A Texas court has dismissed an appeal filed by Wonisha Tatum against Destiny Sallie, affecting Tatum's attempts to challenge a protective order and a contempt ruling. The Texas Court of Appeals ruled on July 14, 2026, that Tatum's appeal was not filed in time and that the court lacked jurisdiction over certain aspects of the case.
The case stems from a dispute between Tatum and Sallie that began with a protective-order application filed by Tatum on August 14, 2024. The trial court dismissed this application on February 21, 2025, and subsequently issued a contempt order on September 17, 2024. Tatum filed her notice of appeal on May 28, 2025, which the court found to be untimely.
The Texas Court of Appeals, located in Houston, is responsible for reviewing decisions made by lower courts. The appeal reached this court after Tatum sought to challenge the trial court's dismissal of her protective-order application and the contempt order against her. However, the court found that Tatum's appeal was filed more than thirty days after the trial court's final judgment, which is the standard deadline for filing an appeal in Texas.
The court ruled that Tatum's notice of appeal was due on March 24, 2025, following the February 21 dismissal. Since Tatum filed her appeal on May 28, the court deemed it untimely. The court stated, "Because the trial court signed the final judgment on February 21, 2025, appellant’s notice of appeal was due on March 24." This ruling highlights the importance of adhering to strict deadlines in legal proceedings.
Additionally, the court addressed Tatum's attempt to convert her appeal into a restricted appeal. A restricted appeal allows a party to challenge a judgment if they did not participate in the hearing that led to the judgment. However, the court found that Tatum had participated in the proceedings through her attorney, even though she did not appear personally at the hearing. The ruling explained, "Appellant initiated the protective-order proceeding on August 14, 2024 and participated throughout, as the record reflects."
The court ultimately concluded that it lacked jurisdiction over Tatum's appeal and dismissed it. The ruling emphasized that a restricted appeal is not available to a party who has actively participated in the case. The court stated, "A restricted appeal is not available to give a party who suffers an adverse judgment at its own hands another opportunity to have the merits of the case reviewed."
This decision has significant implications for Tatum, as it effectively ends her legal challenge against Sallie in this matter. The ruling underscores the necessity for individuals to be mindful of deadlines and procedural requirements when pursuing legal action. Failure to meet these requirements can result in the loss of the right to appeal.
The impact of this ruling extends beyond Tatum and Sallie. It serves as a reminder to others involved in legal disputes about the importance of timely filing and proper participation in court proceedings. Legal professionals and individuals alike must ensure they understand the rules governing appeals to avoid similar outcomes.
Looking ahead, Tatum's options for further action appear limited. The court's dismissal of her appeal is final, and there are no indications that she plans to pursue any further legal recourse. Details were not available in the court filing regarding any related cases or potential appeals.