536 S.W.2d 519 | Mo. Ct. App. | 1976
The mother of P. J. M. appealed from a judgment of the Juvenile Division of the Circuit Court of Howell County determining the child was neglected and refused proper support, medical and other care [§ 211.031(l)(a), RSMo 1969]. The judgment made the child a ward of the court and committed him to the custody of the Howell County Division of Family Services.
The judgment was entered December 29, 1975. § 211.261, RSMo 1969,
The notice of appeal herein was filed April 5, 1976, in the office of the Circuit Clerk of Howell County, 98 days after entry of the judgment.
“[T]imely filing of a notice of appeal is the vital step for perfecting an appeal and is an essential prerequisite to appellate jurisdiction . . . .” In Interest of R_, 362 S.W.2d 642, 644 (Mo.App.1962).
We do not have jurisdiction and the appeal is dismissed.
. Rule 120.01, V.A.M.R., adopted December 9, 1975, and effective August 1, 1976, requires the notice of appeal to be filed within 30 days after the final judgment.