Court Opinion

ID: 9394038
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-05-11 23:05:43.389156+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T17:18:57.088983
License: Public Domain

05/11/2023

            IN THE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF MONTANA
                                                                                           Case Number: DA 23-0146

                                       DA 23-0146
                                    _________________

IN RE THE MARRIAGE OF:

JENNIFER BANZET, f/k/a JENNIFER BAILEY,

             Petitioner and Appellee,
                                                                      ORDER
      and

BRIAN BAILEY,

             Respondent and Appellant.
                                _________________

       Appellee Jennifer Banzet moves to dismiss this appeal for Appellant Brian Bailey’s
failure to timely file his opening brief. Banzet points out that the record was received by this
Court on April 6, 2023. Appellant’s brief was therefore due on May 7, 2023, which was a
Sunday, extending his time through May 8, 2023. Banzet filed her motion the following day.
       Bailey’s opening brief arrived at the Clerk of Court’s office two days later, May 11.
The brief came to the Court’s attention for routine review to ensure compliance with Rules
11 and 12 of the Montana Rules of Appellate Procedure. Bailey’s opening brief, though
three days late, is substantially in compliance with the rules. The Court favors disposition of
appeals on the merits and will not impose the harsh remedy of dismissal as a sanction for
Bailey’s tardiness. The Court cautions, however, that all litigants are expected to adhere to
the Rules of Appellate Procedure, and Bailey’s future filings must be submitted in a timely
fashion.
       IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED that the Appellee’s motion to dismiss this appeal is
DENIED.
       The Clerk is directed to give notice of this Order to all parties and counsel of record.

                                                                                 Electronically signed by:
                                                                                        Beth Baker
                                                                            Justice, Montana Supreme Court
                                                                                       May 11 2023