Bartz, Christopher v. Randall, Rita
396 S.W.3d 647
Tex. App.2013Background
- Randall filed a revival action under §31.006 on June 18, 2010 for a dormant 1989 default judgment.
- Bartz contends revival was untimely because no writ of execution was properly issued within ten years under §34.001.
- Randall submitted two affidavits from attorney Lindauer claiming a writ was issued Aug 6, 1999 and delivered to the constable for service.
- Writ was delivered Aug 10, 1999; Lindauer testified she paid fees and instructed pursuit of the writ.
- Trial court granted Randall’s March 23, 2011 summary judgment reviving the judgment; Bartz appeals.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Are Lindauer’s affidavits proper summary judgment evidence? | Bartz argues affidavits are improper as interested, conclusory, or inadequately detailed. | Randall contends affidavits are admissible and uncontroverted; form objections were waived. | Affidavits adequate; form objections waived; credibility not a issue. |
| Was the revival action timely under §31.006 with a writ issued within ten years of judgment? | Randall asserts a writ issued within ten years extended revival period to 2011. | Bartz claims no proper issuance within ten years; revival untimely. | Revival timely; writ issued within ten years extended life of judgment. |
Key Cases Cited
- Brown v. Brown, 145 S.W.3d 745 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2004) (conclusory affidavits insufficient without underlying facts)
- S & I Mgmt., Inc. v. Sungju Choi, 331 S.W.3d 849 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2011) (form objections to affidavits may be raised on appeal)
- Belger v. Sweeny, 836 S.W.2d 752 (Tex. App.—Houston [Pt Dist.] 1992) (uncontroverted testimony of an interested witness may support SJ)
- Dulong v. Citibank (South Dakota), N.A., 261 S.W.3d 890 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2008) (form objections to affidavits require trial-level objection)
- Ross v. American Radiator & Standard Sanitary Corp., 507 S.W.2d 806 (Tex. App.—Dallas 1974) (burden to show writ issued within time; presumption of officer's duty)
