Home/Case Law/in Re: Charles Dwayne Lankford and Roberta Gresham
Regular Panel Decision DecisionWrit of Mandamus

in Re: Charles Dwayne Lankford and Roberta Gresham

Texas Court of Appeals, 12th District (Tyler)
12-15-00149-CV

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This document is Stephanie Smith's response to a petition for writ of mandamus filed by Charles Dwayne Lankford and Roberta Gresham in the Twelfth Court of Appeals, Tyler, Texas. The relators are challenging an order from Judge Joe Lee Register of Angelina County, which denied their pleas to the jurisdiction in a suit affecting the parent-child relationship concerning the child T.D.L. The core issue is whether Stephanie Smith has standing to file suit, based on Texas Family Code §102.003(a)(9), which grants standing to a person having actual care, control, and possession of a child for at least six months. Stephanie Smith argues that she has fulfilled the role of T.D.L.'s primary caretaker for over eight years due to the father's (Charles Lankford) extended absences and the managing conservator's (Roberta Gresham) relinquishment of responsibilities. The response advocates for a broad interpretation of 'actual care, control, and possession,' arguing it does not require exclusive or legal control, but rather a demonstrated de facto parental relationship and the development of a strong parent-child bond with T.D.L.

in Re: Charles Dwayne Lankford and Roberta Gresham is a workers' compensation case decided in Texas Court of Appeals, 12th District (Tyler). This case addresses legal issues related to compensation claims, benefits, and court rulings.

It is commonly referenced in legal research involving workers' compensation laws in Texas Court of Appeals, 12th District (Tyler).

Full Decision Text1 Pages

This document is Stephanie Smith's response to a petition for writ of mandamus filed by Charles Dwayne Lankford and Roberta Gresham in the Twelfth Court of Appeals, Tyler, Texas. The relators are challenging an order from Judge Joe Lee Register of Angelina County, which denied their pleas to the jurisdiction in a suit affecting the parent-child relationship concerning the child T.D.L. The core issue is whether Stephanie Smith has standing to file suit, based on Texas Family Code §102.003(a)(9), which grants standing to a person having actual care, control, and possession of a child for at least six months. Stephanie Smith argues that she has fulfilled the role of T.D.L.'s primary caretaker for over eight years due to the father's (Charles Lankford) extended absences and the managing conservator's (Roberta Gresham) relinquishment of responsibilities. The response advocates for a broad interpretation of 'actual care, control, and possession,' arguing it does not require exclusive or legal control, but rather a demonstrated de facto parental relationship and the development of a strong parent-child bond with T.D.L.

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in Re: Charles Dwayne Lankford and Roberta Gresham workers compensation case in Texas Court of Appeals, 12th District (Tyler). Legal case summary, ruling, and analysis for attorneys and legal research.

in Re: Charles Dwayne Lankford and Roberta Gresham case law summary from Texas Court of Appeals, 12th District (Tyler). Workers compensation legal decision, case analysis, and court ruling details.

in Re: Charles Dwayne Lankford and Roberta Gresham Case Analysis

in Re: Charles Dwayne Lankford and Roberta Gresham is a legal case related to workers' compensation in Texas Court of Appeals, 12th District (Tyler). This case explains important rulings, legal interpretations, and claim decisions.

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