Primary Election March 3, 2026
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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 law. 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 the 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
Senate Dist. 9 Delegate
LEGAL EXPERIENCE
Judge Probate Court No. 1, Tarrant County, Texas (Current)
Associate Judge Probate Court No. 2, Tarrant County, Texas (2024)
Attorney for 25 years with focus on probate, estates, guardianship and mental health.
Admitted to Practice: US Supreme Court, US Northern District and Texas Supreme Court
LEADERSHIP:
Texas Guardianship Association - Past Board of Director
Texas Bar Foundation - Fellow
Tarrant County Bar Association - Past Board of Director
Texas Young Lawyers Association - Past Board of Director
Fort Worth Tarrant County Young Lawyers Association - Past President
Tarrant County Probate Bar Association - Member
Governor Appointee: Texas Department of Family and Protective Services Council
Leadership Fort Worth - Class of 2003
HONORS:
"Top Attorneys" by Fort Worth Magazine
"40 Under 40" by Fort Worth Business Press
"Texas Rising Star" by Texas Lawyers
"Great Women of Texas" by Fort Worth Business Press
"Legacy of Women" by Safe Haven of Tarrant County
"Woman of Influence" by Fort Worth Business Press
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