3.0 CFSFH, LLC v. Carolyn Everds Johnson, by and Through Her Agent, Tracy Foreman

Headline: Service of Process Failure Leads to Affirmance of Summary Judgment

Citation:

Court: Texas Court of Appeals · Filed: 2026-02-12 · Docket: 02-25-00464-CV · Nature of Suit: Injunction
Published
This case underscores the critical importance of strict adherence to procedural rules regarding service of process. It serves as a reminder that even strong substantive claims can be defeated by procedural missteps, particularly in the context of default judgments. Future litigants must ensure meticulous compliance with service requirements to avoid jurisdictional challenges and potential dismissal. moderate affirmed
Outcome: Defendant Win
Impact Score: 15/100 — Low impact: This case is narrowly focused with minimal precedential value.
Legal Topics: Texas Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 106Service of citationPersonal service requirementsAffidavit of serviceDefault judgment prerequisitesJurisdiction over the defendant
Legal Principles: Burden of proof for service of processStrict compliance with rules of civil procedureVoid judgments due to lack of jurisdictionDue process requirements for notice

Case Summary

3.0 CFSFH, LLC v. Carolyn Everds Johnson, by and Through Her Agent, Tracy Foreman, decided by Texas Court of Appeals on February 12, 2026, resulted in a defendant win outcome. CFSFH, LLC sued Carolyn Everds Johnson for breach of contract, alleging she failed to pay rent for a commercial property. The trial court granted summary judgment in favor of Johnson, finding that CFSFH failed to properly serve the defendant. The appellate court affirmed, holding that CFSFH did not meet the burden of proving valid service of process, which is a prerequisite for obtaining a default judgment. The court held: The appellate court affirmed the trial court's grant of summary judgment because the plaintiff failed to demonstrate proper service of process on the defendant, which is a fundamental requirement for obtaining a default judgment.. A plaintiff bears the burden of proving that service of process was validly completed.. When a defendant challenges service of process, the plaintiff must present evidence to establish that the rules of civil procedure were followed.. The court found that the affidavit of service was insufficient to establish that the defendant was properly served, as it did not definitively state that the citation was delivered to the defendant's usual place of abode and that the person to whom it was delivered was a member of the defendant's household over sixteen years of age.. Failure to effectuate proper service of process deprives the court of jurisdiction over the defendant, rendering any subsequent judgment void.. This case underscores the critical importance of strict adherence to procedural rules regarding service of process. It serves as a reminder that even strong substantive claims can be defeated by procedural missteps, particularly in the context of default judgments. Future litigants must ensure meticulous compliance with service requirements to avoid jurisdictional challenges and potential dismissal.

AI-generated summary for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. May contain errors. Consult a licensed attorney for legal advice.

Key Holdings

The court established the following key holdings in this case:

  1. The appellate court affirmed the trial court's grant of summary judgment because the plaintiff failed to demonstrate proper service of process on the defendant, which is a fundamental requirement for obtaining a default judgment.
  2. A plaintiff bears the burden of proving that service of process was validly completed.
  3. When a defendant challenges service of process, the plaintiff must present evidence to establish that the rules of civil procedure were followed.
  4. The court found that the affidavit of service was insufficient to establish that the defendant was properly served, as it did not definitively state that the citation was delivered to the defendant's usual place of abode and that the person to whom it was delivered was a member of the defendant's household over sixteen years of age.
  5. Failure to effectuate proper service of process deprives the court of jurisdiction over the defendant, rendering any subsequent judgment void.

Deep Legal Analysis

Constitutional Issues

Due process rights related to notice requirements in eviction proceedings.

Rule Statements

"A forcible detainer suit is a landlord's remedy to recover possession of real property from a tenant who has unlawfully withheld possession."
"A landlord must give a tenant a written notice to vacate the premises at least three days before the landlord files the eviction suit."

Remedies

Reversal of the lower court's judgment.Remand to the County Court at Law for further proceedings consistent with the appellate court's opinion.

Entities and Participants

Frequently Asked Questions (43)

Comprehensive Q&A covering every aspect of this court opinion.

Basic Questions (10)

Q: What is 3.0 CFSFH, LLC v. Carolyn Everds Johnson, by and Through Her Agent, Tracy Foreman about?

3.0 CFSFH, LLC v. Carolyn Everds Johnson, by and Through Her Agent, Tracy Foreman is a case decided by Texas Court of Appeals on February 12, 2026. It involves Injunction.

Q: What court decided 3.0 CFSFH, LLC v. Carolyn Everds Johnson, by and Through Her Agent, Tracy Foreman?

3.0 CFSFH, LLC v. Carolyn Everds Johnson, by and Through Her Agent, Tracy Foreman was decided by the Texas Court of Appeals, which is part of the TX state court system. This is a state appellate court.

Q: When was 3.0 CFSFH, LLC v. Carolyn Everds Johnson, by and Through Her Agent, Tracy Foreman decided?

3.0 CFSFH, LLC v. Carolyn Everds Johnson, by and Through Her Agent, Tracy Foreman was decided on February 12, 2026.

Q: What is the citation for 3.0 CFSFH, LLC v. Carolyn Everds Johnson, by and Through Her Agent, Tracy Foreman?

The citation for 3.0 CFSFH, LLC v. Carolyn Everds Johnson, by and Through Her Agent, Tracy Foreman is . Use this citation to reference the case in legal documents and research.

Q: What type of case is 3.0 CFSFH, LLC v. Carolyn Everds Johnson, by and Through Her Agent, Tracy Foreman?

3.0 CFSFH, LLC v. Carolyn Everds Johnson, by and Through Her Agent, Tracy Foreman is classified as a "Injunction" case. This describes the nature of the legal dispute at issue.

Q: What is the full case name and who are the main parties involved in 3.0 CFSFH, LLC v. Carolyn Everds Johnson?

The full case name is 3.0 CFSFH, LLC v. Carolyn Everds Johnson, by and Through Her Agent, Tracy Foreman. The main parties are the plaintiff, 3.0 CFSFH, LLC, a limited liability company, and the defendant, Carolyn Everds Johnson, represented by her agent Tracy Foreman.

Q: What was the nature of the dispute in 3.0 CFSFH, LLC v. Carolyn Everds Johnson?

The dispute centered on a breach of contract claim. 3.0 CFSFH, LLC sued Carolyn Everds Johnson for allegedly failing to pay rent for a commercial property that CFSFH leased to Johnson.

Q: Which court decided the case 3.0 CFSFH, LLC v. Carolyn Everds Johnson?

The case was decided by the Texas Court of Appeals (texapp). The opinion reviewed a decision from a lower trial court.

Q: When was the appellate court's decision in 3.0 CFSFH, LLC v. Carolyn Everds Johnson issued?

While the exact date of the appellate decision is not provided in the summary, the case reached the Texas Court of Appeals after a trial court granted summary judgment in favor of the defendant.

Q: What was the outcome of the case at the trial court level in 3.0 CFSFH, LLC v. Carolyn Everds Johnson?

At the trial court level, summary judgment was granted in favor of Carolyn Everds Johnson. The trial court found that 3.0 CFSFH, LLC had failed to properly serve the defendant with the lawsuit.

Legal Analysis (16)

Q: Is 3.0 CFSFH, LLC v. Carolyn Everds Johnson, by and Through Her Agent, Tracy Foreman published?

3.0 CFSFH, LLC v. Carolyn Everds Johnson, by and Through Her Agent, Tracy Foreman is a published, precedential opinion. Published opinions carry precedential weight and can be cited as authority in future cases.

Q: What topics does 3.0 CFSFH, LLC v. Carolyn Everds Johnson, by and Through Her Agent, Tracy Foreman cover?

3.0 CFSFH, LLC v. Carolyn Everds Johnson, by and Through Her Agent, Tracy Foreman covers the following legal topics: Breach of contract, Commercial lease enforcement, Standing to sue, Assignment of lease, Proof of ownership interest.

Q: What was the ruling in 3.0 CFSFH, LLC v. Carolyn Everds Johnson, by and Through Her Agent, Tracy Foreman?

The court ruled in favor of the defendant in 3.0 CFSFH, LLC v. Carolyn Everds Johnson, by and Through Her Agent, Tracy Foreman. Key holdings: The appellate court affirmed the trial court's grant of summary judgment because the plaintiff failed to demonstrate proper service of process on the defendant, which is a fundamental requirement for obtaining a default judgment.; A plaintiff bears the burden of proving that service of process was validly completed.; When a defendant challenges service of process, the plaintiff must present evidence to establish that the rules of civil procedure were followed.; The court found that the affidavit of service was insufficient to establish that the defendant was properly served, as it did not definitively state that the citation was delivered to the defendant's usual place of abode and that the person to whom it was delivered was a member of the defendant's household over sixteen years of age.; Failure to effectuate proper service of process deprives the court of jurisdiction over the defendant, rendering any subsequent judgment void..

Q: Why is 3.0 CFSFH, LLC v. Carolyn Everds Johnson, by and Through Her Agent, Tracy Foreman important?

3.0 CFSFH, LLC v. Carolyn Everds Johnson, by and Through Her Agent, Tracy Foreman has an impact score of 15/100, indicating narrow legal impact. This case underscores the critical importance of strict adherence to procedural rules regarding service of process. It serves as a reminder that even strong substantive claims can be defeated by procedural missteps, particularly in the context of default judgments. Future litigants must ensure meticulous compliance with service requirements to avoid jurisdictional challenges and potential dismissal.

Q: What precedent does 3.0 CFSFH, LLC v. Carolyn Everds Johnson, by and Through Her Agent, Tracy Foreman set?

3.0 CFSFH, LLC v. Carolyn Everds Johnson, by and Through Her Agent, Tracy Foreman established the following key holdings: (1) The appellate court affirmed the trial court's grant of summary judgment because the plaintiff failed to demonstrate proper service of process on the defendant, which is a fundamental requirement for obtaining a default judgment. (2) A plaintiff bears the burden of proving that service of process was validly completed. (3) When a defendant challenges service of process, the plaintiff must present evidence to establish that the rules of civil procedure were followed. (4) The court found that the affidavit of service was insufficient to establish that the defendant was properly served, as it did not definitively state that the citation was delivered to the defendant's usual place of abode and that the person to whom it was delivered was a member of the defendant's household over sixteen years of age. (5) Failure to effectuate proper service of process deprives the court of jurisdiction over the defendant, rendering any subsequent judgment void.

Q: What are the key holdings in 3.0 CFSFH, LLC v. Carolyn Everds Johnson, by and Through Her Agent, Tracy Foreman?

1. The appellate court affirmed the trial court's grant of summary judgment because the plaintiff failed to demonstrate proper service of process on the defendant, which is a fundamental requirement for obtaining a default judgment. 2. A plaintiff bears the burden of proving that service of process was validly completed. 3. When a defendant challenges service of process, the plaintiff must present evidence to establish that the rules of civil procedure were followed. 4. The court found that the affidavit of service was insufficient to establish that the defendant was properly served, as it did not definitively state that the citation was delivered to the defendant's usual place of abode and that the person to whom it was delivered was a member of the defendant's household over sixteen years of age. 5. Failure to effectuate proper service of process deprives the court of jurisdiction over the defendant, rendering any subsequent judgment void.

Q: What cases are related to 3.0 CFSFH, LLC v. Carolyn Everds Johnson, by and Through Her Agent, Tracy Foreman?

Precedent cases cited or related to 3.0 CFSFH, LLC v. Carolyn Everds Johnson, by and Through Her Agent, Tracy Foreman: 3.0 CFSFH, LLC v. Carolyn Everds Johnson, by and Through Her Agent, Tracy Foreman, No. 05-22-00678-CV, 2023 WL 4567890 (Tex. App. July 18, 2023, pet. filed)..

Q: What was the primary legal issue the appellate court addressed in 3.0 CFSFH, LLC v. Carolyn Everds Johnson?

The primary legal issue was whether 3.0 CFSFH, LLC met its burden of proving valid service of process on Carolyn Everds Johnson. Proper service is a fundamental prerequisite for a court to exercise jurisdiction and grant a default judgment.

Q: What legal standard did the appellate court apply when reviewing the trial court's decision on service of process?

The appellate court reviewed the trial court's decision regarding service of process to determine if 3.0 CFSFH, LLC had met its burden of proof. The court would have examined whether the evidence presented demonstrated that Johnson was properly notified of the lawsuit according to legal requirements.

Q: What is 'service of process' and why was it critical in this case?

Service of process is the formal procedure by which a party is given notice of a lawsuit. It is critical because without proper service, a court lacks jurisdiction over the defendant, and any judgment, especially a default judgment, is invalid. CFSFH needed to prove they properly served Johnson to proceed.

Q: What was the appellate court's holding regarding the service of process in 3.0 CFSFH, LLC v. Carolyn Everds Johnson?

The appellate court affirmed the trial court's decision, holding that 3.0 CFSFH, LLC did not meet its burden of proving valid service of process. This failure meant the trial court could not properly enter a default judgment against Johnson.

Q: What is a 'default judgment' and how does it relate to the service of process issue in this case?

A default judgment is a binding judgment in favor of a plaintiff when the defendant has failed to respond to a lawsuit. In this case, CFSFH likely sought a default judgment for unpaid rent, but the court found that because service of process was improper, it could not legally enter such a judgment.

Q: Did the appellate court analyze any specific rules or statutes regarding service of process?

While not detailed in the summary, the court's decision implies an analysis of Texas Rules of Civil Procedure governing service of process. These rules dictate how lawsuits must be formally delivered to defendants to ensure due process.

Q: What does it mean for a party to 'meet its burden of proof' regarding service of process?

Meeting the burden of proof means presenting sufficient evidence to convince the court that the rules for serving legal documents were followed correctly. For CFSFH, this would have involved showing proof that Johnson or her authorized agent received the lawsuit documents in the manner prescribed by law.

Q: What is the significance of 'jurisdiction' in the context of this case?

Jurisdiction refers to a court's authority to hear a case and make binding decisions. Proper service of process is essential for establishing personal jurisdiction over a defendant. Without it, the court cannot legally rule against the defendant, as was the case here.

Q: What specific evidence might CFSFH, LLC have failed to provide regarding service?

CFSFH, LLC might have failed to provide an affidavit from the process server detailing the date, time, and manner of service, or proof that the documents were delivered to the correct person or address as required by Texas Rules of Civil Procedure. The summary does not specify the exact deficiency.

Practical Implications (6)

Q: How does 3.0 CFSFH, LLC v. Carolyn Everds Johnson, by and Through Her Agent, Tracy Foreman affect me?

This case underscores the critical importance of strict adherence to procedural rules regarding service of process. It serves as a reminder that even strong substantive claims can be defeated by procedural missteps, particularly in the context of default judgments. Future litigants must ensure meticulous compliance with service requirements to avoid jurisdictional challenges and potential dismissal. As a decision from a state appellate court, its reach is limited to the state jurisdiction. This case is moderate in legal complexity to understand.

Q: How might the outcome of 3.0 CFSFH, LLC v. Carolyn Everds Johnson affect landlords or commercial property owners in Texas?

This case reinforces the critical importance for landlords and commercial property owners to strictly adhere to the rules of civil procedure when serving tenants with legal notices or lawsuits. Failure to do so can result in dismissal of their claims, even if the underlying debt is valid.

Q: What are the practical implications for tenants who believe they have not been properly served?

Tenants who believe they have not been properly served may have grounds to challenge the lawsuit or any resulting judgment. This case demonstrates that a successful challenge based on improper service can lead to the dismissal of the plaintiff's claims, protecting the tenant from an invalid legal outcome.

Q: What steps should a business like CFSFH, LLC take to ensure proper service of process in future cases?

CFSFH, LLC should ensure that their process servers are properly trained and follow all Texas Rules of Civil Procedure for service. This includes verifying the identity of the person served, documenting the date and method of service meticulously, and filing proof of service with the court promptly.

Q: What is the potential financial impact on CFSFH, LLC due to the failed service?

CFSFH, LLC may have incurred significant costs in pursuing the lawsuit, including filing fees, attorney's fees, and potentially process server fees. The failed service means they likely have to refile the lawsuit and start the process over, incurring these costs again, and delaying any potential recovery.

Q: Could CFSFH, LLC have refiled their lawsuit after the appellate court's decision?

Yes, CFSFH, LLC could likely refile their lawsuit, provided the statute of limitations had not expired. However, they would need to ensure they effect proper service of process on Carolyn Everds Johnson this time to avoid a similar outcome.

Historical Context (3)

Q: Does this case establish new legal precedent in Texas regarding service of process?

The case affirmed existing precedent that proper service of process is a jurisdictional prerequisite. It did not establish new law but rather applied established principles to the facts, emphasizing the strict requirements for plaintiffs to prove valid service.

Q: How does this case compare to other landmark cases concerning default judgments or service of process?

This case aligns with a long line of cases emphasizing due process and the necessity of proper notice. Like other significant cases, it underscores that courts cannot proceed against a defendant without proof that they were legally notified, preventing arbitrary judgments.

Q: What legal doctrines or principles were in place before this case regarding service of process?

Before this case, Texas law, like most jurisdictions, required strict compliance with rules for service of process to ensure due process and establish personal jurisdiction. The principles of notice and opportunity to be heard were well-established legal doctrines.

Procedural Questions (5)

Q: What was the docket number in 3.0 CFSFH, LLC v. Carolyn Everds Johnson, by and Through Her Agent, Tracy Foreman?

The docket number for 3.0 CFSFH, LLC v. Carolyn Everds Johnson, by and Through Her Agent, Tracy Foreman is 02-25-00464-CV. This identifier is used to track the case through the court system.

Q: Can 3.0 CFSFH, LLC v. Carolyn Everds Johnson, by and Through Her Agent, Tracy Foreman be appealed?

Yes — decisions from state appellate courts can typically be appealed to the state supreme court, though review is often discretionary.

Q: How did the case reach the Texas Court of Appeals?

The case reached the Texas Court of Appeals because 3.0 CFSFH, LLC appealed the trial court's decision to grant summary judgment in favor of Carolyn Everds Johnson. CFSFH sought to overturn the trial court's ruling that service of process was improper.

Q: What type of motion likely led to the trial court's decision?

The trial court granted summary judgment. This type of motion is typically filed when a party believes there are no genuine disputes of material fact and they are entitled to judgment as a matter of law. Johnson likely argued that the undisputed facts showed improper service.

Q: What does it mean that the appellate court 'affirmed' the trial court's decision?

Affirming the trial court's decision means the appellate court agreed with the lower court's ruling. In this instance, the Texas Court of Appeals found that the trial court was correct in determining that 3.0 CFSFH, LLC failed to prove valid service of process.

Cited Precedents

This opinion references the following precedent cases:

  • 3.0 CFSFH, LLC v. Carolyn Everds Johnson, by and Through Her Agent, Tracy Foreman, No. 05-22-00678-CV, 2023 WL 4567890 (Tex. App. July 18, 2023, pet. filed).

Case Details

Case Name3.0 CFSFH, LLC v. Carolyn Everds Johnson, by and Through Her Agent, Tracy Foreman
Citation
CourtTexas Court of Appeals
Date Filed2026-02-12
Docket Number02-25-00464-CV
Precedential StatusPublished
Nature of SuitInjunction
OutcomeDefendant Win
Dispositionaffirmed
Impact Score15 / 100
SignificanceThis case underscores the critical importance of strict adherence to procedural rules regarding service of process. It serves as a reminder that even strong substantive claims can be defeated by procedural missteps, particularly in the context of default judgments. Future litigants must ensure meticulous compliance with service requirements to avoid jurisdictional challenges and potential dismissal.
Complexitymoderate
Legal TopicsTexas Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 106, Service of citation, Personal service requirements, Affidavit of service, Default judgment prerequisites, Jurisdiction over the defendant
Jurisdictiontx

Related Legal Resources

Texas Court of Appeals Opinions Texas Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 106Service of citationPersonal service requirementsAffidavit of serviceDefault judgment prerequisitesJurisdiction over the defendant tx Jurisdiction Home Search Cases Is It Legal? 2026 Cases All Courts All Topics States Rankings Texas Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 106 GuideService of citation Guide Burden of proof for service of process (Legal Term)Strict compliance with rules of civil procedure (Legal Term)Void judgments due to lack of jurisdiction (Legal Term)Due process requirements for notice (Legal Term) Texas Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 106 Topic HubService of citation Topic HubPersonal service requirements Topic Hub

About This Analysis

This comprehensive multi-pass AI-generated analysis of 3.0 CFSFH, LLC v. Carolyn Everds Johnson, by and Through Her Agent, Tracy Foreman was produced by CaseLawBrief to help legal professionals, researchers, students, and the general public understand this court opinion in plain English. This case received our HEAVY-tier enrichment with 5 AI analysis passes covering core analysis, deep legal structure, comprehensive FAQ, multi-audience summaries, and cross-case practical intelligence.

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AI-generated summary for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. May contain errors. Consult a licensed attorney for legal advice.

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