I am thrilled to share incredible news from the 2025 Houston Bar Association Judicial Evaluation Poll. Thanks to the hard work of our court staff and your unwavering support, I have received the #1 rated in various categories out of the 91 trial court judges evaluated.

In addition to these results, I have an important update regarding the March Primary Election and the status of my campaign for the upcoming season.

Showing your support is one of the most important things you can do -- until election day. Please show your support by adding your name below.

Thank you!

Mailing Address:

Jerry Simoneaux for Judge
P.O. Box 35282
Houston, TX 77235-5282

Phone/Text: 713-487-9587 

Email: [email protected] 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/judgejerryone/ 

Instagram: @JudgeJerry1

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simoneaux/

Substack: https://jsimoneaux.substack.com 

Hashtags: #JudgeJerry1 #OneForYall 

Judge Jerry Simoneaux's Key Accomplishments

Making Our Court More Accessible

• Pioneered Digital Courts in Harris County – In my first 4 months as judge, I made Probate Court 1 the first county court to go fully digital, eliminating huge stacks of paper files in the court--which also ended the need for the manual signing of orders--creating a much more efficient (and environmentally friendly) court.
• First to Offer Remote Hearings – In October 2019 (months before COVID), we became the first court in Harris County to offer remote hearings by video, saving them time off work and travel expenses.
• State-of-the-Art Technology – Led the installation of cutting-edge equipment, allowing residents to participate in proceedings remotely, in-person, or in a hybrid format, making justice accessible to everyone regardless of circumstances.
• Services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Individuals – Installed new assisted hearing devices in the courtroom for those who are hard of hearing. For online appearances, our software offers closed captioning and a new special visual module for enhanced ASL interpretation.
• Enhanced Language Support Systems - The courtroom audio assistance devices also have two audio channels for simultaneous translation. For online participants, I implemented separate audio channel capabilities for simultaneous translation.
• Eliminated Backlogs - Uncontested matters can be set for a hearing as soon as the attorney is ready. No waiting.
• Online Scheduling - Implemented online scheduling for almost all uncontested matters.
• Efficient Trial Management - Manages over 80 contested matters per year with time to trial reduced from 2 years to 9 months, in most cases.

Supporting Families and Protecting Vulnerable Individuals

• Improved Guardian Oversight – Partnered with the Texas State Office of Court Administration to audit all guardianship cases, ensuring better protection for vulnerable residents. Harris County now has one of the state's highest compliance rates.
• Wedding Services Restored – Brought back wedding ceremonies to Probate Court 1 after an 8-year absence, officiating over 100 weddings in the first year alone. Weddings are offered in English, Spanish, and French. Translators are always welcome.
• Multilingual Services – Several staff members are certified bilingual in English and Spanish. 
• Family-Friendly Court Policies – Created automatic four-month case postponements for attorneys welcoming new children through birth, adoption, or fostering – one of the first courts in Texas to implement such a policy.

Leading for Equality and Fairness

• Modernized Court Language – Collaborated with the County Clerk to remove outdated sexist language from legal forms and court documents (changing terms like "executrix" to gender-neutral alternatives).
• LGBTQ+ Inclusivity - Developed a non-gender-specific dress code and enhanced training of court staff on LGBTQ+ issues and accommodations.
• Implicit Bias - I received 8 hours of professional implicit bias training and imparted my knowledge to all staff members.
• Enhanced Services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing - The courtroom has assisted listening devices for the hard of hearing. Our online services offer closed captioning and special visual modules for ASL interpretation.

Service During COVID-19 Crisis

• Uninterrupted Court Operations – From March 2020 to March 2022, successfully conducted over 6,000 remote hearings and 40 bench trials, ensuring that families could still get vital legal matters resolved during the pandemic.
• Safe In-Person Proceedings – Carefully managed 5 in-person jury trials with strict safety protocols, maintaining public health while fulfilling our constitutional duties.

Professional Leadership and Recognition

• National Leadership Role – Selected as one of only 5 national delegates by the National Center for State Courts to participate in the Fourth National Guardianship Summit, helping shape better guardianship laws nationwide.
• Founding Legal Mentorship Organization – Established the Texas Probate Law American Inn of Court to promote professionalism and mentor new attorneys, improving the quality of legal representation for Harris County residents.
• Expanded Legal Expertise – Led the committee to create a new Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Trust, Estate, and Guardianship Litigation, raising the standard of legal practice in these critical areas.
• Volunteer Legal Services – Serving as a Director on the Board of the Houston Volunteer Lawyers, helping provide free legal assistance to those who cannot afford it.
• Sharing Knowledge – Taught over 30 continuing education courses for judges, attorneys, and legal organizations across Texas, improving the quality of legal services statewide.
• State Recognition – Received two awards from the State Bar of Texas:
  • The Judge Merrill Hartman Pro Bono Judge Award from the State Bar of Texas for exceptional work in facilitating legal aid for disadvantaged residents.
  • The Judge Norman Black Award for Social Justice
• Consistently Rated in the Top 1% - Members of the Houston Bar Association have rated me in the top 1% of all elected judges in Harris County every year since I took the bench in 2019. (not an endorsement by the HBA)

About Probate Courts

What Do Probate Courts Handle?

Probate courts help people during some of life's most challenging moments. When you visit our court, you might be:

• Carrying out a loved one's final wishes after their passing
• Seeking protection for someone with intellectual disabilities
• Finding care solutions for a family member with Alzheimer's or similar conditions
• Pursuing justice in cases of wrongful death or serious injury
• Addressing concerns when an executor, guardian, or trustee isn't fulfilling their duties

Because death eventually touches every family and disability can affect anyone, probate courts serve our entire community—from all backgrounds and walks of life. That's why compassion is just as crucial as legal knowledge in a probate judge.

Harris County Probate Court 1: By the Numbers

Probate Court 1 is one of the busiest and most important trial courts in Texas:

• One of only 24 specialized probate courts in Texas (Harris County has five—more than any other county)
• Handles over 3,000 hearings and 70 trials annually
• Currently supervises approximately 1,700 active guardianships
• Oversees nearly 5,000 decedents' estates
• Operates with 13 staff members and a budget of nearly $2 million

The Highly Specialized Nature of Probate Courts

Texas has created only 24 specialized Probate Courts across its 254 counties, placing them exclusively in the 12 most populous counties. Harris County alone has five of these courts—more than any other county—highlighting the significant need for this specialized judicial expertise in the Houston area.

What sets Probate Courts apart is their extraordinary legal authority. Unlike any other court in our system, they wield dual jurisdiction—combining county court accessibility with district court powers. This unique authority extends so far that any case in any court that relates to a probate matter can be transferred to the probate court—and once ordered, other judges must comply with this transfer. This exceptional power exists because probate matters require both meticulous administrative oversight and the ability to resolve high-stakes litigation.

Experienced Judges Matter

The cases that come before these courts aren't just legally complex—they're deeply personal. Probate judges make decisions that determine the fate of family homes, life savings, and the care of vulnerable loved ones suffering from conditions like Alzheimer's or intellectual disabilities. With such profound responsibilities, these courts demand judges who already possess comprehensive expertise across multiple legal disciplines. For families navigating death, disability, or disputes, there simply isn't room for a judge who needs on-the-job training—they deserve someone who can handle these multifaceted matters correctly from day one.

Judge Simoneaux brings precisely this rare combination of specialized knowledge and compassionate innovation to the bench. His extensive experience in probate law—developed over decades of focused practice—coupled with his proven commitment to making justice more accessible, makes him uniquely qualified to continue serving our diverse community with the expertise these sensitive matters demand.

Education:

Doctor of Jurisprudence (JD), South Texas College of Law 2001

Bachelor of Business Administration in Management (BBA), University of Houston, 1997

Bachelor of Arts in French (BA), University of Houston, 1997

Professional Licenses and Court Admissions:

• Licensed  to Practice Law in Texas, 2001
• Admitted to the United States District Court, Southern District of Texas, 2004
• Accredited Veterans Administration Attorney (No. 19163) 2010 – December 2018

Certifications:

• 2024 - Judicial Executive Leadership Program - Harvard Law School
• 2014 – Certified Mediator – UH Law Center, AA White Dispute Resolution Center
• 2010 – 2018 - Accredited Veterans Administration Attorney (No. 19163)
• 2003 - present: Guardian / Attorney Ad Litem under Texas Estates Code § 1054.201
• 2001 - present: Guardian / Attorney Ad Litem in the Civil District Courts of Harris County, Texas
• 1997 Certificat Pratique de Français Commercial et Économique de la Chambre de Commerce et d'Industrie de Paris (avec la mention bien [with honors]); Paris, France

Judicial / Court Experience:

• Harris County Probate Court 1
  • Presiding  Judge – January 1, 2019, to present
  • Staff Attorney - June 2009 to December 2010
• Assistant State Presiding Judge for the Statutory Probate Courts, 2023-2025
• Houston Municipal Court District
  • Associate Judge – Appointed June 2015 to December 2018

Legal Experience:

• Simoneaux & Watson, P.C., February 2014 – December 2018
  • Probate, Trusts, Guardianship, and Fiduciary Litigation and Appeals
  • Certified Mediator
• Galligan & Manning, January 2011 – January 2014
  • Probate, Trusts, Guardianship, and Fiduciary Litigation and Appeals
  • Estate Planning

• Simoneaux and Frye, PLLC, 2004 – December 2008\
  • Senior Managing Partner
  • Estate Planning, Business formation
  • Probate, Trusts, Guardianship, and Fiduciary Litigation and Appeals

• The Simoneaux Law Firm (solo practice), 2001 – 2004
  • Probate, probate litigation, criminal defense, simple estate planning, landlord-tenant issues, general civil litigation

Teaching Experience:

• South Texas College of Law, 2006 – 2007
  • Adjunct Professor of Law

Appointments:

• Associate Judge
  • Appointed by Mayor Parker and approved by City Council, June 2015.
  • Reappointed by Mayor Turner and approved by City Council, June 2018.
• Director - Harris County Improvement District No. 6, The East Montrose Management District – 2005 to 2008.
  • Legislative appointment - House Bill 3518, 79^th Regular Session, 2005
  • Re-appointed by Mayor Bill White, 2009

Published Cases:

• Ross v. Goldstein, 203 S.W.3d 508, (Tex.App.—Houston [14^th] 2006, no pet.)
• Campbell v. Mabry, 457 S.W.3d 173 (Tex.App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2015, no pet.)
• In Re Guardianship of John D. Burley, 499 S.W.3d. 196 (Tex.App.—Houston [14^th] 2016, pet. denied)

Unpublished Cases:

• In Re Guardianship of Mark Croft, ­­­­­14-15-00911-CV (Tex. App.—Houston [14^th] 2016, no pet.)
• In Re Guardianship of James E Fairley, 04-16-00096-CV (Tex. App.—San Antonio, 2017; pet denied)
• In Re Guardianship Mark Croft II, 14-17-00248-CV (Tex. App.—Houston [14^th] 2017, no pet.)

Cited Cases:

• Ross v. Goldstein, 203 S.W.3d 508 (Tex.App.—Houston [14^th] 2006, no pet.) Cited in O’Connor’s Texas Rules of Civil Trials. Instructive on the use of Special Exceptions and Motions to Strike.
• In Re Guardianship of John D. Burley, 499 S.W.3d. 196 (Tex.App.—Houston [14^th] 2016, pet. denied). Cited in Johanson’s Texas Estates Code Annotated and O’Connor’s Texas Estates Code Plus. Tex. Est. Code § 1155.054 payment of certain attorney’s fees.

Honors and Awards:

• Judge Merrill Hartman Pro Bono Judge - State Bar of Texas, 2022
• Judge John Paul Barnich Justice Award - The GLBT Political Caucus, 2021
• Judge Norman W. Black Award – State Bar of Texas, 2004
• Grand Marshal, Houston Pride Parade – 2004
• Golden Key National Honor Society – Lifetime Member since 1996
• Pi Delta Phi, International French Honor Society - Lifetime Member since 1995

Professional Associations:

• The State Bar of Texas
  • Member of the Judicial Section; the Real Estate, Probate and Trust Section; the Litigation section; and the LGBTQ Law Section.
  • Member of the Legislation Committee of the Judicial Section, 2019-present
  • Chair of the LGBT Law section, 2005-2006
• The Houston Bar Association
  • Director, Houston Volunteer Lawyers, 2020-present
  • Mentor, Houston Volunteer Lawyers, 2004-2018
  • Chair of the AIDS Outreach Committee, 2003-2004
  • Member of the  Probate, Trusts and Estates section
• The Texas Probate Law American Inn of Court
  • Founder and President, 2020 to present
• Texas College of Probate Judges, 2019 to present
• The National College of Probate Judges, 2019 to Present
• The International Association of LGBTQ+ Judges, 2019 to Present
• Attorneys in Tax and Probate, 2011 to present
• Disability and Elder Law Attorneys Association, 2011 to present
• The Stonewall Law Association of Greater Houston
  • President, 2002-2004, 2006
• National Guardianship Association, 2009 to present
• Texas Guardianship Association, 2009 to Present

Community Organizations:

• Dalton DeHart Photographic Foundation – Board of Directors 2015 to present
• Texas Mariners Cruising Association
  • Largest pleasure boating social organization on the Gulf Coast. Trustee, 2018-2019 & 2021; Past Commodore, 2017; Commodore, 2016; Cruise Captain, 2015
• Sailing Angels
  • Sailing Captain for an organization that takes disabled children and wounded warriors for therapeutic sails on Galveston Bay. 2013 – 2018
• Galveston Historic Society, Texas Seaport Museum –Coast Guard Certified Sailing Crew Member for Elissa, the Official Tall Ship of Texas – July 2011 through 2016. Completed 500 hours of volunteer time by 2014.

• Bayou City Performing Arts – Board of Directors, 2008 to 2009
• The Kellett Foundation – Board of Directors and Secretary, 2006 to 2010
• Montrose Counseling Center Permanent Endowment, Inc. – Pro Bono Counsel, 2004 to 2008
• Southeast Texas Legal Clinic – Board of Directors, 2004 to 2006
• Pride Houston, Inc. – Board of Directors, 2005 to 2006
• L'Alliance Française – Member since 1994

Articles and Speeches:

• Co-Presenter – “Unique Traps in Probate Litigation” – Houston Bench Bar Conference, Houston Bar Association, Houston, TX, April 11, 2025
• Panelist – “Probate Judges’ Panel” – Houston Bench Bar Conference, Houston Bar Association, Houston, TX, April 11, 2025
• Co-Presenter – “The Attorney Bad Litem” – Texas Probate Law American Inn of Court, Houston, TX, April 9, 2025
• Speaker / Author – “Guardianship Law Part I” – Texas College of Probate Judges, Austin, TX, March 13, 2025
• Panelist – “Judges’ Panel” – Disability and Elder Law Attorneys Association & Attorneys in Tax and Probate, Houston, TX, February 4, 2025
• Panelist – ““Building Blocks of Wills, Estates, and Probate” – State Bar of Texas, Austin, TX, January 17, 2025
• Speaker – “You Be the Judge” – Fiduciary Litigation, State Bar of Texas CLE, San Antonio, TX, December 4-5, 2024
• Speaker – “Ethics Jeopardy” – University of Texas Elder Law, Estate Planning, & Guardianship, San Antonio, Texas, August 9, 2024.
• Speaker – “Preparing the Charge Conference, and Protecting the Record” – State Bar of Texas CLE – Houston, TX, June 13, 2024
• Speaker – “Less Restrictive Alternatives to Guardianship” – Texas Association of Counties Judicial Academy, Galveston, TX, May 10, 2024
• Speaker – “Current State of the Law” – State Bar of Texas, Handling Your First (or Next) Guardianship, Austin, TX, May 9, 2024
• Speaker – “Judicial Responsibilities in Estates and Guardianships – Texas Association of Counties Judicial Academy, Galveston, TX 2024, May 8, 2024
• Speaker – “Sudden Cessation of a Law Practice: A Guide for Judges” – Texas Center for the Judiciary, Webinar, May 2, 2024.
• Panelist – “Probate Judges’ Panel” – Houston Bar Association, Houston, TX, April 30, 2024
• Speaker – “Guardianships – From Investigation to Formation” – Texas College of Probate Judges, Austin, TX, March 14, 2024
• Speaker – “Guardianships: A View from the Bench” –16^th Annual Estate Planning and Community Property CLE & Expo, Texas Tech Law School, Lubbock, TX, February 23, 2024
• Speaker – “Guardianships: A View from the Bench” – Texas Association of Counties Judicial Academy, San Marcos, TX, February 15, 2024
• Panelist – “Probate Judges’ Panel Discussion” – Attorneys in Tax and Probate, Houston, TX, February 6, 2024
• Panelist – “Building Blocks of Wills, Estates, and Probate” – State Bar of Texas, Austin, January 19, 2024
• Speaker – “You be the Judge” – State Bar of Texas, Fiduciary Litigation, December 14, 2023
• Speaker – “Guardianships: A View from the Bench” – State Bar of Texas, Advanced Guardianship, November 3, 2023
• Author – “The Recent Legislative Session Establishes a New Probate Court” – The Houston Lawyer, July/August 2023 (Vol. 62—Number 1)
• Speaker – “Guardianships Don’t Have to Last Forever” – Supreme Court of Ohio, Court Café CLE Program, August 23, 2023
• Speaker – “Guardianships: They Don’t Have to Last Forever” – National Center for State Courts (National Webinar), May 24, 2023
• Moderator – “Judges’ Panel” – State Bar of Texas, Texas Minority Attorney Program, Houston, Texas, May 12, 2023
• Speaker - “Role of Judges in Probate and Guardianships” – Texas Probate Academy, Texas Association of Counties, May 11, 2023
• Speaker - “Fiduciary Handbooks” –  Texas Probate Academy, Texas Association of Counties, May 11, 2023
• Panelist – “Judicial Panel on Alternative Dispute Resolution” – State Bar of Texas, Houston, Texas, May 5, 2023
• Panelist – “Probate Judges’ Panel” – Houston Bar Association, Houston, Texas, April 25, 2023
• Speaker – “Guardianship Law – Investigation to Creation” – Texas College of Probate Judges, Austin, Texas, March 8, 2023 &  Galveston, Texas, May 4, 2023.
• Speaker – “How to Avoid Common Mistakes in the Courtroom” – 15^th Annual Estate Planning and Community Property CLE and Expo, Texas Tech Law School, Lubbock, Texas, February 25, 2023
• Speaker – “24th Annual Building Blocks of Wills, Estates, and Probate” – Texas Bar CLE, Austin, Texas, January 20, 2023
• Speaker – “You Be the Judge” - Fiduciary Litigation, Texas Bar CLE, San Antonio, Texas, November 30, 2022
• Speaker – “Meeting the Challenges of Probate and Guardianships in our Various Counties” – Texas Association of County Administrators, October 6, 2022
• Speaker–“Guardianship Law Parts I & II”–Texas College of Probate Judges, May 11-12, 2022, El Paso, Texas
• Panelist–Houston Bar Association Judges’ Panel–April 26, 2022, Houston, Texas
• Speaker–“Guardianship Law Part I”–Texas College of Probate Judges, March 9, 2022, Austin, Texas
• Speaker - "Trying Cases Virtually" - Texas Bar Advanced Estate Planning and Probate, June 2021
• Speaker – “Probate Judges’ Panel Discussion” – Disability and Elder Law Attorneys Assoc., May 20, 2021
• Speaker – “Probate Judges’ Panel Discussion” – Houston Bar Association, April 27, 2021
• Speaker – “Zoom Presentations from Judges’ Perspectives” – Houston Bar Association, April 9, 2021
• Speaker – “Judicial Administration of Guardianships – Texas College of Probate Judges, March 11, 2021
• Speaker/Author – “Guardianship Law” – Texas College of Probate Judges, August 20, 2020
• Speaker – “Harris County Probate Courts Response to COVID”, Houston Bar Association, June 29, 2020
• Speaker – “Tips in Probate Court”, Texas Bar CLE -  Advanced Estate Planning and Probate, June 4, 2020
• Speaker – “Judicial Panel: Case Management in a Pandemic”- Texas Aggie Bar Association, May 21, 2020
• Speaker – “Zoom Presentations from the Judges’ Perspectives” – Houston Bar Association, April 2, 2020
• Speaker – “The Intersection of Family Law and Probate Law”, Burta Rhoads Raborn Family Law American Inn of Court, January 16, 2020
• Speaker/Author – “Nuts and Bolts of Guardianship Law” and “Less Restrictive Alternatives to Guardianship”, 2019 Guardianship Symposium, October 25, 2019
• Speaker – “Pro Tips in Probate Court”, Houston Bar Association; Probate, Trusts and Estates Section, September 24, 2019
• Speaker – “Guardianship Law”, Texas College of Probate Judges Annual Meeting, August 22-24, 2019, San Antonio, Texas
• Speaker/Author – “Estate Planning for Non-Traditional Families”, Texas Society of CPA’s Advanced Estate Planning Conference, August 16, 2019, San Antonio, Texas
• Speaker –“ Guardianship Law”, Texas College of Probate Judges Conference, May 30-31, 2019, Galveston, Texas
• Author – “Estate Planning and Elder Law Issues after Windsor,” Houston Lawyers Magazine, January 2014.
• Speaker/Co-Author and Editor – “Estate Planning for Unmarried Couples”, 27^th Annual Wills and Probate Institute, South Texas College of Law, September 20, 2012
• Speaker/Co-Author and Editor – “Advanced Estate Planning for Unmarried Couples”,  2012 Advanced Estate Planning Conference – Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants CPE Foundation, August 22, 2012
• Speaker/Author – “The Basic Duties of an Attorney Ad Litem: You’ve Been Appointed, So Now What?”, 26th Annual Wills and Probate Institute, South Texas College of Law, September 21, 2011.
• Speaker/Author – “The Roles, Duties, and Obligations of the Guardian”, Adult Protective Services CLE, August 18, 2011
• Speaker/Author – “The Various Roles of Ad Litems in Probate Court”, Houston Bar Association CLE, June 3, 2011
• Speaker – “Criminal Implications of Elder Abuse and Exploitation”, Advanced Elder Law Seminar, Texas Bar CLE, April 7, 2011
• Moderator – “Harris County Probate Court Judges’ Panel”, Disability and Elder Law Attorneys’ Association, February 2011.
• Program Committee / Speaker – “Guardianship Estate Administration”, Wills and Probate Institute, South Texas College of Law, August 2010
• Speaker / Program Director – “Attorney Ad Litem Certification”, Probate Court 1, June 6, 2010
• Speaker – “Durable Instruments in Estate Planning”, Tulane University, February 2010
• Speaker – “Cultural Diversity Issues”­, British Petroleum Houston Headquarters, September 2009
• Quoted in Vanity Fair, “A Claim to Camelot,” by David Friend, April 2008.
• Speaker—“Legal Protections for GLBT People”, University of Texas, October 16, 2007
• Speaker – “Cultural Diversity Issues”, British Petroleum Houston Headquarters, October 9, 2007
• Speaker – “Cultural Competency in the Practice of Law”, South Texas College of Law CLE, April 12, 2007.
• Author/Speaker—“Estate and Incapacity Planning for Persons with HIV/AIDS”, University of Houston Graduate School of Social Work, June 2006
• Author/Speaker – “Practicing Law in the Grey Shadow of the Texas Marriage Amendment”, State Bar of Texas Continuing Legal Education Webcast, April 2006
• Speaker / Program Director — “Legal Representation of Non-Traditional Families”, State Bar of Texas Continuing Legal Education, April 2006
• Author/Speaker – “How Might the Texas Marriage Amendment Affect Your Practice”, Attorneys in Tax and Probate CLE, February 2006
• Author/Speaker – “Estate and Incapacity Planning for Persons with HIV/AIDS”, University of Houston Graduate School of Social Work, June 2005
• Speaker – “Relationship Protection: A Will and a Way”, Resurrection Metropolitan Community Church, April 2005
• Speaker – “Current Issues Faced by GLBT People”, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, March 2005
• Speaker – “Estate Planning for Same-Sex Couples”, South Texas College of Law, February 2005
• Author/Speaker – “The Law is Good, If One Uses It Lawfully”, Resurrection Metropolitan Community Church, February 2005
• Speaker – “Legal Aspects of Same-Sex Marriage”, Bering United Methodist Church, February 2005
• Quoted in Time Magazine, “Why Breaking Up is So Hard to Do,” by Jyoti Thottam, March 8, 2004
• Author/Speaker – “The Equitable Power of Texas Courts”, Stonewall Law Association of Greater Houston, CLE, October 2004
• Author/Speaker – “Same-Sex Marriage and Adoption Issues”, Prairie View A&M University, July 28, 2004
• Speaker – “Wills and Probate Basics”, Westbury Civic Organization, Senior Citizen Forum Westbury Baptist Church, July 17, 2004
• Author/Speaker – “Estate and Incapacity Planning for Persons with HIV/AIDS”, University of Houston Graduate School of Social Work, June 2004
• Keynote Speaker –  “Community Law Day”, Bering United Methodist Church, June 2004
• Author/Speaker – “The Law, Civil Rights, and Sexual Minorities”, Montgomery College, May 13, 2004

Jerry Simoneaux is the presiding judge of Harris County Probate Court 1, a service-first, technology court assuring swift and accessible justice for all. He previously served four years as an Associate Judge of the Houston Municipal Courts. His legal practice focused on probate, trust, and guardianship litigation. He is a frequent speaker at continuing legal education seminars locally and around the state.

Probate Courts serve people when they are at their most vulnerable. The court helps those who have lost a loved one or whose loved one is challenged by intellectual disabilities or dementia. People also come to probate court seeking justice in claims for wrongful death, certain traumatic injuries, and for alleged wrongs claimed against executors, administrators, guardians, and trustees.

To read a short bio about Judge Jerry Simoneaux, click here.

To see Judge Simoneaux's full resume, click here.

To learn more about Probate Courts, click here.

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.