435 S.W.3d 287
Tex. App.2014Background
- Midstate Environmental Services, LP appeals a default judgment in favor of Peterson and next friends of the Petersons.
- The restricted appeal targets defects in service reflected in the citation and its return.
- The record shows the citation lacked a court seal and did not direct to the defendant named in the petition.
- The return of citation appears not to have been filed or properly reflected in the record.
- The court held the defects in service render the default judgment improper on the face of the record.
- The court remands for further proceedings consistent with the defects identified.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whether defects in service render the default judgment improper | Midstate showed defects on the face of the record | Peterson argued defects were not decisive | Yes; defects require reversal and remand |
Key Cases Cited
- Barker CATV Constr., Inc. v. Ampro, Inc., 989 S.W.2d 789 (Tex.App.-Houston [1st Dist.] 1999) (restrictions on restricted appeals; no pet.)
- Primate Constr., Inc. v. Silver, 884 S.W.2d 151 (Tex. 1994) (no presumption of valid service in default judgments)
- General Elec. Co. v. Falcon Ridge Apartments, 811 S.W.2d 942 (Tex.1991) (face-of-the-record rule for default judgments)
- Laidlaw Waste Sys., Inc. v. Wallace, 944 S.W.2d 72 (Tex.App.-Waco 1997) (record must show proper service at judgment time)
- Primate Constr., Inc. v. Silver, 884 S.W.2d 151 (Tex.1994) (default judgment requires proper service; no presumptions)
- Lejeune v. Ins. Co. of Pa., 297 S.W.3d 254 (Tex.2009) (reversible error if service defective)
- Nueces County Hous. Assist., Inc. v. M&M Resources Corp., 806 S.W.2d 948 (Tex.App.-Corpus Christi 1991) (deviations in service destroy default judgment)
- Uvalde Country Club v. Martin Linen Supply Co., Inc., 690 S.W.2d 884 (Tex.1985) (defects between petition defendant and citation recipient)