Judge Sheila Garcia-Bence: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

Biography

The Hon. Sheila Garcia-Bence is a judge for the Cameron County Court at Law No. 4 in Texas. She was elected to the bench on November 8, 2016.

Garcia-Bence earned a B.A. in criminal justice from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Then, in 2004, she completed a J.D. at South Texas College of Law Houston.

After graduating from law school, Garcia-Bence began her legal career as an assistant district attorney in the Cameron County District Attorney’s Office. She served in that capacity for two years, eventually leaving to start her own private practice as a sole practitioner. While in private practice, Garcia-Bence handled criminal defense, probate, and family law matters. She also served as a juvenile referee for the Cameron County Juvenile Court (2008 to 2016).

Recent Cases by Hon. Sheila Garcia-Bence

In the Matter of the Estate of: Jose Ernesto Galvan

On February 17, 2026 small estate proceedings case was filed in the jurisdiction of Cameron County. Judge Sheila Garcia-Bence presiding.

Filed

Feb 17, 2026

Judge

Hon. Sheila Garcia-Bence 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Sheila Garcia-Bence

Court

Cameron County - Probate Court 1

County

Cameron County, TX

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Small Estate Proceedings

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Estate Administration

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 19, 2026

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF:Wesley Raymond Anderson, Deceased

On February 17, 2026 an independent administration case was filed in the jurisdiction of Cameron County. Judge Sheila Garcia-Bence presiding.

Filed

Feb 17, 2026

Judge

Hon. Sheila Garcia-Bence 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Sheila Garcia-Bence

Court

Cameron County - Probate Court 1

County

Cameron County, TX

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Independent Administration

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Estate Administration

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 19, 2026

In the Matter of the Estate of: Edwin Ulises Lagos

On February 16, 2026 small estate proceedings case was filed in the jurisdiction of Cameron County. Judge Sheila Garcia-Bence presiding.

Filed

Feb 16, 2026

Judge

Hon. Sheila Garcia-Bence 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Sheila Garcia-Bence

Court

Cameron County - Probate Court 1

County

Cameron County, TX

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Small Estate Proceedings

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Estate Administration

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 19, 2026

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF:Raymond William Debrooke, Sr., Deceased

On February 12, 2026 an independent administration case was filed in the jurisdiction of Cameron County. Judge Sheila Garcia-Bence presiding.

Filed

Feb 12, 2026

Judge

Hon. Sheila Garcia-Bence 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Sheila Garcia-Bence

Court

Cameron County - Probate Court 1

County

Cameron County, TX

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Independent Administration

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Estate Administration

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 14, 2026

In the Matter of the Estate of: Anita Jean Mathews, Deceased

On February 12, 2026 an independent administration case was filed in the jurisdiction of Cameron County. Judge Sheila Garcia-Bence presiding.

Filed

Feb 12, 2026

Judge

Hon. Sheila Garcia-Bence 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Sheila Garcia-Bence

Court

Cameron County - Probate Court 1

County

Cameron County, TX

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Independent Administration

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Estate Administration

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 14, 2026

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF:Vicente Gonzalez, JR , Deceased

On February 11, 2026 an independent administration case was filed in the jurisdiction of Cameron County. Judge Sheila Garcia-Bence presiding.

Filed

Feb 11, 2026

Judge

Hon. Sheila Garcia-Bence 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Sheila Garcia-Bence

Court

Cameron County - Probate Court 1

County

Cameron County, TX

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Independent Administration

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Estate Administration

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 13, 2026

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF:Kenneth P. Sarauer, Deceased

On February 9, 2026 an independent administration case was filed in the jurisdiction of Cameron County. Judge Sheila Garcia-Bence presiding.

Filed

Feb 09, 2026

Judge

Hon. Sheila Garcia-Bence 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Sheila Garcia-Bence

Court

Cameron County - Probate Court 1

County

Cameron County, TX

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Independent Administration

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Estate Administration

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 11, 2026

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF:Gerald Richard Gusler Also known as Gerald R. Gusler , Deceased

On February 9, 2026 an independent administration case was filed in the jurisdiction of Cameron County. Judge Sheila Garcia-Bence presiding.

Filed

Feb 09, 2026

Judge

Hon. Sheila Garcia-Bence 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Sheila Garcia-Bence

Court

Cameron County - Probate Court 1

County

Cameron County, TX

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Independent Administration

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Estate Administration

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 11, 2026

In the Matter of the Estate of: Esmeralda Longoria Saldana

On February 5, 2026 a muniment of title case was filed in the jurisdiction of Cameron County. Judge Sheila Garcia-Bence presiding.

Filed

Feb 05, 2026

Judge

Hon. Sheila Garcia-Bence 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Sheila Garcia-Bence

Court

Cameron County - Probate Court 1

County

Cameron County, TX

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Muniment of Title

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Succession of Property

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 07, 2026

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF:Barbara Martinez, Deceased

On February 5, 2026 a dependent administration case was filed in the jurisdiction of Cameron County. Judge Sheila Garcia-Bence presiding.

Filed

Feb 05, 2026

Judge

Hon. Sheila Garcia-Bence 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Sheila Garcia-Bence

Court

Cameron County - Probate Court 1

County

Cameron County, TX

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Dependent Administration

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Estate Administration

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 07, 2026

In the Matter of the Estate of: Romeo Garza, Sr. AKA Romeo Garza, Deceased

On February 4, 2026 an independent administration case was filed in the jurisdiction of Cameron County. Judge Sheila Garcia-Bence presiding.

Filed

Feb 04, 2026

Judge

Hon. Sheila Garcia-Bence 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Sheila Garcia-Bence

Court

Cameron County - Probate Court 1

County

Cameron County, TX

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Independent Administration

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Estate Administration

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 06, 2026

In the Matter of the Estate of: HARLAN HUBERT BAKER also known as HARLAN H. BAKER

On February 3, 2026 a muniment of title case was filed in the jurisdiction of Cameron County. Judge Sheila Garcia-Bence presiding.

Filed

Feb 03, 2026

Judge

Hon. Sheila Garcia-Bence 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Sheila Garcia-Bence

Court

Cameron County - Probate Court 1

County

Cameron County, TX

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Muniment of Title

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Succession of Property

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 05, 2026

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF:Paul Edward Mielke, Deceased

On February 3, 2026 an independent administration case was filed in the jurisdiction of Cameron County. Judge Sheila Garcia-Bence presiding.

Filed

Feb 03, 2026

Judge

Hon. Sheila Garcia-Bence 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Sheila Garcia-Bence

Court

Cameron County - Probate Court 1

County

Cameron County, TX

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Independent Administration

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Estate Administration

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 05, 2026

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF:Linda Jean Sprague Kimrey Broderick, Deceased

On February 3, 2026 an independent administration case was filed in the jurisdiction of Cameron County. Judge Sheila Garcia-Bence presiding.

Filed

Feb 03, 2026

Judge

Hon. Sheila Garcia-Bence 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Sheila Garcia-Bence

Court

Cameron County - Probate Court 1

County

Cameron County, TX

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Independent Administration

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Estate Administration

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 05, 2026

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF:Norma Jean Ross , Deceased

On February 3, 2026 an independent administration case was filed in the jurisdiction of Cameron County. Judge Sheila Garcia-Bence presiding.

Filed

Feb 03, 2026

Judge

Hon. Sheila Garcia-Bence 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Sheila Garcia-Bence

Court

Cameron County - Probate Court 1

County

Cameron County, TX

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Independent Administration

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Estate Administration

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 05, 2026

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF:ETHEL F BUCHANAN, Deceased

On February 3, 2026 an independent administration case was filed in the jurisdiction of Cameron County. Judge Sheila Garcia-Bence presiding.

Filed

Feb 03, 2026

Judge

Hon. Sheila Garcia-Bence 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Sheila Garcia-Bence

Court

Cameron County - Probate Court 1

County

Cameron County, TX

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Independent Administration

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Estate Administration

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 05, 2026

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF:Emma Yolanda Cancio, Deceased

On February 2, 2026 an independent administration case was filed in the jurisdiction of Cameron County. Judge Sheila Garcia-Bence presiding.

Filed

Feb 02, 2026

Judge

Hon. Sheila Garcia-Bence 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Sheila Garcia-Bence

Court

Cameron County - Probate Court 1

County

Cameron County, TX

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Independent Administration

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Estate Administration

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 04, 2026

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF:Jose Guillermo Cancio, Deceased

On February 2, 2026 an independent administration case was filed in the jurisdiction of Cameron County. Judge Sheila Garcia-Bence presiding.

Filed

Feb 02, 2026

Judge

Hon. Sheila Garcia-Bence 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Sheila Garcia-Bence

Court

Cameron County - Probate Court 1

County

Cameron County, TX

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Independent Administration

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Estate Administration

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 04, 2026

In the Matter of the Estate of: Salvador P. Lopez

On February 2, 2026 an independent administration case was filed in the jurisdiction of Cameron County. Judge Sheila Garcia-Bence presiding.

Filed

Feb 02, 2026

Judge

Hon. Sheila Garcia-Bence 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Sheila Garcia-Bence

Court

Cameron County - Probate Court 1

County

Cameron County, TX

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Independent Administration

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Estate Administration

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 04, 2026

In the Matter of the Estate of: Tomas Gomez

On January 30, 2026 a muniment of title case was filed in the jurisdiction of Cameron County. Judge Sheila Garcia-Bence presiding.

Filed

Jan 30, 2026

Judge

Hon. Sheila Garcia-Bence 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Sheila Garcia-Bence

Court

Cameron County - Probate Court 1

County

Cameron County, TX

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Muniment of Title

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Succession of Property

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 01, 2026

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF:Jesse Garza, Deceased

On January 30, 2026 an other probate case was filed in the jurisdiction of Cameron County. Judge Sheila Garcia-Bence presiding.

Filed

Jan 30, 2026

Judge

Hon. Sheila Garcia-Bence 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Sheila Garcia-Bence

Court

Cameron County - Probate Court 1

County

Cameron County, TX

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Other Probate

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

General Probate

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 01, 2026

In the Matter of the Estate of: Elida Rosaura Gomez

On January 30, 2026 small estate proceedings case was filed in the jurisdiction of Cameron County. Judge Sheila Garcia-Bence presiding.

Filed

Jan 30, 2026

Judge

Hon. Sheila Garcia-Bence 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Sheila Garcia-Bence

Court

Cameron County - Probate Court 1

County

Cameron County, TX

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Small Estate Proceedings

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Estate Administration

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 01, 2026

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF:John Pershing Heiner, II , Deceased

On January 29, 2026 an independent administration case was filed in the jurisdiction of Cameron County. Judge Sheila Garcia-Bence presiding.

Filed

Jan 29, 2026

Judge

Hon. Sheila Garcia-Bence 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Sheila Garcia-Bence

Court

Cameron County - Probate Court 1

County

Cameron County, TX

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Independent Administration

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Estate Administration

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 31, 2026

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF:Robert Mifflin Dalzell, JR , Deceased

On January 29, 2026 an independent administration case was filed in the jurisdiction of Cameron County. Judge Sheila Garcia-Bence presiding.

Filed

Jan 29, 2026

Judge

Hon. Sheila Garcia-Bence 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Sheila Garcia-Bence

Court

Cameron County - Probate Court 1

County

Cameron County, TX

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Independent Administration

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Estate Administration

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 31, 2026

Discover if Hon. Garcia-Bence is the right judge for your case based on their ruling history.

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About

Sheila Garcia-Bence
Current Appointment Cameron County Court at Law No. 4	Cameron County Court at Law No. 4
Election/Appointment November 8, 2016 - Cameron County Court at Law No. 4; 2022 - Re-elected	November 8, 2016 - Cameron County Court at Law No. 4; 2022 - Re-elected
Education J.D., South Texas College of Law Houston - 2004 B.A., University of Texas at San Antonio	J.D., South Texas College of Law Houston - 2004 B.A., University of Texas at San Antonio

Court Info

Court Info
Current Court:	TX - Cameron County Court at Law No. 4
Clerk phone:	+1 (956) 574-8116
Court Reporter:	+1 (956) 356-6371
Court Administrator:	+1 (956) 574-8732

Career History

Career History
Role	Employer	Where
Juvenile Referee	Cameron County Juvenile Court	Cameron County, Texas
Sole Practitioner	Private Practice	None
Judge	Cameron County Court at Law No. 4	Cameron County, Texas
Assistant District Attorney	Office of the District Attorney	Cameron County, Texas