Section 176.1020 Special Appearance

Section 176.1020  Special Appearance

Before filing any other pleading or motion, a special

appearance may be made either in person or by an attorney for the limited

purpose of objecting to jurisdiction.  Every appearance not expressly

designated a special appearance will be considered to be a general appearance.

If the reasons for objecting to jurisdiction are not apparent from the papers

on file in the proceeding, the special appearance shall be supported by an affidavit

setting forth the reasons.  In ruling upon any objection at any hearing, the hearing

officer may consider all matters apparent from the papers on file, affidavits

submitted by any party, and any other evidence offered upon disputed issues of

fact.  No determination of any issue of fact in connection with the objection

is a determination of the merits of the case or any aspect thereof.  A ruling

adverse to the movant does not preclude the making of any motion or defense

which might otherwise have been made.  If the hearing officer sustains the

objection, an appropriate ruling shall be entered on the record.  Error in

ruling against the objection is not waived by the objector's taking part in

further proceedings in this matter.