Richard “Rick” Bell of Richmond is the associate district judge in the 387th District Court. He is a member and past president of the Fort Bend County Bar Association, member of the Family Bar of Fort Bend, American Inns of Court, and the State Bar of Texas and its family law section. Additionally, he is a past president and board member of the Exchange Club of Sugar land and is a member of Bridge Fellowship Church.

Governor Abbott Appoints Bell As Judge Of The 501st Judicial District Court In Fort Bend County

Judge Richard T. Bell was appointed to the 501st District Court December 1, 2025. Judge Bell graduated with a Doctor of Jurisprudence from South Texas College of Law in May 1997 and earned a Bachelor of Arts Business Degree from Southwestern University in 1994.

After graduation from law school, Judge Bell began concentrating his legal practice to family law, handling cases throughout the State of Texas. He maintained a successful legal practice handling complex property cases and child custody disputes for nearly twenty years.

501st District Court

Richard T. Bell is from Richmond. He earned a bachelor's degree in business from Southwestern University and a law degree from South Texas College of Law. He is a member of Bridge Fellowship Church.

Governor Abbott Appoints Bell As Judge Of The 501st Judicial ...

501st District Court - Fort Bend County

Richard is from Richmond. He earned a bachelor's degree in business from Southwestern University and a law degree from South Texas College of Law. He is a member of Bridge Fellowship Church.

Richard T. Bell previously practiced family law in Texas.

Richard previously practiced family law in Texas.

Governor Abbott Appoints Bell As Judge Of The 501st Judicial District Court In Fort Bend County

November 24, 2025 | Austin, Texas | Appointment

Governor Greg Abbott appointed Richard “Rick” Bell as Judge of the 501st Judicial District Court in Fort Bend County, effective December 1, 2025, for a term set to expire December 31, 2026, or until his successor shall be duly elected and qualified.

Rick was appointed judge of the 501st Judicial District Court in Fort Bend County, effective December 1, 2025, for a term set to expire December 31, 2026.

Richard T. Bell was appointed judge of the 501st Judicial District Court in Fort Bend County, effective December 1, 2025, for a term set to expire December 31, 2026.

2026 Texas General Election

Practiced family law across Texas for nearly 20 years, handling complex property cases and child-custody disputes.

- Practiced family law across Texas for nearly 20 years, handling complex property cases and child-custody disputes.

Legal Experience

Principled and Effective

Judge Bell presides over cases fairly and efficiently, giving families and children the stability and protection they need.

Integrity on the Bench

Judge Bell

Presides over cases fairly and efficiently.

- Presides over cases fairly and efficiently.

Judicial Administration

Judge Bell is Protecting The Rule Of Law in Fort Bend County.

Judge Richard T. Bell is committed to upholding the rule of law, protecting public safety, and ensuring that every person who enters his courtroom is treated with fairness, dignity, and respect. With deep roots in Fort Bend County and decades of legal experience, Judge Bell brings common-sense judgment and a firm commitment to justice.

Impartiality and Equality in the Courtroom

Judge Bell ensures that everyone receives a fair trial from a knowledgeable judge.

Judge Bell and his family call Fort Bend County home. He understands the values that make our community strong: hard work, personal responsibility, faith, and respect for the law.

Committed to upholding the rule of law, protecting public safety, and ensuring fair treatment and fair trials in the courtroom.

- Committed to upholding the rule of law, protecting public safety, and ensuring fair treatment and fair trials in the courtroom.

Judicial Philosophy

As of July 22, 2026, Richard T. Bell’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Ethics & Conduct

Serves on the Exchange Club of Sugar Land board and previously served as its president.

- Serves on the Exchange Club of Sugar Land board and previously served as its president.
- Belongs to Bridge Fellowship Church.

Community Involvement

LinkedIn

Richard T. Bell

Richard "Rick" Bell is from Richmond, Texas. He has a bachelor 27s degree in business from Southwestern University and a law degree from South Texas College of Law. He is a member of Bridge Fellowship Church. 

Richard is a judge. He was appointed to the 501st Judicial District Court in Fort Bend County in December 2025. He previously served as an associate judge for the 387th District Court in Fort Bend County. Before taking the bench, he practiced family law for nearly 20 years. He also serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Houston Law Center. 

Richard is currently a judge of the 501st Judicial District Court. He was appointed in 2025 and is currently serving his first term. He previously served as an associate judge for the 387th District Court.

As a practicing attorney for nearly twenty years, Judge Bell specialized in family law, handling complex property cases and child custody disputes throughout Texas.

Buket Urgen

Mauricio Mendez

Latosha Mcgill Clayton

- 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. 