Primary Election March 2026
Judge Patricia Burns serves as the presiding judge of Tarrant County Probate Court No. 1 in Fort Worth, Texas overseeing cases related to wills, estate administrations, guardianships, trusts, litigation related to estates and involuntary mental health commitments. She was appointed in 2025 by the Tarrant County Commissioners to replace the retiring judge. She earned her undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University (Baton Rouge) before attending Texas Wesleyan University School of Law (Fort Worth). After law school, Judge Burns established her own firm, focusing on business, tax, and probate litigation. She later joined Decker Jones P.C., where she practiced civil and probate law and became a shareholder in 2010. In 2024, she was appointed by Judge Allen to serve as her associate judge of Tarrant County Probate Court No. 2. She currently presides over Probate Court No. 1, handling cases related to wills, estate administrations, guardianships, trusts, and involuntary mental health commitments.
As a judge, Patricia Burns prioritizes upholding the law with integrity, ensuring that all decisions are made based on legal principles rather than personal or political influence. She is committed to providing fair and impartial justice, treating each case with the attention and respect it deserves. Judge Burns believes in safeguarding the rights of all individuals, making sure that justice is accessible, transparent, and unbiased, regardless of the circumstances.
Federalist Society (Member)
Fort Worth Republican Women (Board Member)
Member of various conservative organizations.
Senate Dist. 10 Delegate
Judge Probate Court No. 1, Tarrant County, Texas (Current)
Associate Judge Probate Court No. 2, Tarrant County, Texas (2024)
"40 Under 40" by Fort Worth Business Press, 2003
"Texas Rising Star" by Texas Lawyers
Texas Bar Foundation - Fellow
Great Women of Texas - Fort Worth Business Press
Legacy of Women Awardee – Safe Haven
Woman of Influence Awardee - Fort Worth Business Press
Texas Guardianship Association - Past Board of Director
Tarrant County Bar Association - Past Board of Director
Tarrant County Probate Bar Association - Member
Texas Young Lawyers Association - Past Board of Director
Fort Worth Tarrant County Young Lawyers Association - Past President
Governor Appointee : Texas Department of Family and Protective Services Council
Partner - Decker Jones PC Law Firm
Admitted to Practice: US Supreme Court, Texas Supreme Court and Tennessee Supreme Court
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