Individuals who come before the family courts are often facing some of the most challenging and emotional moments of their lives. Richard Lybarger understands this not only through decades of legal experience, but also through personal perspective. He began law school as a single father raising a young son and was himself raised by a strong mother whose values of fairness, responsibility, and respect continue to shape his approach to both the law and public service.

About Richard

Family and community have always been central to Mr. Lybarger’s life. He and his wife have lived in Fort Bend County for more than two decades, where they raised their children, who attended local school districts including Lamar Consolidated and Spring Branch. Today, their family’s roots extend across multiple generations. He is a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and his family remains deeply connected to the community. He has also participated in longstanding local traditions, including the Fort Bend County Fair.

Richard Lybarger began law school as a single father raising a young son. He has a wife and is a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Richard Lybarger has a bachelor's degree in psychology from Abilene Christian University, a master's degree in healthcare administration from Trinity University, and a law degree from St. Mary's University School of Law. He has a wife and is a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

For nearly four decades, Mr. Lybarger has practiced family law in Sugarland and throughout the Houston metropolitan area. Since beginning his legal career in 1986, he has developed extensive knowledge of Texas family law and the local court system. His experience spans divorce, child custody and support, property division, adoption, and related matters, with a background in both litigation and alternative dispute resolution, including mediation and collaborative law. As the founder and principal of the Law Office of Richard Lybarger, he has built a practice grounded in professionalism, ethical advocacy, and practical, results-driven representation.

Richard’s extensive background is reinforced by an uncommonly diverse professional history that gives him a distinct advantage in divorce cases involving high-stakes financial interests. He holds a Master of Science in Health Care Administration from Trinity University and previously worked as a Respiratory Therapist. His experience as a former real estate broker and his extensive coursework in accounting provide him with the technical “vision” necessary to deconstruct complex property divisions and financial disclosures.

Richard Lybarger | Scott M. Brown & Associates

Richard Lybarger practices family law in Sugar Land and throughout the Houston metropolitan area. He previously worked as a respiratory therapist and real estate broker.

Richard Lybarger | Family Law Attorney | Scott M. Brown & Associates

Attorney Richard Lybarger running for Texas District Judge, District 328.

Richard Lybarger brings a unique and powerful perspective to the Scott M. Brown & Associates team.

Richard is running for Texas District Judge, District 328.

This is Richard's first time running for public office. 

2026 Texas General Election

Has worked as a family law attorney since 1986, dealing with issues of divorce, child custody and support, property division, and adoption.

- Has worked as a family law attorney since 1986, dealing with issues of divorce, child custody and support, property division, and adoption.

Legal Experience

As of August 3, 2026, Richard Lybarger’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Judicial Administration

Throughout his life and career, Mr. Lybarger has remained committed to treating every individual with dignity and respect. He believes in listening carefully, applying the law consistently, and approaching each case with patience, fairness, and integrity. His professional and personal experiences have shaped a steady, thoughtful approach to decision-making and a deep respect for the responsibilities entrusted to those who serve the public.

Wisdom in Decision-Making

Fair, balanced, and thoughtful rulings—not rushed decisions
Understands that every case is different—no “one-size-fits-all” justice
Brings maturity and steady judgment to emotionally complex situations
Focused on long-term outcomes, especially for children.

Good judgment comes from experience—and families deserve both.

Richard Lybarger

Understanding Families

Recognizes the emotional weight behind every case
Treats every person with dignity and respect
Prioritizes the best interest of children
Listens carefully before making life-changing decisions

Behind every case is a family—and every family deserves to be heard.

Believes judges should listen carefully, apply the law consistently, and approach cases with patience, fairness, and integrity.

Advocates for fair, balanced, thoughtful rulings that account for each case individually rather than applying one-size-fits-all justice.

Prioritizes children’s best interests and listening carefully before making life-changing decisions.

- Believes judges should listen carefully, apply the law consistently, and approach cases with patience, fairness, and integrity.
- Advocates for fair, balanced, thoughtful rulings that account for each case individually rather than applying one-size-fits-all justice.
- Prioritizes children’s best interests and listening carefully before making life-changing decisions.

Judicial Philosophy

Approaches cases with patience, impartiality, and respect for the law.

His commitment to families is both professional and personal. Richard began law school as a single father, giving him firsthand understanding of the challenges people face in family court. Guided by values of responsibility, respect, and fairness, he approaches every case with patience, impartiality, and a deep respect for the law.

Ethics & Conduct

Community Involvement

LinkedIn

- Approaches cases with patience, impartiality, and respect for the law.

Richard Lybarger began law school as a single father. He and his wife raised their children in Fort Bend County. He has participated in the Fort Bend County Fair.

Richard Lybarger practices family law in Sugar Land and throughout the Houston metropolitan area.

Wisdom in Decision-Making

 

Fair, balanced, and thoughtful rulings—not rushed decisions
Understands that every case is different—no “one-size-fits-all” justice
Brings maturity and steady judgment to emotionally complex situations
Focused on long-term outcomes, especially for children.

Richard Lybarger Campaign

Understanding Families

 

Recognizes the emotional weight behind every case
Treats every person with dignity and respect
Prioritizes the best interest of children
Listens carefully before making life-changing decisions

Believes judges should listen carefully, apply the law consistently, and approach each case with patience, fairness, and integrity.

Advocates for case-specific, thoughtful rulings rather than rushed decisions.

Prioritizes the best interests of children in family-court decisions.

- Believes judges should listen carefully, apply the law consistently, and approach each case with patience, fairness, and integrity.
- Advocates for case-specific, thoughtful rulings rather than rushed decisions.
- Prioritizes the best interests of children in family-court decisions.

Says he approaches every case with patience, impartiality, and respect for the law.

- Says he approaches every case with patience, impartiality, and respect for the law.

A longtime Fort Bend County resident, Richard and his wife have called the community home for over 20 years, raising their family here. As a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he is committed to serving the community with dignity, experience, and a strong sense of responsibility.

Richard Lybarger began law school as a single father. He and his wife have raised their family together.

Firm: The Vendt Law Firm
Firm Size: Solo
Occupation: Private Law Practice
Practice Areas: Family, Collaborative Law

State Bar of Texas Member Directory: Richard Alfred “Rick” Lybarger

Richard Lybarger works in private law practice focused on family and collaborative law. He previously worked as a respiratory therapist and real estate broker.

Find A Lawyer | Richard Alfred Lybarger - State Bar of Texas

Fair, balanced, and thoughtful rulings—not rushed decisions

Understands that every case is different—no “one-size-fits-all” justice

Brings maturity and steady judgment to emotionally complex situations

Focused on long-term outcomes, especially for children.

Recognizes the emotional weight behind every case

Treats every person with dignity and respect

Prioritizes the best interest of children

Listens carefully before making life-changing decisions

Says rulings should be fair, balanced, and thoughtful rather than rushed.

Prioritizes children’s best interests and says he listens carefully before making life-changing decisions.

- Says rulings should be fair, balanced, and thoughtful rather than rushed.
- Prioritizes children’s best interests and says he listens carefully before making life-changing decisions.

Buket Urgen

Monica Rawlins

- District judges manage Texas district courts, which are trial courts with general jurisdiction, and have exclusive authority over felony cases. A judge may be presiding over a civil, criminal, juvenile, or special court. They also share jurisdiction with Texas county courts.
- Texas has over 470 district courts, each presided over by a single judge. Some courts cover multiple counties, while others are assigned to single counties based on population size.
- District judges are elected through partisan elections for four-year terms. Candidates must be between 25 and 75 years old, have lived in the district for at least 2 years, and be licensed lawyers with at least 4 years' experience.
- The annual salary for district judges ranges from $175,000 to $245,500, depending on years of service.

Presides over a trial court with general jurisdiction. 