Waiver: Right to appeal may be waived as part of settlement agreement

   
WHAT IS WAIVER, LEGALLY SPEAKING?

Waiver is an intentional relinquishment of a known right or intentional conduct inconsistent with that right. Jernigan v. Langley, 111 S.W.3d 153, 156 (Tex. 2003); Lang v. Lee, 777 S.W.2d 158, 164 (Tex. App.-Dallas 1989, no writ). Waiver can be established by an express renunciation of a known right. Jernigan, 111 S.W.3d at 156. In determining if waiver has in fact occurred, the court must examine the acts, words, or conduct of the parties and it must be "equivocally manifested" that it is the intent of the party to no longer assert the right. Robinson v. Robinson, 961 S.W.32d 292, 299 (Tex. App.-Houston [1st Dist.] 1997, no writ).

SOURCE: DALLAS COURT OF APPEALS - 05-10-01098-CV - 10/31/11

At the conclusion of the settlement hearing, the court asked appellant, "And you are agreeing that you understand that you are not-no longer going to prosecute the appeal that you currently have and will not appeal or attempt to appeal any other orders of this court that will be issued as a result of this settlement agreement?" Appellant agreed and said she understood. We conclude appellant unequivocally manifested her intent to waive her right to appeal the issues she now raises on appeal. Cf. Recognition Commc'ns, Inc. v. Am. Auto Ass'n, Inc., 154 S.W.3d 878, 885 (Tex. App.-Dallas 2005, pet. denied) (holding statement by attorney established party's intent to waive right to appeal a specific juy finding but did not waive party's right to appeal as to the entire case). Accordingly, appellant's second and third issues are overruled.

SOURCE: DALLAS COURT OF APPEALS - 05-10-01098-CV - 10/31/11