Welcome

Welcome to Judge Jerry Simoneaux's Website

Thank you for visiting. I'm Judge Jerry Simoneaux of Harris County Probate Court 1, where since 2019, I've helped families navigate life's most challenging legal transitions with compassion, efficiency, and innovation. I'm seeking re-election in November 2026 to continue this important work.

Why Probate Courts Matter to Your Family

Because death eventually touches every family and incapacity can affect anyone regardless of background or circumstance, probate courts serve nearly all Harris County residents at some point in their lives. Our court provides essential services during these challenging transitions:

• Helping families settle a loved one's estate after they pass away
• Ensuring people with diminished capacity can live as autonomously as possible while remaining safe
• Supervising estates and guardianships to ensure financial responsibility and prevent exploitation
• Addressing disputes that arise among family members during these emotionally difficult times
• Resolving trust disputes, wrongful death claims, and survivorship actions
• Seeking justice when an executor, administrator, guardian, or trustee has been accused of wrongdoing

These matters affect people at their most vulnerable moments, which is why compassion is just as important as legal expertise in our court.

Read more about the unique nature of probate courts →

A Vital, Specialized Court

Texas has established only 25 Probate Courts in just 12 of its 254 counties—creating these specialized tribunals only where population demands warrant their expertise. Harris County has five—more than any other county—highlighting the significant need in our area.

What makes these courts exceptional is their extraordinary legal authority. Unlike any other court, Probate Courts wield both county and district court powers when handling matters related to estates, trusts, and vulnerable individuals. Cases that would normally require multiple courts can be consolidated and resolved by a single probate judge with specialized knowledge.

These cases aren't just legally complex—they're deeply personal, determining the fate of family homes, life savings, and the care of vulnerable loved ones. Such profound responsibilities demand judges with comprehensive expertise across multiple legal disciplines.

Why Proven Experience on the Probate Bench is Non-Negotiable

Probate judges must master areas of law that many attorneys rarely encounter during their careers. The decisions made in these courts can affect vulnerable adults' autonomy, determine how family wealth transfers across generations, and even impact whether someone can remain in their home after losing a spouse.

Mistakes in probate court can't simply be fixed with a new hearing—they can lead to irrevocable financial losses, compromise the care of vulnerable individuals, or spark family conflicts that last for generations. The learning curve for probate law is steep, and Harris County families deserve a judge who doesn't need on-the-job training for these consequential matters.

My deep experience in probate law—developed through decades of focused practice and advanced study—means I can efficiently identify and resolve the complex issues that come before the court, saving families time, money, and unnecessary stress during already difficult transitions.

My Deep Expertise & Proven Record for Harris County

To meet these demanding responsibilities, I've dedicated my career to developing the comprehensive expertise that probate matters require. My qualifications include:

• Nearly 24 years as an attorney, with more than 15 years specializing in probate litigation and appeals
• Over 10 years of judicial experience, including 4 years as a Houston Municipal Court Associate Judge before my current 6+ years presiding over Probate Court 1
• Academic and teaching experience as a former adjunct law professor and frequent continuing education instructor

This combination of courtroom experience, specialized legal knowledge, and educational background provides me with the tools to handle the full spectrum of complex issues that come before our court.

Recognition for Excellence on the Bench

My commitment to justice and effective court management has been recognized by legal professionals, state, and national organizations:

• Consistently Top-Rated by the Houston Bar Association: Ranked in the top 1% of all Harris County elected judges in every Houston Bar Association Judicial Evaluation Poll since taking office in 2019. (The HBA Judicial Evaluation Poll is not an endorsement by the HBA.)

• Leading Court Efficiency & Faster Resolutions:

  • Top-Tier Clearance Rate: Achieved 128%, ranking this court among the most efficient in Texas.
  • Reduced Trial Wait Times: Cut average time from filing to final trial from 2 years to just 9 months through strategic trial management.
  • Eliminated Backlogs: Ensured prompt hearings for uncontested matters as soon as attorneys are ready.

• Prestigious Statewide and Local Judicial Awards:

  • Recipient of the State Bar of Texas Judge Norman Black Award for contributions to social justice.
  • Recipient of the State Bar of Texas Judge Merrill Hartman Award for facilitating pro bono services.
  • Honored with the Judge Paul Barnich Justice Award by the LGBTQ Political Caucus.

• National Leadership Recognition:

  • Selected by the National Center for State Courts as one of only five U.S. delegates to participate in the Fourth National Guardianship Summit.

Innovating for Accessible & Efficient Justice

My approach combines technical excellence with genuine compassion, ensuring our court serves all Harris County residents effectively, especially during their most vulnerable moments.

• Pioneering Modernization: Even before COVID, I championed remote hearings, recognized by the Houston Chronicle as an "innovator" in 2018. Within my first six months in office, Probate Court 1 became the first county court to go fully digital. We also implemented virtual hearings, created systems to eliminate backlogs, and oversaw technology upgrades for all probate courts at no cost to taxpayers.
• Removing Language Barriers: We offer wedding ceremonies in three languages (English, Spanish, French), provide simultaneous translation services (online and in-court), and have special online accommodations for ASL interpretation.
• Making Courts Work for Everyone: We've installed improved assisted hearing devices, implemented family-friendly policies like automatic continuances for new parents, and created resources for families navigating probate without an attorney.
• Modernizing Court Practices: We've removed outdated sexist language from legal forms, implemented non-gender-specific dress codes, and enhanced court understanding and accommodations for LGBTQ+ individuals.

Under my leadership, Probate Court 1 now efficiently handles more than three times the caseload it did a decade ago, always prioritizing dignity and respect.

My Vision for the Next Term

If re-elected, I will continue to:

• Expand technological innovations to make court services even more accessible.
• Partner with legislators to improve probate and guardianship law.
• Develop additional resources for families navigating probate and guardianships without an attorney.
• Work with community partners to better serve our aging population.
• Ensure our court remains efficient while treating everyone with dignity and respect.

Join Me in Building a Better Court System

I invite you to explore this website further to learn more about my qualifications and vision. 

Thank you for your consideration and support. Together, we can ensure Harris County Probate Court 1 continues to serve our community with the expertise and compassion these important cases deserve.

For more information, see my BIO, Resume, and my list of Accomplishments.

Learn more about Probate Courts.