Tex. Gov't Code § 54A.203 – Appointment

(a) After obtaining the approval of the commissioners court to create an associate judge position, the judge of a statutory probate court by order may appoint one or more full-time or part-time associate judges to perform the duties authorized by this subchapter.
(b) If a statutory probate court has jurisdiction in more than one county, an associate judge appointed by that court may serve only in a county in which the commissioners court has authorized the appointment.
(c) The commissioners court may authorize the appointment of an associate judge for each court or may authorize one or more associate judges to share service with two or more courts, if more than one statutory probate court exists in a county.
(d) If an associate judge serves more than one court, the associate judge's appointment must be made with the unanimous approval of all the judges under whom the associate judge serves.
(e) An associate judge appointed under this subchapter may serve as an associate judge appointed under Section 574.0085, Health and Safety Code.
Transferred, redesignated and amended from Government Code, Subchapter G, Chapter 54 by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 3 (H.B. 79), Sec. 6.02, eff. January 1, 2012.