Christine Riddle Butts
Christine Riddle Butts (Republican Party) was a judge of the Harris County Probate Court No. 4 in Texas. She left office in 2018.
Butts (Republican Party) ran for re-election for judge of the Harris County Probate Court No. 4 in Texas. She lost in the general election on November 6, 2018.
Butts completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2018. Click here to read the survey answers.
Elections
2018
General election
General election for Harris County Probate Court No. 4
James Horwitz defeated incumbent Christine Riddle Butts in the general election for Harris County Probate Court No. 4 on November 6, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | James Horwitz (D) | 54.5 | 642,956 |
 | Christine Riddle Butts (R)  | 45.5 | 536,613 | |
| Total votes: 1,179,569 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Harris County Probate Court No. 4
James Horwitz defeated Michael Galligan in the Democratic primary for Harris County Probate Court No. 4 on March 6, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | James Horwitz | 51.5 | 69,396 |
 | Michael Galligan | 48.5 | 65,374 | |
| Total votes: 134,770 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Republican primary election
Republican primary for Harris County Probate Court No. 4
Incumbent Christine Riddle Butts advanced from the Republican primary for Harris County Probate Court No. 4 on March 6, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Christine Riddle Butts | 100.0 | 111,615 |
| Total votes: 111,615 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
2014
See also: Texas judicial elections, 2014
Butts ran for re-election to the Harris County Probate Court.
Primary: She ran unopposed in the Republican primary on March 4, 2014.
General: She defeated James Horwitz in the general election on November 4, 2014, receiving 55.4 percent of the vote.
[1][2][3]
2010
Butts defeated Democrat Tammy Manning in the general election for the Harris County Probate Court, winning 54.8 percent of the vote.[4]
Campaign themes
2018
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Christine Riddle Butts completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Butts' responses.
What would be your top three priorities, if elected?
We need to add more investigators to the court staff so that each ward of the court receives at least one visit each year. We have over 2000 wards under the supervision of Harris County Probate Court 4 and last year we were able to visit each ward. This was accomplished with two full-time investigators and two part-time contact employees. We believe that the current, widely-used system of using volunteer court visitors to check on wards is inefficient and ineffective. In addition, more effort and funding should be focused on finding more permanent solutions for the treatment of the mentally ill. As it stands now, the mental health treatment program in Harris County, although effective and prolific, is a revolving door for most patients. Judges, officials, and mental health advocates have long lobbied for a residential mental health treatment facility to be built in Harris County. Finally, combatting financial abuse of the elderly is a very important function of the probate courts in Harris County. More cooperation between the courts and the district attorney's office would aid in the prosecution of abusers.
What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
I practiced law primarily in the areas of probate and estate planning. My background in the area of probate is expansive in that I handled a variety of probate cases involving: estate tax disputes with the IRS, the probate of wills, independent administrations, dependent administrations, heirships, modifications and terminations of trust, contests of wills, contested guardianships, 867 Management Trusts, muniments of title, and small estate administrations. In additional, I represented mental health patients as an attorney ad litem. My practice also included estate planning, business planning, and charitable gift planning. It has been my privilege to serve as the judge of Harris County Probate Court 4 for almost eight years. As a judge, my mission is to serve families in times of crisis in a thoughtful, compassionate, and deliberate way, when that crisis involves the loss of a loved one, the need for a guardianship, or a mental health issue. On a more personal note, some of my family members have struggled with mental illness and witnessing and helping with their struggle enables me to be more compassionate and understanding of those with mental illness and the families impacted by mental illness.
Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?
I look up to my grandfather, Gerald Young, as he served as a Marine during World War II and fought on Iwo Jima at the age of seventeen.
Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?
Animal Farm
What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?
Judges are supposed to be impartial and rule on the law without regard to personal beliefs. Judges should be hardworking, compassionate, highly regarded, experienced in the law, honest, courageous, and wise.
What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?
I was raised in Houston and graduated from Westfield High School. While in high school, I worked with my father, a probate lawyer, in his small law firm. I went on to graduate from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. Soon after college, I married Donald Butts and studied law at the University of Houston. After graduating from law school, I joined my father's law practice. Serving clients in a private practice enabled me to learn a great deal about probate, guardianship, and mental health matters. More importantly, private practice has given me a balanced perspective and view into how the loss or incapacity of a loved one impacts families. In 2003, I became Board Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Estate Planning and Probate. I practiced law primarily in the areas of probate and estate planning. My background in the area of probate is expansive in that I handled a variety of probate cases involving: estate tax disputes with the IRS, the probate of wills, independent administrations, dependent administrations, heirships, modifications and terminations of trust, contests of wills, contested guardianships, 867 Management Trusts, muniments of title, and small estate administrations. In additional, I represented mental health patients as an attorney ad litem. My practice also included estate planning, business planning, and charitable gift planning.
What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?
The core responsibilities of a probate judge include: 1) visit incapacitated persons whose guardianships are supervised by the court; 2) carefully review the annual accountings and reports filed by guardians; 3) carefully review the activities of dependent administrators in the administrations of decedent's estates; 4) manage the uncontested dockets to enable efficient case processing and hearings; and 5) work cheerfully with an eye toward public service.
What legacy would you like to leave?
Being a good steward of a judicial bench means leaving a perpetual legacy which promotes future judges and attorneys to elevate the practice of law and serve clients with an eye toward justice, strenuous advocacy, efficiency, and preserving family relationships when possible.
What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?
When I was in the fourth grade, Ronald Reagan was shot.
What was your very first job? How long did you have it?
When I was in the seventh grade, I worked at Magic Skate in the snack bar. It was my favorite job because the guys in the sound booth would play my favorite songs like, "Renegade" by Styx and "Boys of Summer" by Don Henley.
What happened on your most awkward date?
When I was eighteen and he was twenty, I invited my husband to Whataburger one day after school, hoping to break the ice, as he had agreed to bring me back and forth to school. He said no. It was about a month later when he called my house after midnight (I was a waitress at Del Frisco's and got home really late) to ask me to go with him to a play at the Alley Theater with his family the next day. I went with his entire family including his parents, three sisters, their husbands, his two brothers, his aunt, uncle, and his cousin. I didn't know what to wear and ended up wearing a plaid skirt, my dad's dress shirt, and his tie. Then, I couldn't stop talking because I was so nervous.
What is your favorite holiday? Why?
Halloween is my favorite holiday. We get together with our neighbors and cook fajitas and roast marshmallows in the cul-de-sac with our friends, neighbors, and those passing by. My brother brings a hay ride and we go around the neighborhood collecting candy.
What is your favorite book? Why?
The book of Proverbs is my favorite book. It is full of wisdom and instructions for life.
If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?
Mathilda
What is your favorite thing in your home or apartment? Why?
My husband and children make my house a home; and without them, nothing material is important to me.
What was the last song that got stuck in your head?
100 Years
What is something that has been a struggle in your life?
In my early twenties, my husband and I really struggled as we were both in law school and had two children soon after we married and started law school. With family support we managed to keep food on the table, a roof over our heads, and a safe car to get around in.
How would you describe your legal philosophy?
Know the law. Follow the law. Keep an open heart, mind, and door.
Is there a particular judge, past or present, whom you admire?
Judge John Brown
Do you believe that empathy is an important quality for a judge?
Yes.
Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this judicial position that you believe more people should be aware of?
Judges have an obligation to communicate an overall understanding of the court system and changes in the law to attorneys and the public. In recognition of this obligation, as a newly elected judge in 2010, I did the following: 1) undertook the creation of a Guardianship Handbook for all four probate courts to distribute to newly appointed guardians. The Handbook is published in English and Spanish; 2) hosted quarterly CLE programs in the courtroom and posted the materials for such programs on the court's website; 3) made it a high priority to present and write on various topics related to guardianship, probate, and mental health to law school students, attorneys, and community organizations; 4) created an office culture which is friendly, inviting, and user-friendly for attorneys and the general public; and 5) improved the court's website, offering greater transparency with respect to court appointees and appointments, a library of CLE papers, useful probate and guardianship forms for attorneys and the public, and general tips on how to efficiently bring a probate case to resolution. More recently, the court added an interactive registration form on the court's website so that those wishing to be appointed by the court may register quickly and easily. In addition, the court updated the Guardianship Handbook to include the many changes in the law enacted recently by the Texas Legislature. Finally, after Hurricane Harvey, we turned over our courtroom to the 338th Criminal District Court, but the court has not skipped a beat. We turned the judge's chambers into a makeshift courtroom and we do not have a backlog of cases at all. If we need a courtroom, we borrow one from another probate court, the tax court, or use the ceremonial courtroom. I am sure there are ways we can improve, but Probate Court 4 is a very efficient court.
Have you ever been rated by a Bar Association? If so, what was the rating?
Martindale AV Rating: 5.0 Houston Bar Association: Excellent 62% Very Good 19% https://3j6g5h1ufrxy3coj463pn7uw-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/PROBATE-COURTS.pdf
Do you believe that the Bar Association ratings are an accurate reflection of a judge's ability?
Yes.
Why are you running for this particular court seat?
It is my mission to serve families in times of crisis when the crisis involves the loss or incapacity of a loved one.
If you are not a sitting judge, do you have previous judicial experience? Do you believe it's important to have that kind of experience for this judgeship?
I've been serving as a judge for almost eight years.
Do you believe that it's beneficial for a judge to have previous experience in government or politics?
No.
What is your primary concern about today's legal system in your state?
Judges are supposed to be impartial and rule on the law without regard to personal beliefs. So, for me, it has always been tough to align this principle with Texas partisan election of judges. In large counties, partisan elections tend to shut out one political party from judicial elections. In Harris County, however, there seems to be a balance of Democratic and Republican judges due to the series of past elections where Democrats prevailed in presidential election years, and Republicans prevailed in gubernatorial election years. One benefit to partisan elections is the vetting of candidates. When candidates face challengers within their own party, the vetting process is enhanced. Appointing judges also has difficulties. For example, Supreme Court Justices and other Federal Judges are appointed and they often tend to be more liberal or conservative depending upon the political party in charge of appointing such judicial candidates. Whether judges are elected or appointed, the only way to insure a proper balance of judicial philosophy is for voters to make sure one political party does not dominate government for too long.
What do you consider the greatest opportunity for the legal system in your state?
Texas leads the nation in the area of probate and guardianship law. Texas judges have the opportunity to share with other states the innovative solutions and newly enacted Texas laws designed to increase protections for the elderly and incapacitated. Serving as members of national organizations such as the National College of Probate Judges and participating in the drafting of uniform laws enables Texas judges to broaden their sphere of influence for the purpose of increasing protections for vulnerable populations.
Would you be interested in serving on a higher court in the future? If so, which court appeals to you?
Maybe. For now, I'm able to live my mission as probate judge and help those who have lost a loved one or are caring for an incapacitated family member or friend.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
Education
Butts received her undergraduate degree from the University of Texas in 1993. She went on to earn a J.D. from the University of Houston Law Center in 1996.[5]
Career
- 2011-2018: Judge, Harris County Probate Court No. 4
- 2007-2010: Partner, Riddle, Butts & Akiens, LLP
- 2004-2006: Associate Attorney, Riddle & Associates, P.C.
- 1996-2004: Associate Attorney, Riddle & Brazil, LLP[5]
Awards and associations
Awards
- 2008-2010: Texas Rising Star, Texas Monthly Super Lawyer Magazine
- 2007-2009: Houston’s Top Lawyers for the People, H Texas Magazine
- 2007-2009: Houston’s Top Lawyers, H Texas Magazine[6]
Associations
- Member, Attorneys in Tax and Probate
- Member, Pasadena Bar Association
- Member, Association of Women Attorneys
- Executive board member, National College of Probate Judges
- Former board member, Planned Giving Council of Houston[6]
Selection method
- See also: Partisan election of judges
Judges of the probate courts are elected in partisan elections by the county they serve and serve four-year terms, with vacancies filled by a vote of the county commissioners.[7]
Qualifications
To serve on a county court, a judge must:[7]
- be at least 25 years old;
- be a resident of his or her respective county for at least two years; and
- have practiced law or served as a judge for at least four years preceding the election.
See also
| Harris County, Texas | Texas | Municipal government | Other local coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
 |
 |
 |
External links
- Search Google News for this topic
- Christine Riddle Butts campaign website
- Texas Secretary of State: Elections Division
- Texas Courts Online
Footnotes
- ↑ Texas Secretary of State, "2014 March Primary Election Candidate Filings by County (A-L)"
- ↑ Texas Secretary of State, "2014 March Primary Election Candidate Filings by County (M-Z)"
- ↑ Harris County Texas, "Republican Party Cumulative Report - March 4, 2014 Primary Election," March 5, 2014 (dead link)
- ↑ Community Impact Newspaper, "Harris County election results: Republicans and incumbents stay strong," November 3, 2010
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Christine Riddle Butts campaign website, "Curriculum Vitae of Christine Riddle Butts," accessed September 9, 2014
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Christine Riddle Butts campaign website, "About Christine," accessed September 9, 2014
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Texas Secretary of State, "Qualifications for Office," accessed January 14, 2016
| |||||||||||
Federal courts:
Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals • U.S. District Court: Eastern District of Texas, Western District of Texas, Northern District of Texas, Southern District of Texas • U.S. Bankruptcy Court: Eastern District of Texas, Western District of Texas, Northern District of Texas, Southern District of Texas
State courts:
Texas Supreme Court • Texas Court of Appeals • Texas Court of Criminal Appeals • Texas District Courts • Texas County Courts • Texas County Courts at Law • Texas Statutory Probate Courts • Texas Justice of the Peace Courts
State resources:
Courts in Texas • Texas judicial elections • Judicial selection in Texas
