Toyota Motor North America, Inc., et al., v. Tarbert, et al.
| Toyota Motor North America, Inc., Toyota Motor North America, Inc. North American Benefits Committee and Toyota Motor North America, Inc. Retirement Savings Plan |
| Rhonda Tarbert and Michelle Ramirez |
| 4:2025cv00985 |
| September 8, 2025 |
| U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas |
| Sean D Jordan |
| Labor: E.R.I.S.A. |
| 29 U.S.C. § 1132 E.R.I.S.A.-Employee Benefits |
| None |
Docket Report
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This docket was last retrieved on March 6, 2026. A more recent docket listing may be available from PACER.
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Filing 35
ORDER. It is ORDERED that Defendant Michelle Ramirez's Motion for Extension of Time to File Answer Out of Time, (Dkt. #19 ), is GRANTED. Defendant Michelle Ramirez's Original Answer, (Dkt. #18 ), is deemed properly filed. The Court will issue a show cause order separately. In light of this order, Defendant Michelle Ramirez may proceed forward with her case and serve her Rule 26(a)(1) initial disclosures. It is therefore ORDERED that Defendant Michelle Ramirez's Motion for Leave to Serve Rule 26(a)(1) Initial Disclosures, (Dkt. #33 ), is GRANTED. Signed by District Judge Sean D. Jordan on 3/6/2026. (jmb)
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| Filing 34 CORRECTED SUR-REPLY to Reply to Response re #19 MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer re #17 MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer filed by Rhonda Tarbert. (Moss, Stephen) |
| Filing 33 MOTION for Leave to File /Serve Disclosures by Michelle Ramirez. (Attachments: #1 Proposed Order)(Diaz, Maria) |
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Filing 32
ORDER. Before the Court is Defendant Michelle Ramirez's Motion for Leave to File Michelle Ramirez's Sur-Sur Reply to Rhonda Tarbert's Sur-Reply to Defendant Michelle Ramirez's Motion for Extension of Time to File Answer Out of Time. (Dkt. #30 ). It is therefore ORDERED that Defendant Michelle Ramirez's Motion for Leave to File Michelle Ramirez's Sur-Sur Reply to Rhonda Tarbert's Sur-Reply to Defendant Michelle Ramirez's Motion for Extension of Time to File Answer Out of Time, (Dkt. #30 ), is GRANTED. Defendant Michelle Ramirez's Sur-Sur Reply to Rhonda Tarbert's Sur-Reply to Defendant Michelle Ramirez's Motion for Extensionof Time to File Answer Out of Time, (Dkt. #31 ), is deemed properly filed. Signed by District Judge Sean D. Jordan on 3/2/2026. (jmb)
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| Filing 31 CORRECTED SUR-REPLY to Reply to Response re #19 MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer re #17 MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer filed by Michelle Ramirez. (Attachments: #1 Exhibit)(Diaz, Maria) |
| Filing 30 CORRECTED MOTION for Leave to File Sur-Sur Reply to Rhonda Tarbert's Sur-Reply to Defendant Michelle Ramirez' Motion for Extension of Time to File Answer Out of Time by Michelle Ramirez. (Attachments: #1 Additional Attachment(s), #2 Exhibit, #3 Proposed Order)(Diaz, Maria) |
| Filing 29 SUR-REPLY to Reply to Response re #19 MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer re #17 MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer filed by Michelle Ramirez. (Diaz, Maria) |
| Filing 28 MOTION for Leave to File Sur-Sur Reply to Rhonda Tarbert's Sur-Reply to Defendant Michelle Ramirez' Motion for Extension of Time to File Answer Out of Time by Michelle Ramirez. (Attachments: #1 Additional Attachment(s), #2 Proposed Order)(Diaz, Maria) Modified to terminate. Corrected at dkt. #30 on 3/3/2026 (jmb). |
| Filing 27 SUR-REPLY to Reply to Response re #19 MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer re #17 MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer filed by Rhonda Tarbert. (Attachments: #1 Affidavit/Declaration Defendant Rhonda Tarbert)(Moss, Stephen) |
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Filing 26
ORDER. The Court has received Defendant Rhonda Tarbert's Corrected Response to Defendant Michelle Ramirez's Motion for Extension of Time to File Answer Out of Time (the "Response"), (Dkt. #22 ) and Defendant Michelle Ramirez's Reply to Response to Motion for Extension of Time (the "Reply"). (Dkt. #25 ). It is ORDERED that Defendant Rhonda Tarbert shall file a sur-reply to Defendant Michelle Ramirez's Motion for Extension of Time to File Answer Out of Time, (Dkt. #19 ), of no more than eight (8) pages on or before February 24, 2026. Signed by District Judge Sean D. Jordan on 2/18/2026. (jmb)
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| Filing 25 REPLY to Response re #19 MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer re #17 MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer filed by Michelle Ramirez. (Attachments: #1 Exhibit Affidavit of Common Law, #2 Exhibit Last Will and Testament, #3 Exhibit Timeline, #4 Exhibit Affidavit of Michelle Ramirez)(Diaz, Maria) |
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Filing 24
ORAL ORDER Striking Deficient Document: The Court notes that docket #23 MOTION for Default Judgment as to Michelle Ramirez filed by Rhonda Tarbert was identified as deficient. There has been no entry default in the case. The clerk is ORDERED to STRIKE the deficient document pursuant to this Order. (Ordered by District Judge Sean D. Jordan.) (Motion(s) #23 terminated). Signed by District Judge Sean D. Jordan on 2/5/2026. (jmb)
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| Filing 23 ***STRICKEN PER DKT 24 *** MOTION for Default Judgment as to Michelle Ramirez by Rhonda Tarbert. (Attachments: #1 Affidavit/Declaration Military Affidavit, #2 Affidavit/Declaration, #3 Affidavit/Declaration, #4 Affidavit/Declaration, #5 Exhibit Billing Records, #6 Proposed Order)(Moss, Stephen) Modified on 2/5/2026 (jmb). |
| Filing 22 CORRECTED RESPONSE re #19 MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer re #17 MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer filed by Rhonda Tarbert. (Attachments: #1 Affidavit/Declaration, #2 Affidavit/Declaration, #3 Affidavit/Declaration, #4 Proposed Order)(Moss, Stephen) |
| Filing 21 ***DEFICIENT. TO BE REFILED. SEE Dkt. #22 *** FIRST RESPONSE re #17 MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer filed by Rhonda Tarbert. (Attachments: #1 Proposed Order)(Moss, Stephen) Modified on 2/3/2026 (jmb). Modified on 2/3/2026 (jmb). |
| Clerk's LR CV-10(d) Notice of Deficiency as to #21 Response to Motion filed by Rhonda Tarbert. - LR CV-5(a)(6) requires users to describe each exhibit with specificity as a separate PDF document. Recommended cure: Within one day, Filer must refile with the word Corrected in the title of the document. The filer should use the same ECF event and when offered the docket text enhancement dropdown, select CORRECTED so it will also appear in the docket text. (jmb) |
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Filing 20
ORDER. The Court has received Defendant Michelle Ramirez's Motion for Extension of Time to File Answer Out of Time. (Dkt. #19 ). In the certificate of conference, Defendant indicates that "the parties were unable to confer." (Dkt. #19 at 3). It is therefore ORDERED that Defendant Rhonda Tarbert shall file a response to Defendant Michelle Ramirez's Motion for Extension of Time to File Answer Out of Time, (Dkt. #19 ), on or before February 3, 2026. Signed by District Judge Sean D. Jordan on 1/28/2026. (jmb)
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| Reset Deadline as to #19 MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer. Tarbert Response due by 2/3/2026. (jmb) |
| Filing 19 CORRECTED MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer re #17 MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer by Michelle Ramirez. (Attachments: #1 Affidavit/Declaration Affidavit of M. Dinorah Diaz, #2 Exhibit Proof of Unavailability)(Diaz, Maria) Modified to add "corrected" on 1/27/2026 (jmb). (Additional attachment(s) added on 1/27/2026: #3 Proposed Order) (jmb). |
| Filing 18 ANSWER to #1 Complaint, by Michelle Ramirez.(Diaz, Maria) |
| Filing 17 ***DEFICIENT. TO BE REFILED. SEE DKT. #19 *** MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer by Michelle Ramirez. (Attachments: #1 Proposed Order)(Diaz, Maria) Modified on 1/27/2026 (jmb). Modified on 1/27/2026 (jmb). |
| Clerk's LR CV-10(d) Notice of Deficiency as to #17 Motion for Extension of Time to File Answer filed by Michelle Ramirez. - LR CV-7(i) or LR CR-47(a)(3) requires this document to include a certificate of conference that complies with the rule. Recommended cure: Within one day, Filer must refile with the word Corrected in the title of the document. The filer should use the same ECF event and when offered the docket text enhancement dropdown, select CORRECTED so it will also appear in the docket text. (jmb) |
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Filing 16
ORDER. It is ORDERED that Plaintiffs' Corrected Motion for Interpleader and Discharge and Incorporated Memorandum in Support, (Dkt. #10 ), is GRANTED. It is further ORDERED that Plaintiffs shall instruct Fidelity Workplace Services, LLC to retain the Benefit in trust until the Court determines the appropriate beneficiary or beneficiaries to it. Following such determination, Toyota Motor North America, Inc. Retirement Savings Plan shall instruct Fidelity Workplace Services, LLC to disburse the Benefit in accordance with this Court's direction. It is further ORDERED that Defendants Michelle Ramirez and Rhonda Tarbert are enjoined from instituting proceedings in any federal or state court, or other forum, against Plaintiffs regarding the Benefit. It is further ORDERED that Plaintiffs Toyota Motor North America, Inc.,Toyota Motor North America, Inc. North American Benefits Committee, and ToyotaMotor North America, Inc. Retirement Savings Plan are fully and finally discharged from any further liability, whether to Defendants or otherwise, arising out of or relating to the distribution of the Benefit or the proceeds thereunder. Signed by District Judge Sean D. Jordan on 1/23/2025. (jmb)
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| NOTICE: The Rule 16 management conference set for 1/21/2026 is cancelled and will be reset if necessary. Signed by District Judge Sean D. Jordan on 1/9/2026. (ldm) |
| Filing 15 NOTICE of Attorney Appearance - Pro Hac Vice by Maria Dinorah Diaz on behalf of Michelle Ramirez. Filing fee $ 100, receipt number ATXEDC-11284202. (Diaz, Maria) (Main Document 15 replaced with the signed version on 1/5/2026) (jmb). Modified on 1/5/2026 (jmb). |
| Filing 14 NOTICE of Discovery Disclosure by Rhonda Tarbert (Moss, Stephen) |
| Filing 13 NOTICE of Discovery Disclosure by Toyota Motor North America, Inc., Toyota Motor North America, Inc. North American Benefits Committee, Toyota Motor North America, Inc. Retirement Savings Plan - Notice of Initial Disclosures served (McMahan, Sean) |
| Filing 12 JOINT REPORT of Rule 26(f) Planning Meeting. (McMahan, Sean) |
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Filing 11
Standing Order on Motions to Seal in Civil Cases. Signed by District Judge Sean D. Jordan on 12/15/2025. (lrl)
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| Filing 10 MOTION to Dismiss - Corrected Motion for Interpleader and Discharge and Incorporated Memorandum in Support by Toyota Motor North America, Inc., Toyota Motor North America, Inc. North American Benefits Committee, Toyota Motor North America, Inc. Retirement Savings Plan. (Attachments: #1 Proposed Order)(McMahan, Sean) |
| Clerk's LR CV-10(d) Notice of Deficiency as to #9 Motion for Miscellaneous Relief, filed by Toyota Motor North America, Inc., Toyota Motor North America, Inc. North American Benefits Committee, Toyota Motor North America, Inc. Retirement Savings Plan. - LR CV-7(i) or LR CR-47(a)(3) requires this document to include a certificate of conference that complies with the rule. Recommended cure: Within one day, Filer must refile with the word Corrected in the title of the document. The filer should use the same ECF event and when offered the docket text enhancement dropdown, select CORRECTED so it will also appear in the docket text. (jmb) |
| Filing 9 ***DEFICIENT. TO BE REFILED. SEE DOCKET #10 *** MOTION for Interpleader and Discharge and Incorporated Memorandum in Support by Toyota Motor North America, Inc., Toyota Motor North America, Inc. North American Benefits Committee, Toyota Motor North America, Inc. Retirement Savings Plan. (Attachments: #1 Proposed Order)(McMahan, Sean) Modified event and docket text on 12/8/2025 (jmb). Modified on 12/11/2025 (jmb). Modified to terminate on 12/12/2025 (jmb). |
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Filing 8
ORDER GOVERNING PROCEEDINGS: Rule 26 Meeting Report due by 1/5/2026. Rule 16 Management Conference SET for 1/21/2026 at 11:00 AM in Ctrm 105 (Plano) before District Judge Sean D. Jordan. Signed by District Judge Sean D. Jordan on 11/26/2025. (jmb)
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| Filing 7 ANSWER to #1 Complaint, by Rhonda Tarbert.(Moss, Stephen) |
| Filing 6 Summons returned executed by Toyota Motor North America, Inc., Toyota Motor North America, Inc. Retirement Savings Plan, Toyota Motor North America, Inc. North American Benefits Committee. Michelle Ramirez served on 10/22/2025. (McMahan, Sean) |
| Filing 5 Summons issued as to Michelle Ramirez. (jmb) |
| Filing 4 WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by Toyota Motor North America, Inc., Toyota Motor North America, Inc. Retirement Savings Plan, Toyota Motor North America, Inc. North American Benefits Committee. Rhonda Tarbert waiver sent on 10/1/2025, answer due 12/1/2025. (McMahan, Sean) |
| Filing 3 NOTICE of Attorney Appearance - Pro Hac Vice by Sean K. McMahan on behalf of All Plaintiffs. Filing fee $ 100, receipt number ATXEDC-11094489. (McMahan, Sean) |
| In accordance with the provisions of 28 USC Section 636(c), you are hereby notified that a U.S. Magistrate Judge of this district court is available to conduct any or all proceedings in this case including a jury or non-jury trial and to order the entry of a final judgment. The form #Consent to Proceed Before Magistrate Judge is available on our website. All signed consent forms, excluding pro se parties, should be filed electronically using the event Notice Regarding Consent to Proceed Before Magistrate Judge. (jmb) |
| Case assigned to District Judge Sean D. Jordan. (jmb) |
| Filing 2 Fed. R. Civ. P. 7.1(a)(1) Disclosure Statement filed by Toyota Motor North America, Inc. identifying Corporate Parent Toyota Motor Corporation for Toyota Motor North America, Inc.. (Hill, Tyler) |
| Filing 1 COMPLAINT (Interpleader) against Michelle Ramirez, Rhonda Tarbert ( Filing fee $ 405 receipt number ATXEDC-11078523.), filed by Toyota Motor North America, Inc., Toyota Motor North America, Inc. Retirement Savings Plan, Toyota Motor North America, Inc. North American Benefits Committee. (Attachments: #1 Exhibit 1 - Plan Excerpts, #2 Exhibit 2 - Beneficiary Designation, #3 Civil Cover Sheet)(Hill, Tyler) |
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