JoAnne Garcia is a member of a dynamic general practice firm, where the focus of her practice is estate planning, trusts administration, probate and guardianships. Her diverse background lends itself to the handling of complex matters for both defendants and plaintiffs. JoAnne is running for Judge of the Hidalgo County Probate Court, which is a court with original and exclusive jurisdiction over probate matters, guardianship cases, and mental health commitments. JoAnne is a Valley native, having been born in Weslaco and raised in Pharr. She graduated from PSJA North High School as Salutatorian of her class. JoAnne then attended the University of Texas Pan American on a full tuition scholarship receiving her B.B.A. in Accounting, Magna Cum Laude. JoAnne received her law degree from the University of Texas School of Law. Upon graduation, she returned to the Rio Grande Valley and worked as both a litigation and transactional associate at two law firms in McAllen, Texas, before she and her law partner opened their own firm, Garza Garcia, PLLC. Since the start of her legal career, JoAnne has represented many families across the State of Texas by assisting them prepare for the future with wills and trusts, guiding them as an attorney and counselor after the loss of a loved one, and supporting them as they care for disabled or incapacitated family members. “Unfortunately, we will all suffer through the loss of a loved one. Initial grief is often replaced with the stress and worry associated with paying for final expenses and distributing a decedent’s estate while adhering to the probate process. The Probate Court requires the service of a compassionate Judge, someone who upholds the law in a manner sensitive to the distress suffered by families. I am ready to serve and will bring empathy, integrity, and knowledge to the bench if elected as Probate Judge.” – JoAnne Garcia. JoAnne is active in her community and has served in leadership positions in various civic and professional organizations. She is no stranger to hard work and dedication, two traits her parents instilled in her from a young age. JoAnne is the proud mother of a beautiful and brilliant teenager, Alexia Dominique. JoAnne became a mother at a young age just shortly after graduating high school. Despite the obstacles she faced as a teenage mother, JoAnne stayed the course and completed college in just three short years, all while holding numerous part time jobs. She then attended one of the top law schools in the nation and the top law school in the state. JoAnne’s dedication demonstrates that anything is possible with hard work and determination. JoAnne loves to participate in teen outreach programs, where she passionately encourages teen parents to pursue higher education.
“With the honorable Judge Homero Garza stepping down at the end of this term, the future leader of our Probate Court is up to the will of the people. I am ready to stand up for you and for families of Hidalgo County, and humbly ask you to STAND WITH ME as I begin my race to become your next Judge of the Hidalgo County Probate Court. Where there is a will, there is a way. And with your help, I will lead the way!” – JoAnne Garcia
