In the Interest of S.L.M., Et al, Children Appeal from 57th Judicial District Court of Bexar County (memorandum opinion per curiam)
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Fourth Court of Appeals San Antonio, Texas MEMORANDUM OPINION No. 04-16-00456-CV IN THE INTEREST OF S.L.M., et al., Children From the 57th Judicial District Court, Bexar County, Texas Trial Court No. 2015PA01559 Honorable Richard Garcia, Judge Presiding PER CURIAM Sitting: Marialyn Barnard, Justice Rebeca C. Martinez, Justice Patricia O. Alvarez, Justice Delivered and Filed: August 31, 2016 APPEAL DISMISSED FOR WANT OF JURISDICTION On July 19, 2016, appellant mother (“Mother”) filed a notice of appeal, asserting she is appealing an order rendered on or about July 15, 2016 that terminated her parental rights to her children. The clerk’s record, however, does not contain a copy of a signed order terminating Mother’s parental rights. Rather, the clerk’s record contains a document entitled “JUDGE’S NOTES,” and on page 3 of the “JUDGE’S NOTES” is a handwritten entry of “Order” and “term. Granted; M-D/E/O/N; F-N/O.” This court has specifically held that “[a] judge’s handwritten notes are for his or her own convenience and form no part of the record.” In re L.H., No. 04-13-00174-CV, 2013 WL 3804585, at *1 (Tex. App.—San Antonio July 17, 2013, no pet.) (mem. op.) (citing In re A.W., 384 S.W.3d 872, 873 (Tex. App.—San Antonio 2012, no pet.)). In other words, judge’s notes do not constitute 04-16-00456-CV an appealable order. See id. Thus, it appeared from the clerk’s record there was no judgment or order from which Mother may appeal. Accordingly, in an order dated August 12, 2016, we ordered Mother to show cause in writing to this court on or before August 22, 2016, why this appeal should not be dismissed for lack of jurisdiction based on the absence of an appealable order or judgment. We further ordered the appellate deadlines suspended until further order of this court. Mother filed a response, admitting a final order has not yet been signed. Because a final order has not yet been signed, we lack jurisdiction over this appeal. See id. We therefore dismiss this appeal for want of jurisdiction. PER CURIAM -2-
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