# Pamela Mehl v. David Stern

> Texas Court of Appeals, 3rd District (Austin) · July 21, 2015

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/cases/4070441

## Case

- **Court:** Texas Court of Appeals, 3rd District (Austin)
- **Decided:** July 21, 2015
- **Precedential status:** Published
- **Opinion:** Opinion
- **Cited by:** 0 later opinions in the Frix Law Library

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## Opinion text

ACCEPTED
03-14-00697-CV
6167008
THIRD COURT OF APPEALS
AUSTIN, TEXAS
7/21/2015 11:17:34 PM
JEFFREY D. KYLE
CLERK
No. 03-14-00697-CV

FILED IN
3rd COURT OF APPEALS
In The Court of Appeals AUSTIN, TEXAS
For The Third Court of Appeals District 7/21/2015 11:17:34 PM
Austin, Texas JEFFREY D. KYLE
Clerk

PAMELA MEHL,
Appellant

v.

DAVID STERN,
Appellee

ON APPEAL FROM THE 250TH DISTRICT COURT
TRAVIS COUNTY, TEXAS
TRIAL COURT CAUSE NO. D-1-GN-14-002071

BRIEF OF APPELLEE DAVID STERN

Brent A. Devere (Lead Counsel)
Attorney at Law
SBN 00789256
1411 West Avenue, Suite #200
Austin, Texas 78701
Tel: 512-457-8080
Fax: 512-457-8060
Email: BDevere@1411west.com

Counsel for Appellee David Stern
TABLE OF CONTENTS

INDEX OF AUTHORITIES……………………………………....................iii-iv

STATEMENT OF THE CASE………………………………………………1

STATEMENT REGARDING ORAL ARGUMENT……………..................2

STATEMENT OF FACTS…………………………………………………..3-4

SUMMARY OF THE ARGUMENT……………………………..................5-6

ARGUMENT……………………………………………………...................6

A. The restricted appeal should be dismissed in light of the
fact that Mehl filed a motion for new trial
in the district court……………………………………………........6-8

B. Venue was established in Travis County as a matter of law
and therefore does not constitute error
apparent on the face of the record…………………………………8-9

C. Judgment for Rescission of the original conveyance
is not error………………………………………………………...9-12

D. Judgment for $20,000.00 damages is not error……………………12-13

E. Double recovery for rescission and damages is not error…………13-14

F. Judgment for attorneys’ fees is not error……………………….....14

G. Failure to join IndyMac is not error…………………………….....15

H. Three day notice required for receiver is not applicable…………..16

CONCLUSION AND PRAYER………………………………………….....17

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE………………………………………………19

i
APPENDIX

A. Judgment (CR. 15-26)……………………………………………TAB A

B. Motion for New Trial (CR. 32-33)……………………………….TAB B

ii
INDEX OF AUTHORITIES

CASES

Alexander v. Lynda’s Boutique,
134 S.W.3d 845(Tex. 2004)………………………………………………..6

Champion v. Estlow,
456 S.W.3d 363, 364 (Tex. App.—Austin 2015, pet. filed)……………….8

Cooper v. Hamilton County,
2014 Tex. App. LEXIS 1066 (Tex. App.—Waco Jan. 30, 2014,
pet. denied)………………………………………………………………....15

Glenn v. Lucas,
376 S.W.3d 268 (Tex. App.—Texarkana 2012, no pet.)……………..........11

Goldman v. Olmstead,
414 S.W.3d 346 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2013, pet. denied)………..................13

Grynberg v. Christiansen,
727 S.W.2d 665, (Tex. App.—Dallas 1987, no writ)……………………...15

McGoodwin v. McGoodwin,
671 S.W.2d 880 (Tex. 1984)……………………………………………….12

Scott v. Gallagher,
209 S.W.3d 262 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2006, no pet.)………….9

Scott v. Sebree,
986 S.W.2d 364 (Tex. App.—Austin 1999, pet. denied)………………......14

Scott v. Wichita County,
248 S.W.3d 324 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2007, no pet.)………….9

TAC v. Boothe,
94 S.W.3d 315 (Tex. App.—Austin 2002, no pet.)…………………….......6

Taylor v. State
293 S.W.3d 913 (Tex. App.—Austin 2009, no pet.)……………………….6

iii
Walton v. First Nat'l Bank of Trenton,
956 S.W.2d 647 (Tex. App.—Texarkana 1997, pet. denied)……………..11

RULES / STATUTES

Tex. R. App. P. 4.2(a)(1)…………………………………………………………7-8

Tex. R. Civ. P. 306(a)(4)………………………………………………………....7-8

Tex. R. Civ. P. 86(1)……………………………………………………………..8-9

Tex. R. Civ. P. 695……………………………………………………………….16

Tex. R. Civ. P. 39………………………………………………………………...15

Tex. Fam. Code Ann. §105.003…………………………………………………..6

iv
STATEMENT OF THE CASE

Nature of the Case: This case is a restricted appeal in connection with
a default judgment obtained by Appellee Stern.

Trial Judge: The Honorable Jon Wisser
250th Judicial District Court
of Travis County, Texas

Course of Proceedings: David Stern, Appellee, filed suit against Pamela
Mehl, Appellant, primarily to seek rescission of a
50% real estate property conveyance that was
originally made pursuant to a property settlement
agreement (CR 3-12).

Stern further sought monetary damages, and the
appointment of a receiver (CR 3-12). Stern’s
Original Petition was the live pleading in this case
(CR 3-12).

Mehl was properly served at the office of her
attorney (CR 13-14). Stern subsequently obtained
a default judgment against Mehl (CR 15-26).

Mehl filed a motion for new trial in the trial court
but failed to pursue said motion (CR 32-33).

Trial Court Disposition: The trial court granted a default judgment for Stern
(CR 15-26).

Mehl subsequently pursued this restricted appeal
notwithstanding the fact that she also filed a
motion for new trial in the trial court (CR 32-33
and CR 34-60).

1
STATEMENT REGARDING ORAL ARGUMENT

Stern does not seek oral argument in this appeal.

2
STATEMENT OF FACTS

Stern filed Plaintiff’s Original Petition in the Travis County District Court

on June 26, 2014 (CR 3-12). The primary basis of the lawsuit was to rescind a real

estate conveyance of Stern’s 50% interest to Mehl after Mehl defaulted on the

preexisting third party mortgage (CR 3-12). Stern primarily sought rescission of

the conveyance in his capacity as a creditor pursuant to a vendor’s lien as well as

under a breach of contract claim (CR 3-12). Stern further sought monetary

damages in connection with the arrears as well as damages to his credit (CR 3-12).

Finally, Stern sought the appointment of a receiver primarily to protect the

property from the underlying lienholder (CR 3-12).

On July 3, 2014, Stern served Mehl in person with a citation and a copy of

the lawsuit at the office of an attorney (CR 13-14). Moreover, the process server

filed an affidavit of service with the court on July 8, 2014 (CR 14).

Stern did not dispute that the subject real property is located in Williamson

County. However, Stern alleged several theories in Plaintiff’s Original Petition in

support of Travis County as the appropriate venue, and Stern incorporates

Plaintiff’s Original Petition in this regard (CR 3-12).

3
Mehl failed to timely file an answer in the lawsuit and further failed to

timely object to the venue of the lawsuit (CR 2).

On July 29, 2014, the Travis County District Court formally entered a

default judgment against Mehl in favor of Stern. For the purposes of brevity, Stern

incorporates the judgment of July 29, 2014 and all resulting relief (CR 15-26).

Stern filed supporting documents in support of the default judgment (CR 27-

29). Stern further filed an Affidavit of Attorney’s Fees (Supp. CR 15-17). Stern

also filed a Non-Military Affidavit and Certificate of Last Known Address (Supp.

CR 18-21 and Supp. CR 13-14).

On or about October 13, 2014 Mehl file a Motion for New Trial in Travis

County District Court (CR. 32-33). However, Mehl failed to pursue the matter.

On or about November 4, 2014, Mehl filed a restricted appeal in this cause

(CR. 34-60).

4
SUMMARY OF THE ARGUMENT

The fact that Mehl filed an arguable timely motion for new trial in the Travis

County District Court precludes her from also pursuing a restricted appeal (CR 32-

33). Mehl subsequently abandoned the motion for new trial instead of scheduling

it for a hearing with the trial court.

There is no error apparent on the face of the record in so much as 1) Mehl

has not alleged any defect whatsoever in the service of process, 2) Mehl waived

any challenge to venue and 3) all the relief in the judgment is supported by the

clerk’s record.

The clerk’s record contains considerable evidence in support of the

judgment, including a copy of the warranty deed which recites the obligations of

Mehl to assume the underlying mortgage on the subject property. There is further

written evidence of the many delinquent payments on the underlying mortgage by

Mehl, all of which support the rescission and damages that are the basis of the

judgment. Finally, the record contains an affidavit of attorneys’ fees.

5
Moreover, contrary to the assertions of Mehl, there is no requirement of a

reporter’s record in a no answer default judgment hearing (as opposed to a post

answer default hearing). Taylor v. State, 293 S.W.3d 913, 916 (Tex. App.—Austin

2009, no pet.). Furthermore, this case is not a family law case that might require a

reporter record under Tex. Fam. Code Ann. §105.003.

ARGUMENT

A. The restricted appeal should be dismissed in light of the fact that
Mehl filed a timely motion for new trial in the district court.

The requirements for a restricted appeal are the following: 1) A notice of

restricted appeal must be filed within six months after the judgment is signed; 2)

The notice is filed by a party to the lawsuit; 3) The party did not participate in the

hearing that resulted in the judgment complained of and the party did not file a

timely post-judgment motion or request for findings of fact and conclusions of

law; and 4) Error must be apparent on the face of the record. Alexander v. Lynda’s

Boutique, 134 S.W.3d 845, 848 (Tex. 2004) and TAC v. Boothe, 94 S.W.3d 315

(Tex. App.—Austin 2002, no pet.).

6
The record is clear that the trial court entered a default judgment on July 29,

2014 (CR 15-26). However, on October 13, 2014, Mehl filed a Motion for New

Trial in the trial court (CR 32-33).

Although the deadline for a motion for new trial is typically thirty days after

the entry of judgment, both Tex. R. App. P. 4.2(a)(1) and Tex. R. Civ. P. 306(a)(4)

extend the deadline for a motion for new trial if the defendant does not receive

actual or constructive notice of the judgment within twenty days of the entry of

judgment. Instead, under such circumstances the time period for the motion for

new trial deadline begins when the defendant first acquired actual knowledge of

the default judgment and not later than ninety days after entry of the judgment.

Mehl admits in Appellant’s Brief that she never received the notice of

judgment from the district clerk and that she first became aware of the default

judgment in October, 2014 (Appellants Brief, Page 11, paragraphs #13 and #14).

Therefore, by her own admission, the motion for new trial was timely filed

since it was filed on or about October 13, 2014, well within 30 days of when Mehl

supposedly first became aware of the judgment in October of 2014, and less than

90 days after the date of judgment (CR 32-33). Under such circumstances, Mehl’s

7
motion for a new trial was timely filed and she could have pursued relief from the

trial court under both Tex. R. App. P. 4.2(a)(1) and Tex. R. Civ. P. 306(a)(4).

Consequently, Mehl should not be able to pursue this restricted appeal.

B. Venue was established in Travis County as a matter of law and does
not constitute error apparent on the face of the record.

Mehl argues at length that Travis County was an improper venue for the

underlying proceeding, including the appointment of the receiver, in light of the

fact that Williamson County is the mandatory venue. Therefore, according to

Mehl, the filing of the lawsuit in Travis County constitutes reversible error

apparent on the face of the record.

However, the law is clear that venue is waived if a defendant fails to timely

object in the trial court. Tex. R. Civ. P. 86(1) establishes the procedure for

objecting to venue and also clearly states that a failure to timely object is a waiver

of venue. Champion v. Estlow, 456 S.W.3d 363, 364-365 (Tex. App.—Austin

2015, pet. filed).

8
Several courts have confirmed that even mandatory venue is waived if a

party fails to timely object under Tex. R. Civ.P. 86(1). Scott v. Wichita County,

248 S.W.3d 324 (Tex. App—Houston [1st Dist.] 2007, no pet.) and Scott v.

Gallagher, 209 S.W.3d 262, 264 (Tex. App—Houston [1st Dist.] 2006, no pet.).

Moreover, both courts have confirmed that venue is not jurisdictional and is

waived by a defendant who fails to timely object to venue.

In short, venue, including mandatory venue, is not jurisdictional. The failure

of Mehl to timely file an objection to venue prior to the judgment date constituted a

waiver of venue. Therefore, the district court correctly acquired venue in Travis

County as a matter of law when it entered a default judgment in this proceeding.

C. Judgment for rescission is supported by the record

One of the key aspects of the underlying judgment was the rescission of

the original 50% land conveyance from Stern to Mehl in light of Mehl’s failure to

tender the required payments to the underlying mortgagee.

9
The judgment itself incorporates the original warranty deed as an exhibit

whereby Stern conveyed his 50% interest to Mehl (CR 15-26). The warranty deed

from Stern to Mehl further contains clear language that obligated Mehl to timely

pay all mortgage payments on the existing mortgage and further that she was

required to indemnify Stern from any default (CR 19-26).

In addition, unlike a more typical real estate transaction that involves an

assumption of a prior mortgage, Mehl was already a 50% owner of the property

prior to the conveyance of Stern to Mehl of his 50% interest (CR 19-26). In

addition, the judgment does not disturb Mehl’s preexisting 50% interest and only

focuses on the subsequent 50% interest Mehl received from Stern.

Stern sought rescission of the underlying conveyance in his original petition

pursuant to both a trespass to try title claim to foreclose on his implied vendor’s

lien AND pursuant to a breach of contract claim (CR 3-12). In addition, paragraph

#8 of the original petition referenced a deed of trust to secure assumption in

support of Mehl’s obligations with respect to the conveyance from Stern to Mehl

(CR 3-12).

10
There is case law that supports that a party may seek the remedy of

rescission through a judicial proceeding as a result of failure of a party to pay a

secured debt. Walton v. First Nat'l Bank of Trenton, 956 S.W.2d 647, 652 (Tex.

App.—Texarkana 1997, pet. denied) and Glenn v. Lucas, 376 S.W.3d 268, 276

(Tex. App.—Texarkana 2012, no pet.). Stern further offered evidence of

the delinquency of the mortgage payments by Mehl which could easily support a

basis of foreclosure of a vendor’s lien and rescission of the original 50% interest

(CR 27-29).

The arguments by Mehl that a rescission does not address a supposedly

larger settlement agreement have no merit. Firstly, the focus of the underlying

judgment was to specifically address a default by Mehl in connection to the

conveyance by Stern of his 50% interest in the subject property.

Mehl has never directly challenged in her brief the existence of the vendor’s

lien and the right of Stern to seek rescission of the conveyance in his capacity as a

creditor in the transaction. Instead, Mehl argues that it is improper to allow a

rescission of only the property conveyance without also addressing the larger

settlement agreement.

11
The Texas Supreme Court recognized an implied vendor’s lien in connection

to the transfer of a particular piece of real estate between spouses pursuant to a

divorce decree. McGoodwin v. McGoodwin, 671 S.W.2d 880, 882 (Tex. 1984).

Therefore, the fact that there is a larger settlement agreement does not invalidate

efforts by Stern to seek rescission of the underlying real estate transaction.

Stern exercised his right to seek rescission of the transaction based on his

implied vendor’s lien and based on a breach of contract claim after Mehl defaulted

on the obligation and exposed Stern and the property to great financial harm. The

vendor’s lien and any contract claims are directed solely at the conveyance itself.

Therefore, as long as Stern prevails under either an implied vendor’s lien or a

breach of contract claim, he would be entitled to rescission.

D. Judgment for $20,000.00 damages is not error

Contrary to Mehl’s assertion that there is no evidence in support of the

monetary damages, Stern offered evidence of the delinquency of the underlying

mortgage which totaled approximately $16,471.50 (CR 27-29). Moreover, Stern

specifically alleged in paragraphs #10 and #11 of his original petition that there

was a material default with at least five delinquent mortgage payments (CR 3-12).

12
Stern further alleged in paragraph #19 of his original petition damages to his credit,

a fact that could easily be supported by the record in light of many months of

delinquent payments for the main mortgage (CR 3-12 and CR 27-29).

Therefore, an award of $20,000.00 was necessary to address the significant

arrears on the mortgage and/or to compensate Stern for damages to his credit.

E. Double recovery for rescission and damages

In the case at bar, Stern sought monetary damages in addition to rescission

of the conveyance. A rescission of the conveyance alone would not have remedied

the damages to Stern’s credit report and would not have remedied the significant

mortgage arrears. Therefore, an award of monetary damages was essential to

facilitate the rescission of the conveyance.

There is case law, in the context of a judgment for specific performance, in

support of an award of monetary damages when such damages are incidental to the

order of specific performance and fall short of damages awarded from a breach of

contract claim. Goldman v. Olmstead, 414 S.W.3d 346, 361-362 (Tex. App.—

Dallas 2013, pet. denied).

13
In essence, the additional monetary compensation harmonizes the rescission

award with any incidental damages so as to place the party in the pre default

situation. As previously stated, Stern offered evidence of delinquent payments and

damages to his credit (CR 3-12 and CR 27-29).

The cases cited by Mehl are inapposite as they appear to focus on rescission

based on fraud rather than in connection to a vendor’s lien/foreclosure.

For example, the Sebree case cited by Mehl involves statutory fraud and specific

performance and does not address a rescission based on a judicial foreclosure

and/or a loan default. Scott v. Sebree, 986 S.W.2d 364, (Tex. App.—Austin 1999,

pet. denied).

F. Judgment for attorneys’ fees is not error.

Stern offered an affidavit of attorneys’ fees at the original default hearing

(Supp. CR 15-17). Therefore, any argument by Mehl that the attorneys’ fees are

not supported by the record have no merit.

14
G. Failure to join Indymac and TRCP 39

Assuming for the sake of argument that Indymac or any other lienholder is

an indispensable party, the failure to join said party does not render the judgment

void and does not deprive the court of jurisdiction. Cooper v. Hamilton County,

2014 Tex. App. LEXIS 1066 (Tex. App.—Waco Jan. 30, 2014, pet. denied).

Instead, in the most extreme sense, the judgment would be voidable only as to the

interest of the omitted third party.

As a practical matter, the lienholder, not Mehl, would have standing to

challenge the judgment to the extent its interest in the property was affected by the

judgment. There is nothing in the judgment that threatens the validity of any lien

on the property one way or the other (CR 15-26).

Moreover, the harm to the lienholder would need to be substantial to justify

a challenge of the judgment. Grynberg v. Christiansen, 727 S.W.2d 665, 666-67

(Tex. App.—Dallas 1987, no writ).

15
H. Three day notice required for receiver

In light of the fact that Stern served Mehl with the actual lawsuit and the

request for receiver, any issue of her notice is moot (CR 3-12). Obviously, Mehl

had over twenty days from the date of personal service of the lawsuit to file an

answer, a time far greater than the requisite three notice she complains of in her

brief.

Moreover, Tex. R. Civ. P. 695, the receiver statute, deals with adverse

parties. Stern contends that only Mehl, as an owner of the property, is an adverse

party in this lawsuit.

Furthermore, there is evidence in the record that the receiver has

subsequently filed post judgment motions and provided notice to Mehl by and

through her counsel (Supp. CR 49-51).

16
CONCLUSION AND PRAYER

The filing by Mehl of a motion for new trial precludes her right to also

pursue a restricted appeal. There is no error apparent on the record in the context

of venue in light of the fact than Mehl waived any venue challenge. It is also

undisputed that Mehl was properly served with the lawsuit and there was no defect

in the affidavit of service. Finally, the record contains evidence in support of the

judgment in all respects: a judgment for title based on rescission pursuant to

foreclosure of a vendor’s lien and breach of contract, as well as monetary damages,

attorneys’ fees and all other relief in the judgment.

WHEREFORE Appellee, David Stern, respectfully requests that this Court

affirm the trial court’s judgment. Appellee prays for other and further relief to

which he may be justly entitled.

Respectfully submitted,

/s/ Brent A. Devere
Brent A. Devere
Texas Bar No. 00789256
1411 West Avenue, Suite #200
Austin, Texas 78701
Tel. (512)-457-8080 Fax. (512)-457-8060
Email: BDevere@1411west.com

ATTORNEY FOR APPELLEE,
DAVID STERN

17
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE

I certify that this document was produced on a computer using Microsoft

Word 2013 and contains approximately 3455 words as determined by the computer

software word count function, excluding the sections of the document listed in

Texas Rule of Appellate Procedure 9.4(i)(1).

/s/ Brent A. Devere
Brent A. Devere

18
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

Under Texas Rule of Appellate Procedure 9.2, I certify that a copy of this

Appellee’s Brief was filed through the electronic filing system. Under Texas Rule

of Appellate Procedure 9.5, I further certify that a copy of this brief was served on

July 21, 2015 upon the following counsel for Appellant via electronic notification

after 5:00 P.M.:

The Lefler Law Firm VIA EMAIL: slefler@leflerlegal.com
Sandra M. Lefler
1530 Sun City Blvd., Suite 119
Austin, Texas 78633
Telephone: (512) 869-2579
Telecopieur: (512) 583-7294
Email:slefler@leflerlegal.com

/s/ Brent A. Devere
Brent A. Devere

19
TABA
Notl69 sent. ~ lntenocutOry l'lone
~ isp Part~s~· _,fii_._ - - --- DC BK14217 PG560
Filed in The District Court
Dlsp code: CVD I CLS . YA1 ( \{ of Travis County, Texas
Redact pgs:: _ __::._ _ _--:o::---==:::-
Judg;--rb\ \J Clerk Q--:J JUL 2 9 2014
CAUSE NO. D-1-GN-14-002071

DAVID STERN, * IN THE DISTRICT COURT
Plaintiff *
*
v. *
* 250n 1 JUDICIAL DISTRICT
*
*
PAMELA MEHL, *
Defendant * TRAVIS COUNTY, TEXAS

JUDGMENT FOR TITLE TO REAL ESTATE AND DAMAGES

The hearing on this cause was held on July 29, 2014. Plaint in: David Stern, appeared, by

and through counsel and Defendant, Pamela Mehl, although duly cited to appear by filing an

answer herein, failed to file an answer within the time allowed by law.

I. On the claim of Breac h of Contract, the Court find s in favor of Plaintit1~ David Stern, and

against Detendant, Pamela Mehl.

2. On the claim ofTrespass to Try Title, the Co urt finds in favor of Plaintiff, David Stern, and

against Defendant, Pamela Mehl.

15
DC BK14217 PG561

Pursuant to the pleadings and evidence on file , the Court finds and ORDERS as follows :

A. The Court recognizes a vendor' s lien, equitable lien and a deed oftrust to secure

assumption for and in favor of David Stern on the Property (The ''Property" is otherwise known

as 700 Grove Lane, Georgetown, Texas 78626. Williamson County along with all improvements

and mobile homes, and is further described on Exhibit I attached herein) by virtue of David

Stern's prior 50% conveyance of the Property to Pamela Mehl.

B. The Court hereby awards David Stern judgment for title and possession of 50% of

the Property based on a rescission of the prior conveyance under document #20 13063557 of the

Williamson County Real Property Records.

C. The Court further awards David Stern actual damages against Pamela Mehl in the

amount of$20,000.00 (Twenty Thousand and 00/ 100 Dollars) .

D. The Court awards David Stern, attorneys ' fees in the amount of$2,500.00 (Two

Thousand Five Hundred and 00/100 Dollars) , against Defendant, Pamela Meh I.

E. Plaintiff. David Stern, is entitled to post judgment interest on the total amount of

the judgment awarded hereinabove, at the rate of 5% per annum trom the date this judgment is

signed until paid .

F. Costs are hereby taxed against Defendant , Pamela Mehl.

G. Plaintift: David Stern, has a right to the Property, and the Property is in danger of

being materially injured, thus requiring the appointment of a receiver. The Court appoints Nancy

Perry as receiver. Receiver shall take an oath swearing to perform the duties of receiver

faithfully, and receiver shall post a $200.00 (Two Hundred and 00/ 100 Dollars) bond that shall

be conditioned on faithful discharge of duties as receiver and obedience to the orders ofthe

Court. Receiver shall be vested with the powers to take charge and keep possession ofthe
2

16
DC BK14217 PG562

Property, receive rents, and sell the Property and hire real estate brokers and other agents to sell

the Property, with such sale being subject to Court approval. The rent and sale proceeds shall be

used to pay all valid secured liens on the property and property taxes due plus payment of all

amounts due under this judgment, with the remaining proceeds, if any, being paid 50/50 to

Plaintiff and Defendant. The receiver shall be entitled to compensation at $175 .00 an hour and

reimbursement of reasonable and necessary expenses, after application to and approval by the

Court tor such fee s and expenses. Receiver' s fees and expenses shall be taxed as costs.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Plaintiff, David Stern, may record this order in the real

propetiy records as evidence of ownership ofthe Property, and is entitled to enforce this

judgment through abstract, execution and any other process necessary, and all writs and

processes for the enforcement and collect ion of this judgment and costs may issue.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that this is a final judgment and finally dis poses of all

parties and all claims and is appealable.

:)c~ ~
SIGN EDthisthe, 1 dayofJul y, 2014.

Approved as to Form :

3

17
DC BK14217 PG563

Q______
l c.J ---------~.
Brent A. Devere
SBN#00789256
1411 West Avenue, Suite #200
Austin, Texas 7870 I
Ph: 512-457-8080
Fax: 512-457-8060

Attorney for David Stern

4
DC BK14217 PG564

EXHIBIT 1

)
I

19
l
1
~
DC BK14217 PG565

12-12209-hcm Doc#124-2 Filed 05/22/13 Entered 05/22/13 16:33:15 Exhibit Pg 7 of 34

Special Warranty Deed

Notice of confidentiality rights: If you are a natural person, you may remove or strike any
or all of the following information from any instrument that transfers an interest in real
property before it is filed for record in the public records: your Social Security number or
your driver's license number.

Date: May 3, 2013

Grantor: David Stem

Grantor's Mailing Address:

b 100 cc tvr&.- OQ.. 4*-b 00
LOI M& t-L~, cA

Grantee: Pamela Mebl

Grantee's Mailing Address:

700 Grove Lane
Georgetown, Texas
Williamson County

Consideration:

A settlement agreement in a bankruptc~ case style In Re: Pamela Christina Mehl, filed

under Case No. 12-12209 in the Western District of Texas, Austin Division, and ten dollars and

other valuable consideration paid by Grantee, and Grantee's assumption of the unpaid principal

and earned interest on the note in the original principaJ sum of Two Hundred Fifty-six Thousand

Two Hundred dollars ($256,200.00) dated August 11, 2004, executed by David Stern, and

payable to the order oflndyMac Bank, F.S.B.. The note is secured by a vendor's lien retained in

a deed dated August 11 , 2004, to David Stern and Pamela Mehl, and additionally secured by a

deed of trust dated August 11, 2004, from David Stern and Pamela Mehl to Charles A. Brown,

Trustee, recorded in clerk's file number 2004064127 of the official public records of real

20
DC BK14217 PG566

12-12209-hcm Doc#124-2 Filed 05/22/13 Entered 05/22/13 16:33:15 Exhibit Pg 8 of 34

property of Williamson County, Texas. Grantee agrees to indemnifY and hold Grantor harmless

from payment of the note and from performance of Grantor's obligations specified in the

instruments securing payment of the note. Grantor assigns to Grantee the casualty insurance

policy on the property, all utility deposits for utility service at the property, and all funds held in

escrow for payment of taxes and insurance premiums.

Property (including any improvements}:

The legal description is attached hereto and incorporated herein for all purposes

Reservations from Conveyance and Exceptions to Conveyance and Warranty:

Grantor reserves no interest in any oil, gas, and other minerals in and under and that may

be produced from the property.

This deed is subject to all easements, restrictions, conditions, covenants, and other

instruments of record.

Grantor, for the consideration and subject to the reservations from conveyance and

exceptions to conveyance and warranty, grants, sells, and conveys to Grantee all of Grantor's

interest in the property, together with all and singular the rights and appurtenances thereto in any

way belonging, to have and hold it to Grantee and Grantee's heirs, successors, and assigns

forever. Grantor binds Grantor and Grantor's heirs and successors to warrant and forever defend

all and singular the property to Grantee and Grantee's heirs, successors, and assigns against

every person whomsoever lawfully claiming or to claim the same or any part thereof when the

claim is by, through, or under Grantor but not otherwise, except as to the reservations from

conveyance and exceptions to conveyance and warranty.

When the context requires, singular nouns and pronouns include the plural.

Grantee assumes all ad valorem taxes due on the property for the current year.

21
DC BK14217 PG567

12-12209-hcm Doc#124-2 Filed 05/22/13 Entered 05/22/13 16:33:15 Exhibit Pg 9 of 34

This instrument 'WaS prepared based on information
furnished by the parties, and no independent title
search has been made.

STATEOF Gc.f.r", ·~ §
COUNTY OF Ls A~) q_ t.. r §

This instrument was acknowledged before me on J ""'.... 2. ' t17" W ~58.05 r~ 1o an leon pin
foo.md &ncl N 16' n• 47" W 4lJ . ~S to &n iron pin found (01"\lltl'lor\hea.l- of' Mid TroQ nand ~n8
Ibe Honh- corner or Mid T r•ct I 1111' I~ " !I. ~lUI
fca10u lronp\Qfaund.
2) N n• II' H" H tll.1Hn11e b iro11 pia feNnel,
3) IOJ• II' H .. B 60.01 reel lo 111 )Jcm piR raunct.
4) N 6r 19' 11" a 90.11 r..t 1o aa ~ ph1 fOUIIII bt lhoo Wnlli• oC &aid Jar;Qy cr.~& ror lilt
Horthcan ~ oC ••ill Trte~ I lnd tlllllrlet;
THENC;E; 1!0111 che'W~t~t nne or !lid r!ICihy ltKt •a41he l!.qc U~~e of "'d Tl"'ll:: 1.
I) S 12" W )0" E J70,a.4 foet 1o UWA pia~.
2) S ltr ll' lJ" a H 1.151 ret t~ an ium pia klulld, ·
l) S ,. 40' ~.(" E 19S . I9f~t lo lho pl!ICC ol'&cfU\niiiJu-4 tOIII&IIllnj 17.lJ auu ofJIIJIII.

RECORDERS MEMORA NDUM
All or parts of the text on this page was
not clearly legible for satisfactory
recorci ~ t ion

Exhibit "_A_. .__•

I

23
DC BK14217 PG569

12-12209-hcm Claim#S Part 2 Filed 10/31 I 12 Exhibit Page 28 of 34

AJl!Nl ccr'ILinlt.a or plftd of land lilualed in Willi~10n County, T~ uu.t ofll\1 John B•ry Sllrvey,
Abl\ncl tolo. SI &lld '*Ill \1111 Trta U r.oJNeycd \0 II.&)UIOTII1 A. Moon 'lly Wlirn.nry Oeecl dllcd Ausull
JO, I ~S lll'od ~(dod in Volume 1138 , P . 2J 5 of \he om~11 Rcc.orda afWilli~m~Gn Coo..~ty and
dcaaibed by mclet 111d bounda ~ fbllowt:

BEG!NNlNG a.t Ul iroa fin fou!\4 inlht NQI\b ltno of Grove 1..Anc for 10. Soo.ttu:..\ comc:r orlhat ~~~~
dciQ'I"bed In 1 Wln'IIIIY Dtlld 10 1\lebald A. Milct, Q Ill!, da\ed Novcfllbei 1, l9a.. Uld r~ in Volumo
1095, Pas• 91J of &aid alli~ial rOCDrdt, bcia& the Soulltw..lt .:ornc:r orttld Mooro ~ and lhiJ 1rae1;

THENCE: N u• l9' 00" w 19-1.76 feet wilh lbc We~~~~~~ of said Moore 1110.. ~i na lho bet it of
bearinp cile.d 1-.::reoo~.to 111 iran pin round for lilt l-IMbuJt C>Omd or wd M.ilca 1/'ut beifl& Lbe Northweat
eorn1111 or S&id Moariii'CIIhia 1n1;1:
THEHC'E: N 11• 2~ · )J" E 1)7.19 feet to an lr0Glmortlin• ofaaid Tru:t lalldTr.a II, S 16° 53' 47'' E Hl.4) ra~to an iron pin
or
~nd. U14 S o• Ol' O'l" E "SI.OHCC\ \c.., iron pin found in lha Nonh line llid Gtavol.ane for the
Soulh"cs >;Q('IICf of said Tra!Ot I .,d boina 11-c S011lbcas\ tllnlCir o( Ill ill. ind tl ~ thit tnd;

rnENC£: S 11• ]4' 02" W 699,68 feet 10 lbt place of8qiiii\ID8811d containiQIIl6.67 acru orbml.

RECORDERS MEMORANDUM
All or parts of the tex t on this page was
not clearly legible for s>tisfactory
rl"r.ortiAt inn

Exhibit"
------
FILED AND RECORDED
OFFICIAL PUBLIC RECORDS 2e04064127
~E.~~
98/tl/2004 12 :5& Pft
~LLEN $69 . 00

NANCY E. RISTER, COUNTY ~£RK
UILLI~"SON COUNTY, T£X~S

• •r
· .·, ··:
24
DC BK14217 PG570

1 11~1111~ IIIII 11/llllllmllll/~ IIIII 1~11 11~111111111
DEED
2009086302
5 PGS

CAD Na. R039Gll

Notice or Coalidentlality rlgbtll: If you are 1 natural penoa, yoa may remove or strike aay of the
follmria11 i.Dformatioa from Ibis lastnuaent before it is filed for reeord ia ttac public: ncords: your
toCial aecurity number or your driver's liause number.

GENERAL WARRANTY DEED

DATE: November 14, 2006

GRANTOR: Linda Moore, aNa Linda R. Moore, Individually , and as lndependenl Executrix oflhc Eslall: of
Ra~nd A. Moore, deceased, Kathy Moore. and RAndy Moore

GRANTOR'S MAILING ADDRESS:

GRANTEE.: David R. Slem and Pamela C. Mehl

GRANTEE'S MAILING ADDRESS: 700 Grove Lane, Georgetown, Williamson Counly, Texas 78626

CONSIDERATION:

$10.00 and other valuable consideration, receipt of which is htrip in tlu: NOT!h line of County Road IS2, ai!IO
being the lower Southwest comer of a 139. 17 acre tnct described in a deed to Etna MiUer and laura Millor, dilled
October of 1957;

'!'HENCE North 19 de~ 08 minules Wesi669.J7feet to an ell comer of the 139.17 acres and an ell comer of said
ell shaped sllip;

'fHENCE South 71 i1111ular the rights and
oppunenonces !Mmo in anywise belonging, to have and to hold it to Grantee, Grantee's heirs, executors,
admlnislnltors, successors 1111d ossigns forever. Grantor hereby bin<h Grantor and Grantor's heirs, executors,
administnltors, sue<:<:S50rs and aMigns to wanam and f=ver defend all and singular the property to Grantee and
Grantee's heirs, executors adminisllalon, succCS50rs and assii!IJS ogain31 every person whomsoever lawfully
claiming or to claim the same or lilY part thereof, cxupt u to the reservations and exceptions to convoyancc and
watranty.

FILED AND RECORDED
OFFICIAL PUBLIC RECORDS 2013063557
~E.x~
07/08/2013 02 :10PM
@ ~ ~ \uUs PLG CKASEBERG $40 .00
NANCY E. RISTER , COUNTY CLERK
ct 0 { .;l '1-C- ~. WILLIAMSON COUNTY , TEXAS
m~ ~,\Y lt&~v-

26
TABB
10/13/2014 9:09:50 PM
Amalia Rodriguez-Mendoza
District Clerk
Travis County
CAUSE NO.D-1-GN-14-002071 d-1-gn-14-002071

DAVID STERN § IN THE DISTRICT COURT
Plaintiff, §
§
§
v. § 250TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT
§
PAMELAMEHL §
Defendant § TRAVIS COUNTY, TEXAS

DEFE~DANT 'S MOTION FOR A NEW TRIAL

TO THE HONORABLE JUDGE OF SAID COURT:

COME NOW Pamela Mehl ("Defendant") and files this Defendant's Motion for New

Trial and asks this Court to grant a new trial in the interest of justice and fairness.

I. INTRODUCTION

1. Plaintiff David Stern is Defendant Pamela Mehl ex-husband. This suit was as a

result of a post divorce misunderstanding and what Defendant believes a breach of Plaintiffs

duties as outlined in a final divorce decree issued in Williamson County, Texas.

2. Defendant was properly served with service of process at her then attorney 's

office, but as Defendant will attest and verify her attorney failed to answer this suit.

3. Plaintiff sued Defendant in this suit, served Defendant at her attorney's office but

an answer was never filed . The divorce and all the matters and events in this cause occurred in

Williamson County, Texas, however this suit was wrongfully filed in Travis County, Texas.

4. Because this is the last possible day, this filing , as filed is sufficient as a Motion

for New Trial, however will be supp lemented tomorrow with additional detail, factual allegations

by verified facts.

Defendant ·s Motionfor New Trial
Page I of2

32
II. PRAYER

WHEREFORE, PREMISES CONSIDERED and for these reasons, Defendant prays the

Court to grant this motion in favor of Defendant for a new trial so that justice may be done.

Respectfully submitted,

THE KELLY LEGAL GROUP, PLLC
PO BOX 2125
Austin, Texas 78701
512-505-0053 tel
512-505-0054 fax
'kcll

By:

St e Bar No. 2404 749
ATTORNEY FOR DEFENDANT

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

I hereby certify that on this the -~ day of October, 2014, a true and correct copy of
this the Notice of Appeal, was served as stated below pursuant to the Texas Rules of Civil
Procedure.

Brent A. Devere D Hand Delivery
1411 West Avenue, Suite 200 D CMRRR
Austin, Texas 78701 D Regular U.S. Mail
(512) 480-8170 Facsimile ~ Confirmed Facsimile
Electronic Mail To: BDevere@ 14ll west.com ~ Electronic Mail

Def endant 's Motion for New Trial
Page 2 of:Z

33

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/cases/4070441. Public record. Not legal advice.
