D.B.R. v. Mobile County Department of Human Resources

I do not agree that the appeal was untimely. The father’s March 18, 1997, pro se filing entitled “Appeal of Decisions of March 3, 1997” was treated by the trial court — and should be construed by this court — both as a petition for rehearing pursuant to § 12-15-6(d), Ala.Code 1975, and as a notice of appeal.

Upon receipt of that filing, the juvenile court not only denied the father post-judgment relief, but also appointed him appellate counsel and granted him a free transcript on appeal. The father’s appointed counsel, taking her cue from the trial court, also treated her client’s earlier pro…