The seven year hitch

The appellant, Hope Hill Investments, asserted laches against the Richardson school district’s tax-collection suit, claiming an unfair seven-year delay in filing the case. The Fifth Court rejected that defense. As to the controlling law, it reminded: “‘[I]n the absence of some element of estoppel or such extraordinary circumstances as would render inequitable the enforcement of petitioners’ right after a delay, laches will not bar a suit short of the period set forth in the limitation statute.’” (emphasis added, citations omitted). Factually: “Hope Hill claims that it made a diligent effort to locate Seeley, the original property owner, but he could not be found due to RISD’s delay in filing suit. Had the District named Seeley as a defendant, Hope Hill contends that it could have asserted a cross-claim against him. However, Hope Hill’s lost ability to seek contribution or indemnity from other parties due to RISD’s delay does not, without more, raise a claim of “estoppel” or “extraordinary circumstances.” Hope Hill Investments v. Richardson ISD, No. 05-16-01519-CV (June 5, 2018) (mem. op.)