Two district courts will be added to Collin County this fall to handle the county's growing caseload. The 468th District Court will specialize in family law and the 471st District Court will specialize in civil law.

The creation of the two courts was approved by the most-recent Texas Legislature. The state will pay for the salary of the judges and Collin County is responsible for bailiffs, clerk staff, and supplemental pay, among other expenses.

Collin County Commissioners approved a budget amendment totaling $206,856 on July 22. The amendment includes funds for each court to purchase furniture, technology and other one-time expenditures. This amendment allows time for the items to be purchased and installed prior to the courts beginning, according to county documents.

Commissioners also approved the creation of the County Magistrate Department for the courts on July 15. A magistrate can handle proceedings involving bond forfeitures, pretrial motions, examining trials, occupational driver’s licenses, and jury selection, among other duties.

Discussions about adding the two new courts began in February. The county hopes to have the courts functioning by Oct. 1.

Collin County currently has 11 district courts.

Editor's note: This article has been updated with additional information.