On Nov. 26, Hellums also will consider a motion filed by McMurrey to sever the declaratory judgment from custody and child support matters and tort claims Close lodged against him so he can appeal it.
"It would be prejudicial and cause undo hardship, expense and delay to judicial efficiency and to all parties to require them to participate in a trial of the suit affecting the parent child relationship and tort claims joined under this cause number prior to final resolution from the appellate courts on the issues of parentage and standing," McMurrey alleges in his motion to sever.
Reiff says Close opposes the severance.
Guardian ad litem Bruce Steffler, a solo practitioner in Houston, did not return a telephone message.
