The Collin County Family Courts: A Guide to the District Judges and What They Expect

If you are divorcing in Dallas, you head downtown to the George Allen Courts Building. But if you are divorcing in Collin County, you are heading to McKinney—specifically to the Russell A. Steindam Courts Building on Bloomdale Road.

For residents of Frisco, Plano, and McKinney, the Collin County courthouse can feel like a different world. The judges here are known for being efficient, strict on timelines, and highly protective of children.

But here is the catch: You do not get to pick your judge.

When The Ashmore Law Firm files your petition, the district clerk’s computer randomly assigns your case to one of the District Courts. That judge will likely preside over your case from the first temporary orders hearing all the way to the final decree.

Here is your guide to the judges, the building, and the unwritten rules of the McKinney courts.

The Venue: 2100 Bloomdale Road

First, make sure you are going to the right place. Do not go to the historic courthouse in downtown McKinney square (that is for tourists and museums).

The Address: Russell A. Steindam Courts Building 2100 Bloomdale Rd, McKinney, TX 75071

Ashmore’s Logistical Tips:

• Parking is Free: Unlike Dallas, where parking is a nightmare, the Bloomdale courthouse has a massive, free parking lot.
• Arrive 30 Minutes Early: The security line is efficient, but Monday mornings can get backed up.
• Electronic Device Rule: Collin County is strict. While you can bring your phone, it must be silenced. Judges here have zero patience for phones ringing in the gallery. Furthermore, photography and video recording are strictly prohibited in the hallways and common areas past security. Do not try to film a confrontation with your spouse in the hallway.

The Judges: Who Will Decide Your Future?

Collin County has a mix of “General Jurisdiction” courts (which hear civil, criminal, and family cases) and specific courts that give preference to family law matters.

The “Family Law” Specialists

These courts handle a heavy docket of divorce and child custody cases.

• 469th District Court:Judge Piper McCraw
  • The Insight: Judge McCraw is Board Certified in Family Law and Child Welfare Law. She is known for being extremely knowledgeable about the technicalities of the Texas Family Code.
• 470th District Court:Judge Brook Fulks
  • The Insight: Judge Fulks is also Board Certified in Family Law. Before taking the bench, she was a practicing family attorney, so she understands the challenges litigants face.+1
• 417th District Court:Judge Cynthia Wheless
  • The Insight: Judge Wheless frequently handles juvenile matters as well, bringing a unique perspective to cases involving troubled teens.

The General Jurisdiction Courts

Do not be alarmed if you are assigned to one of these courts. These judges are highly experienced and hear hundreds of divorces a year.

• 199th District Court: Judge Angela Tucker
• 219th District Court: Judge Jennifer Edgeworth
• 296th District Court: Judge John Roach, Jr.
• 366th District Court: Judge Tom Nowak
• 380th District Court: Judge Benjamin Smith
• 401st District Court: Judge Kim Laseter
• 416th District Court: Judge Andrea Thompson
• 429th District Court: Judge Jill Willis

Ashmore Law Tip: “Many clients ask if they can switch judges. The answer is generally no. Unless there is a specific legal conflict of interest, you are married to the court you are assigned. That is why it is critical to have an attorney who knows the specific preferences of your judge. What works in Judge McCraw’s court might not fly in Judge Roach’s court.”

The “Collin County Way”: Unwritten Rules

If you are used to Dallas courts, Collin County will feel different. Here is what to expect:

1. The “Mediation First” Rule

Collin County judges are famous for clearing their dockets by forcing you to work it out.

• The Rule: Almost every court in this building will order you to Mandatory Mediation before they will let you have a final trial.
• The Reality: 90% of our Collin County cases are settled in a mediator’s office, not in the courtroom. This saves you money and stress.

2. Children in the Courtroom

Do not bring your children to court unless the judge has specifically ordered it.

• Many parents think, “I want the judge to hear from my child.”
• In Collin County, dragging a child into the courthouse is often seen as bad parenting. If the judge needs to speak to a child (in chambers), it will be scheduled formally.

3. Conservative Dress Code

This is not the time for “business casual.” Collin County is conservative. Wear a suit, a dress shirt, or modest business attire. You want to show the court that you respect the process.

Why Local Representation Matters

Because you cannot pick your judge, you need a legal team that can pivot. A strategy that is perfect for a “by the book” judge might fail with a judge who cares more about “co-parenting vibes.”

At The Ashmore Law Firm, we have appeared in front of every single judge listed above. We know who hates tardiness, who loves detailed spreadsheets, and who prioritizes the Standard Possession Order above all else.

Next Step: Now that you know who the judges are, learn how they handle custody schedules. Read our guide to Why Collin County Judges Prefer the Standard Possession Order.