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 JANUARY 6, 2026
Local Rules of Superior Court of California, County of Stanislaus, revisions effective January 1, 2026, are now available for download.

UPDATED SEPTEMBER 18, 2025; POSTED MARCH 5, 2025
Inventory and Appraisals:  An Inventory and Appraisal must be filed in all decedent's estates, conservatorship, and guardianship matters by a date certain pursuant to statute. If the estate has no assets at all as of the date of the appraisal (e.g., the date of decedent's death, or the date of appointment), an Inventory and Appraisal is still required and failure to file the form even when the estate has no value will very likely result in a required court appearance. For more information, those interested are invited to review the California Probate Referee Guide published by the California Probate Referee's Association, which is available for download online.

If more time is needed to marshal the assets, please see California Probate Code section 8800(b) and (c). Failure to file the Inventory and Appraisal by the statutory deadline, or obtain an extension of time, may result in penalties.

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 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 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 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, JULY 02, 2026

Department 21
8:30 a.m.

PR-22-001064 ESTATE OF CLARA CONSTANCE NUNES, AKA CLARA C. NUNES
Order to Show Cause issued 06/22/26 to Rickie James Perry:
To appear and show cause for failure to appear at the 06/22/26 hearing.
Appearance required (by VCourt if preferred).

Department 22
8:30 a.m.
There are no matters on calendar in Department 22

FRIDAY, JULY 03, 2025
COURT HOLIDAY

MONDAY, JULY 06, 2026
Department 22
8:30 a.m.

There are no matters on calendar in Department 22

TUESDAY, JULY 07, 2026

Department 22
8:30 a.m.

PR-18-000293 MELISSA NICOLE LINHARES SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST
Account Review Hearing:
Fifth Account Current and Report of Trustee not on file.
Recommend continuance to 11/05/26 to allow time for above to be filed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-21-000536 ESTATE OF JESUS PLANCARTE-BOCANEGRA AKA JESUS PLANCARTE BOCANEGRA
Account Review Hearing continued from 03/03/26:
On 03/03/26 court ordered the personal representative to file a PrC§12200 Status Report with Notice of Hearing within 90 days if estate is not in position to be closed.
•    Neither Petition for Final Distribution nor PrC§12200 Status Report have been filed. 
Recommend court issue Order to Show Cause to personal representative and personal representative’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 personal representative 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 Administrator and Administrator’s counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-000289 MATTER OF MACHADO FAMILY CREDIT BYPASS TRUST
1.    Hearing on Motion for Consolidation of Trials of Related Actions:
SEE TENTATIVE RULING, to be posted day prior to hearing at https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/online-services/tentative-rulings/…

2.    Hearing on Petition by Angela M. Estacio, Adult Daughter of Surviving Trustor Angela Machado, to Confirm Trust Property and to Compel Production of an Accounting and Trust Records file-marked 03/20/23, trial dates previously vacated by stipulation and order file-marked 07/15/25, thereafter reset by Minute Order 11/07/25 and continued from 02/26/26, 04/29/26:
Objection filed – 08/09/23, by A. Cabral.
Trial re-setting. Counsel were directed to meet and confer as to trial dates.

3.    Hearing on First and Final Account and Report of Trustee and Petition for Settlement of Trust Administration and for Final Distribution file-marked 05/10/24, as amended by First Amendment file-marked 07/03/24 and Second Amendment file-marked 07/12/24, reset by Minute Order 11/07/25 and continued from 02/26/26, 04/29/26:
This is the first hearing at which notice appeared complete.
Opposition filed - 08/13/24, by A. Estacio.
Recommend court set deadline for any other objections.

4.    Hearing on Petition for Declaratory Relief file-marked 11/06/25 continued from 02/26/26, 04/29/26:
Objection filed – 02/24/26, by A. Estacio.
Trial setting. Counsel were directed to meet and confer as to trial dates.

Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000994 ESTATE OF WILLIAM HENRY MARTIN, AKA WILLIAM H. MARTIN 
Account Review Hearing continued 02/25/26:
On 02/25/26 court ordered the personal representative to file a PrC§12200 Status Report with Notice of Hearing within 90 days if estate is not in position to be closed.
•    Neither Petition for Final Distribution nor PrC§12200 Status Report have been filed. 
Recommend court issue Order to Show Cause to personal representative 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 personal representative 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 Administrator (self-represented) required (Anyone appearing may do so in person or remotely, by telephone using VCourt).

PR-25-000214 ESTATE OF KERRY JO WALKER, AKA KERRY J. WALKER, AKA KERRY WALKER
Account Review Hearing:
Petition for Final Distribution has been filed and set for hearing on 08/05/26.
Hearing of 08/05/26 will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000217 ESTATE OF CARL. N. HELTON
Hearing on Amended Petition (file-marked 02/26/26) for Partition of Real Property [partition by sale] continued from 12/10/25, 03/04/26:
Notice of recorded notice of pendency of action on file, as required by CCP§872.250(c).
Proof of summons on file for Respondents named in the amended petition.
Submit to court’s determination whether paragraph 23 specifically and the rest of the petition generally provide justification for relief sought in sufficiently “ordinary” language purs. to CCP§872.230(e).
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000262 ESTATE OF DENNIS J. LOCKARD
(1)    Account Review Hearing:
•    Neither Petition for Final Distribution nor PrC§12200 Status Report are on file at the time of review.  See Local Rule 8.82. 
Recommend court order personal representative to file a PrC§12200 Status Report (with Notice pursuant to PrC§12201) within 90 days if estate is not in a position to be closed.

(2)    Hearing on Petition for Return of Property; (PrC §850) for Double Damages (PrC §859); to Impose Constructive Trust; for Breach of Fiduciary Duty; Unjust Enrichment; for Open Book Account; for Financial Elder Abuse (WIC §15610.30); and for Attorneys’ Fees and Costs continued from 03/12/26:
No defects in petition.
On 03/12/26, parties were directed to meet and confer. If this matter is not settled on 07/07/26, the Court will set a date certain for a response.
Hearing required.
Appearances required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-001205 ESTATE OF CAROLE ANNE SORIANO
Inventory Review Hearing:
Final Inventory and Appraisal on file.
Recommend Account Review Hearing 03/09/27 pursuant to Local Rule 8.82.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-001207 ESTATE OF CAROL ANN FORREST, AKA CAROL ANN BECKHART, CAROL ANNE FORREST, CAROL ANNE BECKHART
Inventory Review Hearing:
Final and Supplemental Inventory and Appraisals on file.
Recommend Account Review Hearing 03/09/27 pursuant to Local Rule 8.82.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-001234 ESTATE OF CLARE MORAN, AKA CLARE DUNN MORAN
Inventory Review Hearing:
Final Inventory and Appraisal is on file.
•    Inventory and Appraisal omits characterization of decedent’s property (community or separate property) [PrC§8850(c)]. This information will be needed prior to the closing of the estate.
Petition for Final Distribution has been filed and set for hearing on 08/04/26.
Hearing of 08/04/26 will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-001193 ESTATE OF MARTIN J. McKEAN, AKA MARTIN McKEAN
Hearing on First and Final Report of Administrators on Waiver of Account and Petition for Allowance of Statutory Compensation to Attorney, and for Final Distribution:
Recommend approval of Report and Petition.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 01/27/27 pursuant to Local Rule 8.92.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000983 ESTATE OF KELLY RENE EVANS
Hearing on PrC§12200 Status Report of Administration: 
Notice appears complete.
•    Report does not show the condition of this estate. See PrC§12201(a).
•    Report does not adequately explain the reason(s) this estate cannot be closed. See PrC§12201(a). What is the issue with the estate of this decedent’s surviving-but-now-deceased-spouse? 
If the report is not supplemented or amended to elaborate, a hearing appears required.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-001150 ESTATE OF BEVERLY ANN SARABIA
Hearing on Petition for the Termination of Further Proceedings and for Discharge of the Personal Representative and for an Order (PrC §12251):
•    Petition is not verified.  See CRC rule 7.103, PrC §1021 and CCP §446.  Page 2 does not meet the requirements of CCP §446.  
See California Rules of Court rules 7.3 and 7.53 regarding the types of pleadings that may be used to address this defect. 
•    Proposed Order submitted 05/07/26 omitted the Court’s finding regarding notice [see PrC§1260].
Recommend continuance to 07/15/26, to coincide with Inventory Review Hearing already set, to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).
 

PR-25-000817 ESTATE OF GLADYS QUIROZ
Hearing on Petition for Final Distribution, Final Report of Administration, Settlement of Estate, Allowance of Compensation of Personal Representative and Allowance of Attorneys Fees, Costs, Waiver of Account: 
•    Description of assets on hand omitted legal description and assessor’s parcel number of real property as required by CRC 7.651(b)(3).
•    It appears that there is insufficient liquidity in the estate to pay attorney’s compensation and costs. Please clarify how fees and costs will be paid.
Recommend continuance to 07/16/26, to coincide with Inventory Review Hearing already set, to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000439 ESTATE OF DAVID BEITKARIM
Hearing on Petition to Determine Succession to Primary Residence:
Notes have been cured.
If no one appears to object, recommend court find notice complete and approve the petition.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000441 ESTATE OF MEI ZHEN MEI
Hearing on Petition for Probate of Will and for Letters Testamentary:
Will is not self-proving per Local Rule 8.23 but a Proof of Subscribing Witness (Form DE-131) is on file.
•    Affidavit of publication not on file. See Local Rule 8.12.
Recommend continuance to 08/07/26 to allow time to cure defect.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000476 KENT A. AND CHERYL MAHONEY FAMILY TRUST
Hearing on Petition to Compel Trustee to Report Information to Beneficiary; to Compel Trustee to Account to Beneficiary; and to Instruct Trustee to Make Proper Allocations and Distributions of Trust Assets (filed by Dayna Nicole Mahoney):
On 06/04/26, the Court granted petitioner’s ex parte request to service summons by publication. Affidavit of publication is on file. 
•    It appears all pages of the Trust may not have been attached to the Petition (starts at page 2-1).  
•    Proposed order not yet submitted.
Appearance required (by VCourt if preferred).
 

PR-26-000495 ESTATE OF JOHN CHARLES ELDER, AKA JOHN C. ELDER
Hearing on Petition for Probate of Will and for Letters Testamentary:
Affidavit of publication was filed two court days before the hearing. Please see Local Rule 8.02. Submit to court’s determination whether to issue order to show cause re: imposition of late-filing fee.
Recommend approval of petition and admission of will to probate.
Recommend Inventory Review Hearing 01/07/27 pursuant to Local Rule 8.41 B.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000537 ESTATE OF JOE ALVERNAZ
Hearing on Spousal Property Petition:
Note has been cured. Original will was lodged with the court clerk.
If no one appears to object, recommend approval of the petition.
• Only petition item 1a is checked, and not 1b, which means the only request is for a court order that decedent’s property passes to petitioner and there is no request that property belonging to petitioner be confirmed to her; please submit a new proposed order:
    o Leaving item 7a unchecked;
    o Modifying the language at the top of Attachment 5a to remove any language regarding confirmation of property to the petitioner.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

9:30 a.m.

PR-22-001064 ESTATE OF CLARA CONSTANCE NUNES, AKA CLARA C. NUNES
Court Trial (2-3 day estimate):
Appearances mandatory.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 2026

Department 22
8:30 a.m.

2201024 ESTATE OF KEVIN D. SILVA 
(1) Review Hearing:
This hearing was set at the 09/17/25 Status Conference for review of ongoing negotiations and continued from 01/14/26 and reset from 07/01/26.
On 01/14/26, the Court directed Answer to be filed within 120 days and Reply due 30 days once Answer is filed. Neither Answer nor Reply is on file.
Need status of meet and confer.

(2) Hearing on Third PrC §12200 Status Report continued from 03/12/26:
Defects not cured. Prior notes remain:
•    The Report did not specify the time needed for the estate to be closed. See PrC§12201(a).
See California Rules of Court rules 7.3 and 7.53 regarding the types of pleadings that may be used to address these defects.
Petitioner filed another PrC § 12200 Status Report and a hearing was set for 08/05/26.
Examiner is unable to determine if this is a Fourth PrC §Status Report of Administration or an amended of the third report as the caption does not specify.  In a cursory review, examiner notes the newly filed status report did not cure the above recited defect.
Recommend court hold hearing pursuant to PrC§12201 to determine if continuation of administration is the in the best interests of the estate or of interested persons. 
Appearance by personal representative and both personal representative’s counsel and claimant’s counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

2201133 TAMARA MASTAIN SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST
Account Review Hearing:
Fifth Account Current and Report of Trustee not on file.
Recommend continuance to 11/10/26 to allow time for above pleading to be filed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000128 ESTATE OF CHARLES QUINTON HEMINGWAY
(1)    Account Review Hearing:
•    Neither Petition for Final Distribution nor PrC§12200 Status Report are on file at the time of review.  See Local Rule 8.82. 
Recommend court order personal representative to file a PrC§12200 Status Report (with Notice pursuant to PrC§12201) within 90 days if estate is not in a position to be closed.

(2)    Hearing on Petition for Conveyance or Transfer of Property Claimed to Belong to Estate, Double Damages for Bad Faith, Probate Code 859, Financial Elder Abuse, Attorneys Fees and Costs Probate Code §850 (filed by Darla Dias) continued from 08/20/24, 12/03/24, 04/17/25, 08/27/25, 01/07/26:
Objection filed - 10/07/24 (by Sharron Lynn Spriggs Johnson)
•    Need Order.
On 01/07/26, the Court directed counsel to file joint or separate status reports within 10 days of next hearing. Status reports not on file.
Need status.
Possible long cause.
Hearing required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000245 ESTATE OF MARCOS RODRIGUEZ, AKA MARCOS RODRIGUEZ SEGURA
Account Review Hearing:
Neither Petition for Final Distribution nor Second PrC§12200 Status Report are on file.
The 1st report, which the court considered on 12/17/25, alleged that the estate was ready to be closed and that a six-month continuance was requested in order to prepare the First and Final Accounting.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000475 ESTATE OF RAUL ARRIAGA ZAMORA, AKA RAUL ZAMORA SR., RAUL ZAMORA, RAUL A. ZAMORA
Account Review Hearing:
Neither Petition for Final Distribution nor Second PrC§12200 Status Report are on file.
The 1st report, which the court considered on 08/14/25, alleged that the personal representative was in the process of selling real property of the estate and would seek court’s confirmation; nothing has been filed since (nearly eleven months).
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000684 ESTATE OF FREDERICK JOSEPH OLIVERA 
Inventory Review Hearing:
Letters Issued 01/09/26.  Inventory and Appraisal due 05/09/26.
Inventory and Appraisal not on file at time of review.
Recommend continuance to 10/07/26 to allow time to file above pleading.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000813 ESTATE OF WASMINDA MAYOL NUNEZ
Hearing on Petition for Final Distribution of Estate, Waiver of Account, Report of Executor, Settlement of Estate, and for Allowance of Attorney Compensation and Extraordinary Fees; and for Final Distribution continued from 06/09/26:
Prior Notes were cured.
Request for extraordinary attorney compensation submitted to court for determination.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000859 ESTATE OF WILLA DEAN HEMINGWAY
Inventory Review Hearing:
Letters issued 01/14/26. Final Inventory and Appraisal due 05/14/26.
Final Inventory and Appraisal not on file.
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-25-001065 ESTATE OF RITA F. BURROWS, AKA RITA F. REISINGER, RITA BURROWS
Inventory Review Hearing:
Letters were not issued until 03/20/26; delay appears to have been due to filing proof of the bond. Inventory and Appraisal not due until 07/20/26.
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.
Recommend continuance to 10/06/26 to allow time for filing of Inventory and Appraisal.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-001221 ESTATE OF JOAN M. BOHL, AKA JOAN MARTHA BOHL, MARTHA JOAN RYBERG
Inventory Review Hearing:
Final Inventory and Appraisal on file.
Recommend Account Review Hearing 03/09/27 pursuant to Local Rule 8.82.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-001232 ESTATE OF MONICA JIMINEZ JOHNSON, AKA MONICA FRANCES JOHNSON
Inventory Review Hearing:
Letters Issued 01/09/26.  Inventory and Appraisal due 05/09/26.
Inventory and Appraisal not on file at time of review.
Recommend continuance to 10/07/26 to allow time to file above pleading.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

334015 ARIANA LUNA SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST
Hearing on Petition to Approve Fourteenth Account and Report of Trustee from 10/01/2023, through 09/30/2025, to Confirm Trustee’s and Trust Advisory Committee Member’s Fees, and to Approve Attorneys’ Fees:
Recommend approval of Petition and Report.
Recommend Account Review Hearing 06/26/2028 for receipt of Fifteenth Account and Report.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-22-000205 ESTATE OF HAZEL MARIE SANDERS, AKA HAZEL M. SANDERS, HAZEL SANDERS
Hearing on First and Final Account and Report of Administrator; Petition for Order: 1. Settling Account and Approving Report of Administrator; 2. Allowing Statutory Administrator’s and Attorney’s Compensation and Reimbursement of Costs; 3. Allowing Extraordinary Attorney’s Compensation; and 4. For Final Distribution:
•    Report does not appear to describe which acts Administrator took under the Independent Administration of Estates Act without court authorization, or that no such acts were taken (CRC 7.250 and Local Rule 8.83 N).
    o    No Notices of Proposed Action are on file. See LR 8.100 B, although it appears, based on the pleading, that the Administrator took at least one act that required a NOPA.
•    Line 19 on page 5 of the report contains the allegation that the court approved of the Settlement Agreement; that characterization does not appear correct: there was no petition for order nor order approving a settlement agreement filed in this matter.
•    Please elaborate on the Administrator’s payment of legal fees and/or costs related to the Trust as reported beginning line 24 on page 5. Was that an act for which the Administrator had authority without court supervision? If so, please cite the statute of the probate code. Was it an act for which the Administrator was required to first provide notice of proposed action; did he provide notice of proposed action? 
•    Report paragraph 18 contains the allegation that a notice to creditors was filed in this case on 12/20/17; that date is prior to the opening of this case. Was notice to creditors actually mailed or not?
•    Report paragraph 29 does not appear to comply with PrC§9202(b) (“is or has previously been confined”). See also PrC§216, Local Rule 8.83 F.
•    Accounting: The Schedule identifiers (A, B, C, and D) as used in the Summary of Account do not agree with the Schedules themselves.
Recommend continuance to 08/12/26, to coincide with Account Review Hearing already set, to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-001187 ESTATE OF FRANK T. FUSCO, AKA FRANK TOM FUSCO, FRANK TOMMY FUSCO
Hearing on Second PrC§12200 Status Report of Administration:
Notice appears complete.
Recommend court allow estate to remain open and set a further Account Review Hearing 01/07/27.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000011 ESTATE OF RICHARD L. ROSS, AKA RICHARD ROSS
Hearing on First and Final Report of Administrator on Waiver of Account and Petition for Allowance of Statutory Compensation to Attorney, and for Final Distribution:
Recommend approval of Report and Petition.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 01/27/2027 pursuant to Local Rule 8.92.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000754 GEORGE GARY VENIOT LIVING TRUST DTD DECEMBER 5, 2006
Hearing on Petitioner, Tawna Veniot’s Motion to Appoint Receiver: 
SEE TENTATIVE RULINGS, to be posted day prior to hearing at https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/online-services/tentative-rulings/…

PR-25-001303 ESTATE OF CHARLES O. SLOCUMB
Hearing on Verified Petition of Surviving Spouse and co-Executor for (1) Removal of co-Executor Nereyda Morales (Probate Code § 8502); (2) Suspension of co-Executor’s Powers Pending Hearing (Probate Code § 8500(b)); (3) Appointment of Professional Fiduciary as Sole Administrator with Will Annexed:
•    Form DE-121, Notice of Petition to Administer the Estate, not on file. See PrC§8522(b).
•    Form DE-122, Citation – Probate, has not yet been submitted to the clerk’s office for issuance purs. to PrC§8500(b).
•    Counsel’s Declaration file-marked 06/08/26 reflects that the petitioner has selected a licensed professional fiduciary to serve as the proposed Special Administrator and/or successor administrator-with-will-annexed, a role that was left “to be determined” when the petition was first filed. Petitioner has not filed either a supplement or an amendment to the petition with the identity of the proposed fiduciary, nor proposed an appropriate bond. See California Rules of Court rules 7.3 and 7.53.
It does not appear that a continuance to coincide with the hearing of 07/21/26 on the petition for removal of co-trustee in related case PR-26-000543 would be judicially economical, as that date would not allow adequate time for statutory notice via Form DE-122, Citation. 
Recommend continuance to 10/06/26 to allow time for notice to be perfected.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000022 ESTATE OF MERRY C. ROCHE, AKA MERRY CAROL ROCHE
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration (filed by Sheree Vegas): 
Will is not self-proving.  Proof of Subscribing Witness not on file.
•    Caption box and item 2b indicates decedent died intestate; however, a copy of the Will is attached to the petition and alleged on item 3(f)(2). It appears this is a Petition for Probate of Will and for Letters of Administration with Will Annexed.
•    Item 5b was left blank (existence of stepchild or foster child who would have been adopted but for a legal barrier).
•    Affidavit of Publication not on file.
Recommend continuance to 09/29/26 to coincide with competing petition.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000443 ESTATE OF RAMON LOPEZ, JR.
Hearing on Petition to Determine Succession to Primary Residence:
If no one appears to object, recommend court find notice complete and approve the petition.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000540 ESTATE OF CARLOS LOPEZ
Hearing on Spousal Property Petition (filed by Diana Lynn Valdez-Lopez):
Response and Objection filed – 06/25/26 (by Trinidad E. Lopez, Jose Lopez, Tonya A. Lynch, Christina Michelle Oranday, Carlos Michael Lopez)
•    Proof of service of objection not on file for the petitioner. Service on her attorney is required, but service on the petitioner herself is also required. See California Rules of Court rule 7.51(b) and Probate Code section 1214.
Appearance by petitioner’s counsel and Objectors (self-represented) required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000547 ESTATE OF DINELLA HUTSELL
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration:
•    Please file a verified pleading identifying the person(s) having legal custody of both minor heirs, for the purpose of giving notice, so that the court’s file is clear. Please provide a copy of Letters of Guardianship, if appropriate. Copies of Letters issued by another county must be certified; copies of Letters issued by this county need not be certified.
•    Affidavit of publication not on file. See Local Rule 8.12.
•    Form DE-150, Proposed Letters, not submitted.
Once notice is perfected, submit to court’s determination whether a Guardian ad litem is required.
Recommend court on its own motion take judicial notice of case PR-25-000483, a Guardianship of the Estate; recommend court find that Letters of Guardianship of the Estate have not issued, and so the court’s appointment of a GOE has not yet taken effect; recommend court on its own motion issue an Order to Show Cause in case PR-25-000483 to William Broderick-Villa, Esq. to appear and show cause for failure to submit proposed Forms GC-240 and GC-250 as directed in that matter on 06/05/26.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

ADD-ON:
PR-25-000841 ESTATE OF DANIEL R. HUTSELL, AKA DANIEL RICHARD HUTSELL
Hearing on Petition for Instructions Pursuant to Probate Code Section 10589(b):
•    Notice of Hearing not on file (time for notice shortened pursuant to court’s ex parte order 06/30/26).
•    Please submit points and authorities regarding the petitioner’s conclusion that, had independent authority to administer the estate not been granted, court supervision would not be required for holding an estate sale to sell personal property (PrC§10589). Please particularly address PrC§§10537, 10259. If the property to be sold is not described by PrC§10259(a), and/or the estate sale is not a “public auction” pursuant to PrC§10259(b), then it appears that court confirmation is required since a NOPA objection was received, in which case the personal representative must follow the procedure set forth in PrC§§10250-10264.
The court has previously taken judicial notice of case PR-25-000483, a Guardianship of the Estate; recommend court find that Letters of Guardianship of the Estate have not issued, and so the court’s appointment of a GOE has not yet taken effect; recommend court on its own motion issue an Order to Show Cause in case PR-25-000483 to William Broderick-Villa, Esq. to appear and show cause for failure to submit proposed Forms GC-240 and GC-250 as directed in that matter on 06/05/26.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).
 

THURSDAY, JULY 09, 2026
Department 23
8:30 a.m.

PR-23-001096 ESTATE OF JONATHAN DAVID BALINSON, AKA JONATHAN D. BALISON, JON BALINSON
Discharge Review Hearing:
Petition for Approval of Distribution of Closing Reserve has been filed and set for hearing on 08/11/26.
Hearing of 08/11/26 will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (Any person wishing to appear remotely must obtain the court’s permission to appear via VCourt by contacting the courtroom clerk).

Department 22
8:30 a.m.

PR-18-000116 ESTATE OF GUADALUPE A. OROZCO, AKA LUPE OROZCO   

1. Hearing on Petition for Surcharge and Sanctions Against Samuel Orozco, et al., and Reimbursement to Rebecca Orozco for Estate Attorney Services Paid continued from 01/13/26, 05/05/26, 06/23/26:
Notice has been perfected. 
• On 05/05/26, the court ordered petitioner, Rebecca Orozco, to choose one of her three (3) nearly identical “Supplements” filed on 01/08/26, 01/12/26, 01/21/26, serve it, and thereafter file a proof of service with the exact pleading title AS WELL AS the file-mark date of the Supplement of which parties were served copies, or the court would not consider the Supplement. As of 06/18/26, the petitioner has not filed complied. The Notice of Hearing file-marked 06/08/26 does not include the file-mark date of the Supplement, so the court cannot know which of the three (3) nearly identical supplements was served on the parties. Recommend court not consider any of the three supplements, finding that they are ex parte.
• Proposed Order submitted 01/12/26 did not include court’s finding regarding notice. See PrC§1260.
Opposition filed – 12/23/25, by Samuel Orozco, Sr., Paul Orozco, Samuel Orozco, Jr., and Jeremy Orozco.
Request for Judicial Notice filed – 12/23/25.
Response to Opposition filed – 01/06/26, by petitioner, Rebecca Orozco.
• Proof of service of Response is not on file.

2. Hearing on Petition for 1) Approval of Second and Final Account and Report of Personal Representative; 2) Approval of Payment of Statutory Compensation to Personal Representative and Counsel; 3) Approval of Payment of Extraordinary Compensation to Personal Representative and Counsel; 4) Approval of Reimbursement to Personal Representative and Counsel for Costs; 5) Instructions and Orders on Payment of Fees Based on Court’s Prior Orders; 6) Instructions and Orders on Payment of Outstanding Legal Fees by Prior Counsels; 7) Instructions and Order on Reimbursement to Rebecca Orozco for Costs; 8) Instructions and Order on Surcharge to Samuel Orozco (or, Alternatively, Against All Adversarial Beneficiaries); 9) Approval of Withholding of $2,500 for Reserve; 10) Settlement of Estate and Order for Final Distribution; 11) Order on Release of Funds from Blocked Account; 12) Order Approving Payment of Receivables; and 13) Discharge of Personal Representative and Exoneration of Bond Upon Filing of Receipts and Application for Discharge continued from 06/23/26:
a.    PROBATE NOTES AS TO PETITION:
     i.    Notice
      •    Notice of Hearing did not contain the complete correct title of the pleading per PrC§11000(b); CRC rule 7.50; and Local Rule 8.83L; notice must be re-done.
      •    Notice of Hearing not on file for additional prior counsel for the personal representative: Broderick Legal Group. See CRC rule 7.704(b).
    ii.    Accounting:
      •    Attached as the last page of the Accounting (page 201 of 341) is a Schedule titled “Receivables Due Estate”. Said Schedule was not included in the Summary of Account. The only item listed is described as “Paul Orozco – per court ruling made on 7/22/22”. What mechanism does the personal representative propose for approval of a “receivable” now, at the close of this estate? Did the personal representative pursue enforcement procedures to collect?
      •    “Outstanding fee orders” as reported in petition paragraph 23 would appear to be liabilities of the estate and ought to have been included in a Schedule of the Accounting.
             o    Please confirm if the estate has paid the three AFC awards of $4,476.23 each as ordered per the Court’s Ruling issued 07/22/22, as they were not included elsewhere in the pleading? See Exhibit H. 
      •    Please elaborate on the Chase account not previously reported in the prior account included in the “Schedule of Additional Assets Received” (page 181 of 341). Was the Chase account ending 9650 an account belonging to the decedent that was not inventoried, or was it an estate account that was not included in the Schedule of Property on Hand at End of Account from the Amended First Account Current file-marked 07/19/23? If the latter, please review the First Account Current and investigate how that account was reflected as balancing even though the Property on Hand was, perhaps, short by $25,054.52. 
      •    Schedule of Disbursements (starting page 195 of 341) did not include payment of bond premiums. Have bond premiums been paid?
   iii.    Petition:
      •    Petition paragraph 5.d. does not appear to comply with PrC§9202(b) (“is or has previously been confined”). See also PrC§216, Local Rule 8.83 F.
      •    Petition paragraph 19 did not include a statement regarding interest bearing accounts [see PrC§1064(a)(5)].
      •    Please provide additional information as to Petition paragraph 27 (surcharge request). What is Paul’s last name? How did petitioner calculate the proposed surcharge amount? Recommend court require an itemized loss calculation as to request for surcharge of Sam Orozco Sr., and/or all “adversarial beneficiaries”. 
      •    It appears that the personal representative reimbursed himself and his family members from estate funds without the court’s prior approval; it does not appear that the personal representative had authority for these reimbursements. Please provide a separate schedule for reimbursements and copies of supporting documentation, e.g.: invoices noted as paid, receipts, statements, or as a last resort – copies of financial account statements with all but the last four digits of the account number redacted purs. to California Rule of Court. [Ref: Schedule of Disbursements as well as Exhibit K (personal representative’s Declaration)].
             o    One of the reimbursements ($3,844.50 on 10/29/25) was to Rebecca Orozco for funeral expenses (page 195 of 341). Funeral expenses are considered a “claim” on the estate pursuant to PrC§9000 and subject to Creditor’s Claims procedure for reimbursement. Did the personal representative receive a late Creditor’s Claim?
      •    Personal representative’s request for statutory compensation is inconsistently pled: $18,598.51 (petition paragraph 22.a.) or $18,464.77 (prayer paragraph 7). This Probate Examiner notes the former agrees with the court’s online calculator found on the court’s website.
      •    Personal representative’s request for extraordinary compensation is inconsistently pled: “not less than $36,000” (petition paragraph 22.b.) or “no less than $48,000” (prayer paragraph 8). 
      •    Personal representative’s request for reimbursement is inconsistently pled: “$63,535.49” (petition paragraph 22.c.) or “$18,464.77” (prayer paragraph 9). 
      •    As reflected in the petition paragraph 2c, the court on 04/18/23 ordered the personal representative to deposit all funds save for $20,000.00 into a blocked account. A receipt was filed on 07/21/23 indicating that funds of over $150,000.00 were deposited into blocked account ending 8775 at Chase Bank. The accounting reflects that there are or were multiple other accounts opened besides the blocked account and the account holding $20,000.00 (protected by bond): 2220, 1424, 9650. Were two of those three accounts also blocked (one of the three presumably being the account protected by bond)? According to Exhibit T (copies of account statements as of the end of the account period), the latter two accounts are in the name of the Trust and not this estate – why is that?
      •    Petition paragraph 28 (assets on hand for distribution) misstates the amount of cash on hand as reflected in the Schedule of Property on Hand at End of Account (Exhibit H, page 199 of 341) as well as the end date of the account period.
      •    Petition prays for the court’s approval of reimbursement to Rebecca Orozco, but that request was not specifically pled in the petition; rather, the petition refers to the separately-filed petition by Rebecca Orozco for reimbursement. Recommend court rule separately on the Petition filed by Rebecca Orozco, and, if the court were to approve this petition by the personal representative, specifically deny the petition as to reimbursement of Rebecca Orozco.
    iv.    Exhibits:
      •    Exhibit N was out of sequential order, which complicated review of this pleading.
      •    Need verified Declaration(s) purs. to CRC rule 7.703 for requests for attorney fees from other attorneys or law offices (Broderick Legal Group).
      •    Exhibit K (personal representative’s Declaration): 
             o    Seeks court’s approval of reimbursement of, at different points, “costs” and “fees”. The Declaration alleges that the total “costs” advanced by the personal representative are in the table that followed, however, Supporting Schedule 3.1 (page 152 of 341) attached to the petition reflects that the personal representative reimbursed himself for additional estate expenses that were not included in Exhibit K. Please prepare a verified Declaration of all the administrative costs, expenses, and legal fees advanced by the personal representative and including those that were subsequently reimbursed by him from estate funds.
             o    Please provide copies of invoices from law offices for legal fees paid by the personal representative from his personal funds for which he seeks reimbursement (total $63,535.49).
      •    Exhibit N (Buchalter’s Declaration regarding counsel’s extraordinary fees): 
             o    The signature page is upside down and found between exhibits attached to the Declaration.
             o    Paralegals’ hourly rates exceed this county’s norms.
      •    Exhibit P (Chase’s Declaration regarding (Boutin) counsel’s extraordinary fees): 
             o    Schedule A was not attached (breakdown of time spent).
             o    Paralegals’ hourly rates exceed this county’s norms.
     v.    Submit to court’s determination (once defects are cured):
             1.    Personal representative’s extraordinary compensation and reimbursement of costs purs. CRC rule 7.703(b): Exhibit K (page 272 of 341) does not contain a specific itemization of extraordinary hours worked, but, as is explained in the Declaration, does appear to contain all other requirements of the rule of court. Seeking either $36,000.00 or $48,000.00 for fees (inconsistency Noted above) and $63,535.49 as reimbursement of legal costs paid to attorneys (see Note above regarding lack of supporting documentation for the latter).
             2.    Counsel (Buchalter) request for extraordinary compensation and reimbursement of costs purs. CRC rule 7.703(b): Exhibit N (page 212 of 341), for $100,030.50 in fees for counsel, $3,980.00 in fees for paralegals (see Note, rate exceeds county norms), and $8,338.02 for extraordinary costs.
             3.    Counsel (Ogden) request for extraordinary compensation purs. CRC rule 7.703(b) previously deferred on 06/28/24: Exhibit O (page 287 of 341), for $1,080.00 in fees for counsel, $345.00 in fees for paralegals.
             4.    Counsel (Boutin Jones) request for extraordinary compensation and reimbursement of costs purs. CRC rule 7.703(b): Exhibits P and Q (page 299 of 341); Examiner cannot provide a specific breakdown of attorney and paralegal fees and costs as pages were missing (see Notes above).
             5.    Request for direction to pay extraordinary compensation to counsel Broderick Legal group in the absence of a verified Declaration from counsel pursuant to CRC rule 7.703(b).

b.    Objection is not specifically as to any single prayer, but rather as to submission of all the prayers together in one pleading: Once notice is perfected, recommend court consider making a finding as to the appropriateness of the personal representative presenting an “omnibus” (so characterized by the objectors) pleading including an account, report, petition for approval of both, for statutory and extraordinary compensation to fiduciary and his attorney, and for final distribution, together with a petition for surcharge (“fee-sharing”) of the objectors/heirs and petition for authorization to reimburse another heir. If the court were to find the presentation of a single pleading incorporating multiple prayers for relief appropriate, recommend court then set a deadline for the objectors to file whatever supplemental or amended objections as referenced in the body of the Objection, or such objections will be waived.

c.    Potential trial issues:
     i.    Petition for Instructions for Surcharge of Sam Orozco or, in the alternative, other heirs for proposed amount in the range of $55,000.00 to $65,000.00.
    ii.    Determination of Outstanding (attorney) Statutory Fees and Extraordinary Fees (and possible reduction).

Recommend continuance of Final Account, etc., filed by personal representative, to 10/07/26 to allow time to cure defects, perfect notice; recommend continuance of Petition for Surcharge and Reimbursement, etc., filed by Rebecca Orozco, to 10/07/26 to coincide, for judicial economy.

No appearance required (by VCourt if preferred).
 

PR-25-001148 JOHN AND LUPE OROZCO FAMILY TRUST
Hearing on Petition for Instructions and for Approval of Reimbursement of Attorney’s Fees and Costs from Trust Principal; Request for Offsets, Discretionary Allocation of Taxable Costs, Accounting-Coordination Directive, and Ancillary Relief (filed by Samuel R. Orozco, Co-Trustee) continued from 02/25/26, 04/15/26, 05/05/26, 06/23/26:
Objection filed – 06/09/263 (by Henry Orozco)
Reply to Opposition filed – 06/12/26 (by Samuel R. Orozco)
Prior defects cured by supplement.
Request that court take Judicial Notice of related case PR-18-000116 will be submitted to Judge for determination.
Recommend continuance to 10/07/26 to coincide with related case, for judicial economy.
Appearances not required (by VCourt if preferred).
 

PR-24-001042 ESTATE OF LARRY WAYNE HELLER, AKA LARRY W. HELLER
Account Review Hearing continued from 03/04/26:
On 01/08/26 court ordered the personal representatives to file a PrC§12200 Status Report with Notice of Hearing within 90 days if estate is not in position to be closed.
• Neither Petition for Final Distribution nor PrC§12200 Status Report have been filed. 
Recommend court issue Order to Show Cause to personal representatives and their 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 personal representative 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 Administrators and Administrators’ counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-001090 ESTATE OF LIDIA YVETTE AHUMADA, AKA LIDIA IVETTE AHUMADA
Account Review Hearing:
•    Neither Petition for Final Distribution nor PrC§12200 Status Report are on file at the time of review.  See Local Rule 8.82. 
Recommend court order personal representative to file a PrC§12200 Status Report (with Notice pursuant to PrC§12201) within 90 days if estate is not in a position to be closed.
Recommend continuance to 11/17/26 to allow time for filing of above pleadings. 
If neither pleading is on file by the next hearing date, the court may issue an order to show cause for personal representative to appear pursuant to PrC§12202.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-001111 ESTATE OF SUSAN MICHELLE COOK
Hearing on Order to Show Cause issued 02/25/26 to Administrator:
To appear and show cause why the court should not surcharge and/or remove the Administrator from office for failure to appear on 10/29/25 and 02/25/26, and for failure to perform any act as personal representative of this decedent’s estate, pursuant to PrC§§8804(b), 8502.
Failure to appear at this hearing may result in removal of Administrator from office, sanctions or surcharge, and appointment of a Special Administrator.
On 02/25/26, the court suspended Administrator purs. to PrC§8500(b).

Inventory Review Hearing continued from 10/29/25, 02/25/26:
Prior Notes Remain:
A Status Report of Administration pursuant to Probate Code section 12200 is now due.
Letters were issued 01/31/25. Inventory and Appraisal was due 06/02/25. The Final Inventory and Appraisal is not on file. See Local Rule 8.41 B, Probate Code section 8800 et seq.
On 02/25/26, the court referred this matter to the Public Administrator for possible appointment as successor purs. PrC§7621. The court may appoint the Public Administrator today as Special Administrator pending a petition for appointment of successor, if appropriate, purs. PrC§8540.

Appearance by suspended Administrator (self-represented) mandatory; by Public Administrator and County Counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-001160 ESTATE OF VIEVA LAVERNE THORNTON
Account Review Hearing:
•    Neither Petition for Final Distribution nor PrC§12200 Status Report are on file at the time of review.  See Local Rule 8.82. 
Recommend court order personal representative to file a PrC§12200 Status Report (with Notice pursuant to PrC§12201) within 90 days if estate is not in a position to be closed.
Recommend continuance to 11/03/26 to allow time for filing of above pleadings. 
If neither pleading is on file by the next hearing date, the court may issue an order to show cause for personal representative to appear pursuant to PrC§12202.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000073 ESTATE OF ROLF BUCHELI
Account Review Hearing:
Prior Note remains: The Final Inventory and Appraisal included anticipated recovery from pending litigation. Such an asset must be appraised by the Probate Referee and not the personal representative. See PrC§§8901 et seq. A Corrected Inventory and Appraisal appeared required. Not on file. 
New Notes:
See Local Rule 8.82. Neither Petition for Final Distribution nor PrC§12200 Status Report are on file.
Recommend court order personal representative to file a PrC§12200 Status Report (with Notice pursuant to PrC§12201) within 90 days if estate is not in a position to be closed.
Recommend continuance to 11/10/26 to allow time for filing of above pleadings. If neither pleading is on file by the next hearing date, the court may issue an order to show cause for personal representative to appear pursuant to PrC§12202.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000195 ESTATE OF ROGER DALE KNIGHT
Account Review Hearing:
Hearing will be dropped; a contested petition to approve final accounting was continued from 06/17/26 to 09/17/26.
No appearances.

PR-25-000283 ESTATE OF MARY ANN MORSE
Account Review Hearing:
A Petition for Final Distribution has been filed and set for hearing 08/26/26.
Hearing of 08/26/26 will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000288 ESTATE OF PATRICK CHARLES SAMUEL CRAWFURD
Account Review Hearing:
•    Neither Petition for Final Distribution nor PrC§12200 Status Report are on file at the time of review.  See Local Rule 8.82. 
Recommend court order personal representative to file a PrC§12200 Status Report (with Notice pursuant to PrC§12201) within 90 days if estate is not in a position to be closed.
Recommend continuance to 11/03/26 to allow time for filing of above pleadings. 
If neither pleading is on file by the next hearing date, the court may issue an order to show cause for personal representative to appear pursuant to PrC§12202.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000054 ESTATE OF MARY LOUISE DOMINGUEZ
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration continued from 02/25/26:
Petitioner does not appear to have priority of appointment, nor is Petitioner a nominee of a person with priority (Probate Code sections 8461, 8465). A person with priority does not appear to have filed a competing petition.
Nothing filed since last hearing. Prior notes remain:
The following defects must be addressed in the Petition (Form DE-111):
•    Caption box check marked “Lost” box.  This pertains to a Will. The rest of the petition indicates the decedent died intestate (without a Will).
•    Item 2b (name of administrator) omitted the middle name. Throughout the petition, this name is reflected as “Maria Isabel Maldonado.”
•    Item 3d (estimated estate value) does not appear to be correct. The amounts do not appear to be calculated correctly. 
•    Item 3(e)(2) was checked (all heirs waived bond and Will does not require bond); however, Waivers of bond are not on file.  Examiner notes, this does not appear to be the correct selection as the petition alleges there is no Will.
•    Item 3(g)(1)(b) is checked (executor). Petition alleges there is no Will and is seeking appointment of Administrator. Please check the appropriate box in 3(g)(2).
•    Item 3(g)(4) is checked; however, this is not a petition for successor personal representative. There is no former personal representative in this case.
•    Item 5a(3) or (4) incomplete (existence of registered domestic partner).
•    Item 8 did not include the proposed personal representative (Local Rule 8.26 D).
•    Item 8 did not include the name and date of death of decedent’s predeceased spouse.
•    Item 8 must include the relationships to decedent and the ages of all those listed.
•    Item 8 did not include the complete addresses for all those listed.
See California Rules of Court rules 7.3 and 7.53 regarding the types of forms that may be used to address these defects.
Petitioners may consider supplementing petition to provide the missing information.
Judicial Council forms are available for download here: https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/forms-filing/common-forms-packets 
Declarations may be written on Judicial Council Form MC-030 Declaration or on pleading paper. 
Proof of Service is Form POS-030.

The following defects must be addressed in the Court’s file:
•    Form DE-147 Duties and Liabilities not on file.
•    Form DE-121 Notice of Petition to Administer Estate 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.
•    Waivers of bond [Form DE-142/DE-111(A-3e)] not on file for all intestate heirs (see Probate Code section 6401). Bond may be required. Minimum bond would be $20,000.00 pursuant to Local Rule 8.33.  Maximum bond is unable to be determined until Petition Item 3(d) is corrected.

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

Appearance by petitioner (self-represented) required (Anyone appearing may do so in person, or remotely, by telephone, using VCourt).

PR-26-000061 ESTATE OF CLAUDIO M. SILVA
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration (filed by Vania Silva) continued from 02/26/26:
Objection filed – 04/17/26, by Ramiel Silva. Objection includes request for relief of appointing the Objector as Administrator.
•    A competing petition for probate has not been filed. The Judicial Council of California adopted Form DE-111, Petition for Probate, as the mandatory form for that purpose.
Response to Objection filed – 06/16/26, by Vania Silva.
Appearance by petitioner’s counsel and objector (self-represented) required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-000109 MATTER OF THE LEO LANDUCCI AND PATRICIA LANDUCCI REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST OF 2007
Hearing on Motion for Award of Attorneys’ Fees and Costs:
SEE TENTATIVE RULING, to be posted day prior to hearing at https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/online-services/tentative-rulings/…

PR-24-000579 ESTATE OF JAMES EDWIN McGUY
Hearing on PrC§12200 Status Report of Administration:
Report paragraph 1 alleges the decedent was a resident of Merced County at the time of his death, which does not agree with either the original probate petition or the order appointing administrator.
Report does not specify the time necessary for closing the estate.
Recommend court allow estate to remain open and reset the Account Review Hearing of 08/19/26 to 01/14/2027.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000474 ESTATE OF ALBERTA TRACY
Hearing on First and Final Report of Administrator on Waiver of Account and Petition for Allowance of Statutory Compensation to Attorney and for Final Distribution:
Objection filed – 05/19/26 by Probate Advance LLC.

•    Caption of Petition (Alberta Lee Tracy) does not mirror prior documents (Alberta Tracy).
•    Please note the case number is PR-25-000474 and ensure all documents reflect the preceding letters “PR”.
•    Waivers of Accounting do not bear notary’s acknowledgement and must be filed separately rather than attached to any pleadings. (See Local Rule 8.69).
•    List and description of the costs of administration was omitted (see Local Rules 8.69, 8.83K).
•    Please provide a Schedule for Distribution. See Local Rule 8.65.
•    It appears that there is insufficient liquidity in the estate to pay attorney’s compensation and costs. Please clarify how fees will be paid.
•    It appears that there is insufficient liquidity in the estate to distribute cash to assignees. Please clarify how fees will be paid.
See California Rules of Court rules 7.3 and 7.53 regarding the types of pleadings that may be used to address these defects.

Appearances by petitioner’s counsel and objector’s counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).
 

PR-25-000491 ESTATE OF JON DAVID BROST
Hearing on First and Final Report of Administrator on Waiver of Account and Petition for Allowance of Compensation to Attorney for Ordinary Services and for Final Distribution:
Recommend approval of Report and Petition.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 01/27/27 pursuant to Local Rule 8.92.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000445 ESTATE OF DENNIS LAMAR SHIVER
Special Letters expire today unless extended.
Hearing on Petition for Probate of Will and for Letters Testamentary:
• Will is not self-proving per Local Rule 8.23.  Proof of Subscribing Witness (Form DE-131) not on file.
      o    Informationally, not as a defect: this Probate Examiner’s review of the decedent’s will reflects that the will does not include a provision devising his real property, only personal property. Some of the estate may be subject to escheat if no intestate heir can be found. See PrC§§6800 et seq and §§11700 et seq.
• Petition item 3g was left blank (appointment of personal representative).
• Petition item 6 was left blank (to be completed when decedent is not survived by issue).
• Petition item 8 must include the relationship between the petitioner and the decedent, if any, other than as executor/beneficiary.
• Petition item 8 did not include the decedent’s predeceased spouse.
• Petition item 8 did not identify any intestate heirs or kin of the decedent. Please see item 6, Probate Code section 6402, and Local Rule 8.14 A.
• Forms DE-140 and DE-150, Proposed Order and Letters, not submitted.

Submitted to court for determination: whether to order on the court’s own motion that petitioner conduct an heir search to identify and locate the decedent’s surviving intestate heirs to the nearest degree of kinship pursuant to PrC§6402. Petitioner has identified no biological relatives of the decedent. Petitioner has identified a former stepchild (presumably the issue of the decedent’s late spouse, although that relationship was not specifically alleged in the petition) but not that person’s location; no notice on file for that person.

Recommend court order the petitioner to give mailed notice pursuant to PrC§8110 to the Public Administrator, Brandon Balcom, and County Counsel, Thomas Boze as the petitioner has identified no biological relatives of the decedent, and it appears possible that some of the property belonging to the estate may be subject to escheat.

Hearing required on notice issues for court to determine.
Appearance by petitioner’s counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000446 ESTATE OF JAMES ABBOTT FERRELL, JR., AKA JAMES A. FERRELL, JR. AND JAMES FERRELL
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration:
Waivers of Bond on file for all intestate heirs
•    Petition item 8 did not properly label the proposed personal representative (Local Rule 8.26 D).
•    Form DE-121 Notice of Petition to Administer Estate not on file.
•    Form DE-140, Proposed Order, not submitted.
Recommend continuance to 08/14/26 to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000516 JON M. LAWRENCE LIVING TRUST
Hearing on Petition for Order Determining Trust’s Title to Real Property (PrC § 850, 17200):
If no one appears to object, Recommend approval of petition.
•    Need new order. Legal description and assessor’s parcel number was omitted.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000552 ESTATE OF BONNIE LEE WISE
(1)    Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration (filed by Michele Wise):
• Examiner notes your documents were submitted reflecting an incorrect address for the Court. Please note, the correct physical and mailing address of the clerk’s office is: 801 10th Street, 4th Floor, Modesto, CA 95354. Please ensure future filings indicate the correct address.
• The real property listed on petition for appointment of personal representative is the same  property at issue in spousal property petition; therefore, full probate appears unnecessary.

The following defects must be addressed in the Petition (Form DE-111): 
• Petition item 1 requested publication in a newspaper (Ceres Courier) that has not been determined to be of general circulation for the city where decedent resided at the time of her passing. Please see list of Stanislaus County newspapers on the court’s website here: https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/divisions/probate/newspapers 
• Item 3(g)(3) is checked (special administrator); however, this is not a petition for letters of special administration.
• Item 5a(3) or (4) incomplete (existence of registered domestic partner).
• Item 5a(7) or (8) incomplete (existence of predeceased child).
• Item 8 did not include the proposed personal representative (Local Rule 8.26 D).
• Attachment 3(g)(2)(b) purports to be a nomination of the personal representative; however, it was not signed by heirs with priority.  This attachment was improperly labeled “Attachment 3(g)(1)(c).”

See California Rules of Court rules 7.3 and 7.53 regarding the types of forms that may be used to address these defects.
Petitioners may consider supplementing petition to provide the missing information.
Judicial Council forms are available for download here: https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/forms-filing/common-forms-packets 
Declarations may be written on Judicial Council Form MC-030 Declaration or on pleading paper. 
Proof of Service is Form POS-030.

The following defects must be addressed in the Court’s file:
• Form DE-147 Duties and Liabilities not on file.
• Form DE-121 Notice of Petition to Administer Estate not on file.
• Form DE-140, Proposed Order, not submitted.
• Form DE-150, Letters, not submitted.
• Affidavit of publication file marked 06/22/26:
      o    Reflects notice was published in a newspaper that has not been determined to be of general circulation in the city where decedent resided at time of death (Modesto) (Probate Code § 8121). Republication is required in the appropriate newspaper. 
      o    Reflects the notice did not include petitioner’s request for IAEA authority. See PrC§8100.   
      o    Republication is required in the appropriate newspaper and will not be reimbursable. 
Please see court’s website: https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/divisions/probate/newspapers 
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

(2)    Hearing on Spousal Property Petition (filed by Randy Breault):
• Item 1a is checked (property passing) and does not appear to agree with item 7b and Attachment 7b which requests the Court confirm ownership.
• Attachment 7 was not attached (sufficient relevant facts to support allegation that the subject properties are community property). See Local Rule 8.98 B.
• Attachment 7b includes petitioner’s allegation that the petitioner and the decedent may have considered and treated the real property as though it were community property, but Attachment 7b appears to demonstrate that the real property was decedent’s separate property (by inheritance) and both decedent and the petitioner were aware of that fact. The rest of the file reflects that it is petitioner’s intent to have the court determine that the property pass to petitioner pursuant to PrC§§6401 and 13500 et seq.  Please clarify.
• Please provide copies of death certificate to establish dates of death and survivorship. (PrC § 13500).
• Copy of grant deed showing current title was not attached or provided on separate pleading. See Local Rule 8.98B.  (Copies were attached to the Petition for Probate, but not to the Spousal Petition, which is required).
• Notice of Hearing, Form DE-120, not on file.  (PrC§§13655, 1220).
• Need Order.  Proposed Order, Form DE-226, not yet submitted.

See California Rules of Court rules 7.3 and 7.53 regarding the types of forms that may be used to address these defects.
Petitioners may consider supplementing petition to provide the missing information.
Judicial Council forms are available for download here: https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/forms-filing/common-forms-packets 
Declarations may be written on Judicial Council Form MC-030 Declaration or on pleading paper. 
Proof of Service is Form POS-030.
Consider visiting the California Courts Self Help page at https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/probate/simple-transfer and downloading forms from https://www.courts.ca.gov/forms.htm

Appearance by petitioners (self-represented) required (Anyone appearing may do so in person, or remotely, by telephone, using VCourt).

PR-26-000554 ESTATE OF DAVID SCHORTNER
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration:
Recommend approval of petition.
Recommend Inventory Review Hearing 01/13/27 pursuant to Local Rule 8.41B.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).
 

FRIDAY, JULY 10, 2026
Department 22
8:30 a.m.

PR-24-000480 ESTATE OF GLADYS MAE WOODS
Hearing on Amended (file marked 04/16/26) PrC§12200 Status Report of Administration continued from 04/21/26 and reset on court’s own motion from 06/26/26:
Nothing filed since last hearing. Prior notes remain:
•    Notice of Hearing not on file at time of review. Need Proof of mailing of notice of hearing. (see PrC§12201)
On 04/21/26, court ordered personal representative to perfect notice pursuant to PrC§12201 before the next hearing or surcharge may be imposed.
Recommend court issue Order to Show Cause to personal representative to appear to show cause why court should not impose surcharge for failure to perfect Notice pursuant to the above statute as ordered.
Appearance by personal representative and personal representative’s counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-001068 ESTATE MILDRED JANICE BRYSON-DAVIS
Hearing on Report and Waiver of Accounting of Estate Representative and Petition for Order Settling Report; Directing Final Distribution; Allowing Statutory Compensation and Granting Other Relief continued from 01/21/26, 03/25/26, 05/08/26:
New note:
• Need new order. Proposed order submitted 06/16/26 has the following defects:
      o    Caption of order does not identify all the relief sought in the Petition.
      o    Paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 4, page 1, do not reflect the correct title of the petition.
      o    Paragraph 4, page 1, reflects the incorrect hearing date.
      o    Third Supplement to petition (file marked 06/16/26) recites distribution to the trustee in the amount of $278,422.31.  The Order recites distribution of $278,422.76.
Recommend approval of petition as supplemented.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 01/28/27 pursuant to Local Rule 8.92.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-001246 ESTATE OF WILHELMINA ANN SOUZA AKA WILHELMINA A. SOUZA
Trial Setting Hearing:
On 03/27/26 and 04/17/26, the Court ordered counsel to meet and confer to discuss mandatory settlement conference and trial dates in advance of the hearing.  A stipulation may be submitted regarding settlement and trial dates.  
Nothing filed since last hearing.
Appearances required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000351 ESTATE OF CAROL ANN COCKRELL  
Hearing on Petition for First and Final Report of Administration, Waiver of Accounting, Waiver of Administrator’s Statutory Fees and Allowance of Attorney Statutory Fees and Reimbursement of Costs and Petition to Close Probate Estate continued from 04/21/26:
Prior Notes have been cured.
Recommend approval of Petition and Report.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 01/27/2027 pursuant to Local Rule 8.92.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000610 ESTATE OF CHARLES LOUIS FREITAS
Hearing on First and Final Account and Report of Executor and Petition for its Settlement, and Petition for Final Distribution, for Allowance of Compensation to Executor and Attorney for Ordinary Services continued from 05/21/26:
• Need new order. Proposed order submitted 03/27/26:
      o    Omitted property on hand for distribution
      o    Omitted details of property/assets to be distributed to the beneficiary.
Recommend approval of petition as supplemented.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 01/28/27 pursuant to Local Rule 8.92.
Recommend court vacate previously set 10/27/26 Account Review Hearing.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000021 ESTATE OF JOHN DALE CHURCH, AKA DALE CHURCH
Hearing on Amended Petition (file-marked 02/17/26) for Letters of Administration continued from 02/18/26, 04/17/26:
Nothing filed since previous hearing. Prior Notes remain:
•    Any / all attachments to the amended petition were omitted. Item 9 of the petition indicates there ought to be five pages attached.
•    A new Notice of Petition to Administer Estate is necessary pursuant to CRC 7.53(a) as an Amended Petition was filed.
Note for the future, not a defect in this instance: Petition item 8 included second generation heirs but not the deceased ancestor through which they take (please see Local Rule 8.26 E). A Family Tree was filed separately, which is helpful and may arguably “cure” this Note, but in the future please comply with the Local Rule by including the deceased ancestor in item 8.
Recommend court set deadline for defects to be cured or case may be dismissed.
Appearance by County Counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000117 MATTER OF BEUVING FAMILY TRUST
Hearing on Petition for Instructions, Modification of Trust continued from 04/22/26:
Prior Notes have been cured.
Recommend court make the findings sought in the petition as supplemented.
Recommend approval of the petition as supplemented.
Need new proposed Order; proposed Order submitted 04/23/26:
• Nothing in the proposed Order is phrased as a finding. Proposed Order items 1, 2, and 3 are findings the court must make and should be so worded.
• Please rephrase order items 4 and 5:
      o    “The court hereby orders: The Beuving Family Trust dated January 19, 2012, is modified as follows:
              +    The Barbara L. Beuving Family Trust (Trust B) is hereby terminated its entirety and all assets are ordered distributed to Sheridan Beuving, Trustee of The Beuving Family Trust, dated January 19, 2012; and
              +   The Marital Elective Income Trust (Trust C) is hereby terminated its entirety and all assets are ordered distributed to Sheridan Beuving, Trustee of The Beuving Family Trust, dated January 19, 2012.”
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000197 ESTATE OF DENNIS L. WASSON
Hearing on Spousal Property Petition continued from 04/16/26:
Prior Notes have been cured.
If no one appears to object, recommend approval of the petition.
•    Need proposed Order.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000278 ESTATE OF ROBERT BENNETT, AKA ROBERT CECIL BENNETT
Hearing on Petition for Probate of Lost Will and for Letters Testamentary continued from 05/21/26:
Nothing filed since last hearing. Prior notes remain:
• Petition item 8 did not properly label the proposed personal representative (Local Rule 8.26 D).
• Will waives bond for personal representative, however personal representative resides out of state. See PrC§8571. 
      o    Waivers of bond [Form DE-142/DE-111(A-3e)] not on file.  Bond may be required.
• Lost Will is not self-proving per Local Rule 8.23.  Form DE-131 Proof of Subscribing Witness not on file.
• Proposed Order does not have the word “Lost” inserted in item 2c(2) (admission of Will), nor are the terms of the Lost Will attached to the proposed Order.
• Letters, Form DE-150, not yet submitted.
Please be prepared to inform the court if there are any known California creditors or liabilities of the estate either by declaration or by personal appearance.
Appearance required (by VCourt if preferred).
 

MONDAY, JULY 13, 2026
Department 24
8:30 a.m.

PR-24-000898 ESTATE OF GEORGIA RUTH GAMA
Settlement Conference advanced from 07/20/26 per stipulation:
Appearances mandatory.
Any person wishing to appear remotely must obtain the court’s permission to appear via VCourt by contacting the courtroom clerk.