This is the second appearance of this domestic relations litigation before this court. In Wieland v. Wieland,
In Case No. A94A2288, Louis Wieland once again appeals from an order of the trial court finding him in contempt. In Case No. A94A2289, he appeals from a supplemental order denying his motion regarding venue. Appellee Linda Wieland filed motions to dismiss both appeals, and in Case No. A94A2288 sought damages under OCGA § 5-6-6, contending the appeal was filed for purposes of delay only.
1. Case No. A94A2288 is controlled by the provisions of OCGA § 5-6-35 and Wieland I. As noted in that case, an appeal from a judgment or order “holding . . . persons in contempt of . . . [alimony or] child custody judgment or orders” must be made by application.
2. Case No. A94A2289 arose from the trial court’s order denying Louis Wieland’s “Plea to the Jurisdiction, Motion to Dismiss and Motion to Transfer Venue.” This order apparently was entered in response to Louis Wieland’s motion for reconsideration of the contempt order. As a supplement to the trial court’s original order holding Wie
3. These appeals present a case in which no apparent justification for appeal exists other than delay. The issues are identical to those raised in Wieland I, and the result is the same. Louis Wieland was represented by the same counsel in Wieland I and in this action. In both notices of appeal, he stated: “The appellant also shows that it has and will file applications for appeal as well as direct appeals to protect the appellate rights of the appellant.” Despite this assurance, no applications were filed.
Although it is apparent that Louis Wieland was well aware of the lack of merit of these appeals, we are unable to assess damages under OCGA § 5-6-6. That Code section provides for damages in an appropriate case where a judgment for a sum certain is affirmed. However, “[i]t does not expressly authorize these damages when an appeal is dismissed. The extent of the authority is plain, giving ordinary signification to the words. OCGA § 1-3-1 (b). We cannot supply additional words. Nor can we construe plain and unequivocal words.” Radford v. IPD Printing &c.,
We are authorized, however, by Rule 26 (b)
Appeals dismissed.
Notes
Rule 15 (b) of the revised rules of this court will apply to those cases docketed on or after January 3, 1995.
