A LIFE OF SERVICE

Raised in Laredo, Texas, Oscar Kazen grew up with a strong sense of community and responsibility. S graduate of the University of Texas in Austin, he proudly served in the United States Marine Corps before pursuing his law degree from Thurgood Marshall School of Law.

Kazen for Judge

Judge Kazen earned his J.D. from Thurgood Marshall School of Law and his B.A. from The University of Texas. Before attending college, Judge Kazen served in the United States Marine Corp. He is married to Melissa.

Hon. Oscar J. Kazen, San Antonio

Oscar J. Kazen was raised in Laredo, Texas. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Texas and a law degree from Thurgood Marshall School of Law. He is married to Melissa.

Commissioners | Texas Judicial Commission on Mental Health

This court has served as a national model, saving lives and lessening the suffering of those with serious mental illness by offering an alternative to hospitalization. Prior to his appointment as an associate probate judge, he served as presiding judge of Bexar County Court at Law No. 9 and was a managing partner of Kazen & Robberson.

Oscar J. Kazen was previously a managing partner of Kazen & Robberson.

LinkedIn

Oscar has served as a judge for the Bexar Probate Court since 2019.

2026 Texas General Election

Hon. Oscar J. Kazen, San Antonio

Judge Oscar J. Kazen is the Presiding Judge of Bexar County Probate Court 1 and previously served as Associate Probate Judge for Bexar County Probate Court 1, as well as Judge Presiding of Bexar County Court at Law #9. During his 16 years of judicial service, he has presided in over 100 jury trials without reversal or remand.

Serves as presiding judge of Bexar County Probate Court 1 and previously served as an associate probate judge and presiding judge of Bexar County Court at Law No. 9.

As a probate court judge, he administers the wills and estates of deceased persons, appoints guardians to incapacitated adults and minors, and commits individuals for involuntary treatment of addiction to drugs or alcohol and mental illness.

Previously served as managing partner of Kazen & Robberson.

- As a probate court judge, he administers the wills and estates of deceased persons, appoints guardians to incapacitated adults and minors, and commits individuals for involuntary treatment of addiction to drugs or alcohol and mental illness.
- Previously served as managing partner of Kazen & Robberson.

Legal Experience

A LEADER IN PROBATE AND MENTAL HEALTH LAW

For more than two decades, Judge Kazen has overseen sensitive cases involving guardianships, mental health care commitments, and estates. He is widely recognized for bringing both empathy and accountability to the courtroom, ensuring that every person is treated with respect and that their legal rights are protected.

Under his leadership, Probate Court No. 1 has become a model for innovation, efficiency, and care—streamlining operations while never losing sight of the human impact behind every case.

Shortly after his appointment, in 2007, he realized his passion for helping individuals with mental illness in the justice system. Judge Kazen created, and oversaw, the implementation of the first fully operational civil AOT court in Texas, serving as the intersection between the law and treatment of individuals with serious mental illness, in a 52-county area.

Said that Probate Court No. 1 has streamlined operations while prioritizing the human impact of each case.

Created and oversaw Texas's first fully operational civil assisted outpatient treatment court for people with serious mental illness in a 52-county area.

- Said that Probate Court No. 1 has streamlined operations while prioritizing the human impact of each case.
- Created and oversaw Texas's first fully operational civil assisted outpatient treatment court for people with serious mental illness in a 52-county area.

Judicial Administration

A VISION FOR THE FUTURE

Judge Kazen is running for re-election to continue advancing a court that protects the vulnerable, respects the rights of all, and serves Bexar County with integrity. With your support, he will continue to deliver the kind of justice our community can be proud of.

Plans to advance a court that protects vulnerable people and respects everyone's legal rights.

- Plans to advance a court that protects vulnerable people and respects everyone's legal rights.

Judicial Philosophy

As of July 22, 2026, Oscar J. Kazen’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Ethics & Conduct

Community Involvement

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Oscar J. Kazen

- Serves as presiding judge of Bexar County Probate Court 1 and previously served as an associate probate judge and presiding judge of Bexar County Court at Law No. 9.
- Previously served as managing partner of Kazen & Robberson.

Hon. Oscar J. Kazen, San Antonio | Texas Judicial Commission on Mental Health

Oscar J. Kazen is originally from Laredo, Texas. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Texas and a law degree from Thurgood Marshall School of Law. He is married to Melissa.

Under his leadership, Probate Court No. 1 has become a model for innovation, efficiency, and care—streamlining operations while never losing sight of the human impact behind every case.

Plans to pursue thoughtful reforms to make the court more effective and accessible.

Created and oversaw the implementation of Texas's first fully operational civil court serving people with serious mental illness across 52 counties.

Streamlined court operations as a probate court judge while emphasizing the human impact of each case.

- Streamlined court operations as a probate court judge while emphasizing the human impact of each case.

GROUNDED IN CORE VALUES

Judge Kazen’s work is driven by the principles that have guided him throughout his life:

Service: A lifelong commitment to protecting and supporting others

Integrity: Upholding the law with honesty, fairness, and impartiality

Compassion: Centering the needs of individuals and families in times of crisis

Progress: Bringing thoughtful reforms to make the court more effective and accessible

Said judicial integrity requires “honesty, fairness, and impartiality.”

Plans to continue advancing a court that “protects the vulnerable,” respects rights, and serves Bexar County with integrity.

- Said judicial integrity requires “honesty, fairness, and impartiality.”
- Plans to continue advancing a court that “protects the vulnerable,” respects rights, and serves Bexar County with integrity.

Kazen for Judge Campaign

Oscar J. Kazen is from Laredo, Texas. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from The University of Texas and a law degree from Thurgood Marshall School of Law. He is married to Melissa.

Oscar J. Kazen was a managing partner of Kazen & Robberson.

Oscar J. Kazen

Bexar County Probate Court No. 1

Democrat

Incumbent

Campaign:

website

Oscar Kazen was first elected as a judge in Bexar County Probate Court No. 1 in 2018. He’s a Marine Corps veteran who received his law degree from Texas Southern University’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law. He previously worked as an associate probate judge and as a county court at law judge. He is unopposed in his bid for a third term.

Oscar J. Kazen | 2026 candidate for Bexar County Probate Court No. 1

Oscar was first elected judge of Bexar County Probate Court No. 1 in 2018.

Meet the judicial candidates in Bexar County's March primary

Has served as a Bexar County Probate Court No. 1 judge since 2018 and previously served as an associate probate judge and county court at law judge.

Served as presiding judge of Bexar County Court at Law No. 9 and as a managing partner of Kazen & Robberson.

Earned a law degree from Thurgood Marshall School of Law.

- Served as presiding judge of Bexar County Court at Law No. 9 and as a managing partner of Kazen & Robberson.
- Earned a law degree from Thurgood Marshall School of Law.

Judge Kazen’s work is driven by the principles that have guided him throughout his life:

Service: A lifelong commitment to protecting and supporting others

Integrity: Upholding the law with honesty, fairness, and impartiality

Compassion: Centering the needs of individuals and families in times of crisis

Progress: Bringing thoughtful reforms to make the court more effective and accessible

Prioritizes reforms intended to make Probate Court No. 1 more effective and accessible, citing streamlined operations under his leadership.

- Prioritizes reforms intended to make Probate Court No. 1 more effective and accessible, citing streamlined operations under his leadership.

Prioritizes putting the needs of individuals and families at the center in times of crisis.

Plans to advance a court that protects vulnerable people, respects everyone’s rights, and serves Bexar County with integrity.

- Prioritizes putting the needs of individuals and families at the center in times of crisis.
- Plans to advance a court that protects vulnerable people, respects everyone’s rights, and serves Bexar County with integrity.

Oscar is a judge. He works at Bexar County Probate Court No. 1. He previously served as Associate Probate Judge for Bexar County Probate Court No. 1, as Presiding Judge of Bexar County Court at Law No. 9, and as a managing partner of the law firm Kazen & Robberson.

Oscar Kazen - Ballotpedia

Oscar J. Kazen is currently the Presiding Judge of Bexar County Probate Court No. 1, a four-year term that expires in 2026. He previously served as Associate Probate Judge for Bexar County Probate Court No. 1—appointed in 2007—and as Presiding Judge of Bexar County Court at Law No. 9. Kazen began his political career as a member of the Texas House of Representatives, serving from 1973 to 1975.

Probate Court 1 | Bexar County, TX - Official Website

Has over two decades of experience overseeing sensitive cases involving guardianships, mental health care commitments, and estates.

As probate judge, has led Probate Court No. 1 to become a model of innovation and efficiency, streamlining operations while prioritizing the human impact of each case.

Emphasizes the importance of compassion and understanding in the judicial process.

Actively involved in community service and local initiatives aimed at supporting families and individuals in need.

Buket Urgen

Isaac Brickman

- Texas county probate judges handle all cases in probate, including estate administration, wills, guardianships, and incapacitation cases.
- There are a total of 24 probate judges across 12 counties within the state.
- They are paid an annual salary between $158,000 and $193,400.