in the Interest of K. J. ( 2003 )

Dismissed and Opinion filed April 17, 2003

Dismissed and Opinion filed April 17, 2003.

In The

Fourteenth Court of Appeals

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NO. 14-02-01120-CV

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IN THE INTEREST OF K.J.

On Appeal from the 314th District Court

Harris County, Texas

Trial Court Cause No. 01-05414J

M E M O R A N D U M  O P I N I O N

Appellant Kristi Ritchie appeals from a judgment terminating her parental rights, signed October 16, 2002. Appellant had filed an affidavit of indigency in the trial court on October 16, 2002. On October 24, 2002, the Texas Department of Protective & Regulatory Services, the Harris County District Clerk, and Harris County filed contests to the affidavit.  On October 29, 2002, the court conducted a hearing.  That same day, the court signed an order finding appellant not indigent, denying appointment of counsel, and ordering appellant to pay all costs of the appeal.  Appellant did not follow the procedures to appeal that ruling as set forth in section 263.405(g) of the Texas Family Code.  Accordingly, appellant is required to pay the costs of the appeal.

To date, the filing fee of $125.00 has not been paid.  Therefore, on March 13, 2002, the Court issued an order stating that unless appellant paid the appellate filing fee of $125.00 within fifteen days of the date of the order, the appeal would be dismissed. 

In addition, no reporter=s record has been filed in this case.  Lisa Moody, the court reporter for this case, informed this Court that appellant had not made arrangements for payment for the reporter=s record.  On February 18, 2003, the clerk of this court notified appellant that we would consider and decide those issues that do not require a reporter=s record unless appellant, within 15 days of notice, provided this court with proof of payment for the record.  See Tex. R. App. P. 37.3(c).  Appellant filed no reply.  Accordingly, on March 13, 2003, we ordered appellant to file a brief on or before April 11, 2003, or the appeal would be dismissed.  No brief has been filed.

The filing fee has not been paid, the reporter=s record and brief have not been filed, and appellant has not responded to the Court=s orders of March 13, 2003.  Accordingly, the appeal is ordered dismissed.  See Tex. R. App. P. 42.3(c). 

PER CURIAM

Judgment rendered and Opinion filed April 17, 2003.

Panel consists of Chief Justice Brister and Justices Fowler and Edelman.