For years, a federal court trust fund battle between members of one of Dallas’ wealthiest families has been one of the most discussed civil cases in Texas, spawning a multimillion-dollar attorney fee dispute, allegations of improper political influence, and numerous appeals that have kept the case from dying.

And if the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit’s latest opinion on the mess is any indication, appellate judges have had enough of the post-settlement litigation.