Further relief based on a declaratory judgment or decree may be granted whenever necessary or proper. 1994). 7 0 obj
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Tex. 1994). Texas Pattern Jury Charges: Home - Texas Tech University School of Law See London Mut. v. Mitchell, 138 F.3d 208, 210 (5th Cir. 1998); Monticello Ins. The controversy is ripe, because the insurer is called upon to defend, and because the existence of coverage may impact the outcome of the suit. App.Corpus Christi 1975, writ refd n.r.e.) Dept. Litigation in Texas - LoneStarLandLaw.com Texas Estates Code - EST 257.101 | FindLaw Group v. Lou-Con, Inc., 293 F.3d 908 (5th Cir. Step 1: Written Notice to Vacate. The answer may depend upon whether the insurer has defended or simply denied coverage, and the extent to which the issue is actually material to, and fully litigated in, the underlying dispute. Sept. 1, 1999. See, e.g., Standard Fire Ins. App.Dallas 2001, pet. Co. v. Quinn-L Capital Corp., 3 F.3d 877 (5th Cir. In Williamson, a jury awarded the claimant damages against the insured for false imprisonment. Id. endobj
One of the factors the courts will review is whether the declaratory action is filed in anticipation of a state court suit. App.Waco 1943, no writ); Superior Ins. App.San Antonio 1965), affd, 396 S.W.2d 855 (holding state court had no jurisdiction to render advisory opinion while prior suit was pending on appeal in Fifth Circuit, despite federal courts voluntary stay). See Travelers Ins. Prac. Co. of Texas, 1998 Tex. Genl Agency v. Cooper, 952 S.W.2d 861 (Tex. PDF What to Expect in Texas Family Law Court - Texas Tech University A trial court has discretion to enter declaratory judgment if it will serve a useful purpose or will terminate the controversy between the parties. Id. Civ. The order, once it has been reduced to judgment (under Pa. R.A.P. At issue was a declaratory judgment action over whether medical expenses were owed to an insured worker, under The Workers Compensation Act, where the expenses were incurred after settlement of the employees negligence suit against a third party. [Read opinion here.] Allstate Ins. 3 0 obj
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Default judgment presumes that the plaintiff spouse properly served the lawsuit on the defendant-and that the defendant then failed to respond in a timely manner, either by choice or due to neglect. Obviously, the nature of the coverage issue to be determined will also determine the scope of discovery. See Bituminous Cas. (c) This chapter shall be so interpreted and construed as to effectuate its general purpose to make uniform the law of those states that enact it and to harmonize, as far as possible, with federal laws and regulations on the subject of declaratory judgments and decrees. 2 0 obj
If the order resolves the entire action, then the answer is easy. See State Farm Mut. Tex. at 68. 8 0 obj
(b) A district court has original jurisdiction of a proceeding seeking a declaratory judgment that involves: (1) a party seeking declaratory relief that is a business that is: (A) organized under the laws of this state or is otherwise owned by a resident of this state; or, (B) a retailer registered with the comptroller under Section 151.106, Tax Code; and, (A) is an official of another state; and. Ins. xX]oF}G?SeW0W44q>EqU{s@N|Bt2&iw'PmH'4QH1_>{'Y7bLH
dB4uX;iYtI7F7*L^F 2002, no pet. Litigation in Texas. Co., 2000 Tex. Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. Texas, Inc., 64 S.W.3d 497 (Tex. Civ. & Rem. Ins. 131 (E.D. These rules govern the procedure for obtaining a declaratory judgment under 18 U.S.C. A party seeking to recover upon a claim, counterclaim, or cross-claim or to obtain a declaratory judgment may, at any time after the adverse party has appeared or answered, move with or without supporting affidavits for a summary judgment in his favor upon all . Still, there are often strategic benefits to filing early. 1, eff. denied). VERHOEV V.PROGRESSIVE COUNTY MUTUAL INS.CO., 300 S.W.3D 803 (TEX.APP.. - FT.WORTH 2009) Personal auto policy Glenn and Kim Verhoev both named insureds $250,000 limits (UM/UIM) Divorced prior to issuance of policy and accident Kim injured severely in a single vehicle roll over as a passenger in a vehicle driven and owned by Glenn Kim pursued both a liability claim against Glenn (a) When declaratory relief is sought, all persons who have or claim any interest that would be affected by the declaration must be made parties. Please verify the status of the code you are researching with the state legislature or via Westlaw before relying on it for your legal needs. 2201, and further provides for a jury trial. 1996) (nevertheless refraining from determining coverage for indemnity, on the basis of judicial economy). Rule 166a - Summary Judgment. at 332. Costs and fees are not dependent upon the outcome, and can be awarded to either the prevailing or the non-prevailing party. See, e.g., Cook v. Ohio Cas. Coming to a Better Understanding of Remedies - Courts Law 955 S.W.2d at 84 (construing Tex. 1998), overruled on other grounds, State Farm Fire & Cas. . Suite 300 ); but cf. Under Texas law, a duty to defend is determined by the complaint allegation rule. (auto liability insurer seeking declaratory relief was not subject to cross-action by injured party, or consolidation of liability and coverage suit); see also Firemans Ins. ***It is your responsibility to make sure that this is appropriate for your individual case. See Granite State Ins. Ellison sought a declaratory judgment to that effect and also brought claims for trespass to try title, trespass to real property, conversion, unlawful drainage, gross negligence, and nonpayment of oil and gas proceeds. 1997) (whether vehicle was owned by insured); Harken Exploration Co. v. Sphere Drake Ins., PLC, 261 F.3d 466 (5th Cir. Co. v. Griffin, 955 S.W.2d 81 (Tex. Co. v. Burch, 442 S.W.2d 331 (Tex. 2000). denied); ANR Prod. Ins. Where a judgment has been entered in the underlying case, and the insurer has refused indemnity, it may also be that declaratory relief is inappropriate, because a cause of action for breach of contract has ripened. SUBJECT MATTER OF RELIEF. Co. v. (prior judgment not res judicata as to amended pleading that alleged new facts, not involving completed operations); St. Paul Ins. Texas Air Control Bd., 852 S.W.2d at 444. See Firemens Ins. The author would like to thank the Texas Tech Law School Foundation for its generous support. 713-403-8210, 601 Poydras In Bradleys Electric, the court rejected an argument from the insured that the county where the insurance contract was negotiated and executed was the only proper venue, but recognized it was also proper. <>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/MediaBox[ 0 0 612 792] /Contents 12 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S/StructParents 1>>
1991), affd in part, 961 F.2d 213 (5th Cir. App.Texarkana 1967, no writ) (auto excluded); International Serv. 305 (H.B. K-yXHMKS mmgOT}|aMz0. Citing the Travelers case, the court recited the relevant factors the court must consider in determining whether to dismiss a declaratory judgment action: 1) whether there is a pending state action in which all of the matters in controversy may be fully litigated; 2) whether the plaintiff filed suit in anticipation of a lawsuit filed by the defendant; 3) whether the plaintiff engaged in forum shopping in bringing the suit; 4) whether possible inequities in allowing the declaratory plaintiff to gain precedence in time or to change forums exist; 5) whether the federal court is a convenient forum for the parties and witnesses; 6) whether retaining the lawsuit in federal court would serve the purposes of judicial economy; and. Declaratory Judgment - Definition, Examples, Cases, Processes See, e.g., City of Galveston v. Giles, 902 S.W.2d 167 (Tex. FAM. Co. v. Deering Mgmt. In Gandy, the court broadened the scope of re-litigation, noting that in no event, however, is a judgment for plaintiff against defendant rendered without a fully adversarial trial, binding on defendants insurer . LEXIS 8494 (Tex. SUPPLEMENTAL RELIEF. endobj
While some older cases find an insurer cannot re-litigate facts, if it has wrongfully refused to defend, recent cases have held that an insurer is not bound, in any circumstance, where the facts allegedly establishing coverage are not fully litigated. Sec. Rule 91a - Dismissal of Baseless Causes of Action, Tex. R - Casetext Family Settlement Agreements In Texas Probate - Home | Probate Stars Civ. Co. v. Ward, 107 S.W.3d 820 (Tex. (whether policy was void or loss was covered presented justiciable controversy); American States Ins. at 313. Declaratory judgment actions have been a recognized civil vehicle for more than one hundred years. Co. v. Boll, 392 S.W.2d 158, 161 (Tex. 2010), Sec. As amended through January 27, 2023. Co., 502 S.W.2d 232 (Tex. See Tri-Coastal Contractors, Inc. v. Hartford Undwrs Ins. FFC Home Page / 5 Reasons to file a Declaratory Judgment. Texas Court Finds No Common Law Marriage Existed Despite Civ. Wade, 827 S.W.2d at 451. 1995), the court held a minor, whose interests were affected, was properly made a party to a declaratory judgment action, and was bound by the judgment where the minors mother answered, as next friend, and a guardian ad litem was appointed. See Brillhart v. Excess Ins. See Hartford Ins. Section 6.204 of the Texas Family Code still states that same-sex marriages are void, but that law is no longer enforceable. A declaratory judgment is typically requested when a party is threatened with a lawsuit but the lawsuit has not yet been filed; or when a party or parties believe that their rights under law and/or contract might conflict; or as part of a counterclaim to prevent further lawsuits from the same plaintiff (for example, when only a contract claim is All Rights Reserved. (A) A person interested under a deed, will, written contract, or other writings constituting a contract or whose rights, status, or other legal relations are affected by statute, municipal ordinance, contract, or franchise may have determined any question of construction or validity arising under the instrument, statute, ordinance, contract or franchise and obtain a declaration of rights, status, or other legal relations there under. Berger v. Berger, 358 Ill.App.3d 651 (1st Dist. 1941); and there is every reason for not reducing declaratory . Tex. Civ. Co. v. Tandy Corp., 986 F.2d 94, 95 (5th Cir.