State ex rel. J.M.H. v. Hofer

An aggrieved party in a mandatory arbitration proceeding may request a trial de novo by filing a written request within 20 days after the award is filed. The applicable rule states that the 20-day period "may not be extended.” Heath Goodall concedes that he filed his request beyond the 20-day period, but argues it should be accepted because he substantially complied with the rule. Because the 20-day limit is jurisdictional, we reject Goodall’s claim and vacate the trial court’s order granting a trial de novo.

FACTS

The State filed a paternity action on behalf of J.M.H. against Goodall, the…