JUDGE DAVID HANSCHEN
Democratic Incumbent
254th Family District Court
LATEST NEWS:
Family Judge David Hanschen Celebrates A Victory in His Fight for Fathers' Rights, With Help From an Unlikely Place
JUDGE, LAWYER, ENTREPRENEUR:
Why David Hanschen Gets the Big Picture
Dear Voters,
Family court judges need to understand the big picture because they deal with a wide range of legal issues. For any given case before the 254th Family District Court, the judge may be required to grasp the complex property litigation, craft a solution for family reorganization or make a critical decision in a domestic violence matter. The job takes a unique combination of the generalist's passion for variety and the specialist's intense focus on specific details.An ideal Family Court Judge will have both a broad interest in the law and a sound knowledge of courtroom procedural and evidentiary rules. An ideal Judge will also have a broad view on life and how the law functions within our economic and social environment.
I believe I meet these criteria. I am an avid scholar of the law with a passion for intellectual challenges, having chosen to go to law school later in life to pursue a second career. Since earning my law degree, I have accumulated extensive legal experience, including my current service as Judge of the 254th District Court, Dallas County. Before pursuing law, I enjoyed many years of success as a businessman and entrepreneur, helping create new companies and jobs in the D-FW area and beyond.
These varied experiences give me the big picture perspective to be an outstanding Judge for the 254th Family District Court. I urge you to learn more about me and to support my campaign.
Sincerely,
Judge David Hanschen
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
"THE DNA JUDGE"
Before September 2009, DNA testing for paternity cases was only permitted for children under 4 years old. Judge David Hanschen spearheaded the repeal of this statute with the Texas Legislature. The Texas Attorney General is now committed to allow DNA testing regardless of the child's age. As of September 1,2009, free statewide DNA testing is available for all Texas paternity/child support cases. As Judge David Hanschen stated: "The Truth Does Not Have A Time Limit"
CHILD SUPPORT BILL
Judge Hanschen worked with the Attorney General to change the way back child support is calculated. He lobbied with Representatives Hodge and Dutton to assure its passage. The Governor signed the bill and it is now law.
G.A.L. COMPANY
Judge Hanschen initiated the audit that revealed that the G.A.L. was charging Dallas County moms and dads $100,000 per month to merely monitor their child support payments. All Dallas Courts have withdrawn their cases from the G.A.L. and the Dallas County Domestic Relations office is now monitoring the payments for a nominal fee.
LANDMARK RULINGS
Judge Hanschen has issued community property rulings that have changed the perimeter of community property awards.The rulings are effective tools for attorneys when negotiating and in the mediation process. He was recognized for this at the 2009 Fort Worth Marriage Dissolution Conference.
COURT MANAGEMENT
Judge Hanschen has the overall highest clearance rate of cases for 31 out of the last 36 months. This allows cases to get to trial quicker with out costly delays to the parties and families. Since Judge Hanschen was elected in 2006, the Dallas County Auditor reports show that Judge Hanschen has had the lowest cost to tax payers of any family court.