Irene J. Pridgen v. US Bank Trust National Association et al.

Summary

The United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida grants Irene J. Pridgen’s motion under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 60(b) for relief from the final judgment dismissing her complaint as a shotgun pleading. The court vacates the judgment, reopens the case, and permits Pridgen to file a second amended complaint by January 27, 2026.

Holdings

1. Rule 6(d) does not extend a deadline stated as a fixed calendar date; it applies when a party must act within a specified period after service.
2. Rule 60(b) relief was warranted because Pridgen's deadline miscalculation, possibly delayed receipt of the dismissal order, and related circumstances constituted excusable neglect.

Questions Presented

1. Whether Rule 6(d)'s three-day extension for service by mail applied to a deadline set on a specific calendar date.
2. Whether Pridgen was entitled to relief from the final judgment under Rule 60(b) based on excusable neglect.
3. Whether the judgment should be vacated and the case reopened to permit Pridgen to file an amended complaint.

Disposition

vacated