Probate Notes

Probate Examiners, Anne Holsinger and Michelle Warren, may be reached at Probate.Examiner@stanct.org . Telephone calls can be directed to the Probate Unit as set forth above. Emails must have the case identification information and hearing time/date in the subject line. No attachments will be opened. The Probate Examiner can only respond to inquiries regarding the meaning of comments in the notes. Please do not email to notify that documents have been filed, to request a confirmation whether documents have been received, or to request the clearing of notes. No legal or procedural advice may be given by the Probate Examiner in response to your email.

• It is the goal of the Probate Examiner to have Probate Notes posted five (5) calendar days prior to the hearing.
• Defects described in the Probate Notes must be corrected prior to approval of the moving papers. 
• If you are filing documents to cure technical defects, they should be filed NO LATER THAN FIVE COURT DAYS before the hearing.  Later-filed documents might not be reviewed prior to the hearing and could result in a continuance of your case.

Probate Notes will be updated as needed when late-filed documents are reviewed.  Please note:  Late-filed documents that do not contain the hearing date in the caption require more time and effort to be matched to the files.  This may result in an otherwise avoidable continuance.

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Please Note: "Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred)."

This language indicates that no one is required to appear at the hearing.  Probate hearings are open to the public, however, and anyone who wishes to observe a proceeding may do so. Appearances in most cases may be made in person or remotely, by telephone, using VCourt. For more information on how to appear by VCourt, please see the section "Remote Telephonic Hearings" on the home page of this website.
 

POSTED JULY 15, 2025
Probate customers may view the documents in the court's files online by accessing the Case Search Portal on the court's website. Access to view confidential documents remains restricted.

POSTED JULY 11, 2025
The revised Local Rules took effect July 1, 2025, and are now available for download. 

POSTED MARCH 5, 2025
Inventory and Appraisals:  If the Inventory and Appraisal has been submitted to the probate referee but not filed prior to the Inventory Review date, the Personal Representative, or their retained counsel, may file a declaration attesting to these facts and provide an anticipated timeframe for filing.  The Court may, in its discretion, continue the Inventory Review hearing without required appearances.

POSTED DECEMBER 16, 2024
Please visit the new Probate Examiner's Corner section of the Probate Division webpage where you will find news, reminders, and guides!

POSTED OCTOBER 15, 2024, UPDATED JANUARY 2, 2025
To those in the probate community who handle or assist with Conservatorships: Please take care to learn about the revision to Judicial Council Form GC-355 and new attachment Form GC-356 which went into effect January 1, 2025, and the new requirements for that form based on Senate Bill 280.

POSTED SEPTEMBER 29, 2022, UPDATED 12/02/22

• Please help expand the list of qualified counsel willing to accept appointment in Probate matters, as either court-appointed counsel in Conservatorships pursuant to PrC§1471, Guardians ad litem, successor personal representatives in decedents' estates, and successor trustees. 

• For appointment as counsel in a Conservatorship, please see the list of qualifications and requirements found in California Rule of Court 7.1103 and 7.1105.

• Review forms PR004, PR005, and GC-010 available for download on the Common Forms & Packets page here: https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/forms-filing/common-forms-packets for more information.  Remit your completed forms to the Superior Court.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 14, 2025

Department 23
8:30 a.m.

PR-24-000291 ESTATE OF MUSED MED ZOKARI, AKA MUSED A. ZOKARI
Account Review Hearing:
See Local Rule 8.41 B. Letters issued 05/08/24. Final Inventory and Appraisal was due 09/09/24. A Partial No. 1 Inventory and Appraisal is on file. 
On 03/19/25, the court ordered the personal representative to file a PrC§12200 Status Report, and give notice thereon purs. to PrC§12201, no later than 07/10/25.
•    Recommend court issue Order to Show Cause to Executor and Executor’s counsel to be personally present pursuant to PrC§12202:
    o    To show condition of estate and why estate cannot be distributed and closed;
    o    So that court may order Executor to prepare and file a First Account Current at the court’s discretion pursuant to PrC§12202(b).
    o    Noncompliance may result in removal of personal representative from office (PrC§§12204, 8500).
Appearance by Executor and Executor’s counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

Department 22
8:30 a.m.

PR-23-000021 ESTATE OF MARJORIE FAYE BRANNON, AKA MARJORIE F. BRANNON, MARJORIE F. HILL
Order to Show Cause issued 04/08/25 to personal representative:
To appear and show cause for failing to appear and failure to submit the Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge and Order.
Declaration on file from the personal representative’s attorney reflecting that notice of the Order to Show Cause was emailed to the personal representative as the court ordered on 04/08/25.

Discharge Review Hearing continued from 06/27/24, 10/02/24, 11/13/24, 04/08/25:
Nothing filed since previous hearing. Prior Notes remain:
Receipts of distribution are on file.
Form DE-295, Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge and Order, not yet submitted.
Appearance by counsel required, appearance by personal representative mandatory (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-000441 ESTATE OF HELEN CASTANEDA CORDERO
Hearing on First and Final Account and Report of Juanita Reynoso, Administrator, and Petition for its Settlement, and for Allowance of Compensation to Administrator and Attorney, and for Final Distribution continued from 12/17/24, 04/16/25:
Prior Notes have been cured.
• Proposed Order submitted 08/11/25:
      o    Line 16 on page 4 misstates the amount of reserved funds ($480.09) and does not agree with line 6 on page 3 or line 23 on page 7 of the 07/21/25 Supplement. The personal representative may not retain any funds unless the court allows it; the order must state that the court authorizes the personal representative to retain the $480.09 in the estate checking account as a reserve for closing expenses of the estate. 
Recommend approval of the Account and Petition as supplemented.
Need new proposed Order.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 02/26/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.68.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-000653 ESTATE OF ROSEMARY CHAVEZ
Order to Show Cause reissued 06/11/25 to personal representative:
•    To appear and show cause why she should not be surcharged and/or removed as personal representative (PrC§§12204, 8500).
•    Failure to appear may result in sanctions, surcharge, and/or removal from office.

Account Review Hearing continued from 09/26/24, 01/30/25, 06/11/25:
See Local Rule 8.82. Neither Petition for Final Distribution nor PrC§12200 Status Report are on file.
Administrator was suspended by the court on 01/30/25.
Court has referred this matter to the Public Administrator and County Counsel for appointment of successor personal representative.

Appearance by Administrator and Administrator’s counsel mandatory (by VCourt if preferred), appearance by County Counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-001232 ESTATE OF CARRIE EDNA BECKER
Inventory Review Hearing continued from 07/09/24: 
Letters Issued 02/22/24.  Inventory and Appraisal due 06/22/24.
No 1 Partial Inventory and Appraisal on file.
Final Inventory and Appraisal not on file. See Local Rule 8.41 B.
On 07/09/24, the court directed personal representative to file a PrC §12200 report prior to the next hearing.  
PrC §12200 Status Report of Administration has been filed and set for hearing on 09/11/25.
Hearing of 09/11/25 will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000059 ESTATE OF WALTRAUT ULLOA
Account Review Hearing continued from 03/27/25:
Final Inventory and Appraisal on file.
A Petition for Final Distribution has been filed and set for hearing 09/16/25.
Hearing of 09/16/25 will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000337 ABEL RIVAS GONZALEZ LIVING TRUST DATED AUGUST 15, 2023
Hearing on Second Amended Petition (file-marked 10/28/24) for Determination of Validity of Trust; Determination to Whom Property Shall Pass; Settling the Accounts and the Acts of the Trustee; Instructing the Trustee and Compelling the Trustee to Provide a Copy of the Terms of the Trust and Information About the Trust and Account to the Petitioner: continued from 06/12/24, 09/11/24, 11/21/24, 04/10/25:
Prior Notes have been cured. Notice appears complete.
•    Proposed Order not yet submitted.
Hearing required.
Appearance required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000358 ESTATE OF CHARLET GIVARGIS
(1)    Order to Show Cause issued 04/03/25 to personal representative, Claudette Caparelli, continued from 04/03/25 and reset on court’s own motion from 08/07/25:
To appear and show cause for failure to appear on 04/03/25, failure to file Inventory and Appraisal by the deadline set by statute.
Order to Show Cause will be discharged pursuant to the court’s order 04/03/25 as a Final Inventory and Appraisal is on file.

(2)    Order to Show Cause issued 04/03/25 to counsel for personal representative, Benjamin D. Harvey, Esq., continued from 04/03/25 and reset on court’s own motion from 08/07/25:
To appear and show cause for failure to appear on 04/03/25, failure to file Inventory and Appraisal by the deadline set by statute.
Order to Show Cause will be discharged pursuant to the court’s order 04/03/25 as a Final Inventory and Appraisal and Declaration in Response to Order to Show Cause is on file.

(3)    Inventory Review Hearing continued from 11/19/24, 04/03/25 and reset on court’s own motion from 08/07/25:
Letters Issued 06/07/24.  Inventory and Appraisal due 10/07/24.
Final Inventory and Appraisal on file.
•    Inventory and Appraisal omits characterization of decedent’s property [PrC§8850(c)]. This information will be needed prior to the closing of the estate.
Recommend Account Review Hearing 02/18/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.82.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000821 ESTATE OF ALFONSO MIRANDA AYALA, AKA ALFONSO M. AYALA, ALFONSO AYALA
Inventory Review Hearing continued from 03/18/25, 03/27/25:
Final Inventory and Appraisal on file.
Recommend court set Account Review Hearing 02/19/26 purs. to Local Rule 8.82 and refer the Administrator also to Probate Code sections 12200, and 9000 through 9399.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

439972 MATTER OF JANELLE BOZARTH SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST
Hearing on Petition to Limit Powers of Sale as to Real Property without Court Order and for Bond Requirement to Remain in the Current Amount:
This matter will be continued to 09/30/25 to allow more time for review.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-000706 ESTATE OF LAWRENCE ROY MARTIN   
Related Trust matter PR-23-001118
Hearing on Notice of Motion and Motion to Compel Response to Form Interrogatories Set One to Jennafer Martin and Request for Sanctions:
SEE TENTATIVE RULING, to be posted day prior to hearing at https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/online-services/tentative-rulings/…

Hearing on Notice of Motion and Motion to Compel Response to Admissions Set One to Jennafer Martin and Request for Sanctions:
SEE TENTATIVE RULING, to be posted day prior to hearing at https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/online-services/tentative-rulings/…

Hearing on Notice of Motion and Motion to Compel Response to Special Interrogatories Set One to Jennafer Martin and Request for Sanctions:
SEE TENTATIVE RULING, to be posted day prior to hearing at https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/online-services/tentative-rulings/…

Hearing on Notice of Motion and Motion to Compel Response to Production of Documents Set One to Jennafer Martin and Request for Sanctions:
SEE TENTATIVE RULING, to be posted day prior to hearing at https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/online-services/tentative-rulings/…

 PR-24-000030 ESTATE OF MARIA L. GUERRERO, AKA MARIA LUISA GUERRERO, AKA MARIA GUERRERO
Hearing on Petition for Final Distribution of Estate; First and Final Account and Report of Administrator; Petition for Allowance of Attorney and Administrator Statutory Fees and Costs:
Defects cured.
Please note for the future that reimbursement from estate funds for administrative expenses must be authorized by the court, and that failure to obtain the court’s authority prior to reimbursement may be grounds for surcharge.
Recommend approval of petition as supplemented.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 02/26/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.92.
Recommend court vacate Account Review Hearing 09/16/25.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).
 

PR-24-000475 ESTATE OF RAUL ARRIAGA ZAMORA, AKA RAUL ZAMORA SR., RAUL ZAMORA, RAUL A. ZAMORA
Hearing on PrC§12200 Status Report of Administration:
Notice appears complete.
Recommend court allow estate to remain open and set a further Account Review Hearing 07/01/26.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000831 ESTATE OF EUTIGUIO ORTEGA DEANDA, AKA E. O. DEANDA
Hearing on First and Final Report of Administrator on Waiver of Account and Petition for Allowance of Compensation to Attorney for Ordinary Services and Extraordinary Services and to Administrator for Ordinary Services and for Final Distribution:
Recommend approval of Report and Petition.
Recommend court vacate Account Review Hearing of 10/16/25.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 02/26/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.68.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000361 MATTER OF NORMALEE MICKLO GRAVES 2014 REVOCABLE TRUST
Hearing on Petition for Conveyance or Transfer of Property Claimed From Trust:
•    It does not appear that the decedent’s original will has been lodged with the clerk of the court. Was it lodged with the clerk of the court in a different county?
•    Exhibit 1 is a copy of a draft of a Trust. Please file a copy of the executed Trust [with signature(s)].
•    Exhibit 2 includes copies of drafts of three Amendments to the Trust, and a copy of the executed Fourth Amendment to the Trust. Please file copies of the executed first three Amendments to the Trust [with signature(s)].
Recommend continuance to 10/10/25 to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000663 ESTATE OF KEVIN LEE HILSABECK
Hearing on Petition for Probate of Will and for Letters of Administration with Will Annexed:
Proof of Holographic Instrument on file (for holographic will).
Please be careful in future matters not to omit the short caption from the subsequent pages of the pleading(s).
•    Both Forms DE-121, Notice of Petition to Administer Estate, (one filed 07/07/25 and another filed 07/09/25) omitted checkmark in box 5 (notice that the petition requests authority under the Independent Administration of Estates Act).
Recommend continuance to 10/17/25 to allow time to perfect notice.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).
 

FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2025

Department 22
8:30 a.m.

PR-22-000861 ESTATE OF RAYMOND MASCADRI
Hearing on First and Final Account; Report of Administrator; Petition for Settlement; and Final Distribution continued from 01/28/25, 05/15/25:
• Caption of the original pleading was inadequate as personal representative is also seeking ordinary compensation for his attorney [see Probate Code § 10830, California Rule of Court 7.102, Local Rule 8.83L].
      o    Notice of Hearing file-marked 06/11/25 therefore appears defective, as well, [PrC § 10830(b), 11000(b), CRC 7.50].
• Page 4 of the 04/30/25 Supplement (itemization of counsel’s costs) includes $94.00 each for two VCourt appearances on 10/15/24 and 05/15/25 (total $188.00). According to the court’s Fiscal Services Manager, the VCourt fee has been $35.00 since 07/01/24. Recommend court reduce request for counsel’s administrative costs by $118.00, for total of $4,115.53.
• Proposed Order submitted 06/11/25:
      o Omitted total property on hand for distribution. “The minimal sum on deposit in the Estate’s bank account” is not sufficiently specific.
      o Order of distribution is not sufficiently specific (“The minimal sum on deposit in the Estate’s bank account”). Additionally, the order must specify the name of the person to whom the distribution will be made; “petitioner” refers to the personal representative in his capacity as the personal representative; the distribution will be made to him as an individual; please use his name.
      o Paragraph 6 on page 2 is an order that was not pled for.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-000601 ESTATE OF CAROL HAWKINS
Hearing on PrC§12200 Status Report of Administration continued from 06/11/25:
Nothing filed since previous hearing. Prior Notes remain:
•    Notice of Hearing not yet on file (see PrC§12201).
On 06/11/25, the court ordered the personal representative to perfect notice pursuant to PrC§12201 before the next hearing or surcharge may be imposed. 

Recommend court drop hearing on Status Report for lack of notice.
Recommend court set an Account Review Hearing 10/22/25.
Recommend court issue Order to Show Cause, to be heard on the same date as the Account Review Hearing, to Administrator and Administrator’s counsel to be personally present pursuant to PrC§12202:
•    To show cause why surcharge should not be imposed for failure to abide by the court’s order of 06/11/25;
•    To show condition of estate and why estate cannot be distributed and closed;
•    So that court may order Administrator to prepare and file a First Account Current at the court’s discretion pursuant to PrC§12202(b).
•    Noncompliance may result in removal of personal representative from office (PrC§§12204, 8500).
Appearance by counsel required to receive the court’s order (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000964 ESTATE OF MANUEL GARCIA
Hearing on Amended Petition for Letters of Administration continued from 06/24/25:
On 06/24/25, the Court deemed this petition a Petition for Appointment Successor Administrator and ordered petitioner to pay $435.00 filing fee forthwith.  
Filing fees have been paid.
Court further directed petitioner to serve supplement by next hearing.
Proof of service of supplement to petition is on file.
Proposed bond of $350,000.00 appears adequate based on estimated value of estate alleged in the petition.
Recommend approval of Petition as supplemented.
Recommend discharge prior bond in the amount to $500,000.00 ordered on 12/06/24.
Recommend court vacate 01/07/26 Inventory Review Hearing and reset it for 02/19/26.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000187 ESTATE OF RONALD RAY EDWARDS, AKA RON EDWARDS
Related case PR-25-000188 
Hearing on Petition for Probate of Will and for Letters Testamentary:
Amended Petition for Probate of Will and for Letters of Administration with Will Annexed (file marked 04/14/25) continued from 04/15/25, 06/27/25:
Will is Self-Proving.
Nothing filed since last hearing. Prior notes remain:
The following items must be addressed in the file:
•    Will waived bond only for those named as Executor, both of whom are alleged to be deceased. Waivers of bond [Form DE-142/DE-111(A-3e)] not on file from all beneficiaries of the decedent’s will.  Bond may be required.  Minimum bond would be $20,000.00.  Maximum bond would be $374,569.64. Bond matter will be submitted to judge when defects are cured.
•    Affidavit of publication file-marked 06/06/25 has the following defects:
    o    Published notice did not include the required language pursuant to Probate Code section 8100. (i.e., petitioner’s request for IAEA authority, petitioner’s request to admit decedent’s will, Notice to all heirs..etc, and complete statements regarding objections, creditors, and information regarding examining the file).
    o    Publication included two related cases in the same publication (P25000187 and PR25000188). A separate publication is required for each case number.
    o    Republication will not be reimbursable. 
•    Form DE-121, Notice of Petition to Administer Estate, (file marked 06/06/25) did not include the statement regarding petitioner’s request for IAEA authority (Item 5, page 1). 
    o    Notice of Petition to Administer Estate (file marked 08/08/25) is defective: untimely.
Consider visiting the California Courts Self Help page at:
https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/probate and downloading forms from https://www.courts.ca.gov/forms.htm

Recommend continuance to 09/19/25 to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (Anyone wishing to appear may do so in person or remotely, by telephone, using VCourt).

PR-25-000188 ESTATE OF GERALDINE EDWARDS, AKA GERI EDWARDS
Related case PR-25-000187 
Hearing on Petition for Probate of Will and for Letters Testamentary:
Amended Petition for Probate of Will and for Letters of Administration with Will Annexed (file marked 04/14/25) continued from 04/15/25, 06/27/25:
Will is Self-Proving.
Nothing filed since last hearing. Prior notes remain:
The following items must be addressed in the file:
•    Will waived bond only for those named as Executor; petitioner is seeking appointment as Administrator with Will Annexed.
    o    Waivers of bond [Form DE-142/DE-111(A-3e)] not on file.  Bond may be required. Minimum bond would be $20,000.00. Maximum bond would be $374,569.64. Bond matter will be submitted to judge when defects are cured.
•    Affidavit of publication file-marked 06/06/25 has the following defects:
    o    Published notice did not include the required language pursuant to Probate Code section 8100. (i.e., petitioner’s request for IAEA authority, petitioner’s request to admit decedent’s will, Notice to all heirs..etc, and complete statements regarding objections, creditors, and information regarding examining the file).
    o    Publication included two related cases in the same publication (P25000187 and PR25000188). A separate publication is required for each case number.
    o    Republication will not be reimbursable. 
•    Form DE-121, Notice of Petition to Administer Estate, (file marked 06/06/25) did not include the statement regarding petitioner’s request for IAEA authority (Item 5, page 1). 
    o    Notice of Petition to Administer Estate (file marked 08/08/25) is defective: untimely.
Consider visiting the California Courts Self Help page at:
https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/probate and downloading forms from https://www.courts.ca.gov/forms.htm

Recommend continuance to 09/19/25 to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (Anyone wishing to appear may do so in person or remotely, by telephone, using VCourt).
 

PR-25-000197 ESTATE OF GILBERT CHARLES LONG
Hearing on Petition for Probate of Will and for Letters Testamentary continued from 04/16/25, 06/20/25:
Prior Notes have been cured.
Recommend approval of petition, and admission of will to probate.
•    Need new Letters. Proposed Letters (submitted 04/07/25): Item 1 and item 2 were both completed, however, the petitioner seeks appointment only as Executor (see item 1). Letters were returned for correction on 04/10/25.
Recommend court set Inventory Review Hearing 02/18/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.41 B.
Consider visiting the California Courts Self Help “inventory” page at
https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/probate/inventory-estimate-value and downloading forms from https://www.courts.ca.gov/forms.htm and please review your responsibilities in the Duties and Liabilities, Form DE-147, you signed and filed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000365 ESTATE OF MARCIE J. BARLOW ISAMAN, AKA MARCIE BARLOW, MARCIE JOHNSON ISAMAN
Hearing on Petition for Probate of Will and for Letters Testamentary continued from 05/20/25, 06/27/25:
Prior Notes have been cured.
Recommend approval of petition and admission of will to probate.
Recommend Inventory Review Hearing 02/18/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.41 B.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000449 ESTATE OF PATRICIA JEAN CUMBERLAND, AKA PATRICIA J. CUMBERLAND
Hearing on Petition for Probate of Lost Will and for Letters Testamentary continued from 06/04/25:
The Will is not self-proving (Local Rule 8.23). Counsel has filed a Declaration explaining why a Proof of Subscribing Witness (Form DE-131) has not been or cannot be filed (PrC§8221), e.g., availability of one or both witnesses (EvC§240); and a Declaration regarding decedent’s handwriting [PrC§8221(a)]. 
Recommend approval of petition and admission of will to probate.
Recommend Inventory Review Hearing 02/20/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.41 B.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-000706 ESTATE OF LAWRENCE ROY MARTIN   
Related Trust matter PR-23-001118

Hearing on Notice of Motion and Motion to Compel Response to Form Interrogatories Set One to Andrew Martin and Request for Sanctions:
SEE TENTATIVE RULING, to be posted day prior to hearing at https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/online-services/tentative-rulings/…

Hearing on Notice of Motion and Motion to Compel Response to Admissions Set One to Andrew Martin and Request for Sanctions:
SEE TENTATIVE RULING, to be posted day prior to hearing at https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/online-services/tentative-rulings/…

Hearing on Notice of Motion and Motion to Compel Response to Special Interrogatories Set One to Andrew Martin and Request for Sanctions:
SEE TENTATIVE RULING, to be posted day prior to hearing at https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/online-services/tentative-rulings/…

Hearing on Notice of Motion and Motion to Compel Response to Production of Documents Set One to Andrew Martin and Request for Sanctions:
SEE TENTATIVE RULING, to be posted day prior to hearing at https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/online-services/tentative-rulings/…

MONDAY, AUGUST 18, 2025
Department 22 
There are no decedent's estates or trusts on calendar

TUESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2025
Department 22 
There are no decedent's estates or trusts on calendar

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2025
Department 22
8:30 a.m.

PR-21-000924 ESTATE OF CYNTHIA JOAN CULBRETH
Account Review Hearing continued from 03/12/25, 04/11/25:
Petition for Final Distribution not on file at the time of review.  See Local Rule 8.82. 
Need status of estate.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-22-001276 ESTATE OF GEORGIANNA MOSS
Inventory Review Hearing:
Letters issued 01/02/25. Inventory and Appraisal due 04/02/25.
Final Inventory and Appraisal not on file.
On 02/13/25, court directed counsel to continue meet and confer efforts.
Need status.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-22-001289 MATTER OF RESTATEMENT OF THE JAMES A. PAIONI TRUST
Hearing on First Amended Petition (file-marked 05/30/25) to Invalidate Transfers by Trustee and Beneficiary; to Impose Constructive Trust or Alternatively to Recover Fair Market Value; to Compel Respondents to Return Property to the Trust; to Determine Petitioner’s Claim of Adverse Possession; to Charge Respondents with Breach of Fiduciary Duty, with Wrongful Taking and for Exemplary Damages and Attorney Fees and Costs, for Damages Against Fiduciary continued from 12/17/24, 04/17/25:
Prior Notes have been cured.
Notice of Hearing file-marked 06/18/25 reflects notices were sent to two interested parties at addresses that are different from the addresses in the amended petition file-marked 05/30/25.
A Request for Judicial Notice was file-marked 10/15/24.
Appearance required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-000245 ESTATE OF BERNARD PASION DE JESUS, AKA BERNARD DE JESUS
Hearing on Petition for Final Distribution, Settlement of First and Final Account, Allowance of Compensation of Personal Representative and Allowance of Attorneys Fees, Extraordinary Fees and Costs continued from 04/29/25:
Nothing filed since previous hearing. Prior Notes remain:
•    Neither paragraph 5 nor 6 allege if personal representative received any formal claims from creditors, or if any claims were filed with the court (CRC 7.403).
•    Report paragraph 7 appears incorrect. A Request for Special Notice was filed on 02/16/24.
•    Please elaborate on Report paragraph 12. Deposit of funds into the attorney’s trust account does not appear to have been authorized by the court. Such an account does not accrue interest for the estate pursuant to PrC§9652. No agreement with the language described in paragraph 12 appears to be on file.
•    Please elaborate on Report paragraph 15. What is the current status of the decedent’s income tax returns?
•    The Disclaimer, signed by decedent’s mother thirteen months after decedent’s passing, appears to be untimely pursuant to PrC§§279-280 and thus not effective.
•    Paragraph 17 identifies the intestate heirs as a result of the Disclaimer(s) (PrC§279). Please provide supplemental information regarding decedent’s family tree as a result of disclaimer(s) (PrC§§282, 6401, 6402, 240). Were there any half-siblings? Did any sibling predecease the decedent? Etc.
•    Paragraph 20 includes an error in the calculation of statutory compensation in the line “2% on next $800,000.00”. The amount ought to be $25,011.66, not $22,488.34. The difference in total compensation is ~$50.47.
•    Paragraph 21 appears to contain an adding error: Examiner calculated 14.8 hours total.
    o    Extraordinary compensation therefore also appears incorrect.
•    Proposed Order:
    o    Paragraph 4 on page 2 is not correct; each heir did not (and is not expected to) sign an accounting or report.
    o    Paragraph 6 on page 2 contains findings of the court that was not reported by the personal representative in the pleading; that no claims were filed/presented, and that PR paid any creditors.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-000658 ESTATE OF GILBERT JUNSTROM
Inventory Review Hearing continued from 03/26/25:
Letters Issued 02/18/25.  Inventory and Appraisal due 06/18/25.
Inventory and Appraisal not on file at time of review.
Recommend court compel Personal Representative to file the Final Inventory and Appraisal pursuant to Probate Code § 8804 or face possible sanctions including removal from office.
Appearance by Personal Representative and counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-001066 ESTATE OF DEBORAH LYYN STAUSS
(1)    Hearing on First and Final Report of Administrator on Waiver of Account, Petition for its Approval, for Ordinary Attorney’s Fees, and for Final Distribution continued from 12/04/24 02/26/25, 04/17/25:
Verified Supplement asserted the “Second and Final Petition” was intended to be an “Amended Petition” superseding the earlier filed “First and Final”. 

(2)    Hearing on Second and Final Report of Administrator on Waiver of Account, Petition for its Approval, for Ordinary Commissions, for Ordinary Attorney’s Fees, and for Final Distribution continued from 04/17/25:
Verified Supplement to Second and Final Petition asserted this petition was intended to be an “Amended Petition” superseding the earlier filed “First and Final”. 
Recommend the Court drop this hearing as a Second and Final Report is not before the Court.

Prior defects cured by supplement.  New note:
See California Rules of Court rules 7.3 and 7.53 to learn about the types of forms that may be used to address these defects.
•    Reimbursement of costs of administration does not appear to be included in the distribution outlined in Schedule E of supplement.
•    Exhibit A (probate costs) recites a total ($5,800.04) that does not agree with court’s calculation ($5,809.24). 
    o    In addition, item 20 itemizes $371.70 for “Grant County Probate Filings”. Please explain.
•    Proposed Order submitted 07/28/25 has the following defects:
    o    Omitted distribution of costs.  
    o    Proposed order recites the incorrect title of the pleading.  Per supplement filed, this pleading is an Amended First and Final Report of Administrator on Waiver of Account, Petition for its Approval, for Ordinary Commissions, for Ordinary Attorney’s Fees, and for Final Distribution.
Recommend continuance to 10/03/25 to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-001238 ESTATE OF RAYMOND JOHNSON, AKA RAY JOHNSON
(1)    Inventory Review Hearing continued from 07/11/24, 10/02/24, 02/05/25 and reset on court’s own motion from 08/12/25:
Final Inventory and Appraisal is on file.

(2)    Hearing on PrC§12200 Status Report of Administration:
Notice appears complete. 
Recommend court set a further Account Review Hearing 01/21/26.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000636 ESTATE OF PRITAM CHAHAL
(1)    Order to Show Cause issued 04/16/25 to the personal representative, Naveen Chahal:
To appear and show cause for failing to appear on 04/16/25 and failing to file the Final Inventory and Appraisal as required by statute. 

(2)    Inventory Review Hearing continued from 04/16/25:
Final Inventory and Appraisal is on file. 
Please refer to Probate Code sections 12200, and 9000 through 9399.

Appearance by Administrator (self-represented) required (by VCourt if preferred).
 

PR-24-000883 MATTER OF KENNETH J. OCKEY REVOCABLE TRUST
Hearing on Petition to Set Aside Trust Amendment; Damages for Financial Elder Abuse and Neglect continued from 11/05/24, 03/26/25:    
Need status of meet-and-confer.
On 03/26/25, the court directed parties to file a status report before this hearing. Not on file.
Appearance by petitioner’s counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000898 ESTATE OF GEORGIA RUTH GAMA
Hearing on Objectors, Ryan Gama and Sabrina Gama’s Motion for an Order of the Court for Limited Release of Stanislaus County Adult Protective Services’ Records of the Decedent, Georgia Ruth Gama, and Petitioner Crysal Chavez continued from 07/01/25:
SEE TENTATIVE RULING, to be posted day prior to hearing at https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/online-services/tentative-rulings/…

PR-24-001364 ESTATE OF SIERRA SUNSHINE MORGAN
Inventory Review Hearing:
Final Inventory and Appraisal is on file.
•    Inventory and Appraisal omits characterization of decedent’s property [PrC§8850(c)]. This information will be needed prior to the closing of the estate.
Recommend Account Review Hearing 05/12/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.82.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000010 ESTATE OF NANCY LOU PETTY
Inventory Review Hearing:
Final Inventory and Appraisal is on file.
Recommend Account Review Hearing 06/09/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.82.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000022 ESTATE OF JANET LANCASTER
Inventory Review Hearing:
Final Inventory and Appraisal is on file.
•    Attachment 1 appraised value ($9,343.43) does not agree with total appraised on page 1 ($9,343.86).
    o    The total appraised value of $236,994.29 may be incorrect.
•    Characterization of decedent’s property [PrC§8850(c)] in the descriptions of the assets omitted. This information will be needed prior to the closing of the estate.
A Corrected Final Inventory and Appraisal appears required.
Petition for Final Distribution has been filed and set for hearing on 10/21/25.
Hearing of 10/21/25 will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000204 ESTATE OF ANTHONY LOBIANCO
Hearing on Amended Petition for Probate (file marked 06/05/25) continued from 04/16/25:
Amended Petition (Form DE-111) cured some of the defects. Prior defects remain: 
See California Rules of Court rules 7.3 and 7.53 to learn about the types of forms that may be used to address these defects.
•    Heading of page 1 is not checked identifying the type of petition (Petition for Letters of Administration or Petition of Will and for Letters Testamentary). 
    o    Examiner does not consider this to be a fatal defect as the court may make that determination.
•    Item 3e incomplete (reason why bond is not required).

The following items must be addressed in the file:
•    Waivers of Bond [Form DE-142/DE-111(A-3e)] not on file for all intestate heirs: specifically, Jessica LoBianco. (see Probate Code section 6401). Bond may be required. Minimum bond would be $20,000.00 pursuant to Local Rule 8.33, maximum bond would be $404,874.70 pursuant to estimated value of estate alleged in the petition.
•    Republication is necessary pursuant to CRC 7.53(a) as an Amended Petition was filed.
•    Form DE-140, Proposed Order, not submitted.
•    Form DE-150, Letters, not submitted.

Consider visiting the California Courts Self Help page at
https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/probate and downloading forms from https://www.courts.ca.gov/forms.htm 

Recommend court deem the amended petition to be an Amended Petition for Letters of Administration as item 3 of the amended petition alleges the decedent died intestate.
Recommend continuance to 10/24/25 to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-20-001125 ESTATE OF WILLIAM M. SCHUMANN
Hearing on Petition for Final Distribution of Estate Assets on Waivers of Accounting; First & Final Report of Co-Administrators; Petition for Payment of Attorneys’ Fees and Costs:
Recommend approval of Petition and Report.
Recommend court vacate Account Review Hearing of 09/04/25.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 02/26/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.68.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-21-000286 ESTATE OF JUDITH AUGUSTA DEROSA, AKA JUDITH A. DEROSA
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration:
This is a petition for appointment of a successor Administrator following the passing of the former personal representative.
See California Rules of Court rules 7.3 and 7.53 to learn about the types of forms that may be used to address these defects.
•    Petition item 8 did not include the proposed personal representative (Local Rule 8.26 D).
•    Petition Item 3g(4) was not checked.
•    Petition Item 3h is incomplete (resident or non-resident).
•    Notice of Petition to Administer Estate, Form DE-121, not on file.
Recommend continuance to 09/25/25 to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-22-000327 ESTATE OF WILLIAM CARL SILVA
Hearing on First and Final Report of Administrators on Waiver of Account; Petition for Final Distribution; Allowance of Compensation to Attorney for Ordinary Services:
• Report paragraph 7 does not appear to comply with PrC§9202(b) (“is or has previously been confined”). See also PrC§216, Local Rule 8.83 F.
• Description of assets on hand omitted legal description and assessor’s parcel number of real property as required by CRC 7.651(b)(3).
• The personal representatives have not yet filed a certification purs. to PrC§8800(d) that the requirements of RTC§480 either do not apply or have been satisfied (item 5 was not completed in the I&A file-marked 01/27/25). Please file a certification purs to PrC§8800(d), or an executed Property Tax Certificate, or something that would otherwise satisfy this requirement. 
• Proposed Order not yet submitted. Please note the proposed Order must also include the legal description and assessor’s parcel number for the real property.
• New Note: Assignments of Interest must be notarized. See Local Rule 8.87 and PrC§11604. 
Recommend continuance to 10/10/25 to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000359 MATTER OF RINNA FAMILY TRUST 
Hearing on Petition to Modify Trust:
•    Counsel’s signature was omitted from page 3 of the petition.
•    Please explicitly identify all sections/language of the trust that will be deleted or otherwise modified.
    o    Please submit a new proposed Order including the specific sections/language to be deleted or otherwise modified.
•    Please provide additional points and authorities as to petitioner’s request that the trust become hereafter revocable and amendable by the surviving spouse/settlor/trustee.
•    Copies of beneficiaries consents were attached as exhibits; please file the original consents as separate pleadings.
Recommend continuance to 12/10/25 to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000679 ESTATE OF WILLIAM P. WILLETTE, AKA WILLIAM PIERCE WILLETTE, WILLIAM WILLETTE
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration:
Recommend approval of petition.
Recommend Inventory Review Hearing 02/19/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.41 B.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000684 ESTATE OF FREDERICK JOSEPH OLIVERA
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration:
See California Rules of Court rules 7.3 and 7.53 to learn about the types of forms that may be used to address these defects.
•    Item 3e(3) is checked; however, Waivers of Bond not on file from all intestate heirs.
    o    Personal representative resides out of state.  Bond may be required at the court’s discretion. See Probate Code §8571. Minimum bond amount currently is $20,000.00 pursuant to Local Rule 8.33. Maximum bond would be $488,000.00. Bond matter will be submitted to Judge’s determination when defects are cured.
•    Petition item 8 did not properly label the proposed personal representative (Local Rule 8.26 D).
•    Notice of Petition to Administer Estate, Form DE-121, omitted the date of signature of declarant on page 2.
•    Letters, Form DE-150, not on file at time of review.
Recommend continuance to 09/23/25 to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000690 ESTATE OF LOUIS JAMES STAUB
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration:
Waivers of Bond on file from all intestate heirs.
Recommend approval of petition.
Recommend Inventory Review Hearing 02/24/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.41 B.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000719 ESTATE OF MARA POPOVIC-DYKZEUL, AKA MARA POPOVIC
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration:
Recommend approval of petition, and fixing bond at $350,000.00.
•    Form DE-150, Proposed Letters, not yet submitted.
Recommend Inventory Review Hearing 02/19/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.41 B.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

ADD-ON:
PR-22-000843 ESTATE OF JAMES ARNOLD PAIONI, AKA JAMES A. PAIONI, JIM A. PAIONI
Reserved Hearing on Ex Parte Notice of Motion and Motion to Consolidate Actions or, Alternatively, to Stay Unlawful Detainer Proceedings:
MOVING DOCUMENTS NOT YET ON FILE.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2025

Department 22
8:30 a.m.

PR-23-000502 ESTATE OF GEORGE LOUIS WANNER
Discharge Review Hearing continued from 06/12/25:
See Local Rule 8.92. Form DE-295, Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge and Order, not yet submitted at time of review.
Receipts of Distribution on file.
Accounting on retained funds has been filed and set for hearing on 10/02/25
10/02/25 hearing will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred

PR-23-000509 ESTATE OF JULIA ANN McCLEERY
Discharge Review Hearing continued from 06/12/25:
Nothing filed since previous hearing. Prior Notes remain:
Receipts of distribution not on file [see Pr. Code section 11753(b)].
Consider downloading the form from https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/jcc-form/DE-295. 
Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge was returned for correction on 06/11/25.
Appearance by personal representative (self-represented) required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-001007 ESTATE OF DAVID BRADLEY, AKA DAVID LESLIE BRADLEY, DAVID L. BRADLEY
Hearing on PrC§12200 Status Report of Administration continued from 02/11/25, 03/14/25:
Recommend court drop hearing on Status Report as being moot.

Hearing on Waiver of Accounting; Report of Administrator and Petition for Final Distribution; Allowance of Compensation by Administrator; for Allowance of Compensation to Attorney for Ordinary Services and for Final Distribution:
Recommend approval of Report and Petition.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 02/26/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.68.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-001192 BROWN FAMILY REVOCABLE TRUST
Hearing on Petition Concerning Internal Affairs of the Trust: 1) for Instructing the Trustee; 2) for Construing Trust Provisions and Determining Beneficiaries to Whom Property Shall Pass; 3) for Order to Recover Trust Property; 4) for Partition of Real Property; 5) for Double Damages, and 6) for Attorneys’ Fees and Costs continued from 03/20/25 and reset on court’s own motion from 08/07/25:
Notice has been perfected.
Objection filed – 04/07/25 (by Kathleen Brown).  
Hearing required.
Appearances required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000024 ESTATE OF PERRY DAGES 
(1)    Hearing on Amended Petition for Letters of Administration (file marked 03/20/25 by Ramona Dages) continued from 02/25/25, 03/25/25 and reset on court’s own motion from 08/07/25:
Nothing filed since last hearing.  Prior notes remain:
•    Amended Petition item 8 did not appropriately label the proposed personal representative (Local Rule 8.26 D).
•    Affidavit of Publication on Amended Petition not on file at time of review. See Local Rule 8.12.
•    A new Form DE-121, Notice of Petition to Administer Estate, is necessary pursuant to CRC 7.53(a) as an Amended Petition was filed.  It appears Form DE-120, Notice of Hearing, was filed (03/21/25) instead of Form DE-121, Notice of Petition to Administer Estate.  
•    Form DE-140, Proposed Order, not submitted at time of review.
•    Form DE-150, Letters, not submitted at time of review.
•    Waivers of bond [Form DE-142/DE-111(A-3e)] not on file for all intestate heirs. Only one waiver is on file (Ramonda Dages) (see Probate Code section 6401). Bond may be required. Minimum bond would be $20,000.00 pursuant to Local Rule 8.33.  Bond matter will be submitted to judge at next hearing.

(2)    Hearing on Subsequent Petition for: 1) Order Establishing Estate’s Claim to Property PrC §850; 2) for Constructive Trust; 3) for Attorney’s Fees and Costs (filed by Ramona Dages) continued from 03/25/25 and reset on court’s own motion from 08/07/25:
Prior notes remain:
•    Petition did not allege damages pursuant to PrC §859; however, petition requested attorney’s fees and costs.  Further, item 4 was checked on the Notice of Hearing pursuant to PrC §859.  
•    It appears petitioner does not have standing to file a Petition pursuant to Probate Code section 850 until and unless she is appointed personal representative.
On 03/25/25, matter was continued to allow time to file points and authorities.  Points and Authorities explaining how this petition is proper under Probate Code §850 is not on file.

(3)    Hearing on Subsequent Petition for: 1) Order Establishing Estate’s Claim to Property PrC §850; 2) for Constructive Trust; 3) for Attorney’s Fees and Costs (filed by Ramona Dages) continued from 03/25/25 and reset on court’s own motion from 08/07/25:
Prior notes remain:
•    Petition did not allege damages pursuant to PrC §859; however, petition requested attorney’s fees and costs.  Further, item 4 was checked on the Notice of Hearing pursuant to PrC §859.  
•    It appears petitioner does not have standing to file a Petition pursuant to Probate Code section 850 until and unless she is appointed personal representative.
On 03/25/25, matter was continued to allow time to file points and authorities.  Points and Authorities explaining how this petition is proper under Probate Code §850 is not on file.

Hearing required.
Appearances required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000284 RODRIGUEZ 2008 REVOCABLE TRUST
Related Case PR-25-000256
Hearing on Petition Regarding Family Trust Established by Jesus Espinoza Rodriguez in 2008 (filed by Daniel Rodriguez, David Rodriguez, Julian Rodriguez, Esther Bristow and Linda Rodriguez) reset on court’s own motion from 08/07/25:
Recommend continuance to 10/28/25 to coincide with petition hearing on related case.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000610 ESTATE OF CHARLES LOUIS FREITAS
Hearing on Petition for Probate of Will and for Letters Testamentary reset on court’s own motion from 08/05/25:
Will is not self-proving.  Proof of Subscribing Witness not on file.
The following defects must be addressed in the Petition (Form DE-111):
See California Rules of Court rules 7.3 and 7.53 to reference the types of forms that may be used to address these defects.
•    Item 5a(1) or (2a) is unclear (existence of spouse) as both boxes were checked rather than one or the other.
•    Item 8 omitted date of death the deceased person listed.
•    Item 8 did not include/properly label the proposed personal representative (Local Rule 8.26 D).
•    Item 8 must include names as they are written in the Will; AKA’s may be used to identify the correct individuals.
The following must be addressed in the Court’s file:
•    Form DE-147 Duties and Liabilities not on file.
Recommend continuance to 10/03/25 to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000619 ESTATE OF DOLORES CELESTE BELLO, AKA DOLORES BELLO
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration:
•    The Affidavit of publication file-marked 07/15/25 reflects notice was published in a newspaper (Oakdale Leader) that has not been determined to be of general circulation in the city where decedent resided at time of death (Riverbank). Please see court’s website: https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/divisions/probate/newspapers 
•    Proposed Letters not yet submitted.
Recommend continuance to 09/17/25 to allow time to cure defect.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000637 ESTATE OF JOSE MIGUEL CABRERA MURRALES
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration:
•    Petition item 5a(3) or (4) incomplete (existence of registered domestic partner).
•    Petition item 5a(7) or (8) incomplete (existence of issue of a predeceased child).
•    Petition item 5b incomplete (existence of stepchild or foster child who would Petitioner’s telephone number was omitted from item 2 on page 2 of Form DE-147, Duties and Liabilities.
•    Form DE-121, Notice of Petition to Administer Estate, not on file. Form DE-120, Notice of Hearing, may not be used for this purpose as the Judicial Council adopted Form DE-121 for mandatory use purs. to Probate Code section 8110.
•    Form DE-121, Notice of Petition to Administer Estate, omitted the foreign consulate (PrC§8113, Local Rule 8.16).
•    Affidavit of publication not on file. See Local Rule 8.12.
•    Forms DE-140 and DE-150, Proposed Order and Letters, not submitted.
Recommend continuance to 09/19/25 to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000642 DONALD JAY EMERY, AKA DONALD J. EMERY
Hearing on Petition to Determine Succession to Primary Residence reset on court’s own motion from 08/05/25:
•    Notice of Hearing file-marked 07/02/25 appears defective, in that the filer used Form DE-115, Notice of Hearing on Petition to Determine Claim to Property, and not Form DE-120, Notice of Hearing. Form DE-115 gives notice that the petition was filed under Probate Code section 850, which is not correct for this matter. See PrC§§13655, 1220.
•    Proof of mailing not on file for the Department of Health Care Services, nor Declaration that notice is not required (see Local Rule 8.17 and PrC§215).
Recommend continuance to 10/03/25 to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000660 ESTATE OF JUE HUAI CHANG
Hearing on Petition for Probate of Will and for Letters Testamentary reset on court’s own motion from 08/07/25:
Will is not self-proving.  Proof of Subscribing Witness not on file.
•    Form DE-147, Duties and Liabilities: item 2, page 2 omitted the petitioner’s telephone number: specifically; Sandra May Chang.
•    Petition Item 8 did not include/properly label the proposed personal representative (Local Rule 8.26 D).
•    Form DE-150, Letters, not submitted.
•    Affidavit of publication not on file. See Local Rule 8.12.
•    Declination of named co-executor not on file. See Local Rule 8.18.
•    Form DE-121, Notice of Petition to Administer Estate, not on file.
Recommend continuance to 10/03/25 to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-18-000122 SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST OF DIANE WANDA CRARY
Hearing on Fourth and Final Account and Report of Trustee and Petition for its Approval and for Approval of Attorney’s Fees and Costs:
REVIEW IN PROGRESS. PLEASE CHECK BACK.

PR-23-000669 ESTATE OF DENNIS ALLEN BOYLES, AKA DENNIS ALLEN BOYLES, SR.
Hearing on Petition for Final Distribution of Estate; First and Final Account and Report of Administrator; Petition to Unblock Estate Account; Petition for Reimbursement of Personal Monies; Petition for Allowance of Attorney and Administrator Statutory Fees and Costs:
Four (4) issues submitted to the court’s determination:
•    1) Paragraph 12 contains an allegation purs. to PrC§1064(a)(5) that the petitioner maintained all cash invested in interest bearing accounts or other investments authorized by law except for such amounts necessary to administer the estate. The accounting reflects that the estate received no interest during the account period. Is the account the attorney’s client trust account? Deposit in such account does not appear to comply with PrC§9652.

As to the personal representative’s request for reimbursement for personal monies advanced for maintenance, repair, and utilities:
•    2) The 06/30/25 pleading titled “Request for Reimbursement Part A” is documentation to support personal representative’s request for reimbursement; there are three payments made to contractors/service providers for whom the personal representative has attached copies of canceled checks but no other documentation (such as receipts or invoices reflecting paid in full):
    o    08/05/22, $344.81 check issued to Israel Vasquez
    o    08/17/22, $2,527.00 check issued to Manuel O. Martinez
    o    08/17/22, $2,500.00 check issued to Israel Vasquez
•    3) The 06/30/25 pleading titled “Request for Reimbursement Part B” is documentation to support personal representative’s request for reimbursement; included is a request for reimbursement of $1,264.14 from 08/03/22 for Home Depot purchases. The corresponding receipt, on page 36 of that 53-page document, reflects that $1,264.14 was for “Pro Xtra Spend”; that appears to have been a summary of PR’s store membership rewards account ending 7529 and does not correspond to any purchase made on or around that date. Recommend court reduce reimbursement by $1,264.14.
•    4) The 06/30/25 pleading titled “Request for Reimbursement Part C” is documentation to support personal representative’s request for reimbursement; it includes three requests for reimbursement for purchases at ACE Hardware – Waterford for which the personal representative has not provided any documentation (such as copies of a receipt):
    o    08/04/22, $205.40
    o    08/15/22, $18.09
    o    $08/25/22, $66.22
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-001163 ESTATE OF CLOYED DEVOTA SERVAES
Hearing on First and Final Account and Report of Administrator and Petition for its Settlement, for Allowance of Statutory Compensation to Administrator and Attorney, for Costs of Administration and for Final Distribution:
End date of the account (Report page 3, and Exhibit B) falls in the future.
Proposed  Order not yet submitted.
Recommend court vacate Account Review Hearing of 03/10/26.
Recommend continuance to 09/19/25 to allow time to cure defect.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000158 CRUZ FAMILY TRUST U/A/D NOVEMBER 2, 1995
Hearing on Respondent Joel Cruz’s Amended Notice of Motion and Motion to Quash Service of Summons for Lack of Personal Jurisdiction and to Dismiss or Stay Proceedings on Grounds of Forum Non Conveniens:
SEE TENTATIVE RULING, to be posted day prior to hearing at https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/online-services/tentative-rulings/…

PR-25-000696 ESTATE OF MARY ELIZABETH GARCIA, AKA MARY E. GARCIA, AKA MARY E. GARCIA-LIMA
Hearing on Petition for Probate of Will and for Letters Testamentary:
Will is not self-proving.  Proofs of Subscribing Witness on file.
Recommend approval of petition and admission of Will to probate.
Recommend Inventory Review Hearing 02/24/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.41 B.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000702 ESTATE OF MONICA MELENDEZ
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration:
•    Form DE-111, Petition for Probate, has the following defects:
    o    Authorization to Administer Under the Independent Administration of Estates Act box not checked.
    o    Item 2(d)(3) omitted proposed amount to be deposited in blocked account. Petition seeks no bond.  The petition alleges personal property estimated at $00.00
    o    Item 8 did not include the proposed personal representatives (Local Rule 8.26 D).
    o    Item 8 did not include ages of all relatives listed.
•    Form DE-121, Notice of Petition to Administer Estate, as the following defects:
    o    Item 1 recites an “fka” for decedent that is not reflected on petition. 
    o    Proof of service, page 2 recites an heir that does not match name on petition: specifically, Talina Melendez.
•    Form DE-147, Duties and Liabilities, not on file.
•    Affidavit of publication not on file. See Local Rule 8.12.
•    Form DE-140, Proposed Order, not submitted.
•    Form DE-150, Letters, not submitted.
Recommend continuance to 10/01/25 to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).
 

PR-25-000708 ESTATE OF MARGARET E. GASCA, AKA MARGARET ELIZABETH GASCA, AKA MARGARET GASCA
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration:
REVIEW IN PROGRESS. PLEASE CHECK BACK.

PR-25-000720 ESTATE OF MAUD E. JENKINS, AKA MAUD E. ABLES, AKA MAUD ELIZABETH JENKINS, AKA MAUDY ABLES
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration:
REVIEW IN PROGRESS. PLEASE CHECK BACK.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2025

Department 22
8:30 a.m.

PR-22-000314 ESTATE OF RAYMOND ANTHONY LOZANO
Hearing on Amended Petition (file marked 06/11/25) for Settlement of First and Final Account of Initial Administrator, Waiver of First and Final Account of Current Administrator and Final Distribution, Release of Probate Bond, Allowance of Compensation to Attorney and Initial Administrator, Waiver of Compensation to Current Administrator, Allowance of Reimbursement of Costs of Administration to Attorney, Allowance of Reimbursement of Personal Funds and Labor Expended for the Benefit of the Estate to Specified Individuals continued from 04/09/25, 05/15/25, 06/27/25:
Administrator is deceased. Successor Administrator was appointed on 05/13/25.
Prior defects cured. 
Recommend approval of petition as supplemented.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 02/26/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.92.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-22-000785 ESTATE OF ANA ROSA SERRANO
Hearing on Second Amended (file-marked 02/13/25) Final Report of Administrator on Waiver of Account and Petition for Allowance of Statutory Compensation to Attorney and Administrator and for Final Distribution continued from 07/24/24, 10/03/24, 01/29/25, 03/07/25, 05/02/25, 06/13/25:
Prior Notes have been cured. Notice appears complete.
Recommend approval of Second Amended Report and Petition.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 02/26/2026 pursuant to Local Rules 8.68 and 8.92.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-22-001153 ESTATE OF LINDA RUTH LE COUNT, AKA LINDA RUTH LECOUNT, LINDA R. LECOUNT
Hearing on Waiver of Accounting, Report of Administrator and Petition for Final Distribution; Waiver of Compensation by Administrator; for Allowance of Compensation to Attorney for Ordinary Services and for Final Distribution continued from 07/09/25:
The prior Probate Note was as follows: “Schedule calculating losses on sales not on file; see Local Rule 8.65 B 4, CRC rule 7.550(b).” This was noted because the calculation of statutory compensation (page 12) reflected a loss on sale of $70,180.29. In response to this Note, the personal representative filed a Supplement on 07/30/25 which provided a new calculation, one that reflected a loss on sale of $0.00. A loss on sale of $0.00 would cure the Note: the schedule is not required (when an accounting was waived) if there is no content. 
But this has resulted in a new issue: the Report/Petition and the Supplement both reflect that assets (stocks, specifically) were liquidated, and the resulting cash does not have the same value as the stocks were initially appraised for in the Final Inventory and Appraisal. It appears therefore that the estate realized gains and/or losses upon liquidating the Charles Schwab account. PrC§1062(d) “Calculation of gains or losses on sale *or other disposition*.” (Emphasis added).
Please provide schedules of the gains and/or losses on sale and update the calculation of statutory compensation or provide a more in-depth explanation of how the sale of the stocks resulted in neither a gain nor a loss. 
Proposed Order does not agree with the Supplement (filed after the Order was submitted). Proposed Order must state the amount to be distributed to the Trust, for comparison to the future receipt.
Recommend continuance to 10/17/25 to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-000726 ALFONSO GENEL NAVARRO TRUST
Hearing on Amended Petition (file-marked 01/29/24) to Invalidate Trust Based on Undue Influence, for Surcharge Damages for Breach of Fiduciary Duty, to Compel Production of Accounting and Trust Records, for Removal of Trustee, Alfonso Genel Cuevas, for Double Damages and for Attorney’s Fees and Costs continued from 10/11/23, 01/30/24, 04/16/24, 08/06/24, 10/29/24, 03/26/25, 07/09/25:
Objection to Amended Petition (file marked 05/30/24 - by Alfonso G. Cuevas)
On 03/26/25, court directed parties to file a joint or separate status report at least 5 days prior to the next hearing.  Objector’s Meet and Confer Report not on file.
Trial Setting hearing. 
Hearing required.  
Appearances by co-petitioners’ counsel and counsel for objector required. (Anyone appearing at this hearing may do so either in person or remotely, by telephone, using VCourt)

PR-24-000973 MATTER OF RANCAÑO 2015 REVOCABLE TRUST
Hearing on Petition to Confirm Trust Asset continued from 01/09/25, 05/13/25, 06/12/25:
Prior Notes have been cured. Notice appears complete.
Submitted to court for determination.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-001243 MATTER OF BERNADETTE M. MELLO AND ANTHONY N. MELLO COMMUNITY PROPERTY TRUST
Hearing on Petition to Establish Trust Ownership of Personal Property Assets continued from 04/03/25, 06/06/25:
Prior Notes have been cured. 
Submitted to court for determination.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000286 ESTATE OF RAMONA SANCHEZ, AKA RAMONA SUBIA SANCHEZ, AKA RAMONA S. SANCHEZ
Hearing on Amended Petition (file marked 06/05/25) for Probate of Will and for Letters of Administration with Will Annexed continued from 05/06/25, 06/20/25:
REVIEW IN PROGRESS. PLEASE CHECK BACK.

PR-25-000475 ESTATE OF JEFFERY DAVID FENDLEY
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration continued from 06/11/25:
Please be advised that the heading of petitioner’s pleadings has not reflected the correct address for this court. This court is located at 801 10th Street, Modesto, CA. The clerk’s office is located on the fourth floor and the courtroom, Department 22, is located on the 6th. Please take care when providing notice that it reflects the correct addresses.
•    Affidavit of publication file-marked 07/31/25 reflects the notice published in the newspaper gave an incorrect address for the department where the hearing will be held; omitted the city and state where counsel’s office is located. Republication will not be reimbursable.
•    Form DE-150, Proposed Letters, not submitted.
Recommend continuance to 09/19/25 to allow time for republication.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-000706 ESTATE OF LAWRENCE ROY MARTIN   
Related Trust matter PR-23-001118
Hearing on Notice of Motion and Motion to Compel Response to Form Interrogatories Set One to Annette Martin and Request for Sanctions:
SEE TENTATIVE RULING, to be posted day prior to hearing at https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/online-services/tentative-rulings/…

Hearing on Notice of Motion and Motion to Compel Response to Admissions Set One to Annette Martin and Request for Sanctions:
SEE TENTATIVE RULING, to be posted day prior to hearing at https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/online-services/tentative-rulings/…

Hearing on Notice of Motion and Motion to Compel Response to Special Interrogatories Set One to Annette Martin and Request for Sanctions:
SEE TENTATIVE RULING, to be posted day prior to hearing at https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/online-services/tentative-rulings/…

Hearing on Notice of Motion and Motion to Compel Response to Production of Documents Set One to Annette Martin and Request for Sanctions:
SEE TENTATIVE RULING, to be posted day prior to hearing at https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/online-services/tentative-rulings/…

Hearing on Notice of Motion and Motion to Compel Response to Form Interrogatories Set One to Jennafer Martin and Request for Sanctions continued from 08/14/25:
SEE TENTATIVE RULING, to be posted day prior to hearing at https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/online-services/tentative-rulings/…

Hearing on Notice of Motion and Motion to Compel Response to Admissions Set One to Jennafer Martin and Request for Sanctions continued from 08/14/25:
SEE TENTATIVE RULING, to be posted day prior to hearing at https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/online-services/tentative-rulings/…

Hearing on Notice of Motion and Motion to Compel Response to Special Interrogatories Set One to Jennafer Martin and Request for Sanctions continued from 08/14/25:
SEE TENTATIVE RULING, to be posted day prior to hearing at https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/online-services/tentative-rulings/…

Hearing on Notice of Motion and Motion to Compel Response to Production of Documents Set One to Jennafer Martin and Request for Sanctions continued from 08/14/25:
SEE TENTATIVE RULING, to be posted day prior to hearing at https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/online-services/tentative-rulings/…

Hearing on Notice of Motion and Motion to Compel Response to Form Interrogatories Set One to Andrew Martin and Request for Sanctions continued from 08/15/25:
SEE TENTATIVE RULING, to be posted day prior to hearing at https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/online-services/tentative-rulings/…

Hearing on Notice of Motion and Motion to Compel Response to Admissions Set One to Andrew Martin and Request for Sanctions continued from 08/15/25:
SEE TENTATIVE RULING, to be posted day prior to hearing at https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/online-services/tentative-rulings/…

Hearing on Notice of Motion and Motion to Compel Response to Special Interrogatories Set One to Andrew Martin and Request for Sanctions continued from 08/15/25:
SEE TENTATIVE RULING, to be posted day prior to hearing at https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/online-services/tentative-rulings/…

Hearing on Notice of Motion and Motion to Compel Response to Production of Documents Set One to Andrew Martin and Request for Sanctions continued from 08/15/25:
SEE TENTATIVE RULING, to be posted day prior to hearing at https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/online-services/tentative-rulings/…