Jerry Valdez v. Bruce Robertson, Jr.

ACCEPTED

01-14-000563-cv

FIRST COURT OF APPEALS

HOUSTON, TEXAS

3/20/2015 5:07:56 PM

CHRISTOPHER PRINE

CLERK

CAUSE NO. 01-14-000563-CV

IN THE COtJRT OF APPEALS

FIRST COURT OF APPEALS DISTRICT FILED IN

HOUSTON, TEXAS 1st COURT OF APPEALS

HOUSTON, TEXAS

3/20/2015 5:07:56 PM

CHRISTOPHER A. PRINE

Clerk

JERRY VALDEZ,

Appellant

vs.

BRUCE ROBERTSON, JR.,

Appellee

APPEALED FROM PROBATE COURT NUMBER TWO

BEXAR COUNTY, TEXAS

TRIAL COURT NO. 2008-PC-3026

HONORABLE JOHN A. HUTCHISON, III, TRIAL JUDGE

APPELLANT'S AMENDED BRIEF

ARMANDO TREVINO

State Bar No. 20211100

1519 Washington St., Suite One

Laredo, Texas 78040-0544

Tel: (956) 726-1638

Email: armandotrevinolaw@hotmail.com

Attorney for Appellant

CAUSE NO. 01-14-000563-CV

IN THE COURT OF APPEALS

FIRST COURT OF APPEALS DISTRICT

HOUSTON, TEXAS

JERRY VALDEZ,

Appellant

vs.

BRUCE ROBERTSON, JR.,

Appellee

APPEALED FROM PROBATE COURT NUMBER TWO

BEXAR COUNTY, TEXAS

TRIAL COURT NO. 2008-PC-3026

HONORABLE JOHN A. HUTCHISON, III, TRIAL JUDGE

APPELLANT'S AMENDED BRIEF

ARMANDO TREVINO

State Bar No. 20211100

1519 Washington St., Suite One

Laredo, Texas 78040-0544

Tel: (956) 726-1638

E-mail: armandotrevinolaw@hotmail.com

Attorney for Appellant

ii

IDENTITY OF PARTIES AND COUNSEL

JERRY VALDEZ Appellant

ARMANDO TREVINO Attorney for Appellant

SBN 20211100

1519 Washington, Suite One

Laredo, Texas 78040

Tel: (956) 726-1638

Email: am1andotrevinolawC(ilhotmail.com

BRUCE ROBERTSON, JR. Appellee

BRUCE ROBERTSON, JR. Attorney Pro Se

SBN 17078000

8100 Broadway, Suite 102

San Antonio, Texas 78209

Tel: (210) 225-4001

Fax: (210) 227-2417

CLEMENS & SPENCER Attorneys for Appellee

GEORGE H. SPENCER, JR.

SBN 18821001

112 E. Pecan, Suite 1300

San Antonio, Texas 78205

Tel: (210) 227-7121

Fax: (210) 227-0732

iii

INDEX OF AUTHORITIES

Page(s)

Cases

Allen v. Nesmith, .................................................................................. . 15

525 S.W. 2d 963 (Tex. App. - Houston [1 st Dist.] 1975

writ refd n.r.e. 531 S.W. 2d 330 (Tex. 1975)

Bank of Tex. V. Mexia, ........................................................ . 6

rd

135 S.W. 3 356,362 (Tex. App. - Dallas 2004, pet. denied)

Boyles v. Gresham, ............................................................ .. 15

263 S.W. 2d 935 (Tex. 1954)

Brooks v. Northglen Ass'n, ................................................... . 12

141 S.W. 3rd 138 (Tex. 2004)

Cooper v. Texas Gulf Indus., ................................................. , 6, 7,

10. 12

513 S.W. 2d 200 (Tex. 1947)

Cox v. Johnson, .................................................................. 7

638 S.W. 2d 867 (Tex. 1982)

Jones v. LaFargue, ........................................................... ... 10

758 S.W. 2d 320 (Tex. App. - Houston [14th Dist.] 1988, no writ

Laros v. Hartman, ............................................................... 6

260 S.W. 2d 22 (Tex. 1947)

Long v. Thomason, ............................................................. 6

202 S.W. 2d 212 (Tex. 1947)

Longoria v. Exxon Mobil Corp., .............................................. 8, 12

255 S.W. 3rd 174 (Tex. App. - San Antonio 2008, pet. denied)

Paradigm Oil, Inc. v. Retamco Operators, Inc., ............................. 8

372 S.W. 3rd 177 (Tex. 2012)

iv

INDEX OF AUTHORITIES

Page(s)

Cases

Pledger v. SchoeUkopf, ......................................................... 8

762 S.W. 2d 145 (Tex. 1988)

Pulte v. Gregory, ................................................................ 10

629 S.W. 2d 919 (Tex. 1982)

Schott v. Oppenheimer, ..... ..... ......... ..................... ... .............. 8

344 S.W. 2d 250 (Tex. App. - San Antonio 1861, writ refd n.r.e.)

Simpson v. Afton Oaks Civic Club, Inc., .................................... 8

145 S.W. 3rd 169 (Tex. 2004)

Triestman v. Kilgore, ............................................................ 15

838 S.W. 2d 547 (Tex. 1992)

In re Estate of Wilson, .......................................................... 6

252 S.W. 3rd 708, 712 (Tex. App. - Texarkana 2008, no pet.)

Wojcik v. Wesolick, 97 S.W. 3rd 335 (Tex. App. - Houston [l4th Dist.] 6, 7

2003, no pet.

Statutes and Rules

Probate Code

§3(r) ................................................................. ....... 3, 6,

10, 14

§10 ........................................................................ 3,6

§33 .................. ....................................................... 5,7

§59 ......................................................................... 6

v

INDEX OF AUTHORITIES

Page(s)

Statutes and Rules

Rules of Civil Procedure

39 ..................................................................... ...... 3, 5,

6,7,9

10-13

41 ....................................................................... ... 8, 12

93.2 and 93.4 . ... ... ... ........... .......... ..... ....... ....... ............ . 8

vi

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page(s)

Title Page. . . . . . . . .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... 11

Identity of Parties and Counsel ................................................ 111

Index of Authorities ............................................................. IV

Table of Contents ................................................................ VB

Statement of the Case. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....... 1

Statement of Facts ............................................................... 1

Issues Presented ................................................................. 5

Summary of the Argument ..................................................... 6

Argument

First Issue. . . . . . . . . . . .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 7

The Trial Court erred when it dismissed the application

of JERRY VALDEZ to admit the Will of MARTHA

JANE VALDEZ into probate.

Second Issue ............................................................. 13

BRUCE ROBERTSON, JR. does not have standing to

contest the application to admit the 1997 Will into

probate.

Third Issue ................................................................ 14

The Trial Court should have admitted the Will of

MARTHA JANE VALDEZ because it met the

requirements of Probate Code §59 for a self-proving Will

and the Will was not being contested by anyone who had

standing to contest the Will.

vii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page(s)

Prayer ............................................................. ................ 15

Certificate of Service ........................................................... 16

Certificate of Compliance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Appendix

viii

STATEMENT OF FACTS

This case pertains to the probate of the estate of MARTHA JANE VALDEZ,

who died on September 30,2008, at the age of98 and was survived by 12 children.

DOROTHY MELLO's WILL CONTEST

On October 10, 2008, Appellant JERRY VALDEZ filed an application to

probate the February 22, 1997, self-proving Last Will and Testament of MARTHA

JANE and to be appointed Independent Executor of the Will (CR 36, App. Exh. K).

VALDEZ is the principal beneficiary of MARTHA JANE's estate under the Will.

DOROTHY H. MELLO, one of the surviving children, filed a contest to the Will

through her then attorney Appellee BRUCE ROBERTSON, JR (App. Exh. K). A

jury trial was held, at which DOROTHY, her sisters ANGIE CONTRERAS, and

ESTELLA PENA, testified, as well as DEBBIE ZAMARRIPA, and GERALDINE

SMITH, grandchildren of MARTHA JANE. Also present at the trial were OLIVIA

VALDEZ, JESSE VALDEZ, JULIO VALDEZ and GEORGE VALDEZ, other

children of MARTHA JANE (App. Exh. K). The jury returned a verdict sustaining

DOROTHY H. MELLO's will contest, and JERRY VALDEZ appealed to the

Fourth Court of Appeals in Cause No. 04-13-00854-CV. While the appeal was

pending, DOROTHY H. MELLO discharged ROBERTSON and withdrew her

contest to the Will. The Court of Appeals, after noting there was no opposition to

the dismissal of DOROTHY's will contest dismissed the appeal (App. Exh. K).

1

ROBERTSON's WILL CONTEST

Appellee ROBERTSON filed a contest to the Will and to the appointment of

VALDEZ as Independent Executor (CR 42, App. Exh. B), saying that he had

standing through a judgment he had obtained against MARTHA JANE's estate on

December 23, 2009, in Cause No. 2007-PC-2303, Estate of MARTHA JANE

VALDEZ, An Incapacitated Person, in Probate Court Number Two of Bexar

County, Texas.

VALDEZ objected to the contest, pointing out that the December 23, 2009,

was on appeal in the Fourteenth Court of Appeals under Cause No. 14-10-00323-

CV and was not final. The Fourteenth Court of Appeals set aside the December 23,

2009, judgment and remanded the case for ROBERTSON to prove what attorney's

fees, if any, he was owed by MARTHA JANE's estate (CR 79, App. Exh. 10.

Judge HUTCHISON entered an order that ROBERTSON had standing to contest

the Will (App. Exh. F). On June 19, 2012, a final judgment was entered denying

ROBERTSON's claim against the guardianship estate (CR 73, App. Exh. G), and

ROBERTSON did not appeal.

ROBERTSON made a second attempt to obtain standing to contest the Will

by filing a claim against Decedent's estate. The court-appointed temporary

administrator denied the claim (App. Exh. G) and ROBERTSON then filed suit

against the court-appointed administrator even though ROBERTSON, who is

2

board-certified and has vast experience in probate matters, knew that the court-

appointed administrator was protected by statutory immunity. The administrator

waived compensation and withdrew from the case. In spite of all of the above

Judge HUTCHISON continues to maintain that ROBERTSON has standing to

contest the Will and to object to the appointment of VALDEZ as Independent

Executor.

DISMISSAL OF THE APPLICATION

ROBERTSON wrote to the Trial Court and asked that the heirs of

MARTHA JANE who had not been joined be made parties to the probate of the

estate but did not file a plea in abatement. The Trial Court agreed and, ostensibly

acting under the authority of Rule 39 Tex. R. Civ. Proc. Ann., ordered VALDEZ to

join as parties all heirs of MARTHA JANE (CR 45, App. Exh. C). VALDEZ

responded, saying that all of the heirs of MARTHA JANE were already parties

pursuant to §§3(r), 10, 37 and 38 of the Probate Code and that he had already

notified all of the living children of MARTHA JANE of his application to probate

the estate and to admit the February 22, 1997, self-proving will into probate (CR

63, App. Exh. D). The Trial Court disagreed with the response of VALDEZ and

dismissed the application to probate the 1997 Will on May 21,2014 (CR 79, App.

Exh. E).

3

FAILURE TO APPROVE THE WILL

VALDEZ filed pleadings asking Judge HUTCHISON to admit the Will into

probate, pointing out (l) that the Will met the requirements of Section 59 of the

Probate Code for a self-proving Will, (2) none of the heirs of MARTHA JANE

were contesting the Will and had even waived their rights to contest the Will, and

(3) ROBERTSON did not have standing to contest the Will (CR 63,69). The Trial

Court refused the request by VALDEZ (CR 79, App. Exh. K).

4

ISSUES PRESENTED FOR REVIEW

First Issue: The Trial Judge erred when he held that he had authority under

Rule 39 of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure to dismiss the application to probate

the Will because Appellant had failed to join all of the heirs of MARTHA JANE

VALDEZ as parties to the application. This case is governed by the Probate Code

and under the unambiguous language of Tex. Prob. Code Ann §33, it was not

necessary to join all heirs of the Decedent.

Second Issue: BRUCE ROBERTSON, JR. does not have standing to contest

the application to admit the 1997 Will into probate.

Third Issue: The Trial Court should have admitted the Will of MARTHA

JANE VALDEZ into probate because it met the requirements of Probate Code §59

for a self-proving will and the will was not being contested by anyone who had

standing to contest the will.

5

SUMMARY OF THE ARGUMENT

The Trial Court erred in dismissing the suit, which is a probate proceeding

governed by Section 33(a) of the Probate Code and not by Rule 39 of the Texas

Rules of Civil Procedure, and even then Rule 39(b) authorized the Court to retain

jurisdiction of the case and to enter judgment as to the persons who were parties to

the suit. See Wojcik v. Wesolick, 97 S.W. 3rd 335, 337-338 (Tex. App. - Houston

[14 th Dist.] 2003, no pet.) in which the Court held that the Probate Code did not

require the joinder of all interested parties in will contests, and Rule 39 of the

Texas Rules of Civil Procedure on joinder of parties needed for just adjudication

did not apply because it conflicted with the unambiguous language of the Probate

Code. See also In re Estate of Wilson, 252 S.W. 3rd 708, 712 (Tex. App. -

Texarkana 2008, no pet.); Bank of Tex. v. Mexia, 135 S.W. 3rd 356, 362 (Tex.

App. - Dallas 2004, pet. denied); Cooper v. Texas Gulf Indus., 513 S.W. 2d 200,

203 (Tex. 1947).

Appellee does not have standing to contest the Will. He is not an heir of

Decedent, nor is he a confirmed creditor, therefore he does not meet the definition

of an interest person as set out in Section 3(r) of the Probate Code nor does he meet

the requirements of a contestant pursuant to Section 10 of the Probate Code as to

persons entitled to contest probate proceedings. See Laros v. Hartman, 260 S.W.

2d 592,595 (Tex. 1953); Long v. Thomason, 202 S.W. 2d 212,215 (Tex. 1947).

6

The Trial Court had a ministerial duty to admit the 1997 Will into probate

because (1) it met the requirements for a self-proving will and (2) no interested

person was contesting the Will. See Probate Code §§10 and 59.

ARGUMENT

First Issue: The Trial Judge erred when he held that he had authority under

Rule 39 of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure to dismiss the application to probate

the Will because Appellant had failed to join all of the heirs of MARTHA JANE

VALDEZ as parties to the application. This case is governed by the Probate Code

and under the unambiguous language of Tex. Prob. Code Ann §33(a), it was not

necessary to join all heirs of the Decedent as parties.

Argument and Authorities

The Trial Judge erred when he held that Rule 39 of the Texas Rules of Civil

Procedure Annotated authorized him to dismiss the application of Appellant to

probate the Will (CR 45, 75, 79). This is a probate case and Article 33(a) of the

Probate Code trumps Rule 39 Tex. R. Civ. Proc. because the unambiguous

language of Tex. Prob. Code Ann. says it is not necessary to join any person as a

party or give notice of probate proceedings unless the Texas Probate Code

expressly so provides, and no provision of the Texas Probate Code expressly

provides that will contestants must join or give notice to all will beneficiaries or

any other parties. See Rule 39 Tex. R. Civ. Proc.; Art. 33(a) Texas Probate Code;

7

rd

Wojcik v. Wesolick, 97 S.W. 3 335 (Tex. App. - Houston [14th Dist.] 2003, no

pet.). See also Cooper v. Texas Gulf Indus., 513 S.W. 2d 200, 203 (Tex. 1947);

Cox v. Johnson, 638 S.W. 2d 867, 868 (Tex. 1982); Simpson v. Afton Oaks Civic

Club, Inc., 145 S.W. 3rd 169, 170 (Tex. 2004).

PRECEDENTIAL VALUE

A panel adjudicating a case is bound by the precedent set in a prior opinion

unless the prior opinion has been overruled by the Texas Supreme Court or by an

en banc opinion of the same court of appeals. See Paradigm Oil, Inc. v. Retamco

Operators, Inc., 372 S.W. 3rd 177, 185 (Tex. 2012). A fortiori, Trial Judges,

attorneys and litigants are required to abide by the decisions of the Fourth Court of

Appeals in cases tried within the Fourth Court of Appeals District. See Longoria v.

Exxon Mobil Corp., 255 S.W. 3rd 174, 180 (Tex. App. - San Antonio 2008, pet.

denied); Schott v. Oppenheimer, 344 S.W. 2d 250, 251 (Tex. App. - San Antonio

1961, writ ref'd n.r.e.) (defining persons who are interested in an estate as heirs).

No Plea In Abatement

Assuming arguendo that Appellee ROBERTSON had standing, he failed to

file a plea in abatement. When a party complains that there has been a misjoinder

of parties such as the failure to join an indispensable party, a verified plea in

abatement must be filed. See Rules 41, 93.2, 93.4 of the Texas Rules of Civil

Procedure; Pledger v. Schoellkopf, 762 S.W. 2d 145, 146 (Tex. 1988).

8

When VALDEZ filed his second application to admit the 1997 Will into

probate, ROBERTSON filed his amended contest of the Will and asked the Court

to order VALDEZ to join all the heirs of MARTHA JANE as parties (CR 42). The

Court agreed and entered an order saying that it was acting under the authority of

Rule 39 of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure and ordered Appellant to join all of

the heirs of MARTHA JANE as parties (CR 45, App. Exh. C). VALDEZ

responded by saying: (l) all of the heirs of MARTHA JANE were already parties

by virtue of Sections 3(4), 10,37 and 38 of the Probate Code; (2) he had on various

occasions served all of the living children of MARTHA JANE with a copy of the

1997 Will and of his application to probate the Will; (3) DOROTHY H. MELLO

had filed a contest to the Will and had appeared at a jury trial with several of her

siblings in support of the Will Contest but had subsequently withdrawn her contest

to the Will and the Court of Appeals, noting there was no opposition, had

dismissed the contest to the Will (App. Exh. 1<); and (4) cited Rule 39 and Supreme

Court and Court of Appeals cases proving that the Trial Court did not have

authority to dismiss the application (CR 63, App. Exh. D).

A judicious review of the legal authorities applicable to the case readily

discloses that the Trial Court did not have the authority to dismiss the application

to probate the Will. If the 1997 Will is valid, JERRY VALDEZ is the main

beneficiary of the estate. If the Will is invalid, the children (or their survivors) are

9

entitled to an equal share of the estate under Section 38 of the Probate Code. An

allegation of a Constitutional violation is reviewed from a Constitutional

perspective and not through an abuse of discretion standard.

RULE 39

Neither the Rules of Civil Procedure nor the Probate Code allow a Trial

Court to dismiss the application to probate the Will upon the Trial Court's whim or

fancy, and the Court misapplied Rule 39 when it dismissed the application of

VALDEZ. It is not necessary that all of the heirs of MARTHA JANE be made

parties. See Cooper v. Texas Gulf Indus., 513 S.W. 2d 200, 203 (Tex. 1974); PuIte

v. Gregory, 629 S.W. 2d 919, 920 (Tex. 1982); Jones v. La Fargue, 758 S.W. 2d

320, 324 (Tex. App. - Houston [14th Dist.] 1988, no writ).

There are several equally valid reasons that prove the Trial Court committed

reversible error when it dismissed the lawsuit:

Reason No.1: The dismissal violated Article 1, Section 13 and 19 of the

Texas Constitution by denying to JERRY VALDEZ and his siblings open access to

a Texas Court and by denying them due process of law in denying them this right

to whatever property they are entitled to receive from Decedent's Estate.

Reason No.2: All of the heirs of MARTHA JANE were already parties as a

matter oflaw pursuant to §3(r) of the Probate Code.

10

Reason No.3: All of the children of MARTHA JANE named in the Will

were already parties as a matter of law under §37 of the Probate Code if the Will is

valid.

Reason No.4: All of the heirs of MARTHA JANE are parties as a matter of

law pursuant to §38 of the Probate Code if it is determined that MARTHA JANE

died intestate.

Reason No.5: DOROTHY H. MELLO and all of the other children of

MARTHA JANE who have made an appearance whether at the original will

contest of DOROTHY H. MELLO or at any other time are already parties.

Reason No.6: All of the children of MARTHA JANE who have been served

with a notice of the will contest by JERRY VALDEZ are already parties.

Reason No.7: The Trial Court violated and ignored Rule 39(a) of the Texas

Rules of Civil Procedure that says in relevant part: "If (a person to be joined has

not been joined) the court shall order that he be made a party." The language is

clear, unambiguous, and places the burden on the Trial Court to order the joinder.

All it would have taken was an order signed by the Trial Court - which already had

the names and addresses of all the children of decedent - to enter an order saying

that they were now joined as parties and for the Clerk of the Probate Court to serve

each of them with a copy of the order. There is nothing in §39(a) which says that

the court shall order the plaintiff, the applicant, or any contestant to join all the

11

other children of Decedent as parties. See Rule 39(a) Tex. R. Civ. Proc.; Rule 41

Tex. R. Civ. Proc. ("Misjoinder of parties is not ground for dismissal of an

action"); Brooks v. Northglen Ass'n, 141 S.W. 3rd 158, 162 (Tex. 2004); Cooper v.

Texas Gulf Indus., 513 S.W. 2d 200, 204 (Tex. 1974); Longoria v. Exxon Mobil

Corp., 255 S.W. 3rd 174, 180 (Tex. App. - San Antonio 2008, pet. denied).

Reason No.8: Whether from lack of interest, desire to avoid litigation, ill

health, penury, or agreement to have the will probated, no child of MARTHA

JANE is contesting the Will.

Reason No.9: Instead of dismissing the suit, the Trial Court should have

honored and abided by the spirit, letter and intent of Rules 39(b) and 41 of the

Texas Rules of Civil Procedure and should have pursued the resolution of

VALDEZ to admit the Will into probate. Instead of dismissing the suit the Trial

Court should have determined in equity and good conscience to proceed among the

parties already before it. See Brooks, Cooper, and Longoria, supra.

The Court of Appeals should set aside the order of dismissal and remand the

case for further proceedings to determine the validity of the Will and to probate

Decedent's Estate and settle the estate.

Conclusion As To Issue Number One

The Trial Judge in this case is the Honorable JOHN A. HUTCHISON, III, a

former statutory probate judge with expertise in Texas probate law who knew, or

12

by the exercise of reasonable diligence should have known, that Section 33 of the

Probate Code trumps Rule 39 of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, and that

Section 33 in combination with Rule 39(b) did not allow him to dismiss the

application to probate the estate or the admission of the 1997 Will but instead

authorized him to proceed as to the parties already joined.

Second Issue: BRUCE ROBERTSON, JR. does not have standing to

contest the application to admit the 1997 Will into probate.

Argument and Authorities

Appellee BRUCE ROBERTSON, JR. contested the application to admit the

1997 Will and to be appointed Independent executor filed by JERRY VALDEZ;

ROBERTSON claimed he had standing because of a judgment entered in his favor

and against the guardianship estate of MARTHA JANE VALDEZ on December

23,2009, in Probate Court Number Two of Bexar County.

VALDEZ responded that the judgment was on appeal and was not final. For

legally unsound and unfathomable reasons, the Trial Court held that ROBERTSON

had standing. The December 23, 2009, was set aside by the 14th Court of Appeals

under Cause No. 10-14-00323-CV, and the case was remanded for ROBERTSON

to prove what fees and expenses, if any, he was owed by the Guardianship Estate.

Probate Court Number Two held evidentiary hearings and held that ROBERTSON

did not have a valid claim against the Guardianship Estate (CR 73, App. Exh. G).

13

ROBERTSON then filed a claim against Decedent's Estate, which was rejected by

the court-appointed Temporary Administrator. ROBERTSON has repeatedly filed

specious, spurious, bad-faith pleadings that his contract to represent MELLO in her

application for appointment as guardian of MARTHA JANE was also a contract

authorizing ROBERTSON to represent MARTHA JANE. NO jurisconsult,

reasonable and competent attorney, Court or Justice - nay, not even a first-year law

student - would agree with Appellee that his contract to represent MELLO was

tantamount to a contract to represent the estate of MARTHA JANE VALDEZ.

The Trial Court obdurately and unreasonably refused to set aside its order

that ROBERTSON had standing to contest the Will. Au contraire, the evidence is

clear and the proof is ineluctable that ROBERTSON was not a contestant but was a

mere interloper. See Sections 3(r) and 10 of the Probate Code; Womble v. Atkins,

331 S.W. 2d 294,297-98 (Tex. 1960); Logan v. Thomason, 202 S.W. 2d 212,215

(Tex. 1947) (One who claims a pecuniary interest that will not be affected by the

probate or defeat of a will, is not a "person interested" in an estate).

Third Issue: The Trial Court had a ministerial duty to admit the 1997 Will

into probate because the Will met the requirements of Section 59 of the Probate

Code and there was no valid contest to the admission of the Will.

14

Argument and Authorities

JERRY VALDEZ applied to have the 1997 Will of MARTHA JANE

VALDEZ admitted into probate (CR 16, App. Exh. K). The Will meets the

requirements of a self-proving Will. See §59 of the Probate Code; Boyles v.

Gresham, 263 S.W. 2d 935, 939 (Tex. 1954); Triestman v. Kilgore, 838 S.W. 2d

547, 547 (Tex. 1992); Allen v. Nesmith, 525 S.W. 2d 943, 945 (Tex. App. -

Houston [1 st Dist.] 1975) writ ref'd n.r.e. 531 S.W. 2d 330 (Tex. 1975) (Purpose of

the attestation clause, considering the evidence in favor of the proponent). No

person interested in Decedent's Estate filed a contest to the Will after VALDEZ

submitted his second application to probate the Will and the Trial Court had a

ministerial duty to admit the Will into probate.

PRAYER

Premises Considered, Appellant JERRY VALDEZ prays:

1. That the May 21,2014, order dismissing his application to probate the

Will be set aside and the case be remanded to the Trial Court for further

proceedings, with costs of the appeal assessed against Appellee BRUCE

ROBERTSON, JR.;

2. That the order holding that Appellee has standing to contest the Will

and the appointment of JERRY VALDEZ as Independent Executor be set aside

and held for naught;

15

3. That the 1997 Will be admitted into probate; and

4. That the Court of Appeals enter such other orders as may be

appropriate.

Respectfully submitted,

/

/.

.

,i !! ~

'

ARMANDO TREVINO'

State Bar No. 20211100

1519 Washington St., Suite One

Laredo, Texas 7804Q-0544

Tel: (956) 726-1638

Fax: (956) 726-2034

Email: annandotrevinolaw@hotmail.com

Attorney for Appellant

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

A true copy of the above document was served on the _ _ day of March,

2015, on BRUCE ROBERTSON, JR., 8100 Broadway, Suite 102, San Antonio,

Texas 78209; and on GEORGE H. SPENCER, JR., GEORGE H. SPENCER, JR.,

112 E. Pecan, Suite 1300, San Antonio, Texas 78205.

/ '

, I

ARMANDO TREVINO

16

CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE

Relying on the word count function in the word processing software used to

produce this document, I certify that the number of words in this Petition

(excluding any caption, identity of parties and counsel, statement regarding oral

argument, table of contents, index of authorities, statement of the case, statement

of issues presented, statement of jurisdiction, statement of procedural history,

signature, proof of service, certification, certificate of compliance and appendix) is

2,504.

, ;

/ ,c//

ARMANDO TREVI~97

/'

17

CAUSE NO. Ol-14-000563-CV

IN THE COURT OF APPEALS

FIRST COURT OF APPEALS DISTRICT

HOUSTON, TEXAS

JERRY VALDEZ,

Appellant

vs.

BRUCE ROBERTSON, JR.,

Appellee

APPENDIX

LIST OF EXHIBITS IN THE APPENDIX

EXHIBIT DESCRIPTION

A. Amended Application To Probate Will

B. ROBERTSON's Amended Will Contest

C. Order To Join All Heirs As Parties

D. Response To Order To Join All Heirs

E. May 21,2014, Order of Dismissal

F. Approval of ROBERTSON's Standing As Contestant

G. June 20, 2011, Denial Of ROBERTSON's Claim

H. Rejection of ROBERTSON's Claim

I. Rule 39, Texas Rule of Civil Procedure

J. Art. 33, Probate Code

K. Affidavit of Appellant JERRY VALDEZ

L. Excerpts from July 22, 2013, Reporter's Record

VERIFICATION OF EXHIBITS

STATE OF TEXAS §

COUNTY OF BEXAR §

My name is ARMANDO TREVINO. I am the attorney for Appellant

JERRY VALDEZ. I hereby verify that each of the above Exhibits is an original or

a true copy of the original of a record in this cause.

ARMANDO TREVrno--°'" --

II,

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me on this the . 1.< day of March,

2015.

Notary, ublic

State fTexas

Exhibit A

Amended Application To Probate Will

CAUSE NO. 2008-PC-3026

'TV

~,

" J P 4:

':;:1(1)

I

ESTATE OF IN PROBATE C9pRT ' . Ti:OFF

V'._ • t COUR

t;::-'.' .;~·. TEXt

MARTHA JANE VALDEZ, NUMBERt>~ .

._- ~~! ;--

DECEASED BEXAR COUNTY, TEXAS

SECOND AMENDED APPLICATION TO PROBATE 1997 WILL

TO THE HONORABLE JUDGE OF SAID COURT:

Comes Now JERRY VALDEZ and files this Second Amended Application

to probate the self-proving February 22, 1997, Last Will and Testament of

MARTHA JANE VALDEZ. In support thereof Applicant shows:

1. This amended application takes the place of the original and

previously amended applications. Rules 63,64 and 65 Tex. R. Civ. Proc.

2. Applicant asks the Court, pursuant to Rule 201 Tex. R. Ev., to take

judicial notice of the following:

a. The self-proving February 22, 1997, Last Will and Testament

of MARTHA JANE VALDEZ, that is on file in the records of this Cause.

b. DOROTHY H. MELLO - and only DOROTHY H. MELLO -

filed a contest to the 1997 Will but later withdrew the contest to the Will and the

Fourth Court of Appeals issued its mandate in Cause No. 04-10-00417-CV

1

112010. MJV, ESTATE, SECOND AMENDED APPUCAnON TO PROBATE 1997 Will

approving the withdrawal of the contest of the Will. A copy of the August 11,

2010, Mandamus Opinion and mandate are on file in the records of this cause.

c. The June 9, 2010, Settlement Agreement between DOROTHY

H. :MELLO and JERRY VALDEZ.

3. Applicant JERRY VALDEZ is an individual interested in this Estate.

He resides at 3315 Buena Vista, San Antonio, Texas. The Will being offered for

probate names JERRY VALDEZ as the Independent Executor and his wife MARY

ALICE VALDEZ as the Alternate Independent Executor. MARY ALICE

VALDEZ resides at 9126 Summer Wind, San Antonio, Texas.

4. The Decedent is MARTHA JANE VALDEZ, who was 98 years old

when she died on September 30, 2008, while residing at 158 N. San Horacio, San

Antonio, Texas.

5. This Court has jurisdiction and venue because Decedent was

domiciled in and had a fixed place of residence in this County at the time of her

death.

6. At the time of her death Decedent owned:

a. Property One - 3307 Buena Vista S1., Lots 17 and 18 Block 4,

New City Block 3040~ WEST IDGHLANDS,. City of San

Antonio, Bexar County, Texas, accor<liI1g to plat reconied in

Volun;le 3(i8,. Page 276, Deed and Plat Records of Bexar

County, Texas.

b. Property Two - 3315 Buena Vista SL,..Lots 21 and 22,. Block 4,

New City Block 3040, WEST HIGHLANDS, City of San

2

112010. MJV. ESTATE. SECOND AMENDED APPUCATION TO PROBATE 1997 WILL

Antonio, Bexar County, Texas, accordinE to plat recorded in

VolllIU-e 3()8~ Pa&! 276, Deed and Plat Records of Bexar

County, Texas.

c. Property Three - 3600 W. Commerc~ Lots 8,. 9,. 10,. 11,. Block

79, New City Block 3675, Lakeview Edition, situated within

the cQrporate limits of the City of San 4PioniO,. Bexar County,.

Texas according to plat thereof recorded in VDlume 105, P. 190

of the Bexar County Deed and Plat Records.

d. Property Four - Lot 2, HIDDEN OAKS ESTATES

SUBDIVISION, UNIT ONE,. A PLANNED UNIT

DEVELOPMENT, situated in Bexar County, Texas, according

to plat thereof recorded in Volume 9528,. Page 178-186,. Deed

and Plat Records of Bexar County, Texas.

e. Personal Property consisting of jewelry,. clothing,. furniture and

cash with a total approximate value of$15,000.00.

7. INFORMATION REGARDING THE 1997 WILL.

a. The February 22, 1997, Will is on file in the records of this

cause and was never revoked.

b. The subscribing witnesses to the Will and their present address

IS:

(1) ERNEST GUAJARDO

3722 W. Houston

San Antonio, Texas 78207

(2) JOSE LUIS ADAME (Deceased}, whose address was

3314 Buena Vista St.

San Antonio, Texas 78207 when he witnessed the Will

8. No child was born to or adopted by Decedent after she executed the

1997 Will.

3

lU010. MJV. ESTATE. SECOND AMENDED APPUCATION TO PROBATE 1997 Will

9. Decedent was never divorced and was a widow at the time of her

death. Her husband, JULIO VALDEZ, died on October 28, 1979.

10. A necessity exists for administration of this estate. There are existing

claims for and against the estate.

11. The Will names Applicant as Independent Executor to serve without

bond. Applicant is not disqualified by law from serving in such capacity or from

accepting Letters Testamentary. Applicant is entitled to such Letters.

12. No state, government agency or charitable organization is named as a

devisee in the Will.

13. The Vfill is self-proving under Sections 59 and 84(a) of the Probate

Code. See Boyles v. Gresham, 263 S.W. 2d 935, 939 (Tex. 1954) (a properly

executed will should be admitted to probate); Wick v. Fleming, 652 S.W. 2d 353,

354-55 (Tex. 1983) (proper attestation by two qualified witnesses validates an the

otherwise properly executed will and eliminates the necessity for the testimony of

the subscribing witnesses when the will is offered for probate).

14. The following persons were previously given notice pursuant to

Section 28 of the Probate Code:

a. MARTHA JANE BURROW, a daughter, who resides at 254

Banbridge, San Antonio, Texas 78223.

b. ANGIE CONTRERAS, a daughter, who resides at 6815

Woodflame, San Antonio, Texas 78227.

4

112010, MJV, ESTATE, SECOND AMENDED APPUCATION TO PROBATE 1997 W1U

c. OLIVIA HERNANDEZ, a daughter, who resides at 1427

Steves, San Antonio, Texas 78210.

d. DOROTHY H. MELLO, a daughter, who resides at 158 N. San

Horacio, San Antonio, Texas 78237.

e. ESTELLA V. PENA, a daughter, who resides at 111 Dokes,

San Antonio, Texas 78228.

f. GABINO VALDEZ, a son, who resides at 12023 Piney Bend

Dr., Tomball, Texas 77375-7578.

g. GEORGE VALDEZ, a son, who resides at 8011 Pistol Ln., San

Antonio, Texas 78227.

h. JESSE VALDEZ, a son who resides at 3303 Buena Vista St.,

San Antonio, Texas 78207.

1. JULIO H. VALDEZ, a son, who resides at 4927 Witt, San

Antonio, Texas 78228.

J. EVA VASQUEZ, a daughter, who resides at 5116 Stacy Lane,

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73150.

15. The admission of the 1997 Will to probate is not contested or subject

to contest, therefore the Court is requested to admit the Will to probate promptly.

Any contest as to the suitability of JERRY VALDEZ for appointment or

Independent Executor, if deemed necessary, should be set for a separate hearing

pursuant to Sections 78 and 88 of the Probate Code.

16. PRAYER. Premises Considered, Applicant prays:

a. That the application be set for a hearing;

b. That after said hearing the Will be admitted to probate;

5

112010, MJV, ESTATE, SECOND AMENDED APPLICATION TO PROBATE 1997 WIU

c. That Applicant be appointed as Independent Executor; and

d. That the Court enter such other orders as may be appropriate,

including the settling of this motion within 30 days and not on February 11, 2011,

as previously announced by the Court.

Respectfully submitted,

45l::i /iii2>-

ARMANDO TREVINO

State Bar No. 20211100

1519 Washington St., Suite One

P.O. Box 544

Laredo, Texas 78040-0544

Tel: (956) 726-1638

Fax: (956) 726-2034

Attorney for Applicant

JERRY VALDEZ

6

112010. MJV, ESTATE, SECOND AMENDED APPUCATION TO PROBATE 1997 WlU

VERIFICATION

My name is JERRY VALDEZ and I am the Applicant in this case. All of

the facts stated in the foregoing Application are true and correct.

STATE OF TEXAS §

§

COUNTY OF BEXAR §

-1J

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me on the ,/.s aay of November,

2010.

~~Rdff~

Nota PublIc

State of Texas

\\"""tt,

.$'~W~~.'~f~'" LAURIE R, ALLEN

ty ":"'§Notary Public, State of Texas

\'i" "~.? My Commission Expires

-"',f,f,f,:,~~~"" October 29, 2013

7

112010, MJV, ESTATE, SECOND AMENDED APPUCATION TO PROBATE 1997 WILL

Exhibit B

ROBERTSON's Amended Will Contest

.,:;

"

PILED

NO. 2008-PC-3026 l~~ HATin~S ~R8~AJE

IN THE ESTATE OF INTHElRb~~Cb~f4

~kRARD RICKHOff

MARTHA JANE VALDEZ,

~Gl.£Rii.PR08ArE COURTS

NUMBE ~ COUNTY. TEXAS

DECEASED BEXAR ~l>-iOOrf--::-

· ==r-:'::Il'IDXAS=--~-

. AMENDED OPPOSITION AND CONTEST TO PROBATE OF PURPORTED

WILL AND APPLICATION TO APPOINT INDEPENDENT EXECUTOR

TO THE HONORABLE JUDGE OF SAID COURT:

Now comes BRUCE ROBERTSON, JR., a party interested in the Estate of MARTHA JANE

V ALDEZ, Deceased, for the purpose of opposing the application to probate a will and to be

appointed Independent Executor filed herein by JERRY VALDEZ, said purported will being dated

February 22, 1997, and in support thereof would show the Court the following:

1. The allegations in the application to probate the purported will ofMartha Jane Valdez

which set forth:

a. The Decedent's name, age, and domicile;

b. the facts, date, and place of the Decedent's death; and

c. the facts showing jurisdiction and venue, are admitted.

2. Except in the matters admitted above, Bruce Robertson, Jr. denies generally the

allegations contained in the Proponent's Application for Probate and to be appointed Independent

Executor and demands strict proof thereof by a preponderance of the believable evidence.

3. The instrument dated February 22,1997 purporting to be the will of Martha Jane

Valdez, deceased, is not a lawful and valid will of the Decedent and should not be admitted to

probate because of the facts and matters stated below.

4. On the date of the alleged execution of the purponed will, the Decedent was not of

sound mind and lacked testamentary capacity.

5. The instrument dated February 22. 1997 was executed as a result of undue influence

exerted over the Decedent by Jerry Valdez.

6. The purported will was not executed by the Decedent with the present intent to create

a revocable disposition of her property to take effect after her death. In 1997 her mental incapacity

was such that she could not have formed testanlentary or donative intent or to be able to read and

understand the will.

7. The purported will was executed while the Decedent did not know or understand the

content of the instruments.

8. Jerry Valdez breached his fiduciary duties to decedent in connection with her

execution of the will and one deed executed at the same time.

9. Jerry Valdez is disqualified and unsuitable to be appointed Independent Executor.

A jury in the trespass to try title litigation in the decedent's guardianship found that Jerry Valdez and

his wife purloined about $8,400 from the Decedent's bank accounts and that he breached his

fiduciary duties to the incompetent decedent and defrauded her of her real properties.

10. Jerry Valdez has failed to join necessary parties and to obey the Court's ruling that

he do so.

11. Jerry Valdez is barred from prosecuting his application by res judicata and collateral

and judicial estoppel and the relevant statutes of limitation.

WHEREFORE. Bruce Robertson, Jr. requests that upon hearing. this Court dismiss Jerry

Valdez' application for his failure to join necessary parties and that it deny probate of the purported

will of the Decedent dated February 22, 1997 and the appointment of Jerry Valdez as Independent

Executor; and that he recover his costs of court; and that he be granted such further reliefto which

he may be justly entitled.

Respectfully submitted,

4(~~~

BRUCE ROBERTSON, JR.

T.S.B.N. 17078000

8100 Broadway, Suite 102

San Antonio, Texas 78209

(210) 225-400 I Telephone

(210) 224-2417 Facsimile

Pro Se

Certificate of Service

I certify that a true copy of this pleading was served upon applicant's attorney of record in

accordance with the T.R.C.P. on this JJ.::'day of July, 2013.

BRUCE ROBERTSON, JR.

Exhibit C

Order To Join All Heirs As Parties

17138509830 ;2102242417 # 41

NO. 200B-PC-3026

INTBEESTATEOF IN THE PROBATE COURT

MARTHA JANE VALDEZ, NUMBER ONE

DECEASED BEXAR COUNTY, TEXAS

ORDER BEOUlRING JOINDER OF TIm HElM

QF THE DECEDENT AS fARnE5 TO THIS CAVSI

On Fobruary 9, 2012, this Court signed its order requiring Jerry Valdez, the applicant for the

probate oftM will of the decedent in this cause, to join as parties the heirs of the decedent. Jerry

Vald~ has refused to comply with Court's order.

On JWle 4, 2013, the Court set a bearing to be held on July 22. 2013 on a motion for

SU1lll1UllY judgment rued by Jerry Valdez to be followed by ajmy trial ofthc will contest. In said

order the Court stated that before the commencement ofthc trial Jerry Valdez shall have complied

with Court's original order ofFebtuary 9,2012. by joinin¥ the heirs of decedent as parties.

Upon determining from Jerry Valdez' attorney of record that Jerry Valdez had not joined as

parties the heirs ofthc dcced.ent, the CoW't cancelled the scheduledjury trial tUld made the following

order:

It is ORDERED by the Court that Jerry Valdez shall join as parties in this case all of the heirs

of the ~ent Martha. Jane Valdez within 30 days from the date of July 22.2013; and

It is further ORDBRED that in the event Jerry Valdez fails to join as parties to this (lase the

heirs of Martha Jane Valdez. his application for probate of her will shall be dismissed.

-t-"- /") .- \

17138509830 ; 2102242417 # 5/

APPROVBD AS TO FORM:

ARMANDO TREVINO

T.S.B.N.20211100

1S19 Washington Street

Laredo, Texas 78042

(956) 726-1638 Te1ephono

(956) 726-2034 Facsimile

Attomcy for Jerry Valdez

BRUCB ROBERTSON. JR.

T.S.B.N. 17078000

8100 Broadway, Suite 102

San Antonio, Texas 78209

(210) 2254001 Telephone

(210) 224·2411 Facsimile

NO.200S-PC-3026

IN RE: ESTATE OF § IN PROBATE COURT

§

MARTHA JANE VALDEZ, § NUMBER ONE OF

§

DECEASED § BEXAR COUNTY, TEXAS

AMENDED ORDER

Pursuant to Rule 39, Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, the Court hereby ORDERS that

Applicant, Jerry Valdez, Proponent of the purported Will of Martha Jane Valdez, dated February

22, 1997, join all the heirs at law of Martha Jane Valdez, the Decedent, that are not already

parties, as parties to the Will Contest pending under the above cause nwnber.

SIGNED ON TIDS THE 9fltnA Y OF1- d.. 2012 .

. HUTCHISON ill

S A TORY PROBATE JUDGE SmING

PPOINTMENT

E:\JAHOFPIa5tat. Probate Judl!es\Valdez·Belt2r Co\order panles.wpd

Exhibit D

--,----.-~,----- ---------

Response To Order To Join All Heirs

CAUSE NO. 04-13-00854-CV

IN THE COURT OF APPEALS

FOURTH COURT OF APPEALS

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS

ESTATE OF MARTHA JANE VALDEZ, DECEASED

RESPONSE TO FEBRUARY 21,2014, ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE

TO THE HONORABLE COURT OF APPEALS:

1. Comes Now Appellant JERRY VALDEZ, files his response to the

February 21, 2014, order of the Court, and says that his appeal of the September 9,

2013, self-executing order dismissing his motion to admit the self-proving

February 22, 1997, Last Will and Testament of MARTHA JANE VALDEZ into

probate is an appealable event.

2. A copy of the order is found in the Clerk's Record at CR 136, 137.

The order says in clear, unmistakable language:

"It is ORDERED by the Court that Jeny Valdez shall join as parties in this

case all of the heirs of the decedent Martha Jane Valdez within 30 days from the

date of July 22, 2013; and

1

02.2014. MJV, ESTATE, CAUSE NO. 04-l3-008S4-CV, RESPONSE TO FEBRUARY 21 , 2014, ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE

It is further ordered that in the event Jerry Valdez fails to join as pruties to

this case the heirs of Maltha Jane Valdez, his application for probate of her will

shall be dismissed."

3. Neither Appellant nor his attorney have the power or authority to

compel the Trial Court to enter a specific order dismissing the application of

JERRY VALDEZ to probate the Febnlru'y 22, 1997, Will of MARTHA JANE

VALDEZ. If entry of such an order is required, the Texas Rules of Civil

Procedure, the Texas Probate Code and the Texas Rules of Judicial Administration

compel the Trial Court to enter such an order; otherwise, the Court of Appeals can

order the Tlial Court to show cause why he has not entered such an order or the

Court of Appeals can issue a writ of mandamus on its own motion and authority.

4. The following documents are also relevant to the reply to the order to

show cause:

a. The February 7, 2012, order to include all heirs as pruties, CR

72.

b. The May 29, 2012, objection by JERRY VALDEZ to the

February 7, 2012, order.

c. The September 28, 2013, motion by JERRY VALDEZ to set

aside the September 9, 2013, order.

2

02.2014, MJV, ESTATE, CAUSE NO. Q.4·13·00SS4·CV, RESPONSE TO FEBRUARY 21, 2014, ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE

5. At the July 22, 2013, heruing, JERRY VALDEZ said that all of the

heirs of MARTHA JANE VALDEZ were pru1:ies and that it was thus unnecessary

for him to take any further action to join them as pruties. See the Reporter's

Record.

6. Section 4A of the Probate Code authorizes appeal of orders that might

otherwise be considered interlocutory. See Womble v. Atkins, 331 S.W. 2d 294,

298 (Tex. 1962) (dismissal of an application for probate, or contest of a will);

Krueger v. Williams, 359 S.W. 2d 48, 50 (Tex. 1962) (order modifying and

approving the inventory of the estate).

7. Case law teaches that ''To be final and appealable, a probate order

need not dispose of the entire proceeding. Because probate administration is a

continuing process, its nature contemplates that future decisions must be based on

intermediate decisions. Interlocutory appeal is necessary to provide practical

review of erroneous decisions controlling intermediate decisions before their

consequences become ilTeparable." Estate of Novar v. Fitzgerald, 14 S.W. 3rd 378,

379 (Tex. App. - El Paso 2000, no pet.). See also Adjudru1i v. Walker, 232 S.W.

3rd 219, 223 (Tex. App. - Houston [1 st Dist.] 2007, no pet.); In re Estate of

Washington, 289 S.W. 3rd 362, 365 (Tex. App. - Texru"kana 2009, pet. denied); In

re Estate of Boren, 268 S.W. 3rd 841, 845 (Tex. App. - Texru"kana 2008, pet.

denied) (appeal of an order prior to the closing of the estate).

3

02.2014, MJV, ESTATE, CAUSE NO. 04-13-008S4-CV, RESPONSE TO FEBRUARV 21,2014, ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE

8. It is clear on the face of the record that the application of JERRY

V ALDEZ to admit the 1997 Will into probate was dismissed 30 days after

September 9, 2013, without the need of any further action by the Tlial Court. The

dismissal is conectly reviewable by appeal under Section 4A of the AIIDotated

Probate Code and the decisions of the Texas Supreme COUlt in Womble, supra and

Krueger, supra, which are binding on this Court.

9. PRA YER: Premises Considered, Appellant JERRY VALDEZ asks

the Court of Appeals to enter an order allowing Appellant to go forward with his

appeal.

Respectfully submitted,

/s/

ARMANDO TREVINO

State Bar No. 20211100

1519 Washington St., Suite One

Laredo, Texas 78040-0544

Tel: (956) 726-1638

Fax: (956) 726-2034

Attorney for JERRY VALDEZ

4

02.2014, MJV, ESTATE, CAUSE NO . 04-B-008S4-CV, RESPONSE TO FEBRUARY 21 , 2014, ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

A true copy of the above document was served 011 the 27th day of February,

2014, on BRUCE ROBERTSON, JR., 8100 Broadway, Suite 102, San Antonio,

Texas 78209, FCLX (210) 224-2417; and on GEORGE H. SPENCER, JR., GEORGE

H. SPENCER, JR., 112 E. Pecan, Suite 1300, San Antonio, Texas 78205, Fax

2101227-0732.

/s/

ARMANDO TREVINO

5

02.2014, MJV, mATE, CAUSE NO. a.-13-00854-CV, RESPONSE TO FEBRUARV 21,2014, ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE

Exhibit E

May 21, 2014, Order of Dismissal

NO.2008-PC·3026

INRE: ESTATE OF § IN PROBATE COURT

§

MARTHA JANE VALDEZ, § NUMBER ONE OF

§

DECEASED § BEXAR COUNTY, TEXAS

ORDER

On this day, came to be considered the Motion of Jerry Valdez for entry of an appealable

order regarding (1) his Application to Admit the 1997 Will of Martha Jane Valdez, dated February

22, 1997; and (2) the denial of his Application to be appointed Independent Executor of Decedent's

Estate.

The Court finds that by Orders dated February 9, 2012, and August 5, 2013, copies of which

are attached hereto and made a part hereof, Applicant, Jerry Valdez, was ordered to join as parties

to this Will Contest, all of the heirs at law of Martha Jane Valdez, Deceased. Applicant has failed

and refused to comply with the Orders of the Court dated February 9, 2012, and August 5, 2013.

The Court has found that all the heirs at law of Martha Jane Valdez, Deceased, are necessary

parties for the complete adjudication of this case by the Court. The Application of Jerry Valdez to

probate the Will of Decedent and Jerry Valdez's Application to be appointed Independent Executor

of the Estate of Martha Jane Valdez, Deceased, should be dismissed for failing to comply with the

Court's Orders dated February 9,2012, and August 5, 2013. It is therefore,

ORDERED thatthe Application to Admitthe February 22, 1997, Will of Martha Jane Valdez

is hereby dismissed.

E:\JAHOFFICElSt8t. Probate JudgeslValdez·Bexar Co\order dismissing appiication.wpd

SIGNED ON THIS THE .;)/ ~YOF M~ ,2014.

JO~ONIII

STATUTORY PROBATE JUDGE SITTING

BY APPOINTMENT

E:\JAHOFFICE\Stat. Probato Judges\Valdez-Bexar Co\order dismissing applic~lI.wpd

Exhibit F

Approval of ROBERTSON's Standing As Contestant

RlE>

IN MAnfRS PIIOBAII

~m rEP :? P) 20

INTBBISTATEOJ

MAR'I'HA JANE VAtDU,

DICBAUJ) BEXAR COUNTY. TEXAS

~t..Pl"",-e~ S'~J\~.J... a.~~+ ~'4-k.~Cn

O<'clof(' ~_~

aUa QVQBllLWOrJIBKI YALUZ· DIIl:AMBNJlwMQflQli ~

mB II1MMABV.nmt:MIN'J' ANI) UQuut J!OB .Am_X" au

Ou J\1ly 22. 2013, QID. em to b; beIrd the Pint Amoaded Motioa for S~ J\ldaTnont

IDd RocpaMt b Attumey'. , . 61ed hIrU by Sorry Vald~ the pcopoDAlBt ud eppliaDl fbt 1110

pI1)ba oftbe 1991 will ofMIriha J_ Va""" deeMled.

ltaY Valdez appeared DJ biI AUOnIQ7. BNaO RobcuoJl.1ho CODtoIfaDt ofdlo wiJ~ who had

\imel)' tlIId hit Amedcd ~ co lllTY Valdcz' Pint Amended Motion for Sw:rmw)' Judament

&ad 1leqY8lt tbt A.UDrIl8y'1 Fea, 'PJ*Nd In ptrIOL The parU6t ~ nsady.

Prior to the oomD1llDOOmcat of the bearIDa. Valdaz Jave to the C~ hi. wrtu.D objocciolll

to WfbilllUlaAed to Ro'-t.loll'. l'Cep0Dlt to Valdez' motion tbr I\IIDZIWY judiment. The Coun.

IftIt dWy OODIiderina Hid objecdoDi and ooutaa1', vpsaeat thcoou, betto), OVElU.LILaS said

oijlCliou.

The Co\U1. aftm bavlna CODIidtn:d VII.' motiou ad Roborucm's rca.ponto ~.ta, aDd

a&r -viDa bcIIC'cl tbeir RIIPOOdvo ~ OBNIBS Sen)' V~ plzlt Amcz1ded Motion for

SUlDDSll1 JQdllD*'t and. ~_ tor AUOtr\OYI , ...

Without deropdq ftom the ~ cndor dtnyiDa VaJdert' motion. the Court erwn the

l'oJ1owiDa otdOC'l teprdiDa Valdez' ",oUcl1:

1. The CO\&ft doDfes Valdez' sununuy .Iud __t olaim tQt Rokrtson il not a creditor

of. "'t·. eItaW lad cbal ba cSoa DOt bavtI stu4!na to \X)~ tile decedent's

VOll !8P024Q

· .

wiD.

2. The Court ~ Valdez' ~ &bat RobettJoa.'B daim apbut tbe ~tls

..., b baawcI tJy rN,JwIbra.

3. Tbc Couft daIIat V.... 1IIopIIoa !bat ~•• IOIplo_ _I wiIb ,j.4 '*

Doro1b.v MIllo is ill 1aO'", iD'IIlid or =lI1fcnoab~. -4-rol~ atuct..

It ia tblI)' ORDBJUU) tbu Jeer, Vlldez it not endtJod fog IWCXJYI:r his attoruy '. fecI~int.Do

this l!r....oll\,

'7 (' •

APPkOVSD AS TO PORM:

MMANDO TlUWINO

T.S.B.N. 20211100

IS 19 WIIbiqtoD S1reet

lAredo, Tau18(N2

(956) 7260J638 Tet.pboue

(956) m2014 Flr.ILaliIes

Aftome:y for Jotry Valdez

SiUes ROBERTSON. JR.

T.S~~. J7018000

8100 BfOIIrIwar. Sidte 102

S&Q ADaomo. TCIUI1.209

(210) 225-4ooJ Telephone

(210) 224-241? PlOIbDlle

V02 f 18P0250

Exhibit G

-_._---------- --~--

June 20, 2011, Denial of ROBERTSON's Claini

~

.~~

D~\0\ CAUSE NO. 2007-PC-2303

GUARDIANSHIP OF IN PROBATE COURT

MARTHA JANE VALDEZ NUMBER TWO

AN INCAPACITATED PERSON BEXAR COUNTY, TEXAS

FINAL JUDGMENT IN BRUCE ROBERTSON's CLAIM

FOR ATTORNEY'S FEES

TO THE HONORABLE JUDGE OF SAID COURT:

On the 16th day of November 2011, and March 22, 2012, the COUlt held a

hearing on BRUCE ROBERTSON's claim against the guardianship estate of

MARTHA JANE VALDEZ for his att0111ey's fees after the judgment entered on

December 23, 2009, had been remanded by the Fourteenth Court of Appeals in

Cause No. 14-10-00323-CV.

The Court after considering the claim, the records of this cause, the evidence

presented and the argument of counsel FINDS:

1. JERRY VALDEZ does not appeal the award to DOROTHY H.

MELLO for her own attorney's fees and expenses;

2. BRUCE ROBERTSON, JR. has failed to prove that he had a contract

to represent the guardianship estate of MARTHA JANE VALDEZ; and

1

tfiC\

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03 .2012, MJV, GUARDIANSHIP, FINAL JUDGMENT IN BR's ClAIM FOR ATTORNEY'S FEES

3. The claim of BRUCE ROBERTSON, JR. for attOlney's fees against

the guardianship estate of MARTHA JANE VALDEZ should be DENIED.

It is therefore ORDERED:

1. The claim of BRUCE ROBERTSON, JR. against the guardianship

estate of MARTHA JANE VALDEZ for attorney's fees is DENIED.

2. ~t are assessed against UCE ROBERTSON, JR., for

.'

which l~texecution issue ifnot timely pai

.~'

f2

3. ~ final judgment.

(L

Sl.3neJ -\-his I Cj-!Jl d~ 0 t JU:ne,

BRUCE ROBERTSON, JR.

State Bar No. 20211100 State Bar No. 17078000

1519 Washington St., Suite 8100 Broadway, Suite 102

Laredo, Texas 78040-0544 San Antonio, Texas 78209

Tel: (956) 726-1638 Tel: (210) 225-4001

Fax: (956) 726-2034 Fax: (210) 224-2417

03.2012, MJV. GUARDIANSHIP. FINAL JUDGMENT IN BR's ClAIM FOR ATTORNEY'S FEES v020'8bP2a·· 52 ' 2

Exhibit H

Rejection of ROBERTSON's Claim

NO. l008-PC-3026

IN THE ESTATE OF *

MARTHA JANE VALDEZ, * NUMBER t,

;) .

DECEASED * BEXAR COUNTY, Tt

MEMORANDUM OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE

The foregoing Unsecured Claim of Bruce Robertson, Jr. in the amount of$114,800.00 was

presented to Marcus P. Rogers, Temporary Administrator of the Estate of MARTHA JANE

MARCUS P. RO ERS

State Bar No. 17179700

2135 E. Hildebrand

San Antonio, Texas 78209

(210) 736-2222

(210) 881-0200

Temporary Administrator for the Estate of Martha

Jane Valdez, Deceased

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

I hereby certify that a true and correct copy of the above and foregoing Memorandum of

Personal Representative has been forwarded to the following, on this the..fl day of June, 2011:

Mr. Armando Trevino Mr. George Spencer

Attorney for Jerry Valdez 112 E. Pecan, Suite 1300

1519 Washington, Suite 1 San Antonio, Texas 78205

Laredo, Texas 78040 via fax (210) 227-0732

via fax (956) 726-2034

Mr. Bruce Robertson, Jr. Honorable John A. Hutchison, III

8100 Broadway, Suite 102 Statutory Probate Judge

San Antonio, Texas 78209 815 Walker, Suite 240

via fax (210) 224-2417 Houston, Tx. 77002

CMRRR #700916800001 01378203 via fax (713) 850-9830 ,.

" I'

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.-._,.-. .. -.- .~., ...... . '"

Exhibit I

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Rule 39, Texas Rule of Civil Procedure

TRCP 39. JOINDER OF PERSONS

NEEDED FOR JUST ADJUDICATION

(a) Persons to be Joined if Feasible. A perso n

who is subject to service of process shall be joined as a

party in the action if (1) in his absence complete relief

cannot be accorded among those already parties, or

(2) he claims an interest relating to the subject of the

~cti o n and is so situated that the disposition of the ac-

tion.in his absence may (i) as a practical matter impair

Or Impede his ability to protect that interes t or

(ii) lea\'e any of the persons already parties subject to a

substantial risk of incurring double. multiple. or other-

''\ise inconsistent obligations bv reason of his claimed

interest. If he has not been so j~ined, the court shall 01'-

del' that he be made a party. If he should join as a plain-

tiff but refuses to do so. he may be made a defendant,

or. in a proper case. an involuntary plaintiff.

(b) Determination by Court Whenever Joinder

Not Feasible. If a person as described in subdivision

(a)(l)-(:2) hereof cannot be made a party. the court

shall determine whether in equity and good conscience

the action should proceed among the parties before it. .

or should be dismissed, the absent person being thus

regarded as indispensable. The factors to be considered

by the court include: first. to what extent a judgment

rendered in the person's absence might be prejudicial

to him or those already parties: second. the extent to

which. by protective provisions in the judgment. by the

shaping of relief. or other measures, the prejudice can

be lessened or avoided; third. whether a judgment ren-

dered in the person 's absence will be adequate; fourth. :

wh ether the plaintiff will have an adequate remedy if

the action is dismissed for non-joinder.

( c) Pleading Reasons for Nonjoinder. A plead-

ing assertin g a claim for relief shall state the names. if

known to the pleader. of any persons as described in

subd i\'ision (a)(l)-(2) hereof who are not joined. and

the reasons why they are not joined.

Cd) Exception of Class Actions. This rule is sub-

ipct to the provisions of Rule 42.

Exhibit J

Art. 33, Probate Code

PROB §33. ISSUANCE. CONTENTS .

SERVICE. & RETURN OF

CITATION. NOTICES. & WRITS

IN PROBATE MATTERS

(a) When Citation or i\otice ;-';ecessal"}. \ 11 per·

S')O need b.~ ('iiL'd or othi'l"'s i.';t' ~iH'n nl)tire txrept in

situations in wh i;'h this Cod;: fxpr".~sl~ pro\,ides for ci·

tation or the ~i\·ing of notice: PM idt'd. h,)we\ er. that

even thflugh th i., COdl' does nnt E'xpressly prm ido:' fill' ri·

.latinn. or thE' i,S clcl1ce or rr'turn of nt1 tice in any prt)·

batt' matter. the' CI)urt may. in· it:; di~crctit)r.. ro:'quire

that notice be gi\ eii. and pri:'s.:ribt· the ftJrm ani.! man·

ner of sen·ict' and rdurn therc'tJf.

(b) Is suance by the Clerk or by Personal Rep-

resentative. Th e lnU!!t:; cl-:.'rk sha~1 i;; ..;'.1O: necps..;al:. ri·

tatinns . writs. and proce.,s in probate matters. and all

notices not re~uired to) be is.-;u;:d by personal represt'n·

latin's. with out any ordp r frur.! the court. un!(':'i"; su ch

nrder i, reqljir~d b:: a pru\·i" iun Ijf thi~ Clldr'.

(.c) Contents of Citation. Writ. and :\otice. Ci- [ertd or certified mail to the attorney of record for the

tation and notires issu~d by the clerk shall bf signed personal ;'epresentatire or receil'er, but if there is ~

and sealed by him , c.::d shall be styled "The State of attorney of record, to the persona! representatiH' one: ~

Texas," \oiicfS r<:'qu irpd to be gil'en by a personal rep- ceil'er, ,'I

I

r<:':>entatil'e sha!1 be in I\Titing and shal! be signed by (f) Methods of Sening Citations and i'iotices.;

the rfprt'sentati '.'e in hi~ official capacity, All citation;; (1) Personal Senice. \\nere it is prol'ided thal

'lnd noticeS shai! be di reeted to the person or persons to personal sE'lyice shall be had Idth respect to a citation

bl' cited or notified, she:]! he dated . and ,;hall stilte the or notice, any such citation or nntice must be served

sl:,'le and numbu uf the procceding, the court in Il'hieh upnn the attorney of record for the person tf) be cited.

it is pending, and shall desl ribe ~en e ra!ly tht' nature '.If \otwithstandin~ the requiremE'nt of per:;onal serlice.

tht' pr0ct'edi n~ or matter tl) which th~ citatilln ur notice serl'ice may be made upon such atlorn£'y by itny of the_ ,

rE'iatt's, \0 prcrt'pt dirC'rted tu an officer i~ nt'cessary, A methods hereinelfter spE'rified for sr:r\'ice upon an at-

ritatinn ur notice shall dirt'ct the p e r~nn 01' p€'l'sons torney, If there is no attorney of record in the proceed- ,

cited ill' notified to Gppr:ar by riling a Il'rittl'n C(liltest or ing for Stich persun. or if an attempt to make senice

ans\\'('r. or tu perr')rJll ulher acts rf'quirt'd Ilf him (II' upon thE' attorney \\'as unsuccessful. a citation or notice

thf'rll and shall statt' II'ht'fl find wheri' surh appE'arancf' directed to a p('rson Il'ithin this State must be serredby

or pE·rformancp. is required, \u citation or nfltice shall the sheriff or constable upon thE' pcrson to be cited or

be held to be defectil'e because' it contaill:;" prt.'!cept di- notified, in pCl'son, by delilering to him a truE' copy of

rertl'd to an tiffiet'r iluthr.rizL'd to Sl'rn' it. AlIlI'rils and such citation or notice at least tt'n (10) dal's before the ' ,

IJ thf'r proce ss e,\crpl citations Cinrl nnticrs shall he di - rE'turn da\' thrreof. l'xclusil'c of the dat~ of serlice_'"

n'ctl'd "To any ~heriff nr clJn~telblt within Iht' StiltE.' 1)1' \\llt're th~ pcr~on to be cited or notifiE'd is absent from '

Trxi!5," but Shidl nol be held d('feclil'{, heuluse dirertt'd th e State, or is a nonresident. such cilation or notice ,

til thl' sh('l'iff or (lny constahlt' of a specific ('()Unl~' if rnal'- bE' sen'cd b\',,l!1\'

- disintere;;ted person competenttu :,

Pl'llpcrly sened within thr' nalllrci cuunty b~' such of- make oath of the fact. Said citation or notice shall be re- , '

fictr, turnable at least tt'n (10) days after the date of service. "

(d) \\'here !'\o Specific Form of ;\jotieC'. Ser- E'xclusil'e of the date of sen'ice, The return or the per- ,

,-ice. or Return is Prescribed. OJ' When Prol'isions son selYing the citation or notice shall be fndorsedon

Are Insufficient or Inadequate. In all :;ituations in or nttachE'd to same: it shall sho\\' the time and place of '

\I'hieh thi,., Code rl' qllirf'~ thilt notice bE' giH'n, or that a sen'ice, cerl ify that a true copy of the citation or notice ,

p e r~ ... n be ci!rrl, "nd in Il'hieh Ii sPeLific nit'tlwrl ,.'If gil'- was deli\'ered to the persoil directed to be sen'ed. be '

in~ such nntice iJr of citing such person, iJr a specific subscribed and swurn to before some officer authorized .'4

mdhnd of serl'ict' illid return flf sucl1 ritatif)n or notice bl' the la\l's of this State to take affidm'its, under the !

i;; n,-,t gin'n, lir an insdfici en t or inadequilte pnJd,:;illo h-and and official seal of such officer, and returned to j

itppt'Ctrs I\'it b rbpt'ct tl) any of such matters, r,r when the countHlerk who issued same, Ii in either case such ','

ilny inlE'restfd ptr$oli sn requ ests, such notice or cita- citation o~ notice is returned with the notation that the :

liljn shall bo? issued, s.;'rll'-d, ar,d rdurned in surh man- person sought io be serl'ed, whether \\'ithin or without;:

nEr as the ('Ijurt. by \\Titteil clrder, shall direct in a('Cor- this State, cannot be found, the clerk shall issue a new ,;

dance with tr,is CfJde Ctnd the TeXaS Rules rJf Cil'il citation or notice directed to the person or persons :

PrGcc-du!'e, c_nd 5 ~cJi he,l'e t~c ~ame force arid effect as 50ught to be serl'ed and sen'ice shall be by publication. :

if Ihe manner IJ s.,.nice and return had been specified (2) Posting. \\nen citation or notice is required to :

in !,his COdE-, be posted, it shall be posted by the sheriff or CO!istable :

(e) Ser.... ice of Citation or \otice epon Per- at the courthouse door of the count'.' in \\'hich the pro- :~

sonal RepresentatiYes . Ex ~,=,pt in instances in I\'hirh ceedings are pending, or at the pl~ce in or r.ear the '"

this Code express!y p(lj\'ides a:lOther method of 3er\'ice, courthouse where public notices custoii;uily are ;,

a!1Y notice or citction rEq:.J:red to be serl'ed lipon an:; posted, for not less than ten (l Q) days before the retu~~:

per~,jna! !'epresentati':e iH recei\'tf .5haii be sen-ed by day thereof. exclusiye of the date of posting, The cler ,,;

the c:erk iss:Jir.g ~:Jcn (';:a~jon IJr i1(,r!C/;, The clerk shall $hall de!in'r the original a:1d a copy of such cit,Jion o~:i'~

~fr;:e the sarr:e by "e:;d:r,~ (rH: or:g:r,a! thereof by regis- notice to the sheri ff or a,,\, constable of the proper,,

,

p,' who shali POSt said copy 2. .., he rein prescribec ~"jLh ci:ari'iil el;' n,)ticc'. t,)~e[he:- wirh a certificate of

co un - I -. h I I . . • .

,he per.;!):. s~l·:ir:; ~h" same .'~ljwjn!, th~ feet and time

and return the origmal til t. e c err:. stating In ftwnrt<'n

return thereon the time when and the place Wileri.:' he u( mailing. shan be fi!f'ct and r~cnrded.

osted such copy. The datE' of posting shall be the date (( l \\'r:e!i $:'r.il'E: i~ made b:. ma:/' the datE' of maU -

~f sen-ice. \\ n er posting of notice by a per"on?.! rep!":::- ir;~ ~~:;n D" h·.: d,~t-: 0;' ~er.·il'~. S er.i~e by nai! shall be

sentati\'e is authoriz2d or required. the method herein n:act~ ~ .)[ I".~;; t1?n t's"nt:: 121)) dc::~ bff,)!'" the return

prescribed shall bf' foll 0 \\"f:d. s~ch notices to bt: is:5l1:d day {h~~:'i)f. ~x(,!US: ·:f '1f tho? dat~ of SeiYlCe,

in the name of the represe ntat l'·t'. addressed and drll'.- t D i [i Co ri~<:,i:):: or ne,L,'l' ser:"d hv I-::ailing is re-

ered tOI posted and returned by. the pnlper officer. ~nd turn':'c !Jr..i.:ho:';"c. ~ 0.-: ',': cit:l'i!!:! L'r rl.1'ic? .~hall bi' i..,-

filed with the clerk. :;u~;~_ ar~·~ ~ 'J -~ ,?:;:::t!'·lrl fl'- r:'Jt:r~ ~ha~1 b~~ s=-n'ed b\'

(3) publicati on. Whe'n a person is to be cit.:-d or p"J".;\i;-,~.

noti fied by pu blicatinn. the citati!)n or n'J!ice shall be' t g) Return of Citation or \ otirE:. \!j citations

published once in a nt'wspaper of g<:'Ot'ral cirruii!'inn in ;:;".:.: j: v; f-I.) i ~ "::F"~ :.:. ~~-, ,":;.·rk <:r:1 s~l\'t-'\d b:. pc·r:;oi1al

the coun~ in which thl; proCeeding:; art' pendir.;,!. ilnd ""'!"" :: " . h:: r.~'!:: . :'. ~"'::::;:. II!' t·:. p... ~!i ra! i . )r.. ,;hall be

sa id publ icatio n shall be nut les:; than kn ( IIJ) day~ be- r;:t~:;r<; ~ " [.\ tilt' r'1u:-~ f:";n '.\hieh i~sut'd on tht' first

fore the return da~ thereof. t'xciu:)ire of thP. d,lte' of pub · \j 'Jn:!d:. H:r,·: t~i'" :i-"',,;,:: is p,·r~·-'rit·d.

lication. The date of publication which said ne\\~piiprr ( b ) Su fficiC: fl CY of Return in Cases of Posting.

bears shall be the date' of sf>r.·ict'. If no nf·w..;papt'r i. i If: ai::: vob;;t: i["iW.·!" ·.·:rl"!''' (i:;~ti'lii \':' fi,)tice is rl'·

publisht'd. printe d. or of ge neral rirc li latirJn. in tht' q~ird [I D-' ~~r-.pd hy p'~.;'ii l~. rl:!( sl!I'h r:itation or nn·

county whe re citation or notice i$ tl) bl: hart. s('r\"ir' (' "I' tir',· i~ !., ..;y.;! irl l''1i'f'l:-rnit:. i'.;t~~ thc' applirah!r:' pro\"i-

such citation ur nlJticf' shall bt' by pfl ..;:in~. it')!'. fJ~' i~1::-: (",,:p. ir e: Li'(1L!IJ!: Ii;' n '~:"i: (~i1rt thr'\ SPt~:it'c

(-I) Mailing. ,lr,d r-:m! j:l '(..-1';" .~h;.!1 h,_ :;'.1 [rit.'i"n l Wl~ Hliid it" any

(.-\) \\'h,'n any citatillfl or notice i. ; rrqllirr.d 1)( p~'r­ .";~Jlr ::· :· I)~ r~IJ:: ': ;l; 'j\.' pi)))) (1 t', -;J:. t,I:' \·"pir.) I'~' such rita·

mitted tl) be ser.·t'd b~ rt'gistered or Ci.'rtified mail. uth':'r tidi! <"JI' r:;lt; '.: tit t:h' pl:t -' l!( P:t,"I·.- p~r.-iITib:'d b~' this

"

than notiei';; rt'qui!'t'd tl) be gin'n b:. persr)nal rrpr,'s,'p- C"..!" l~n ,: rJ,,~ :,':!·i ,. it i:i ~lIfr! ..'i"r'II:. prillr ttl tht' rdurn

tati\·es. the rit' rk ~ha!l i.'sup surh ritatil)f1 vr notirt' an': dtt:: ;~d:Ti ~""'I d i~' ;-;'..I"~. l ! tfl~:Ii;; (J!' r",\if.'t' for tilt' period of

shall serw thr :)(im" b:. spndin~ thp ori~ i nal then'of b:, t::~~~· C,'! ' \\orl;' ~'I ""u.'h I'i~~lt!"=i ·l!' i "tk,.' i..; r,\quirt'c1 tli br

registt' ro?d ()r r,'rtifit'd mail. Any notin: r.'quin:d til tot' r·l.'~:·~~ ~ ~·;· t?-:·' h-')'II"':' ~:lrl r--~ .; "i. dd~ I.I~· -;U::~ l ritati,)n

given by a pt'rsrrnal rc'pre:,entatirt b:: rL'gistpn:c! or c<,r· l·r r.II::,·r'. !!: ;.j ~:.~~. f I··j tL:~ ~:; 'f: 'l~· r;~·f t,,. l'lIn .jtablt\

tified mail shall b;' i:i.-;u?d b~ him. and r.f' sh,tli sC'r.:" tb-·

sam p by s.~nding tne original th~r~of by rr?gi$~P.r,"d "r ~a:i:"- in~· , (old' L"'~ 0:":' tho p' ·ri.Hi III' linH~ ,'laps,;,; r'lr

certified mail. In i'ithpr ra.-ir. th" ritil[jrJn or notiCt .'it1i!:i ''\"~,!,:h ,;:.!L'h .:'; ;,,: :,.r. tl:- n ~i , <: j; :···quin:zl to bt:' po:;tt;'d.

be mailed \" ith iiistrU'-tions to deli"'N tn the addn's.w,· :-;haii :-1"" :l:':·"l~. l;-I~' .,_,(i(if"·nt·~. I,~' ... ,did:ty 1)[ ~IJ ·:-h rita-

only. and with r;:turn ri'('eipt rf'quested. The em't'IIJ~:: -:'t !' i'~ ;~.,~: -: I;' t.~:~, :: ... !-. i':' If !·('~:..r: fii,.. rtf,~·. e\en

conta inin~ slich citation or noticP. shall be add rt's;ed t·, L~' :!~i- ~ !.! ' .:". r " ·~!.::Tl i.: ~::~G ··· . E:'~d ;-: 'J ~~I {:taU'I:1 fir i~;)tice

the at,·jrne:, I)f record in the procf.:,ding fllr thf p•.'r;,,~ ;.s r·:·~ij':.-'~ i. 'i' i ' , ;:-: f :': ~~! ~: S \~--:>'1 at'::. i~ L; ~.)}uerl.

to be cired I)r notified. but if there is non<:,. or i:' re- f i ) Pro(1f of Sei-:ic:e. Pi" II.: ,J oj'";, i'·t in ali cas~-;

turnee u-,d"!;':;;re(~. toP:; t'J the pers'.ln t,1 be citfd t)~ n'1- r:'~J::" '-;, r.I.l~.·.> · ;:,1' ,:tr:": J::. \t,.~ :::~.r::' b:, ~ 1.!~iir.f'Jil)::.

tified. A CIJP:' tj( such r:ita~ion (Jr r.oL,~c. t'Jgetht"~!' ',1, !:.h ; ....., .. ::~. r:·i'.::~;-.; i..: '; ~.' ~"':::'-:" :'~~ : rr f: ;~,: b-:i·'..'ri:: U-.~

the certlfi"a:':: 0:' th .. cierk. or IJi th~ PffS , ii12,! ri:~:d":-.· -';'t~ ~-:- ;' P:-·)'-.:' l:·.':~:.:-r. :: c_·:--~ ~:. H ",~.-:!";(:f.:- .,:·..'--::;rab:::-

ta~i·\·e. c.,; :h.:- CC)~ ~.:E.~ br:- . snl)',\ !!ig rn:: fa~~ u:v: '::.i-:: t.;~' .;~.\.,' r-~ ~:".:1.,jr? J:. ~~.= ::-._~.:"~ ': ~- ';-':-, :'>- . S(- ~. . . j!:c ~ajf? b~

mai~i"~' 5~.(:!i be filed arId reCorG2Q. Ii:: r:-cr ;p: i i r~ ­ ~ :::-- ;'.~:'-: ~>:.:~ ~ i:": '_::. C~ J:J~.,:,W c:' r:-.:: d;::!ja-:!~ of the

tnned. i: s~a.:: DE aCic.ched D t~te c~r::(;!:ate. p:a!'.~ :~. P:· ~. : :,:-:... : ~~ :- :::. pj[,.::~. :i-,:-, ~~f:.~; b:- i:":cdc by

(B ) \\1:e~. an:. citari'1:1or no~it:' e i,: :<:quirec (( p;:-r- ~;-.~ ;.:~·::C:,. I:~- I : ;::'.: ; .;)~:.~~.~: j~ - :.-,c.: ,'.:' f_:-: ei:!;i;()~. te of

mitte::J to; G>: se:--:ed b:. o~dina:-y mai!. thE cierk. 0~ tt..; (~!e ::~~:.\~~:.- ... '.'.~;,-~, a~~~·::6.·.:~ .~~(:~: :5~!11t,': t~lf. dar:: the

pers0,.a! repr.:-s".;;rati,;;:: when reWked 0:: .)ra~!..i:-7 or by ~ ;'!~ ~.:-'~/ ::-.-:- :"1:'" ~~:..~~: :I'f:-. ~j':d ~~r;e a:~a·:r. ec t,) or

order of thE: C·j:.!"t. shall sen'e the sa::;£: b:: r:!a 'l; ::f t:1~ -:-:,:·:···c:·:-.': i:- ~- c. Cl>P:, 'J :' ::::- pt;b;:~~t?: [·j~i('? 0:- eita-

orig::-:a! tIl ;::<: p:>r.;I)' tn b-: ci:ed or not:::ed. :\ C':'P:' "; ~: I :-: 1-. ::-.':' "C.,-'l r ~ :::::-.:-,.i.:-;.: j:. ~a:: p. . }( f 5h<"~~; ~~ IT.ade

[.~ the Ct·rt!f!CCi:-:.~ of the drr~:. t"·l' :r.r!l cJfid~~:dr u;' rre ;'r:~r­

s0:1al rfpresf'nra rirf !lf orhfr p-=r.':·:"! rL(:kir:~ ~iJch ,r-r-

rice, stCi,ing the f?ort [:r.d t;fl1e (d;H!l i !i~,I;l th~ ca~p r.f

sE'r\"irt' by rt'~ i :;tcr<,d r,r CNiit'id m,tf;, [r,:? rt'~l::-~l r,_

ceipt shall r.(, attaLhed [I', tht, c('r~!r"i.,a:f, ii i:: rfc'('i;lt r,,::'

bE't'r1 I'cturnpct,

(j ) RequE' st f Ol' \oti cE'. \1 "n:; [;:1'(' "trier i'tii "P'

plication is fiifod fill' thE' purpllsP nf commFncing iir:1

pr()ceeding in probate. inliuci:"g. but n'l! lim itf'c (r •. it

or

pnJ('reding f!lr the prohi.l!L· a \\'ill. grc.nt pf IE't1,'1'; tt',': ,

tamentary !lr {·f "dmii;i~trilti r'l] enG df.'le)';-]!in;t! ;')[1 I·r"

heirsh;p, clny ~"r~dn !:1[(:'rc'stf'ri in i~(' t'~!,,;e n1(::- fi:t

\\'itl1 the rk:'k a rl:'qut's: in \\Titil!~ that ht' bi' n,'li:';ed (·r

i!!1Y and all. lIr I I I' i\1,\ :-p€'cir"il a!l~ d l'~i g!la:f'rj, n", 'jr.:,'; ,

Ctp pl ications. f, r pleildini!s fili'd b~: iln~ pi· r~',Jr.. (,T by ,: ")

particulilr pl')'S(ln~ specifiutl!~ (k~i~n,dfd in I!'.e rt'-

qUfSt. Th(' leps clnd (,fl:;ts fflr ~'Jlil nlflilf'~ ~h,d; !i\.'

borne by thl:' pnSf\n n'QlIpslir.g ,Leill. (lnrillH' Cif'!'K r:, a~

rE'quin"' C": df-'p",it Ii) ("11\('r thl' .· . ·: iini;"t~( \ d fll:) f .oo\ 'If fi.1 r-

r,ish inf,! ~u, ' h p('r-;'"n ililh thl ' n, fil(' , Ir n·)' ! " '.> :'1'-

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thp fl'llUi':O;! .: \:,,;1fil,t if1\'tl~irl (!~f' all\ P:'''' '{·l·dir. :z,

Exhibit K

-----,'--

Affidavit of Appellant JERRY V ALD EZ

AFFIDAVIT OF APPELLANT JERRY VALDEZ

STATE OF TEXAS §

§

COUNTY OF BEXAR §

My name is JERRY VALDEZ. I am the Appellant in this cause and fully

competent to make this Affidavit based upon my personal knowledge of the facts

stated. All of the facts are true and correct. Upon my oath and upon penalty of

peljury I depose as follows:

1. My mother MARTHA JANE VALDEZ died on September 30, 2008,

at the age of 98. She was survived by 12 children born from her marriage to my

father JULIO, who had predeceased her.

2. On October 14, 2008, I filed an application to probate her estate and

to admit her February 22, 1997, Will into probate.

3. My sister DOROTHY H. MELLO, represented by BRUCE

ROBERTSON, JR., successfully contested the Will.

4. The Will contest was tried before a jury. My siblings ESTELLA

PENA, OLIVIA V ALDEZ and ANGIE CONTRERAS were present at the jury

trial. ESTELLA PENA, OLIVIA VALDEZ and ANGIE CONTRERAS supported

DOROTHY's contest of the Will.

1

07.2014, JV, SR, APPEAL, CAUSE NO. 01-14-000S63-CV, AFFIDAVIT OF APPELLANT JERRY VALDEZ

5. I appealed the judgment that had been rendered sustaining the will

contest.

6. While the appeal was pending, DOROTHY and I entered into a

written agreement wherein she agreed to withdraw her contest of the Will.

7. The Fourth Court of Appeals, noting there was no opposition,

dismissed the Will contest.

8. I then filed a second application to probate the 1997 Will and BRUCE

ROBERTSON, JR. filed a contest to my application, saying that he had standing

because he had a judgment against my mother's guardianship estate. Judge

HUTCHISON ruled that ROBERTSON had standing to contest the will because of

the judgment.

9. The Fourteenth Court of Appeals set aside the judgment and

remanded the case for ROBERTSON to prove what attorney's fees, if any, were

owed to him by my mother' s guardianship estate.

10. An evidentiary hearing was held. I was present at the hearing and I

heard Judge RICKHOFF tell ROBERTSON he did not have a valid claim.

4...

11. On June 11, 2011, Judge RICKHOFF entered final judgment denying

ROBERTSON's claim against the guardianship estate.

2

07.2014, N , SR, APPEAL, CAUSE NO. 01-14-()OOS63<V, AFFIDAVIT OF APPEllANT JERRY VALDEZ

12. ROBERTSON then filed a claim against Decedent's estate. The claim

was rejected by the comt-appointed Temporary Administrator of my mother's

estate.

13. ROBERTSON has never produced any competent evidence that he

was ever retained or appointed to represent my mother's estate.

14. On various occasions I TI.llnished a copy of the 1997 Will to all of my

siblings.

15. On various occasions I furnished a copy of the application to probate

my mother's Will to each of my siblings.

Further Affiant sayeth not.

" f

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me on this the (p-C:t..- day of

August, 2014.

,"\\"''''1,

'::""i;~~,!

f~t.;~~~;- ROSA YBARRA

t~·· \b% Notary PUblic, Stat~ of Texas

~:~" /~i My Commission Expires

"~~'f,'o;'\~~~

. IttU

January 16, 2017

Notary Pu~jb

State of Texas

3

07.2014. lV, SR, APPEAL, CAUSE NO. 01-14-OOOS63-CV, AFFIDAVIT OF APPELLANT JERRY VALDEZ

Exhibit L

Excerpts .from July 22, 2013, Reporter's Record

1 REP 0 R T E R 'S R E COR D

2 VOLUME 1 OF 1

3 TRIAL COURT CAUSE NO. 2008-PC-3026

4

5 IN THE ESTATE OF IN THE PROBATE COURT

6 MARTHA JANE VALDEZ, NUMBER 1

7 DECEASED BEXAR COUNTY, TEXAS

8

9 JERRY VALDEZ' FIRST AMENDED MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT AND

REQUEST FOR ATTORNEY'S FEE;

10 COURT'S ORDER TO JOIN HEIRS A-T--L:A-W-AS- PARTIE8------ -- .-- ---

JULY 22, 2013

11

12

. '. 13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21 On the 22nd day of July, 2013, the following

22 proceedings came on to be heard in the above-entitled and

23 numbered cause before the HONORABLE JOHN A. HUTCHISON, III,

24 Judge Presiding, held in San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas:

25 Proceedings reported by Machine Shorthand.

CHERYL D. HESTER, C.S.R. - PROBATE COURT NO. 1

BEXAR COUNTY COURTHOUSE

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 78205 (210) 335-2359

1

2 A P PEA RAN C E S

3

4 MR. ARMANDO TREVINO

BAR 20211100

5 1519 Washington, Suite 1

Laredo, Texas 78040

6 (956) 726-1638; Fax (956) 726-2034,

Attorney for Jerry Valdez;

7

8

MR. BRUCE ROBERTSON, JR.

9 BAR 17078000

8100 Broadway, Suite 102

----.-. -- ---re- San- Antoni-o, -' Texas- -'78-2-e-9- -- --- --._- --------------..

(210) 225-4001; Fax (210) 224-2417,

11 Pro Se Attorney for Contestant.

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

CHERYL D. HESTER, C.S.R . - PROBATE COURT NO. 1

BEXAR COUNTY COURTHOUSE

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 78205 (210) 335-2359

23

1 the Court of Appeals, it appeared to me, because there was a

2 remand sent back, and they haven't rule on it after the

3 remand.

4 MR. ROBERTSON: Right.

5 THE COURT: All right.

6 Now, on the -- Mr. Robertson, if you'll prepare

7 that order and circulate it to counsel.

8 MR. ROBERTSON: I will, Your Honor.

9 THE COURT: Then on our trial setting for our

.- -_._.- - - -1 EJ- "". jury trial-- that we' re --supposed- to start- todar,---I- -donLt- s-ee-- ------I- ----

11 anything in the file that indicates that the -- that the heirs

12 at law have been joined as parties. Is that correct, counsel?

13 MR. TREVINO: Yes. And Mr. Valdez's position,

14 pursuant to the case Helen Jones versus LaFargue on wills, on

15 the first statement it says although any person interested in

16 the estate may bring a will contest, statute does not require

17 that all interested persons be joined in the suit.

18 THE COURT: Well, I've ordered it to be done.

19 MR. TREVINO: Well, we're not going to join

20 them, because we're not -- we're going to overrule we're

21 going to disobey the Court on that because Mr. Valdez doesn't

22 feel that he should . Because

23 THE COURT: Well, let me -- I'm going to give

24 you 30 days to join them and serve them. And if they haven't

25 been joined and served, then I'm going to dismiss your

CHERYL D. HESTER, C.S.R. - PROBATE COURT NO . 1

BEXAR COUNTY COURTHOUSE

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 78205 (210) 335-2359

24

1 application to probate the will.

2 MR. TREVINO: That's fine.

3 THE COURT: Okay.

4 MR. TREVINO: Okay.

5 MR. ROBERTSON: Your Honor, I'm also a little

6 confused by who has to be joined. I think everyone of these

7 heirs has to be joined.

8 THE COURT: Yeah. The heirs at law need to be

9 served.

10 -· - --. _. _._ ._-_.. _. ... ---.- MR-. ROB-ERTBON :.- -- r- t:.hink· the-re-' O"tlght- ·t-o- be-'-seme- -

11 proof as to who those are. Affidavits. Because some are

12 dead. I think one is -- may be partially incapacitated and

13 has a guardian or power of attorney. So it's -- they -- they

14 there has to be some proof to the Court to show that this

15 is a correct name and number of the -- of the heirs and heirs

16 at law. And Mr. Valdez knows what heirs at law are.

17 THE COURT: Well, I'm sure they know who they

18 are.

19 MR. TREVINO: Well, I object to counsel stating

20 to the Court that he's aware of what somebody who's not even

21 in the court knows.

22 THE COURT: Well, the Court wants them joined.

23 MR. TREVINO: I'll grant that.

24 THE COURT: If you're going to refuse to do

25 that, I mean, I've signed the order, then you're going to need

CHERYL D. HESTER, C.S.R. - PROBATE COURT NO. 1

BEXAR COUNTY COURTHOUSE

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 78205 (210) 335-2359

26

1 And we're not going to try it -- you know, I don't know how

2 many of them there are, but we're not going to try it again.

3 MR. TREVINO: There's about sixteen.

4 THE COURT: And I'm assuming your client knows

5 who they all are.

6 MR. TREVINO: I assume that they do.

7 THE COURT: And if you don't want to do it,

8 then there's an order in the file. You need to file an

9 appeal.

10 MR. TREVINO: That's fine. I will consult with

11 my--

12 THE COURT: And I'll get -- we'll get an order

13 entered that says you've got 30 days to get them joined, and

14 then you can appeal that.

15 MR. TREVINO: Okay. Certainly. And I believe

16 that that's an interlocutory -- interlocutory appeal. We will

17 go ahead and appeal it interlocutorily. So I'm giving the

18 Court notice as of right now I will be working on a notice of

19 appeal.

20 THE COURT: Okay.

21 MR. TREVINO: To proceed.

22 THE COURT: All right.

23 MR. TREVINO: Okay.

24 THE COURT: Mr. Robertson, while you're working

25 on those other orders, you want to prepare an order on that

CHERYL D. HESTER, C.S.R. - PROBATE COURT NO. 1

BEXAR COUNTY COURTHOUSE

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 78205 (210) 335-2359

30

1 THE STATE OF TEXAS

2 COUNTY OF BEXAR

3

4 I, Cheryl D. Hester, Official Court Reporter in

5 and for Probate Court Number 1 of Bexar County, State of

6 Texas, do hereby certify that the above and foregoing contains

7 a true and correct transcription of all portions of evidence

8 and other proceedings requested by counsel for the parties to

9 be included in this volume of the Reporter's Record, in the

10 above-styled and numbered cause, all of which occurred in open

11 court or in chambers and were reported by me.

12 I further certify that this Reporter's Record

13 of the proceedings truly and correctly reflects the exhibits,

14 if any, admitted by the respective parties.

15 I further certify that the total cost for the

16 preparation of this Reporter's Record is $150.00 and was

17 paid/will be paid by Jerry Valdez.

18

19 WITNESS MY OFFICIAL HAND this the 24th day of

20 January, 2014.

He~~~~

21

22 lsi Cheryl D.

CHERYL D. HESTER, C.S.R.

23 Official Court Reporter, Probate Court No. 1

Bexar County, Texas

24 100 Dolorosa

San Antonio, Texas 78205

25 (210) 335-2359

Texas CSR #4519; Expires 12/31/15

CHERYL D. HESTER, C.S.R. - PROBATE COURT NO. 1

BEXAR COUNTY COURTHOUSE

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 78205 (210) 335-2359

COUNTY CLERK BEXAR COUNTY

BEXAR COUNTY COURT HOUSE

100 DOLOROSA, SUITE 104

SAN ANTONIO , TEXAS 78205

FAX TRANSMISSION COVER SHEET

DATE: 1llJr (14

THJSFA~JSBEINGSENTBY: 15l1K1t,1 ~ld.~--:-_____

DEPARTMENT:~~

PHONE:J,'D-85~-U-41 FAX#: ~/D-3S5....z''t1

THIS FAX IS DIRECTED TO: jrrv VAld.t. Z"----__

.. -_

LOCATIONIDEPARTMENT: _ _ _ _ _ _._ _ __ _

PHONE#:

------------------- FAX#-: J,ID-~t(- POll

TOTAL NUMBER OF PAGES INCLUDING COVER SHEE;::::......,

INiU --

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: 11#0CIttd ~+I1t. Il~ -If>r appu..l.

~r ~O~])C,ao~

CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE

THIS COMMUNICATION IS INTENDED FOR THE SOLE USE OF THE INVIDUAL TO WHOM

IT IS DIRECTED ANn MAY CONtAIN INFORMATION THAT IS PRIVILEGED,

CONFIDENTIAL AND EXEMPT FROM DISCLOSURE UNDER APPLICA.BC~ LAW. IF THE

READER OF THIS COMMUNICATION IS NOT TilE lNTRNDED RECIPIENT, YOU ARE

HEREBY NOTIFIED TRA T ANY DISSEMlNAnON, DISTRiBUTION; OR COPYING OF THIS

COMMUNICATION MAY BE STRICTLY PROHmITED. 1.1." YOU HAVE RECEIVED TIns

COMMUNICATION IN ERROR. PLEASE NOTJF.Y THE SENDER IMMEDlATELY BY

T.ELEPHONE CALL AND RETURN COMMUNICAnON TO THE ADDRESS A60VE VIA THE

UNITED STATF.-S POSTAL SERVICE.

INDEX

CAPTION ...... -- 6

DOCKET SHEET ----------------...... 7-38

APPLICATON FOR PROBATE OF WILL AND

ISSUANCE OF LETTERS TESTAMENTARY (FILED

10-10-2008) ------.. -........................ 39-44

SECOND AMENDED APPLICATION TO PROBATE

1997 WILL (FILED 11 ..16..2010) --------------- 45-53

MOTION FOR COURT TO SPECIFY GROUNDS

FOR CLAIMING THAT JERRY VALDEZ IS

UNSUITABLE FOR APPOINTMENT AS

INDEPENDENT EXECUTOR (FILED 11·16..2010) .....

54-57

LETTER FROM JUDGE HUTCHISON TO

ARMANDO TREVINO (FILED 12 .. 3-2010) ........... - 58·59

OBJECTION TO COURT'S FINDING OF

UNSUITABILITY (FILED 12-15-2010) --------- 60 .. 64

MEMORANDUM OF PERSONAL

REPRESENTATIVE (FILED 06-20-2011) ---.. ---.... -- 65·

66

DEFENDANT'S ORIGINAL ANSWER (FILED 06-24-

2011) -----------------.. -- 67·68

AMENDED OPPOSITION AND CONTEST TO

PROBATE OF PURPORTED WILL AND

APPLICATION TO APPOINT INDEPENDENT

EXECUTOR (FILED 02·03·2012) ......-------------- 69-71

ORDER PURSUANT TO RULE 39, TEXAS RULES

OF CIVIL PROCEDURE (FILED 02·07-2012) ...... -.............

.... --- 72

ORIGINAL ANSWER TO BRUCE ROBERTSON'S

AMENDED OPPOSITION TO PROBATE OF

PURPORTED WILL AND TO APPOINT

INDEPENDENT EXECUTOR (FILED 04·13·2012) •••••

.................. --- 73 .. 75

FINAL JUDGMENT IN BRUCE ROBERTSON'S

CLAIM FOR ATTORNEY'S FEES (FILED 06·19·

2012)---------------------- 76 .. 77

JERRY VALDEZ'S OBJECTIONS TO ORDER THAT

HE JOIN ALL THE CHILDREN OF MARTHA JANE

VALDEZ (FILED 06 .. 20-2011) ....... -..... ------- 78-87

AMENDED OPPOSITION AND CONTEST TO

PROBATE OF PURPORTED WILL AND

APPLICATION TO APPOINT INDEPENDENT

EXECUTOR (FILED 07-11-2013) ----------............ 88-90

CONTESTANT'S AMENDED RESPONSE TO

PROPONENT'S FIRST AMENDED MOTION FOR

SUMMARY JUDGMENT AND REQUEST FOR

ATTORNEY'S FEES (FILED 07-11-2013) ............. ---

91 .. 118

MOTION TO RECUSE (FILED 07 ..31-2013) -------------

119 .. 127

ORDER DECLINING MOTION TO RECUSE AND

ORDER OF REFERRAL REQUESTING

ASSIGNMENT OF A JUDGE TO HEAR THE

MOTION TO RECUSE JUDGE JOHN A.

HUTCHISON, III (FILED 08 ..23-2013) ---------------128

TRAVERSE 1'0 THE RESPONSE TO THE

RECUSAL MOTION (FILED 08-28-2013) -----------

129-133

ORDER DENYING MOTION TO RECUSE (FILED

09-03-2013) -------------------- 134-135

ORDER REQUIRlNG JOINDER OF THE HEIRS OF

THE DECEDENT AS PARTIES TO THIS CAUSE

(FILED 09 .. 12.. 2013) ....................... 136·137

ORDER OVERRULING JERRY VALDEZ' FIRST

AMENDED MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUD.G MENT .

AND REQUEST FOR ATTORNEY'S FEES (FILED

09-12-2013) -------------.. -.. -............ 138·139

MOTION TO SET ASIDE ORDER THAT DENIED

THE RECUSAL MOTION WITHOUT A HEARING

(FILED 09-18-2013) ....... -------.. ---- 140·146

APPLICATOIN FOR HEARINGS AND RULINGS ON

UNHEARD MOTION AND MOTION FOR

SANCTIONS PURSUANT TO RULE 13, TEX. R. elv.

PROC. AND CHAPTER 10 OF THE CIVIL

PRACTICES AND REMEDIES CODE (FILED 09 .. 18..

2013) .... ........ '""'---------- 147-151

MOTION TO SET ASIDE SEPTEMBER 9,2013,

ORDER (FILED 09-27-2013) ...... -...... -.. -----.. - 152-154

NOTICE OF APPEAL (FILED 12-13-2013) ------.... ---.. -

155-157

DESIGNATION OF CLERK'S RECORD (FILED 12-

13-2013) ---------------- 158-160

PREPARATIONS OF REPORTER'S RECORD

(FILED 01-17-2014) ------------------ 161-162

BILL OF COST-.. --............ 163

CERTIFICATE ---.. ---- 164

CLERK'S RECORD

VOLUME! OF1

Trial Court Case No. 2008PC3026

In the Probate Court No. 1

Of Bexar County, Texas,

Honorable, POLLY JACKSON SPENCER, Judge Presiding

IN THE ESTATE OF

MARTHA JANE VALDEZ

DECEASED

JERRY VALDEZ Vp ,RUCE ROBERTSON

Appealed to the

Court of Appeals for ~ District of Texas at Houston, Texas

Attorney for Appellee (s):

Name: ARMANDO TREVINO

Address: 1519 WASHINGTON SUITE 1

LAREDO, TX 78040

Telephone No. (956)726-1638

Email: armando.trevino@hotmail.com

Attorney for: JERRY VALDEZ

Delive~C(a l\Qf ~he Court of Appeals for the ~ District of Texas, at Houston, Texas

",\

\,\ .h "' f, " , on the 17TH day of September, 2014.

, ..-.. .J

, ... A(" • ••• • ••• • " •

..... ~ #, .#.. • ""

: t. ... C

:- ~'\) .. ' ,f! "'.I..,. . . . ,. GERARD RICKHOFF

... ..~. . ~ ...

:;-

: .; : \. ',,- I _ / -: -

. =. : ¥' ,,/' 'i"~

~ ~: ~ -..

, . ,.

.

);: ._. \ 4

\, ....

, " (

j.

Appellate Court Cause No, 0l-14-000563-CV

Filed in the Court of Appeals for the ~ District of Texas, at Houston, Texas

this 17th day of September, 2014.

_ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _, Clerk

By _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _-', Deputy

1

lUN DATE: Ot/111201~ a.Mar Count~ C.ntraliz.d Docket Syst •• PI: 1 PGJ1a Dl(a~'ODP

RUN liME. 15:SS:.~ JCL: liP PROD

-DOCKET INfORMATIDN"

CAUSE NUH: 2008PC3D2.

DATE FILED: 10/10/2001 COURT: 001 UNP"! D IALANCE; 0.00

TYPE OF DOCKET. CONTEST

···SlYLE"··

MARTHA JIIHE VALDEZ. DECEASED

VS

ACCESS: 0 STATUS. PENDING DATE OF DEATH : 09lS0/2. . 1

·LJTIGA~ INFORMATION-

SEQ LAST 'FIRST 'HIDDLE NAME LIT. TYPE/ATTORNEY DATE

onll VALDEZ MARTHA J4NE DECEASED 10/10/2001

01012 VALDEZ JERRY OTHER 10/1012008

00011 TREIiINO II. ARH.<INDO

0"15 HELLO DOROTHY H. OTHER 10/10/2008

00004 R08ERTSON. BRUCE JR. OTHER 05/17/2010

OOOOS ROGERS MARCUS P. ADMINISTRATRIX 01118/2011

00005 ROGERS. MARCUS

DODO. SHITH GUIILDI HE OTHER 0612712012

OOD01 TREVINO II. ARMANDO

-SERVICES INFORMATION"

SEO SERVICE TYPE I DAlES DIST LI TI GANT NAME

00001 NOT IAPPLN FOR PRDMTE WII 117 VALDEZ MARlHA

ISS: 1011412008 REC: 10/14/2008 EME. 10/1412008 RET: 1011012008

OOIDS PERS CIT BV PIIT SRV HELLO DOROTHY

ISS: 1011412108 REC. EME : RET:

00004 AOVERSE CIT "11 ON BV PRIVA 182 ROBERlSOH. JR. MUCE

ISS: 0511212110 REC: 05/1312010 EME: 05/1712010 RET: 05/18/2t10

00005 NOT/APPLN fOR PRDaAlE Mil VALDEZ JERRY

ISS: n/lS/2010 REC: "II ~/201 0 fiXE: 0911512010 RET: 091131201 0

~ODO. LETTERS OF TEMPORARV ADMI ROGERS HAIICUS

ISS: D! 11812011 REC: EME: RET:

00007 NOliCE OF FILING OF CLAIM 5 VALDEZ MARTHA

ISS: 0"0912011 REC: EME: RET:

DO008 NOTICE OF FINAL ACCOUNT I •• VALDEZ MARTHA

ISS: 0912"2011 REC: 0912312011 EME: .,/2512011 RET : 0.123/2011

0000' NOTI CE TO APPT T£HP ADMIN I •• SHITH GERALOI WE

ISS: 08/0912012 REC: 06/09/2012 Of, 0810912012 RET; 08/"12112

2

RUH DATE, 09/17/2114 8.,..r C•• nty C.ntraliZl4 Oook,t Syato. Pt: 2 POll: 004tDOP

~LJII TIlE: 15:53 : '3 JCll SPPROO

.... TTORNEV INFORMATION·

SEQ DATE FilED aAlt NeR. NAME STATUS DATE

.0001 10/10/2006 20211100 TREVINO II , ARMAHDO SELECTED 1111"2008

. . . . , 01116/2011 17179700 ROGERS, MARCUS P SELECTED "/09/2011

'PROCEEDING INFORMATION.

SEQ DATE FILED VOlUI1E PADE PADE COUNT

00001 10/10I2,oa OUO 000'

ooooz

DESC: APPL. FOR PRDSATE WILL

10/10/210a

DESC: WILL

oa .. .... 0012

DATED 12128/88

oooos 10/10/2008 OH8 0010

DESC: WILL

DATED 2/22197

DOID(j 10/10/200a 08U 0001

DESC :

ARMANDO TREVINO LEnu IN REGARD TO

"PPl TO PROIIATE WILL

... 16 10/10lzooa 06a oua 0001

DESC : REQUES! FOR

PVT PROCESS PER$ CIT"TlON

OU07 10/1"2006 oea 0731 . . II

DESC: NOTICE OF APPl PRDIIATE MILL

.... a I 0/2~/2tDa oel • 6581

DESC: CONTEST

DPPOSITION AND CONTEST TO PROSATE OF TWO

PURPORTED WILLS AND "PPlICATION TO

PROIAlE lULLS

00'" 11/1'/2111 oal7 DOD2

DEse : JURV DEtoIANIl

00010 11/I'1200a 0617 7650 oooa

OESC :

ORIOINAl RESPONSE TO OPPOSITION TO

PRDSATE WillS AND PROPONENT'S MOTION

FOR SAHCTI ONS

IDOl I 11/1"2006 oel7 ODOS

DESC :

SPECIAL EXCEPTION TO OPPOSITION AND

CONTEST 10 PRoe"TE OF TWO PURPORTED

WillS AND APPLICATION 10 PROIAlE WILLS

oeOl3 12/0'/2"8 oel8 7711 '002

DESC: ..allON TO

SET WilL CONTEST fOR TRIAL IIY JURY

. . 115 12"81200• 0818 ,32S 0090

DESC : MOTION TO

SET RECUSE OR DI SQU"LI FV

.1017 12/1G/2'0e 08n 0005

DESC : MOT! ON TO

3

RUN DATE: 09/1112014 Boxor Co.ntll C.ntrallzed Dock.t SlIet •• PI: 3 PGM: 011.14900'

RUN 111£, 15,53:43 JCl. SPPROD

COMPEL AND FOIl SANCTI OIlS

0001 , 1211 "200a oe\9 .211 0002

DElIC ;

ADVISORY TO TIlE COURT

00179 12130/20111 oal9 "as D002

DESC: REQUEST FOR

A DECISION 011 HOTION TO RECUSE

00022 01/U/20n 0901 7900 0002

DESC: COURT CORRESPONDENCE

FROM STII<TUTOIIY PROBATE COURTS

TO aOTH COUNTY PROlATE JUDGES

OD023 01/20/2009 Otol 9317 0012

DESC: COURT CORRESPONDENCE

TO MR, RICKHOFF FROM ARMANDO TREVINO

ABOUT HIS FILING EUOII

0311 0/200' 090' 0013

DESC: HOT! 011 TO

COMPEL II<ND FOR SANCTIONS

•• 025 0311 0/2.09

"7' 0001

DESC: NOTICE Of' IlE"RING Of'

HOTIOII TO COMPEL AND FOR SANCTIONS

00027 05124/2009 0002

DESC: ANSWER

TO MOll ON TO COMPEL ~ FOIl SANCTIONS

II<ND HOTION TO SANCTION ARMANDO TREVINO

AHD JERRV Vf.lDE2 FOR DISCOVERY A&USE

010211 03/24/2.09 OOt. 0000 0000

DESC: I£_~UM

BRIEF IN SUPPORT OF HOlI ON TO COMPEL

01033 04/0112009 2020 "22 0003

DESC: HOllON FOR

COIlT I NUANCE

00030 04120/2009 20\9 lIa&9 0004

DESC: MOTION FOIl

COIlTI NUANCE

unl 04/2112019 202' 451e 0003

DESC: MOT ION TO

COMPEL cDNlE·STI<NT TO AUSHEIl DISCOVER"

REQUESTs(FIRST N1EHDED)

oooss 0412712009 2020 0003

DESC: RESPONSE

TO CONTESTANT'S MOTION TO COMPEL

AMSIERS TO REQUESTS FOIl DISCLOSURE II<ND

COUNTER -MOll ON FOR SANClI ON,

D'/2112004) 2020 1003

DESC : OaJECT! ON

Of' PROPONENT TO CONTESTANT'S RESPONSE

TO REQUESTS FOR DISCLOSURE II<ND

PROPONENT'S HOT! ON TO COMPEL

05/2712009 2021 "91 00011

08051

DESC: OBJEClI ON

TO ORDER REGARDING MAV " 2009, HEARING

4

RUN DATE : 0"1112114 a •• lr County Centralized Docket SY5t •• P, : 4 PGM: DKB4,.DP

RUN TIME: IS:S5:~~ JCl I S,pROD

AND COUNTER-MOTlO!< FOIl SANCTIONS

01039 0512112019 2021 Hel 0005

DESC : MOTION TO

ENTER OIIOER GRANT I NO SANCl! ONS

00042 0"04/2009 2022 4125 0002

DE5C :

ADVISORV TO THE COURT REGAIIDING

CONTESTANT'S PLEADING FOR ATTORNEV'S

FEES

0"U/20n 2025 U19 0002

DESC : MOTI OW TO

RESCHEDULE ORAL DEPOSITIOW

00045 0712712009 ~'51 0005

DESC : REQUEST FOR

FINDINGS OF FACT SUPPORTING 1"'OSITlON

Of MONETARV SANCTIONS A(\j\I~T JERRV

VALDEZ FOR PLEADINGS SIGNED ONLV !IV HIS

AnORNEV - JERRV VALDEZ

0.... 07/211/2009 2025 S55~ 0002

DESC: MOTION TO

SET MILL CONTEST FOR lRlAL IIV JURV

0".' 0712612009 2025 55" OO~2

DESC : MOll ON TO COMPEL

ANO TO I"PDSE SANClIONS CPROPONEN'T'S I

00049 07/26/20Ot 2025 5"9 0015

DESC : MOTION FOR

RU LE I " CONFERENCE (PROPONENTS)

00051 07/28/2009 2025 5U3 0011

DESC : DIIJECT I ()tj

TO AFFIDAVITS Of' ANGIE CONTRERAS AND Of'

STELLA PENA

"'55 011/05/2." 212. 0.. 5 0010

OESC: MOTI ON FOR PROTECTIVE ORDER

AND OJIIECTION TO CERTAIN AFFIDAVITS -

PROPONENT 'S

00055 01111312009 20U 0002

DESC : OB J ECT! ON

TO J ERRV VALDEZ ' REQUEST FOR FINDING Of'

FACT SUPPQRllNG I"POSITION Of' MONETAIIV

SANCTIONS AGAINST J ERRV VALDEZ FOR

PLEADINGS SI_O ONLV !IV HIS ATTORNEV

OOOSl 06/1512009 202. ~2"58 0005

DESC : OPPOSITION

AND CONTEST TO PROBATE Of' TWO PURPOII TED

WIL LS AND APPl TO PRO!lATE WILLS

( F IRST AHENDED l

00051 09l2~ / 20" 202& 55U 0010

OESC : MOTION TO COMPEL

AND FOR SANCTIONS ( FILED !IV DOROTHY

MELLO)

0105. 1O/0I/20Ot 2028 "'5 0005

DESC : Oa..JECTlON

5

RUN DATE: 0911712014 I . .or Co.ntlo' Cantro1l21d Doctat S),ot .., Pa: S PGI1 : DKB4toOP

RUN TIME: IS.S5 : '4 .JCL: SPPROD

OF DOItOTHY MELLO TO .JERRV VALDEZ' MOTION

10 COIIPEL AND TO I HPOSE SANCli ONS ANII

FOR RULE I " COIoFERENCE AND TO SET .JURV

.J URY TRIAL AND O&JECliONS TO AFFIDAVITS

OF f.NCIlE CONTRERAS AND STELLA PE ......

00060 100nnoO! 2nD 1217 0003

DESC:IIOTIONFOR

RilLE I " COWFERENCE (PROPONENT ' $'

000.1 10/2512009 2030 1220 ODOZ

DESC . MOTION TO

II1PO$£ SANTIONS ON CONTESTIoNT'S

AHORNEY FOR DISOBEVING JUNE 2, 2009

lOon 1012"2009 2030 1225 0002

DESC: REOUEST FOR

NEARING OF CERTAIN MOliONS FILED BV

PROPONENT JERRV VALDEZ

oo .. s 1110912009 2031 10&7 0002

DESC: HOllON TO

PROPONENT'S DROP NOVEHaER 10, 20n

SETTING OF CERTAIN MOTIONS

OOGH 11/09/2109 2031 loa. oaoz

DESC : RESPONSE

.JERRV VALDEZ'S 1lER1FlED TO MOTION TO

COHPEL AND FOR SANC Tl OIlS

OOOH 11/25120" 2031 0002

DESC: MOTIDII TO

REFER WI LL CONTEST TO ARBITRATION OR

MEDIATION

ooou 12129121., 20n ,ass 0003

DESC :

TRAVERSE TO WI LL CONTEST

00070 1212912009 aou

DESC , MOTI ON FOR

PARTIAL SUMMARV .J UDClMENl IN WILL CONTEST

(PROPONENT '5)

00071 12129/2009 2033 4878 Oloa

DESC :

OHtallS TO MOTION FOR PARTIAL SUMMARV

JUDGMENT FILED &V PROPONENT JERRV

VALDEZ

OOOlS 1215012009 20n UOS toa2

DESC :

LEnER FA ARHANDO TREVINO TO JUDGE

SPENCER

00072 01lOV20U 0003

DESC: CONTEST

SECOND AMENDED OPPOSITION AND CONTEST TO

PROlATE OF TWO PURPORTED WILLS AND .PPL

TO PROBATE WILLS

00074 0111412010 2154 1927

DESC : RESPONSE

DOROTHY MELLO'S TO PROPONENT'S HOTiON

6

RUN DATE: '911112014 autr C•• nw C.ntrllUld Do.klt Sysu. P I : ' POI1: !Jt(a4toop

RUN TIlE. 15.53:44 JCL : $PPROO

FOR PARTIAL SU_V JUDGIENT IN WILL

COf(IEST

10075 .1/211211' 61 0' 00"

DESC:

JERRV VALDEZ'S REPLY TO DOROTHY H.

HEUO'S REPONSE TO PROPONENT'S MOTION

FOR PARTIAL SU_Y JUDGHE..T IN MILL

CONTEST

,"2l12"0 2034 un DD.2

DESC: REOUEST FOR

FINOI>IO OF FACT AND CONCLUSIONS OF LAN

00071 01/27/2010 2OS4 9399 00.2

DESC : COURT CORRESPONDEI4C£

TO HR. aRUCE ROBERTSON. JR. AND HR.

ARHANDO TREVIIIO FROM HIt. DAVID aREM

(RE. MOlION FOR PARliAL SU_Vl

ODOH 02/11/2.10 20SS 0595 0009

DESC: MOTION TO

IN LIMINE FI LED ay JERRY VALDEZ

.0011 0211112010 2OS5 aD2' 0006

DESC: CHARGE OF COURT

0.017 .21111201. 2.:" ailS ODIe

DESC :

PROPONENT'S REQUESTED JURY OUESTIONS.

I NSTRUCTI ONS AND DEFINITIONS

00086 02/111201 • 2'3' lUI 0106

DESC: MOTION FOR

PROPONENT'S INSTRUCTED VEROICT

OU82 02/22/211 0 20Sl 334. .0Ol

DESC: MOTION TO

ENTER JUDGHENT

00064 02124120 •• ZOS' 4470 ODO",

DESC: MOTION TO

TRANSFER CLAIM FOR ATTORNEY'S FEES AND

EXPENSES FROM PRoeATE COURT NUHIIER TIfO

TO PRoalHE COUR 1 NUMBER ONE

0I06S 03102/201 0 U3. 7210 0002

DESC: OeJECTlON

PRO~NTS TO ENTRY OF JUDGHENT

• 0066 .3102/201 • zos. 72Z1 000'

DESC: SUPPLEMENTAL

MOTION TO TRANSFER AND REQUEST FOR

WRITTEN RULING

.006' 05/.212010 2.U 8137 0003

DESC. AFFIDAVIT

OF JERRY VALDEZ

.3/31/201 • 2UlI 76Z5 .OZ,

'"" DESC: MOTION FOR

JUDGIIENT NON OISTANTE VEREDICTO

O.Dtl OS/3112010 2OS8 7851 0012

DESC : MOnON FOR

NEN TRIAL (PROPONE"T'S)

7

RUN DATE : n/17l201~ e... r Count\' C.ntrali2ld Docket Sy.to .. PI' 1 PGI4 : D04"OP

RUN TIME : 15 : 55 : 4' J CL : SPPROD

00." 151071201 0 2041 .a2' ooos

lIEse : HOllOW TO

AD\IANCE HEAR I Nri DATE OF HOT! OW FOI! HEll

TRIAL

00.,5 0510112111 Z041 111'11 0011

lIEse : OIUOINAL PETlTlOW

TO RESCUI1l UNllRITTEN COWTRACTS FOI!

E~CESSIVE, UNCOWSCIC»/AILE ATTV'S FEES

. . 162 0511 l/20 II 00D2

IlESC :

DOROTHV MELLO'S ANSIIER TO PROPDHENT'S

HOllOW FOIl NEil lAlAL

000 . . D5/1912110 2042 0001

lIESC : DEFENDANT'S

OIlIGlNAL ANSNEI!-IRUCE ROIlERTSOW J R.

DO.,7 05/2012011 2142 0101

lIESC : PfRSOWAL CITATION

aRUCE ROIEI!TSON JR. SfRV'D 0511112010

000" 05/2/1/211D 2042 'U2 0002

IlESC : NOTICE

OF APPEAL

01100 05/Z.,2011 2042 "2~ 0002

OESe:

LETTER FROM ARHANDO TREVI NO TO KEITH E .

HOTT LE

olin 0'" 0/211 0 Don

IIESC: HOllOW Til

DISMISS ifill CDWTEST

00101 06/1 I 1201 0 2045 !tlD 0001

DESC : PRDOf' OF SERVICE CERTIFIED HAl

001 O! 0611112010 2D~3 1IO!1 0001

OESC : COURT COIlRESPONDENCE

FROM FOURTH COURT OF APPEALS

OOlH . . 111112010 2045 IOSI oon

lIESC:

"PPELLANT' S HOTI OW TO AlATE APPEAL

00105 06l24n010 2044 0551 OOD I

IIESC : COURl COIlRESPONDENCE

FRo.! THE COURT OF APPEALS

001 O' 06124/201 D 2044 D719 DOOI

DESC : COURT COI!RESPONDENCE

FROM COUR T OF "PEALS

nl17 "/2S/21 1 0 2144 126S DDOI

IlESC : COURT CORR.ESPONDENCE

FROM FOURTH COURT OF APPEALS

"Ioe .. , ,,nOl 0 204 • 4S96 0003

OESe : HOTIOW TO

SEVER

011., / 20 10 2144 9411 0001

001 "

IlESC:

COURT OF APPEALS

DtllI 01112 / 20 10 2D45 069S 0005

OESe :

8

RUN DATE: U/17/201' lIoxer County Centralized Docklt Svst . . Pt: II PGH: DltIl4900P

RUN TlI£: 15:S3:~' JCl: SPPAOD

LEnER FR JUDGE GUY HERMAN TO JUDGE

SPENCER-RE: APPOINTIlETN OF STATUTORY

PROBATE JUDGE

01112 0711212010 20'5 1446 0002

DElIC: COUll" CORRESPONDENCE

FROM FOURTH COURT OF APPEALS

DOllS 0711912010 2045 5005 oODI

DESC: APPEAL

APPELlAIIT'S REQUEST FOR CLARIFICATION

DR MODIFICATION OF 07/3012010

DOllS 071"/2010 2045 505' 0001

DESCI COU!lT CORIIESPDNO£NCE

FROII COURT OF A"EALS

00116 07/301201 0 2U, 0764 0003

DE$C: HOTION TO

DRDER NUNC PRO TUNC

00117 0./0212011 204' 1"2 DOl'

DESC: AlENDEO

FIRST PETITION TO RESCIND UWWRITlEN

CONTRACT FOR EXCESS I VE, UNCONSC 1 DNAIIl E

ATTORNEY' $ FEES

Dill. 0811212010 20" .7l' 0002

DESC: MANDATE

lOll' 0910312011 204' 1521 0 . .5

DESC: MOTlDN FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT

OF DEFENDANT IIRUCE ROIIERTSON, JR.

00122 0911 01201 0 2". UOI 0020

DESC:

ADVISORY TO TtE COURT

0015

00124 0911 0/201 0

DESC: MOTION FOR

2041

""

JERRV VALDEZ REOUESTING BRUCE ROIlERTSDN.

JII. TO SHOW AUTHDRTTY TO ACT

00125 ot/lSl2olo OOQl

DESC I NOTICE OF APPl PROSATE Will

FIRST AlEI/DED

OOlU a"l S/ZDlI 204.

DESC: AlENDED APPlN FDR PROeATE WIll

FIRST

00126 0911"2010 a530 0002

DESCt

lETTER TO BEXAII COUNTY CLERk FOR TtE

HONORABLE JOHN A. HUTCHISON, III

01127 &5S2 0002

OESC I MOTlDN TO WITHDRAW AS ATTORNEV

(BRUCE R. ROBERTSON. JR.l

nl21 0912012010 20" 0.,7 OOOS

OESC: REQUEST FOR

A tEARING ON PRE-TRIAL MOTIONS

"/2012110 20" 0 •• 0 ODD~

Ofl2'

DE$C: HOT I 011 FOR

RULE U' CONFERENCE

9

RUII DATE: 09f17l20U 1I ••• r Count~ C.nt .... llzod Do.k.t S"'. . . . PI : ' POll: 01(8000'

RUII TIME: 15:M : ~~ JCL: SPPROD

tol50 n/241201D 20"

"I' 0001

DESC : NOTICE

OF SUIIMISSION

10151 1010512010 2'" 92" 0002

DESC: HOllON TO

REQUIRE COURT REPORTER TO RECORD ALL

PROCEEDI NOS

00132 10105/2010 214' '2" 0004

DESC : HOTION FOR

COURT TO TAKE J UDICIAL NOTICE OF

MANDATE ISSUED IN ifill CONTEST

. . 134 1010712010 2050 use 0002

DESC : AFFIDAVIT

TO SERVE ON J UDICIAL ASSIGNMENT

00135 1110712010 2050 0640 0003

DESC : PlAI NTI FF' S

VERIFIED NOTION FOR CONlINU~E

1010712110 2050 0001

DESC,

DOCKET SHEET ON MINUTE ORDER 2010-00

00137 11/01/2010 2051 0002

DESC:

LETTER TO MS . lEE FRDM ARMANDO TREVINO

oOl3e 11/01/2010 2051 0002

DESC : NOli CE

OF IIoITENT TO RE - FllE NOTIONS FILED

DURIIoIG THE PERIOD SEPTEHllERI. 2010

l'HROUOH OCTOBER 4, 2010

0013' 11101/2010 2051 3652 0003

DESC : HOTION TO

SET A PROMPT HEARIIoIG ON APPLICATION TO

PROBATE ifILL AND TO APPOINT AN

I _PENDENT EXECUTOR

DOUO 11101/2010 2051 0059

DESC : HOlIONFOII

NEIf TRIAL

00141 11101/201. 2051 0002

DESC:

LETTER TO HR. lEE FRDM ARMANDO TREVINO

00142 1111612010 2052 211a 0.02

DESC: PLAINTIFFtS

FIRST SUPPLEMENT TO HIS HOllON FOIl NEW

TRIAL

DOlO 1111 "201 0 20sa 2120 0001

DESC :

LEllERS FRDM ARMANDO TREVI NO

00144 11/1l/2010 2052 2121 un

DESC : AMENDED

APPlICAlION TO PRO.... TE 1,,7 WILL SECOND

00145 1111'/2010 2052 2130 IDOl

DESC :

LETTER TO JUDGE HUTCH I SION

10

RUN DATE, 09/1712014 a. •• r Count)' C.ntraUzed Doc~.t Syst ... P,: 11 PGM: DlCB470"

RUN liME: 15:53:~~ JCL: SPPROD

1111'12'10 2052 2131 0002

DESC : MOll ON TO

ENTER ORDER DENVIIIO MOll ON FOR

COWT I NUANCE

0.147 11/1"201 0 2052 0002

DESC :

lEllER FROM AAHANDO TREVINO

001411 1111612010 2052 2135 0001

DESC:

LEllER TO MS. LEE

1111 612010 2052 0004

DESC : MOTION FOR

COURT TO SPECIFV GROUNDS FOR CLAIMING

THAT JERRV VALDEZ IS UNSUITABLE FOR

APPOINTMENT AS INDEPENDENT EKECUTOR

00150 I2IU/21l0 2052 0002

DESC:

LETTER HON JOHN A. HUTCHISON III TO

AAHANOO TREVINO III

00151 12/10/2UO 205S 4510

DESC: ANSWER

TO AND HOllOWS TO STRIKE FIRST AMENDED

APPL. TO PROBATE WI LL. TO DENY APPT. OF

JERRV VALDEZ AS I NDEP. EXECUTOR. TO

ENTER FINAL JUDOI1EIIT DENYIOIG PROIIATE OF

THE I,all AND 1"7 WILLS, AND APPL. FOR

"PPT . OF TEMP. 4OMINlSTR"TOR

00152 12/15/2010 2053 .. 70 0005

DESC : OIlJEClI ON

TO COURT'S FINDllIO OF UNSUITABILlTV

00155 12/15/2010 2055 .. 75 OODS

DESC: APPL. FOR PROlATE WI LL

ROBERTSOW'S LACK OF ST AWDI NO

0.155 12/15/201. 2051 U79 0001

DESC : CERT I F I CATE

OF REGISTRATIOW

. . 157 12/2912110 2054 4107 0002

DESC: REOUEST FOR

PREPAAE THE REPORTER ' S RECORD

00151 1212912110 2.54 43" 0002

DESC : NOTICE

OF APPEAL

to15' 1212"2010 2.54 4511 0002

oliSe; REQUEST FOR

PREPAAE CLERK '$ RECORD

.flU 12/2912.10 2.S4 4S!5 0002

DESC. WOTiCE

OF APPEAL

.0161 12/3012' I' 2054 4"11 0001

DESC :

LETTER FROM COURT OF APPEALS

OOIU 01/111/2011 2055 '1147 0001

DESe: OATH

11

RUN DATE : 1'/11/201' ae •• r C."nt~ Cent r alized Docket Syst •• PI ; 1 1 PGM : DK&"OO'

RUN TIME: 15:53 : " J Cl: $PPIIOD

MARC U$ P . RDGEU

01/111/2011 2055 0002

DESC : IIOIi!)

OOUS 01/2112011 20SS 0005

DESC : CONTEST

OBJ ECT! ON TO ORDER "PPOI NT I NG TE"PORAAY

A~INISTRATOR OR PENDING CONTEST OF "Ill

001 .. 01/20 / 2011 2055 0002

DESC :

lETTER TO J UDGE HUTCHISON FilCH ARI1AHDO

TleVlNO

DOU7 0112012011 2055 37" oou

DESC :

LETR TO ~ III CItHOFF FRCH AR~NDO TREVINO

OOIU 01120/2011 2055 Don

DESC :

lETa TO COUNTV CLERK FilCH AIIIW«lO

TREVINO

DOln DIt2I/Z0l 1 2055 0002

DESC :

l ETR TO JUDGE HUTCHI NSON III FROI1

ARI1AHDO TREVI NO

00170 01/21/2011 2055 4901 0002

DESC:

LETR TO JUDGE HUTCHINSON III FROI1

_ TREVINO

00171 01 121 I2UI 2055 4903 0004

DESC : HOTiON TO

SHOt! AUTHORITY

00172 01 / 21/2 .. 1 2055 4907 0017

OESe . OBJECT! ON

TO IIRUeE ROBERTsON JR, APPEARANCE IN

PERSON AND BV ATTORHEV

oDIn 01121120 11 20SS

DESC : OeJECT! ON

TO JANUARY 4 , 2011 ORDER THAT APPOINTEO

A TEHPORARY AONINISTRATOR "ND 10 THE

POIIERS A"ARDED TO THE TE"PORARY

AONINISTRATOR

00\" 01/211/20 11 2056 0145 0003

DESC : HOTiON TO

AllEGED WilL CONTEST FOR HEARING

00175 01 / 2.I2UI 01411 0102

DESC : COURT CORRESPONDENCE

TO; JUOGE HUTCHISON FROM AAHANDO TREVINO

COPY OF A NOli ON TO SET HEAA I NG

oOla 01/211/2011 0150 0002

DESC : COURT CORRESPONDENCE

TO JUDGE HUTCH I SON FR: AR~NOO TREVINO

APPl I CANT' S OIlJ ECTION TO ORDER APPOI NT -

I NO TEHPORARV AONI NI STU TOR

00171 0 1/ 211/20 11 2056 0152 0003

DESC : OIlJ ECT I ON

12

RUN DATE: D'1l7/2"~ a'.lr CO\lntv Centr.112ed Docket Svstlll p. ; 12 PGH: Dt(a4'OOP

RUlI TIME: 15:55:44 JCL: SPPROD

TO OROfR APPOINTI'4G TEM'ORARV 40111111ST-

RATOR PENDING CONTEST OF WILL

0017a DI/2I1nOII 0155 0002

DESC: eOUIIT CORRESPONDENCE

lO:JUDGE HUTCHISON Fit .ARMANDO lREVINO

001110 2057 112311 0002

DESC : COURT CORRESPONOENCE

FROM I,R_OO TREVINO TO JOI1N A.

HUTCHISON, III, STATUTORV PROBATE

JUDGE

IOlal 05/04lZQII 2057 0005

DESC :

APPLICANT'S COIIPLAINT REGARDING DUE

PROCESS VIOLATIONS IIV THE COURT

001112 03/04/2011 2057 11245 0002

DESC: COURT CORRESPONDENCE

FROM ARMANDO TREVINO TO JUDGE JOI1N A.

HUTCH I SON, III

001&3 O,,04/2UI 2.57 11247 000.

DESC: MOTION TO DISMISS

HILL CONTEST AND FOR SANCTIONS

0 .. a4 0"0I12t11 2059 a421 0002

DESe

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