In Re Velma Barber, Relator

Summary

The Texas Supreme Court held that a judge may validly sign an order by directing a court coordinator to affix a rubber‑stamped signature, that the trial court abused its discretion in finding the order unsigned, and that mandamus relief was appropriate to vacate the trial court's orders. The Court also clarified that the date of signing, not entry, controls the timeliness of post‑judgment deadlines. Justice Baker dissented, arguing that the majority misapplied precedent and ignored conflicting evidence, and that mandamus should not be granted.