberto@gilbertofalconlaw.com
       Gilberto Falcon
       THE LAW OFFICE OF GILBERTO FALCON, PLLC
       320 Lindberg Ave.
       McAllen, Texas 78501
       Attorney for Intervenor

       VIA ELECTRONIC FILING
       VIA EMAIL: robieflores@att.net
       Roel “Robie” Flores
       FLORES ATTORNEYS AT LAW
       3331 N. Ware Rd.
       McAllen, Texas 78501
       Attorney for Intervenor

       VIA ELECTRONIC FILING
       VIA EMAIL: garzalawoffice@aol.com
       Minerva Garza
       THE LAW OFFICE OF BALDEMAR GARZA & MINERVA GARZA
       200 E. Second St.
       Rio Grande City, Texas 78582
       Attorney Ad Litem

                                                      /S/FLOR E. FLORES
                                                      FLOR E. FLORES
                                                                                                                                         LBEoruro-/*

l

                                            .AUSE No.        fl       '* [L/^e    I                                  DENNI$
                                                                                                                     nv'
                                                                                                                                                    Ai]n c0. TX

iIN'THE IIS]'A'|E O}'                                           6                              u,   couv2:$           RT
                                                                  n

    ARTE1WIO ruOS.                                              E            AT                woF
                                                                $
    Deceosed                                                    R
                                                                             STA                    COI]NTY. TE.XAS
            .A"PPI,IC.4,               FOR            INTMB                 OFD                NDENT ADMI]:{IST
    TO TIilE HO,NORAI]]LE JIJDGE OF COURT

                 coi'{Es NO\4/, STEPITANIE LEE RIOS.                              A            icant, and files tliis A              lication for
    Approiirtnir:rLt o1'Depe.'rlerit Administrator of the Estate o                              RTEIVIIO RtrOIi, Dec ased. and for
icar-rse                                          rrr\. fnltn*,i...
            of actLon vlill show unto this CoultI rlrc  r.vtrvYYlllE;.

tJ,
i

i

l^
I                Appirc;ant is an individr,ral domiciled in and resid                               at 1830 Guadalupe      S       , Rio Grande
1^' ,      .ir
    Ulty, lexas 78582, Starr County, Texas, and is acting                              i       this matter by and tlt              Lrgh heL duly
      .r    I

    authorlzed rel)resentatir/e, Tlie applicant is the c'leceden                                daLrghtel and hzrs ar.r            terest in the
iestate of AR.TEItdIOT R.IOS, Deceaseci.

                                                                      il.
                                                                                                                               i

                 Derre'dent die,J on November         30,2013 in Rio Gra                       : City, Stalr County, Te[as at the age
iof 39 yearsr, T'he decedent died inrestate.                                                                                   I

                                                                      ilL                                                      I

                This Cour:t   ha.s   jr.rrisdiction and veltlle is pr.oper. be                 .rse   A|I'REMIO liiXOS lDeceased was
                                                                                               at the   tine of deiith in               CoLrnty.
                                                                                           I                                   ltaru
                                                                                           I

                                                                      IV,
                                                                                                                               I

                Deoedr:nt owned. property described generally                 as               I propelty with an unkr]own value at
the time of         filing this appiication.

'               Decedent owned property describecl generally                       a           rersonai propertl, ovitfr lan unknown
value      ait   the tirne of   filing this application,
l
                                                                                                                               I

                Apftlicant, on behalf of Decedent, frleci a vwoltg                              cleath sLrit clui.e,ntly nincling rinder
Cause No, trCl-l '.)-g71,             in the 381,r J'dicial District CoL,                      Stalr Cor,rnty,   Te>

   R
   1r

                                                                                                                 Wed, Apr 1,2015 at 1:56 PM

                                                                                            issue of a common law marriage. At the last
                                                                                           Order and set altrial date. I spoke with Chico
                                                                                           .I am getting ready to prepare the Order and
                                                                                             the trial may itake at lerast two days since. I

            N. $lores        lSt., gte, .[i

https//mqil.go4le.$om/nrail/u/0/?r.li=lgik:=6'i'00a43108&view=pt&q=in%3Asent%20gi                     .com &qs= true&search= query&th = I 4c765T   e50... | I
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                                                                                                              ]

     Flor iFloresi .
     Cc: Nadia LA1 .:floreslawassist0l@gmail.comr
                                                                                                           i           l

         Gilbr-'rto,       Amber:                                                                         I

                                                                                                          li
         Oril\pril 1st, I sent both of vou an email requesting tentative tri[{ dates so we could finalize
                                                                                                                 the Docket Control
         ordelrtlrerJudger instrtrctr:cl t.ts to submit in this malter. lt is novr{'l'rry ,3th and
                                                                                                   I have not received a response
         from you' I ant tequersting one last time trial dates in June tromldou'so r can get
                                                                                                      this case scheduled, lf I don,t
         reoeive a resp'onse, I willl r;urbmit a Docket control order wtho+i]your input. riirinX
                                                                                                         I have waited tong enough.
         Adpitionally,       discovery responses are overdue. Please arr{vf tnis electronic correspondence to serve
                       Yojrr                                                                                            as a
         forlnal request for res;ponses by no later than the end of the nu{iiress oay on rvonday,
                                                                                                  tVtay 18, 2015. lf I do not
         reoeive sqid responses, I will be filing a Motiorr for Contempt arif for Sanctions
                                                                                                          ll

         Thiink yotr for your prompt ;rttention to these                         matters.                          i

         Fk>:r   Ii. F'lor:cs
         'l'ex'as,l'4fer Lowyers -
                                   I\i.ring,\'tar.r 20/ j,ctncl.20/ 5
       The Law fiir.rn of Filor E. Flores, PLLC
       700 N. Florei; St,, Str::. Ii
       Rio Grande Cin','Iexas 7B5BZ
       'l'ol: (956):Zti13-1'f86
        trax: (956),lfii3-1750
         $,W$'. [1]oreslaur.conl
         [l l o re   s]   :ru,@)gmar      L c;o   n"t

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                                                                                                                             AU6 2 0   2015
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                                                                                                                                       CI.EfiK STASR CO. TX

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                                                                                           AT LAW

                                                                                           STARR COLINTY, TI]XAS

                Iitlt zulMIiMlSERED that on                 ti    "J   day   of                                     ,2015, a docket
     codtrol cr:nfen:flcer was held.
            l

      ,l
     A.         Jury T'rifl   requested:       Yes

     B.         Deadlinp to request for jury:

     C.         l'his case is sr:t for'Irial                                                              qloO >-rn.
     D.         r\ .Pre-Trial conference       is set for                                  . (Pre-Trial Notbbook is mandatory)

     E.         l"he dr:a$line for filing all dispositive summary                         and pretrial motions by
                I)efendzint (s) is   _                                                         The court will schedule a
                h.earing po it,iiO   rnotio* up* th" ftlirrg of ru*".

                l'he dr:rabline for filing all dispositive summary r                      and pretrial motions by
                [:'laintiff(r;) is _                                                        The court       will    schedule a
                hiearing prL said motions upon the fiiing.

     G.         'Jlhe dr:rapline   for designation of expert witnesses                Defendant (s)       tq'       VfrT/
     H.         llhe deadliLne for designation of expert witnesses                    Plaintiff (s) is:             TECP
     l.         llhe dea$line for completion of discovery for                             (s) is:               TlIC P
     J.         llhe drlahline for completion of discovery for P                  ru (s) ls:
                                                                                  t'
                                                                                                                m cp
     t,
     I\.        llhe d,radline for amendment of allpleadings for
                                                                                  l

                                                                                  jDefendant (s) is:
                                                                                                                    TNC P
                                                                                                                    TnCf
                                                                                  I

     L.         llhe deadline for amendment of all pleadings for                      Plaintiff (s) is:         ,
     tvl.       l.'he d,:adline to submit to mediation is Manda                                 0
            F (S) ATTORNEY/

      F/o, €-   Fl,'"

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  I

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                                                                   kimail - ehile I exas.oov - hr   Accepted - 4663%3

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                                  $                                                                                          Flor Flores 

    ".-**-!******
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                                        .i*-----------*--

   eFifeTexas.gtov                    ...'   Iriling Accepted - 4663943
    1 me$sage
   ***-j+-***"i-*"****
                       r

   ttto-fignlV@pfi leterxas. g;civ < No-Reprly@efiletexas. gov>                                                                            Wed, Apr 1, 2015 at 1:53 PM
   To: f{f ores lairy@{lrnaril. c om
                       l

         J.tEl'lll_[                                                                                                                  Filing Accepted
         [*F' IEi{ril$.gr]rr
           il
                           l
                                                                                                                                          Envelope Number: 4663943
           I

                           l

      ThS filin$ belh:w v,rgs reviewed and has been accel                                             by the clerk$ office. Be sure to click
      thdLlin[< pelc,ur         to retneve your file stamped copy of                                  document filed.

https://mailllioogle.cdm/mailrrr"t/O/?ui::2&ik=ir700a43108&view=   nt&d= pR-1r'-16Rcq=rrr pp-c       n arr t 9-th-   1   A   raAEl ^/^onELA^o   ^t ^r-   a   t ^a^E   r   -
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                                                  CAUSE NO. PR.
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                                                                 $
                                                                 $
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                                                                 s
                                                                                     I     AT LAW OF
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                                                                                     i

                                                                                     i     STARR COUNTY, TE
                                                                                     I

                                                                                 ,F       WRITTEN DISCOVT]R

        I   t:fltvfn$ N,OW, STIEPHANIE RIOS, Appti                                         in the above entitled and     numbered
 cauEe, arnd pursuant to the lfexas Rule of             Civil procedu                    Rule 191.4, files this First Certificate of
 Srritten f,riscovely and certifies that on this 26th day                    ,
                                                                                          March 2015, Applicant forwarded the
 n rr   I

 tollciwrng to opposiing counsel.
        l

            I.      .Afotrtlicnnt's Rule 194 Requestfor                                      to Intervenor; and

            2:..                 First Set oJ'Interrog
                    .Aptrtlticunt's
                                                                                                   for Adtnissions,   and Requests
                    ,fQr Production to Intervenor.

                                                             Respectful                  submitted,

                                                             Ttre Law                    RM oF    FIon B. FIonns. PLLC
                                                             700 N. Flo                    St., Ste, E
                                                             Rio Gr                       ity, Texas 18582
                                                             Tel: (956)                  3-r786
                                                             Fax: (956)                  3-r750
                                                             Email: tt]                       (

                                                                     Flor
                                                                     State                No.24065235
                                                                     Attot               for Applicant Stephanie Rios

Cause No. PR-1II-16; In the ll,state of Artenio Rios. Deceased
Aprurcawr's lirnsl. rlEn.nrrcATE oF WRrfinN Drscoveny
1t

ii
ii
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ii
                                                                     VI
      I, Irlor      Flores, hereby certiSr that on this the     tn
                                                                     day pf March,, 2015, a true and correct
     of               's   First CetiJicate of Written Disco         werp served unto all parties of record,
                    th the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure:

                             ONI

                                        ILBERTO FALCOI'I.

                                        Maria Adriana Fl.ores

                                                                E. Flores

          -14-16; Ilt the Estate of Artemio Rios, Deceasetl
                                                                                                 Page2 of2
          Irrnsr CrinrmrcerE or WRrrrEN DrscovERy
                         Gmail - eFileTexas.oov   -Fili               - 6306743
                                                          lAccepted

                                                          I

                                                          I
                                                                          Flor Flores 
                                                          I

                                                          I

                                                          i-*'-
                                                          I

                                                          I

                                                          I

                                                                                     Fri, Jul 31, 2015 at 2:42 PM

HFlll"[                                                                           Filing Accepted
TEHlffi,grlrr'                                                                     Envelope Number: 6306743

berlow wQs reviewc.d and has been accel                       by the clerks office. Be sure to click
llour to retrieve your file stamped copy of                   document filed.
                                                                                                        Flor Flores 

                                                                                                                  Fri, Jul 31, 2015 at 2:44 pM

                      filllllJ                                                                               Filing Accepted
                   qTn}fr,*$.ffw
                    THHfi$.                                                                                     Envelope Number: 690731S

           g filini beforrv wds rerviewed and has been accept                                   by the clerks office. Be sure to click
           ri link pelory to relrieve your file stamped copy
                                                             of tl                              document filed.

hffnq'//maillnmfonhm/mailf   /..lli-   dgjt.-^1 n^reinog'i^..,_^rea_Fr   4t 4^o_^_L-,,^o--_--
                                                                                Gmail - eFileTexas.gov   -   Accepted - 6307396

                                                                                                                                     Flor Flores 
   r';{   rn   x   rl{L
**,*]-1-.*_

eFilbTe
1 mgssage

                                            s.99v .: Nlo-Reply@efiletexas. gov>
                                                                                                                                                                Fri, Jul 31, 2015 at 2:52 pM
                                            Lcofn

                                                                                                                                             Filing Accepted
                                                                                                                                                    Envelope Number: 6307396

                                     ow!/qs rr;'viewed and has been accep                                     by the clerks office, Be sure to click
                                     v to rqtrierve            your file stamped copy oi.                     document filed.

                          m/rnail/]r-r,t0l?ui,=2&i   k= a700a431 Og&view= ot&o= nr-,t4_ 1 68.os=rrr          rarv 2lh=   4   A   aaEo Aefrriffe^?   g           * _.                     E^^ r^
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                                                                                                                                                                                    ^^            _
                                                                                                                                                                                                      -
                                                                                         Gmail - eFileTexas.gov   -       - 6307474

                                                                                                                              Flor Flores 
          lit

    eFil                                          .-IFif iing Accepted - 6307474
    1me

                                                                                                                                        Fri, ,Jul 31, 2015 at 2:50 PM

                                                                                                                                      Filing Accepted
                                        ll$,-$*tt"                                                                                     Envelope Number: 6307474

                                         w wqs reviewed and has been accel                                            by the clerkS office. Be sure to click
                                         to retrieve your file stamped copy of                                        document fildd.

      I
      lll,             l

l*^- 'rt-     ,^^^^,
          ^ii        ^ ^i* ,*   ^
                                    it t,,t^t^,   .l-4oit.--?,ta-   ,^r   na   6. .: ^
                                                                             Flled: 2/1 /2O15 '| :01:01 PM
                                                                             Eloy R. Garcia, District Clerk
                                                                             Stan County, Texas

                                                                             Brendaly GuerreroFiled: 8/31/2015 10:45:48 AM

                                  CAUSE NO. DC-13-971                                           Dennis D. Gonzalez
                                                                                                  County Clerk

HUGO ALANIA JR., STEPHANTE RrOS                   $        rN THE DTSTRTCT COURT                Starr County, Texas

And ARTEMIO RIOS, JR,Individually        $and                                                       Lilly Guerrero
On Behalf of the Estate of ARTEMIO RIOS, S
                      Plaintffi,                  S
                                                  s
And                                               $
                                                  s
JOANN GONZALEZ, and                               S
RAMES     GONZALEZ,                               S
                                                  $
AND                                                $       381't JUDICIAL DISTRTCT
                                                  $
MARHMAGDALENAFLORES,ASNEXT                        $
FRIEND OX'AMY DEL CARMEN RrOS,              A     $
MINOR CHILD                                       S
                      Intervenor-Plaintilfs       $
                                                  $
Y.$
                                                  $
ANDERSON COLIMBIA COMPAIYY,INC"                   $
                                                   $
                      Defendant                    $       srARR COITNTY, TEXAS
                   AGREED AMENDED DOCKET CONTROL ORDER
                                                                   Feb.
         BE IT REMEMBERED THAT' ON            2nd      DAY OF Jamuy, 2015, counsels for
Plaintiffs, Interuenors, and Defendan! appeared and agleed, and the Court entered the following
order:

    1.     Jury   selection-Trial:         Octoberl9' 2015 at 9:00 a.m.

    2.     Desiguation of ExPerts:

           a) Plaintiffs/lntervenors:       May 8,2015

           b) Defendant:                    June 15,2015

    3.     Discovery Deadlines:

           a) Plaintiffs/Intervenors:       September 18' 2015

           b)   Defendant:                  September 18,2015
                                                           Seot.
    4.     DaubertlRobinson Hearings (if    needed),       ffist -\2015 at 9:00 a.m.
               a)     Amerndment of Pleadings (Plaintiff):            May   1l   10, 2015

               tr)    Amendment of Pleadings      (Defendant):        July 6,2015

               Itinal Pre-Trial conference Pursuant to T.RC.P. #             166z october 7 ,           20ls
               art   9:00 e'.m.

               l\ll   Motirrns in limine shall be filed and heard at final pretrial.

               llrial Nolebooks       are due two (2) weeks before Final Pre-Trial Conference.

               llrial Notebooks shall be incompliance with T.R.C.P.         166, including special issues.

                      SIGITED AND ORDERED ON              THIS    2      d^y   o1      Feb.        2015.

                                                           Luis Garza

Keith W.lapeze
 State Bar No. 24010176
Taylor Shiprnan
 State Bar No. 24079323
Christopher,K. Johnsr
State Bar No. 240021353
LAPEZTI & IOHNS, P.L.L.C.
601 Sawyer Street, Suite 650
Houston' TX:"77007
Phone: ('713) 739-1010
Fax: (713) 7'39-l0li'
tay lor@ lqp4qhrm. cronn
keith@lapezej ohns. com
christopher@lapezej,ohns. com
C ouns e I .for P I ai nt iff' / Interv enor
01/30/2015      EF1'l Ft{H S582631?50                    Law Firm of                                                E 0002/0002

                       rt)   Amendment of Fleadings    (Plainriff):           M     il     10,20t5

                       b)    Arnendment of Pleadiugt   (Defendant):           Ju    6,2015

                       l'inal Pre-l'rial Conference Pursuant to 1'.R,C.P # 166:                     October   _r    201s

                       at 9;00 s.m.

                       All Motions in liminp shall   be filed and heard at          pretrial.

                       Trial Notebooks are due rwo (Z) weeks before Final                 Trisl Cqnference,
                                                                                                I

                       TrialNotebooks shall be incompliance with T,R.C,             I   66, incljuding special tssues,

                             SIGNED AND ORI}ERED ON THI$                                                       20r5.

                                                          Jose Luis Garza
                                                          38lst Dlstrlct Ju

        Kei     W;Lapeze
        Staie      N0.24010176                                                 No. 24065235
                Sfipman                                               THE     W FIRM OF fLOR E. FLORES,
                   No. 240?9323                                       700 N. lores $treet, Suite E
                      K. Johns                                        Rio        Ciry,,Texas 78582
        Sti      i No,  24002353                                      Phone: (956) 263- I 786
        LI         & JOIINS, P,L-I,.C.                                Fax: (            ) 253- 1;7s0
        60       i,er Street, Suire 650                               fllsr
                  I   TX 77007                                                     Jbr PlaintilJs
                 (713) 73e..r010
        F        ls) 739-10r5
                                LO_rn
        kei             sJ0npurg..9a
        t!                       ohns.oom
        C        lM    Plaintiff / Intervenor
          L. Ramirez
        BarNo.16506200
        RAMIREZ LAW FIRM, PLLC
            Hackberry Ave.
              TX      78501
        : (956) 668-8t00
        (956) 668-8101

            for Intervenor

        tr\
             No.21648500
        Braich
             N0.24033198
            P. Geer
        No.00786389
      Williams
State   No.24070854
1044 N. Central Exprcssway, Suite 520
Dalla   Texas 7523 I
        Qt4)736-9433
        t4)736-9994

        for Defendant