This summary was computer-generated without any editorial revision. It is not official, has not been checked for accuracy, and is NOT citable.
Facts
The case involves an appeal concerning child support payments. The Appellant, acting pro se, challenges several district court orders, including an order sealing the record, a stipulated order, and an order appointing a guardian ad litem. The appeal arises from ongoing proceedings in the district court, which have not yet resulted in a final judgment.
Procedural History
- District Court, June 17, 2008: Issued a stipulated order.
- District Court, September 9, 2008: Issued an order sealing the record.
- District Court, November 7, 2008: Issued an order appointing a guardian ad litem.
Parties' Submissions
- Appellant: Argued that the district court orders, including the sealing of the record and rulings on arrearages, should be subject to appellate review. However, the Appellant acknowledged that the appeal on arrearages might be premature due to the absence of a final order.
- Respondent: [Not applicable or not found]
Legal Issues
- Whether the district court orders, including the sealing of the record, the stipulated order, and the appointment of a guardian ad litem, are final and appealable.
Disposition
- The appeal was dismissed on the basis that no final judgment had been entered in the underlying proceedings.
Reasons
Per Kennedy J. (Sutin C.J. and Garcia J. concurring):
The Court held that a judgment is not final and appealable unless it resolves the merits of the underlying controversy, leaving only collateral issues to be addressed. The Appellant’s notices of appeal pertain to interlocutory orders, including the sealing of the record, a stipulated order, and the appointment of a guardian ad litem. None of these orders constitute a final judgment. The Appellant conceded in her submissions that the appeal on arrearages might be premature. Consequently, the Court dismissed the appeal for lack of a final, appealable judgment.