In Bell County, many family law and criminal cases aren’t initially heard by an elected district judge. Instead, they go before an associate judge—a judicial officer appointed by the court to help manage caseloads efficiently.

What Associate Judges Handle:

  • Divorce and custody hearings
  • Enforcement actions
  • Protective orders
  • CPS cases
  • Criminal arraignments and bond settings

Associate judges do not hold elected office but have nearly full authority to hear cases and issue rulings. However, you do have the right to a de novo hearing—a complete redo—before the elected district judge, but you must request it within a short time after the associate’s ruling (often 3–5 business days).

At Barina Law Group, we regularly appear before associate judges and are prepared to request de novo review when needed to protect your rights.

👉 Learn more about how we advocate in these courts: www.bobbybarinalaw.com/family-law.html