A Texas court has dismissed appeals filed by Diego Raoul Goding concerning custody orders affecting his parental rights. The Texas Court of Appeals, 1st District, ruled on July 28, 2026, that it lacked jurisdiction over the appeals. This decision affects Goding's ongoing legal battle with Margo Dehoyos regarding their child.
The court's ruling is significant as it highlights the complexities of family law and custody disputes. It underscores the importance of understanding the legal process and the implications of court orders in such sensitive matters.
Background
Diego Raoul Goding and Margo Dehoyos are involved in a legal dispute over the custody of their child. The case has gone through various legal proceedings in the Harris County District Court, where issues regarding parental rights have been central to the discussions. Goding sought to appeal multiple court orders, including a final judgment from December 2025 and a temporary order from January 2026.
The dispute escalated to the Texas Court of Appeals after Goding challenged the trial court's decisions. His appeals were based on a series of orders that he believed were unjust and detrimental to his relationship with his child. The appeals were filed under docket number 01-26-00067-CV.
The Ruling
The Texas Court of Appeals ruled that it did not have jurisdiction to hear Goding's appeals. The court noted that the trial court had granted Goding a new trial on December 19, 2025, which effectively set aside the previous final judgment from December 11, 2025. The court stated, "Because the trial court granted a new trial and vacated the December 11, 2025 judgment, that judgment is no longer appealable."
Additionally, the court found that the temporary order issued in January 2026 was interlocutory and not subject to appeal. The judges on the panel included Chief Justice Adams and Justices Rivas-Molloy and Guiney. They concluded, "Accordingly, this Court lacks jurisdiction over the appeal of all three challenged orders and must dismiss the appeals for want of jurisdiction."
Impact
This ruling has significant implications for Goding's parental rights and the ongoing custody battle. By dismissing the appeals, the court effectively upholds the trial court's decisions, which may limit Goding's ability to challenge the custody arrangements currently in place.
The dismissal also serves as a reminder of the procedural rules that govern family law cases. It emphasizes the need for parties involved in custody disputes to understand the legal framework and the importance of timely and appropriate legal actions. The ruling may set a precedent for similar cases, reinforcing the necessity of jurisdictional clarity in family law appeals.
What's Next
Goding's options for appeal are limited following this ruling. It is unclear if he will pursue further legal action, such as seeking a review by the Texas Supreme Court. There are no related cases pending in the court system that were mentioned in the opinion.