Judge, County Probate Court, No. 1
Jurisdiction over decedent’s estates (probating wills, determining heirship, appointing executors and administrators), guardianships (including determining the need for a guardian and appointment of a guardian), and issues involving trusts. Probate courts have jurisdiction over lawsuits by or against executors, administrators, guardians and trustees. 4-year term.
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Jerry Simoneaux
(Dem)
Qualifications:
What training, experience and characteristics qualify you for this position?
Issues:
What are the two (2) most pressing issues that you will face in the office that you seek? Describe your "specific" plans/ideas for addressing these issues.
district
Harris County Probate Court 1
Education
South Texas College of Law Houston
Occupation
Judge
I have served as Judge of Harris County Probate Court 1 since January 2019, preceded by five years as Associate Judge of Houston Municipal Courts. I also served as Assistant State Presiding Judge of the Statutory Probate Courts (2023-2025).
Before taking the bench, I practiced probate, trust, guardianship, and fiduciary litigation for 17 years.
I graduated in 2001 with a J.D. from South Texas College of Law and completed Harvard Law School's Judicial Executive Leadership Program in 2024. I founded the Texas Probate Law American Inn of Court.
I consistently score in the top 1% of judges in the Houston Bar Association's Judicial Evaluation Poll and have received multiple honors, including the Judge Merrill Hartman Pro Bono Judge Award.
Issue 1: Overwhelming Dockets
Harris County's five probate courts serve nearly 5 million residents with case volumes straining capacity. I will advocate with Commissioners Court for increased funding to hire additional staff, using case management data to demonstrate need.
Issue 2: Systemic Infrastructure Deficiency
Long-term, we need at least one additional statutory probate court. I led the effort that created Probate Court 5 in 2023, demonstrating this can be accomplished. I will work with fellow probate judges, Commissioners Court, and legislators to build support for continued expansion, leveraging relationships with the Texas College of Probate Judges and State Bar leadership.
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