American General Fire & Casualty Co. v. Vandewater

In this case we consider whether a trial court could properly acquire jurisdiction over a minor defendant and render a final judgment binding the minor’s interests when the minor’s mother answered as the minor’s next friend. American General Fire & Casualty Co. (“American General”) filed a declaratory judgment lawsuit against Leslie Vandewater (“Leslie”), Jordan Vandewater (“Jordan”) and Vandewater Construction Company to determine the policy limits of an insurance policy. Leslie Vandewater answered and filed a counterclaim individually and as Jordan’s next friend. The trial court granted…