This guide is designed to help you navigate the Kaufman County Courthouse system with the confidence of a local. Whether you are facing a family law matter, a criminal charge, or a civil dispute, knowing where to go and what to expect is the first step toward a successful outcome. At Guest & Gray, we have spent decades practicing in these halls. We don’t just know the law; we know the local procedures that can make or break a case.
Getting Oriented: The Kaufman County Courthouse Facilities
Kaufman County has grown rapidly, and its judicial facilities have expanded to match. Most of your legal business will take place at the Kaufman County Courthouse Annex or the newly established judicial centers.
- Primary Address: 1902 US Highway 175, Kaufman, TX 75142
- Operating Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Parking: Ample free parking is available in the large lot surrounding the Justice Center.
Unlike downtown Dallas, you won’t need to worry about parking meters here, but we recommend arriving 20 minutes early to clear security.
The Courts and Judges of Kaufman County
Kaufman County is served by three District Courts (handling felonies, large civil suits, and complex family law) and two County Courts at Law (handling misdemeanors, probate, and mid-sized civil suits).
1. The District Courts (High-Stakes Litigation)
These courts handle the “big” cases, including divorces involving significant assets and felony criminal defense cases.
| Court | Presiding Judge | Focus Areas |
| 86th District Court | Judge Casey Blair | Felony Criminal, Family Law, Civil |
| 422nd District Court | Judge Sheldon Gibbs | Felony Criminal, Family Law, Civil |
| 489th District Court | Judge Tracy Gray | Felony Criminal, Family Law, Civil |
Note: Judge Tracy Gray was a Partner at Guest and Gray. Therefore, we cannot appear before Judge Gray. We do get hired by parties that have cases in the 489th District Court, but we always file a motion to transfer. Our cases are then transferred to a different judge. This happens often and is not an issue for our clients.
2. County Courts at Law (Misdemeanors & Probate)
If you are dealing with a DWI, a possession charge, or a will/probate matter, you will likely appear here.
- County Court at Law No. 1: Presided over by Judge Joseph Russell.
- County Court at Law No. 2: Presided over by Judge Bobby Rich.
Courthouse Rules & Etiquette
The Kaufman County benches are traditional and respect-oriented. Following these “unwritten rules” helps you make the right impression on the court staff and the judge.
The Dress Code
The court is a place of business. Avoid “beach-wear” or casual attire.
- Recommended: Business casual (collared shirts, slacks, blouses, or dresses).
- Prohibited: Shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, hats, and clothing with offensive language.
Cell Phones and Electronics
While you can bring your phone into the building, it must be silent or off the moment you enter a courtroom. Taking photos or recording video inside a courtroom is strictly prohibited and can result in your device being confiscated or a contempt of court charge.
Security Screening
Every person entering the courthouse must pass through a metal detector. To speed up the process:
- Remove heavy jewelry and belts before stepping through.
- Laptops and tablets are permitted but will be X-rayed.
- No weapons of any kind are allowed (including small pocketknives).
Why “Local” Matters in Kaufman County
Many Dallas-based firms treat Kaufman County as an afterthought. At Guest & Gray, we are the largest and highest-rated law firm in the county. Our office is just minutes from the courthouse, and our attorneys—including former prosecutors and local bar presidents—understand the specific preferences of each judge listed above. We know which judges prefer mediation and which are ready to move to trial quickly. That “home-field advantage” is what we bring to every client we represent. You don’t want a Dallas lawyer learning about Kaufman County Judges on your case. You need a team that already knows how to get the best results here.
Are you headed to court in Kaufman County? Don’t walk in alone. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let’s discuss how we can protect your rights in the 86th, 422nd, or 489th District Courts.
