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.

FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2026
Department 22
8:30 a.m.

PR-23-001118 VICKIE MARTIN AND LAWRENCE MARTIN REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST 
Hearing on Petition for Instruction to Trustee, Approval of Settlement, Determining Good Faith of Settlement:
This hearing date was reserved by the court for this matter on 01/07/26.
No defects in the pleadings.
Recommend approval of petition.
Proposed Order not yet submitted.
Hearing required as to how agreement will be effected, as, pursuant to paragraph 2 of the agreement, there are two alternatives.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000250 ESTATE OF DALE NELSON ROBERTSON
Hearing on First and Final Report and Account of Administrator and Petition for its Settlement, for Approval of Creditor Claim for Funeral Expenses; for Compensation to Administrator, Fees to the Attorney, Allowance of Costs of Administration, and for Final Distribution continued from 02/24/26:
A supplement was submitted responding to the probate notes which cured some defects. In her supplement, the Personal Representative alleged that the decedent’s bank account was compromised and funds were withdrawn before appointment.  Examiner notes Letters were issued 04/18/24 and the report identifies forty-three (43) fraudulent transfers after that date.
New Notes:
•    Please provide documentation relating to the unauthorized withdrawals (bank statements, fraud reports, police reports…etc).
•    Please provide the date the compromised account was closed and the new account was opened and documentation to support this information.
Declaration by Kimberley Yates (file marked 03/11/26) submitted to Judge for determination.
Prior notes for reference only:
•    Please note, pursuant to Probate Code §1064(a)(2), unusual items must be explained in the petition or report.
    -    Schedule D: Please also explain what petitioner means by “fraudulent transfer”. What investigation has petitioner conducted to determine the source and extent of the fraud? What determination, if any, did petitioner make about how best to make the estate whole?
    -    Please explain the purpose of the electronic transfer of $1,983.60 on 04/05/24.
    -    Please explain the two DMV payments for “Carol L. Morris” from estate funds.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).
 

PR-24-000556 ESTATE OF LINDA JANE SUGARS, AKA LINDA JANE GONZALES
Hearing on First Amended (file marked 02/03/26) Waiver of Account and Report of Executor, Petition for Allowance of Statutory Fees to Personal Representative and for Final Distribution continued from 02/25/26:
Nothing filed since last hearing. Prior notes remain: 
The following defects must be addressed on the petition:
•    Itemization of costs of administration was omitted (see Local Rules 8.69, 8.83K).
•    Need itemization of property on hand for distribution.  Please provide a schedule of proposed distribution. See CRC7.651, LR 8.69, 8.83M; PC§1062f.
See California Rules of Court rules 7.3 and 7.53 regarding the types of forms that may be used to address these defects.  Petitioner may consider supplementing petition to provide the missing information.
The following defects must be addressed in the Court’s file:
•    Need Order.  Order on petition not yet submitted.
Appearance by petitioner (self-represented) required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000632 ESTATE OF CRISANTA DIAZ ORDAZ, AKA CRISANTA DIAZ
Hearing on Report of Administration; Petition for Final Distribution; for Order on First and Final Account; for Approval of Statutory Personal Representative’s fees; for Approval of Statutory Attorneys’ Fees; for Approval of Costs continued from 01/22/26, 02/19/26:
On 01/22/26, the petition was approved pending counsel’s submission of proposed order with Points and Authorities briefing his disagreement with probate notes. Points and Authorities not yet submitted at time of review.

Examiner’s prior notes for reference:
• The finding with the court’s approval of the report is sufficient. It does not appear necessary for the court to adopt the verbiage that the court-ordered distribution occur “subject to liens” for unpaid attorney’s fees/costs. 
• Please remove this language from paragraphs 6, 7, 8 and 9 on pages 5 and 6 of the proposed order.
• This language would appear to suggest that counsel may be planning to record a lien prior to the administrator’s conveyance of the real property, rather than recording a lien after administrator distributes the property as pled.
      o    Once the court approves the attorney’s fees, the attorney will be able to record an Abstract of Judgment with the County Clerk Recorder’s Office; alternatively, the administrator and counsel could have agreed to seek the court’s approval to issue a promissory note and record it as a deed of trust on the real property. It does not appear necessary for the court to adopt the verbiage that the court-ordered distribution occur “subject to liens” for unpaid attorney’s fees. 
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred). 
If a new proposed Order is submitted that corrects the Notes above and/or includes Points & Authorities for Judicial Review an appearance will not be required and Court will set a Discharge Review Hearing for 08/20/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.92. 

PR-24-001127 ESTATE OF MARILYN ANN METTLER, AKA MARILYN A. METTLER, MARILYN ANN MONTGOMERY 
Hearing on Amended (file-marked 01/12/26) First and Final Report on Waiver of Account, Petition for Allowance of Compensation to Attorneys and Executor for Ordinary Services, for Allowance of Payment of Personal Representative’s Creditor’s Claim for Funeral Expenses, for Reimbursement of Costs Advanced by Attorneys, for Annuity Payments to be Made to the Trust, for Allowance of Trustee to Pay Expenses Out of the Trust Corpus, and for Final Distribution continued from 01/08/26, 02/04/26:
In the future, please ensure that a waiver of accounting by the trustee be clear and explicit as a waiver of account by the trustee and not only as an heir/beneficiary, as the personal representative is an heir and beneficiary of the decedent both in his capacity as an individual and his capacity as trustee. In other words, since he wears multiple hats he must identify which hat he is wearing when he signs the waiver.
Recommend court deem accounting waived and prior notes cured.
Recommend approval of amended report and petition.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 09/24/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.92.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-001056 ESTATE OF MANUEL BUSTAMONTE
Hearing on Petition to Determine Succession to Primary Residence continued from 11/13/25, 01/16/26:
Prior defects cured. 
If no one appears to object, recommend petition for approval as supplemented.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-001347 ESTATE OF SUSANNE RIDGE
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration continued from 02/03/26:
Please be advised for future filings that the zip code of the court’s mailing address is 95355 (not 95345).
Recommend court call this matter at 9:30 a.m. or shortly thereafter as both mailed notice and the published notice of this hearing reflected the time of the hearing as 9:30 a.m. rather than 8:30 a.m.
If, at 9:30 a.m., no one appears to object, recommend approval of petition.
Recommend Inventory Review Hearing 09/15/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.41 B.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

MONDAY, MARCH 16, 2026

Department 22 
There are no decedent's estates or trust matters on calendar

TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2026
Department 22
8:30 a.m.

PR-21-000085 ESTATE OF ANET SAROUKHANIOFF
Hearing on Second Report of Administrator of Account and Petition for its Settlement and Confirmation Thereof; and Authorization to Continue Administration of the Estate; Request for Partial Distribution continued from 11/13/25:
Nothing filed since previous hearing. Prior Notes remain:
•    Report paragraph 2 misstates that the court issued Letters Testamentary; the court issued Letters of Administration in this matter.
•    The account period in the pleading starts 12/10/23. That was the end date of the prior accounting; a subsequent accounting must start the day after the end of the earlier accounting or the accounting is duplicative.
•    Neither the petition nor prayer included a request for partial distribution as reflected in the title of the pleading.
•    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).
•    Prayer item 2 on page 4 of the petition describes this pleading as an “amended” second account; this appears to be the original pleading – no amendment has been filed as of the time of review.
•    Notice of Hearing not on file (PrC§11000).
•    Proposed Order not yet submitted.
Appearance by counsel mandatory (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-22-001282 ESTATE OF HARRY P. BELLETTO
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 07/22/26 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-24-000033 ESTATE OF MARCILLA ELIZABETH BERRY, AKA MARCILLA BERRY
Account Review Hearing:
The Account Review Hearing will be dropped.

Hearing on First and Final Account and Report of Administrator and Petition for its Settlement, for Allowance of Statutory Compensation to Administrator and Attorney, and for Final Distribution continued from 11/18/25:
Prior Notes have been cured.
Recommend approval of Petition as supplemented; accounting was waived.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 09/24/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.92.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).
 

PR-24-000426 ESTATE OF RAUL PALAZUELOS
(1)    Account Review Hearing:
Recommend the Court drop this hearing.

(2)    Hearing on PrC§12200 Status Report continued from 02/04/26:   
On 02/04/26, this Court directed personal representative to perfect notice before the next hearing or surcharge may be imposed.  
•    Notice of hearing not on file.
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-24-000662 ESTATE OF WILLIAM A. JOHNSON
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 07/22/26 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-24-000895 ESTATE OF HECTOR MUNOZ
Hearing on PrC§12200 Status Report of Administration:
Notice appears complete.
Report requests continuance of six months to close estate.
Report reflects I&A was with the Probate Referee as of the date of the Report (verified 01/05/26) but does not state when the I&A was sent to the Probate Referee.

Inventory Review Hearing continued from 03/25/25, 08/12/25, 09/16/25, 01/28/26:
Prior Notes remain:
See Local Rule 8.41 B, Probate Code section 8800 et seq. Letters issued 09/24/24. Final Inventory and Appraisal was due 01/24/25. 
On 09/16/25, the court ordered the personal representative to file the Final Inventory and Appraisal within sixty (60) days.

Submit to court’s determination whether to allow further time for I&A to be filed, or to suspend, surcharge, or remove the personal representative. Letters were issued more than seventeen months ago.
Appearance by personal representative (self-represented) mandatory (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-001121 MATTER OF MARIA A. GONZALEZ 2016 IRREVOCABLE TRUST
Hearing on Petition to (1) Compel an Account of Trust Assets; (2) to Compel Distribution of Trust Assets continued from 03/05/25, 06/26/25, 11/05/25, 11/14/25, 01/09/26:
Objection filed – 06/13/25, by Respondent.
Objection to Accounting filed – 12/23/25, by Petitioner. No accounting has been filed (either a courtesy copy or a petition for court’s approval of the accounting). None was ordered to be filed.
Need status of discovery.
Appearance by petitioner (self-represented) and counsel for objector required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-001375 ESTATE OF NATALIA E. COLLINS, AKA NATALIA COLLINS, NATALIA ESPINOZA GUERRERO
Inventory Review Hearing:
Letters issued 10/10/25. Inventory and Appraisal due 02/10/26.
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-25-000386 ESTATE OF JOSE RICARDO MORENO
Hearing on Second Amended Spousal Property Petition (file marked 09/11/25) continued from 05/20/25, 06/27/25, 08/01/25, 09/19/25, 11/07/25:
On 01/07/26, the Court granted petitioner leave to file third amended petition.  Examiner notes a Notice of Hearing on Third Amended Petition is on file giving notice of this hearing; however, a Third Amended Petition is not on file.
Prior notes for reference:
• Attachment 7a did not include percentages of the community property interest in each asset belonging to the petitioner. See Local Rule 8.98 A.
• Need new order. Form DE-226, Spousal Property Order, submitted 06/20/25 has the following defects:
      o Does not mirror petition as it recites that petitioner is requesting that property pass to surviving spouse. (item 5a is checked and attachment 5a was included).
      o Attachment omitted the APN.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000824 ESTATE OF RICHARD W. JORGENSEN, AKA DICK JORGENSEN, AKA RICHARD ELIAS JORGENSESN, JR
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 11/18/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.82.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000836 ESTATE OF ALLEN MITCHELL JACKSON, AKA ALLEN M. JACKSON
Inventory Review Hearing:
Final Inventory and Appraisal is on file.
Recommend Account Review Hearing 11/18/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.82.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).
 

PR-25-000839 ESTATE OF JOYCE MARY MOORE, AKA JOYCE M. MOORE
Inventory Review Hearing:
Letters issued 09/17/25. Inventory and Appraisal due 01/19/26.
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).

444546 JOHN COLEMAN SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST
Hearing on Petition for Approval of Seventh Accounting and Report of Trustee of the John Coleman Special Needs Trust:
Recommend approval of Account and Report.
Recommend Account Review Hearing 09/22/27 for receipt of Eighth Account.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-22-000335 ESTATE OF FRANK PAUL HERNANDEZ
Hearing on Petition for Termination of Proceedings and Discharge:
Notice appears complete.
Recommend approval of petition. Case will be dismissed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-001109 ESTATE OF DOROTHY LOYD
Hearing on Petition for Approval of First and Final Accounting and Distribution on Waiver of Account; for Statutory Fees; and for Discharge:
• Notice of Hearing not on file (PrC §§ 10830, 11000, 11601).
• Proposed Order not yet submitted.
• Waivers of Accounting not on file. Please ensure that the waivers bear a notary’s acknowledgement (Local Rule 8.69); Waivers must be filed separately (PrC§10954).
• The petition reflects an accounting was waived, although waivers have not been filed yet. The title of the pleading and the Notice of Hearing thereon did not include “Report of Administration” as required by PrC§10954(c). 
• Petition paragraph 5 does not appear complete pursuant to Local Rule 8.82 F. Please be specific (is or has previously been confined, and to the knowledge of the personal representative or her counsel). See also PrC§§9202(b) and 216.
• Petition paragraph 8 describes that the personal representative made two preliminary distributions of under $10,000.00 each. 
      o    The report does not reflect if the personal representative served Notices of Proposed Action for those distributions. See PrC§10520. 
      o    The report does not state the specific date on which the distributions were made, or whether the distributions included interest if paid more than twelve months after the decedent’s death. See PrC§§12000, 12003. See also PrC§1063(e).
• Petition paragraph 20 appears to contain a mathematical error. The total of the costs listed appears to be $1,599.24. This may also impact the prayer and proposed distribution.
• The attorney’s signature was dated 2021, before Letters were issued. The executor’s signature was dated 2024. This pleading appears overly stale. Recommend court direct executor to amend the petition to bring it current.
Appearance by counsel required to receive the court’s order to bring the petition current (by VCourt if preferred). 
 

PR-25-000047 ESTATE OF JANELLE KAY AHRENHOLTZ, AKA JANELLE KAY TABOGA
Hearing on Petition for Final Distribution on Waiver of Accounting; Waiver of Statutory Commission:
•    The title of the pleading and the Notice of Hearing thereon did not include “Report of Administration” as required by PrC§10954(c). 
•    Paragraphs 15 (inventory) and 29 (proposed distribution) of the pleading indicate that the petitioner may have rounded the dollar values to the nearest dollar; that is not appropriate. Please include cents; refer to the Inventory and Appraisal (I&A) file-marked 12/22/25. If, in the I&A Attachment 1, the personal representative rounded to the nearest dollar, a Corrected I&A appears required. For more information, you may refer to the California Probate Referee Guide.
•    Itemization of costs of administration was omitted (see Local Rules 8.69, 8.83K).
•    Neither the petition nor the prayer are specific as to how the assets are to be distributed; 50% and 50% is not sufficiently specific. Please list the specific distributions proposed to each heir. See California Rules of Court rule 7.651, Local Rule 8.83M.
•    Waivers of Accounting do not bear notary’s acknowledgement (Local Rule 8.69); Waivers must be filed separately, not only attached as an Exhibit (PrC§10954).
•    Proposed Order not yet submitted. Please ensure that the proposed order is specific as to the distributions of estate assets to each heir.

Recommend continuance to 07/15/26, to coincide with Account Review Hearing already set, to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000545 ESTATE OF BARBARA JEAN LOVISONE
Hearing on Report of Administrator on Waiver of Account and Petition for Allowance of Statutory Compensation to Attorney for Ordinary Services, for Costs of Administration and for Final Distribution:
Note has been cured.
Recommend approval of Report and Petition.
Recommend court vacate Account Review Hearing of 08/06/26.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 09/24/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.92.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).
 

PR-26-000105 ESTATE OF RICARDO MONTES HERNANDEZ
Hearing on Petition to Determine Succession to Primary Residence:
Note has been cured.
Recommend court find notice complete and approve the petition as supplemented.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).
 

PR-26-000109 ESTATE OF BRAD JOSEPH GRAVES
Hearing on Petition to Determine Succession to Primary Residence:
One note was cured, other notes remain:
• Attachment 11 appears incomplete:
      o Attachment 11 must include the complete legal description: reference to the attached copy of a recorded grant deed is insufficient.
      o Please provide details in Attachment 11 to satisfy petition item 11(2) (statement of facts that show the property was decedent’s primary residence in California). 
• 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).
• Proposed Order, Form DE-315: 
      o Item 3c was left incomplete (intestate or testate).
      o    Attachment 9a must include the complete legal description: reference to the attached copy of a recorded grant deed is insufficient.
Appearance by petitioner (self-represented) required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000112 ESTATE OF SCOTT ALAN COLBERT
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).
 

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2026
Department 22
8:30 a.m.

2200062 ESTATE OF MARY RUBY ANDRUS, AKA MARY R. ANDRUS, MARY ANDRUS
Account Review Hearing:
Neither PrC§12200 Status Report nor Petition for Final Distribution 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 08/05/26 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).

2200841 ESTATE OF JACINTO CAETANO OLIVEIRA, AKA JACINTO CAETANO DE OLIVEIRA
Discharge Review Hearing continued from 07/28/20, 10/28/20, 05/27/21, 12/01/21, 05/17/22, 12/01/22, 05/02/23, 11/07/23, 05/08/24, 12/19/24, 02/07/25, 09/18/25:
Need status of tax refund and distribution of retained funds.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

2201462 ESTATE OF JOHN R. SWANSON
Discharge Review Hearing continued from 11/23/22, 03/22/23, 07/27/23, 10/05/23, 11/09/23, 05/09/24, 08/29/24, 12/12/24, 04/15/25, 09/18/25:
Prior defects cured.
On 12/12/24, the Court directed personal representative to file proof of report to the Sheriff’s Office for the firearm purported to be stolen (Serial No 182-04872 per Declaration filed) and receipts to be filed separately.  Copy of Report is on file.
All other receipts of distribution are on file. 
See Local Rule 8.92. Form DE-295, Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge and Order, with copies of previously filed receipts attached not yet submitted at time of review.
Nothing filed since last hearing. Need status.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-22-000640 ESTATE OF PEDRO S. ALBERTO, AKA PETE ALBERTO
Hearing on First Account and Report of Executor and Petition for its Settlement – filed by Irma Zarate continued from 02/25/25, 06/26/25, 10/28/25:
No procedural defects in petition.
Objection filed 02/20/25 – by Monica Alberto
On 02/25/25 and 06/26/25, parties were ordered to meet and confer to discuss settlement. 
On 10/28/25, counsel was directed to file a status report 15 days prior to the hearing. Status report is on file.
Hearing required.
Appearances by counsel mandatory (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000095 ESTATE OF NORMA JEAN CATHCART
Hearing on Order to Show Cause issued to Administrator on 09/17/25 and reissued 01/14/26:
For failure to appear, failure to file pleadings as directed. Failure to appear on 03/18/26 and/or failure to abide by the court’s orders may result in sanctions, surcharge, and/or removal of the personal representative from office.

Account Review Hearing continued from 06/03/25, 09/17/25, 01/14/26:
Nothing filed in more than twelve months. 
On 06/03/25, the court directed that a PrC§12200 Status Report must be filed if estate is not in a position to be closed. 
The court suspended the Administrator from office on 09/17/25 and referred matter to the Public Administrator as possible successor.

Appearance by Administrator mandatory, appearance by County Counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000547 ESTATE OF ADELAIDE S. LINDO, AKA ADELAIDE AUGUSTA LINDO
Account Review Hearing continued from 11/13/25:
On 11/13/25, the court directed that a PrC§12200 Status Report must be filed within forty-five (45) days of that hearing if estate is not in a position to be closed. Neither Petition for Final Distribution nor PrC§12200 Status Report are on file.
• Recommend court issue Order to Show Cause to Administrator and Administrator’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 Administrator 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 mandatory (by VCourt if preferred).
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000661 ESTATE OF ALEX ABBLEY
Hearing on Amended (file-marked 03/09/26) First and Final Account and Report of Administrator, Determine Entitlement to Distribution Including Determination of Property as Community Property, Petition for Allowance of Statutory Fees to Attorney and Reimbursement of Costs and Petition for Final Distribution continued from 11/19/25:
Prior Notes appear to have been cured.
•    Notice of Hearing file-marked 03/09/26 appears defective: the amended pleading was not filed until 03/09/26, but notice thereon was mailed 03/03/26. 
•    Need new proposed Order including legal description of the real property in the order of distribution.
Recommend court direct petitioner to file a new Notice of Hearing of the continued hearing date on the Amended pleading purs. to California Rules of Court rule 7.53.
Recommend continuance to 04/21/26 to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-001280 ESTATE OF GWENDOLYN JOHNSON
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 07/28/26 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-26-000087 MATTER OF MARTNI C. COSTELLO AND MARY JANE COSTELLO REVOCABLE TRUST
Hearing on Petition to Establish Trustees’ Claim of Ownership to Property and for Order Directing Transfer to Trustees:
Notice appears complete.
If no one appears to object, recommend approval of petition.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

334534 ESTATE OF JUSTIN R. WOOD
Hearing on Eighth PrC §12200 Status Report:  
Notice appears complete.
Recommend court allow estate to remain open and set Account Review Hearing on 03/23/27.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000795 ESTATE OF DAVID MICHAEL SINJEM 
Hearing on Petition for Final Distribution of Estate on Waiver of Account; First and Final Report of Administrator:
Recommend approval of petition.
Need new proposed Order with finding of court regarding notice of hearing. See Pr. Code § 1260.
Recommend court set Discharge Review Hearing 09/24/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.92.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000984 ESTATE OF JESSICA SHAW
Hearing on Petition for Final Distribution and Waiver of Account:
The following defects must be addressed in the Petition:
• Caption of pleading appears inadequate for the following reasons:
      o Did not include report of administration as required by PrC§10954(c). 
      o Personal representatives are seeking to waive ordinary compensation [see Probate Code § 10830, California Rule of Court 7.102, Local Rule 8.83L] 
• Itemization of costs of administration was omitted (see Local Rules 8.69, 8.83K).
• Paragraph 6 appears incomplete:  
      o Report omits statement re: whether or not notice to creditors was given per PrC§§10900(b)(1), 9050.
      o Pursuant to PrC§9050(b), the giving of notice to creditors is in addition to the published notice.
      o Report alleges there were no claims filed with the Court.  Two creditors claims were filed with the Court and three Allowance or Rejection of Creditor’s Claim Form DE-174 are on file indicating the claims were allowed.
• Paragraph 19 (proposed distribution) appears incorrect as surviving spouse’s disclaimer appears untimely.
• Paragraph 20 (statutory compensation) appears to contain a calculation error in the computation of statutory fees. Specifically, the Total Fee Base amount.
      o Please see calculator tool available online at https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/divisions/probate/calculator-tools 
• Paragraph 25 (assets on hand) incomplete. Description of assets on hand omitted legal description of real property as required by CRC 7.651(b)(3).
• Please provide a Schedule of (prior) Distribution. See Local Rule 8.65 and PrC§§1063(f).

The following defects must be addressed in the Court’s file:
• Disclaimer was not notarized.  In addition, the Disclaimer, not filed within nine months of decedent’s death, appears to be untimely pursuant to PrC§§279-280 and thus not effective. 
      o May need notarized Waivers of Accounting from decedent’s spouse.
• Proof of Notice to the disclaiming party not on file. See probate Code §1206.
• Satisfaction of Creditor’s Claims not on file.
• Proposed order omitted legal description of the real property for distribution.
Recommend continuance to 07/14/26 to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000569 ESTATE OF VERNON KEITH COGGINS, AKA VERNON COGGINS
Hearing on First and Final Report of Administrator and Petition for Final Distribution on Waiver on Account and Waiver of Statutory Compensation:
Recommend approval of petition.
Recommend court vacate Account Review Hearing of 09/09/26.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 09/24/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.92.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000115 ESTATE OF ZONA GAYLE BAKER, AKA ZONA G. BAKER
• Hearing on Petition for Probate of Will and for Letters Testamentary:
• Petition item 8 must include all those named in the will in any capacity, even those who are deceased (decedent’s late husband, first and second alternate executors, Trustee of the Z.G. Baker Trust). See Petition item 8 and Local Rule 8.26.
• Waiver of bond not on file from the sole devisee (Trustee). Bond may be required.
• Notice not on file for the first and second alternate executors or the Trustee. See PrC§§8110(b), 1208.
      o If both the petitioners are co-Trustees of the Trust, please provide a copy of the Trust for the court to determine if notice is complete purs. to PrC§1208.
Recommend continuance to 05/08/26 to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000118 ESTATE OF JACQUELINE GLENNELL OTT, AKA JACQUELINE G. OTT, AKA JACKIE OTT
Hearing on Petition for Probate of Lost Will and for Letters Testamentary:
Lost Will is not self-proving. Proof of Subscribing Witness is on file.
•    It appears the original Codicil has not yet been presented in person to the Clerk’s Office for filing.  Original Wills/Codicils are not accepted via E-file.  See Local Rule 1.14G and the Court’s website:  www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/forms-filing/e-filing.
•    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 (i.e., a copy of the Will).  
Recommend continuance to 04/24/26 to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).
 

PR-26-000121 ESTATE OF THOMAS C. HULL, AKA THOMAS CHESTER HULL
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration:
Recommend approval of petition.
Recommend Inventory Review Hearing 09/22/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.41 B.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000151 ESTATE OF ALBERT ROBERT BELL
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration:

Defects in the petition Form DE-111:
• The heading of the petition has the box checked “letters of administration”, but petitioner submitted a copy of the decedent’s will and requested the court admit the will to probate. 
• Item 1 did not include the name of the newspaper where Petitioner intends to publish notice. See Probate Code section 8121 and the court’s website here: https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/divisions/probate/newspapers 
• Item 2b was left blank (name of the proposed personal representative that petitioner is asking the court to appoint).
• One of the boxes in item 2b(1 through 4) must be checked (type of personal representative being appointed). 
• Item 1 was left blank (whether the petitioner is seeking full or limited authority under the Independent Administration of Estates Act).
• Item 2d was left blank (whether the petitioner is requesting the court require a bond, or a blocked account, or not).
• Item 3c was left blank (the address of decedent’s residence at the time of his death).
• Item 3d was left blank (estimated value of the property of the estate).
• Item 3e was left blank (regarding bond – see note above regarding item 2d).
• Item 3g was left blank (petitioner must check all boxes that apply).
• Item 3h was left blank (residency of the proposed personal representative).
• Item 4 was not completed (whether the decedent’s will precludes administration under the IAEA).
• Item 5a(1) or (2) was left blank (existence of spouse).
• Item 5a(3) or (4) was left blank (existence of registered domestic partner).
• Item 5a(7) or (8) was left blank (existence of issue of a predeceased child).
• Item 5b was left blank (existence of stepchild or foster child who would have been adopted but for a legal barrier).

Defects in the file which petitioner must work to correct:
• The copy of the Will attached to the petition is not self-proving per Local Rule 8.23.  A Judicial council Form DE-131, Proof of Subscribing Witness, is not on file.
• Form DE-147, Duties and Liabilities, is not on file.
• Form DE-121, Notice of Petition to Administer Estate, file-marked 02/25/26 appears defective/incomplete:
      o    Item 5 on page 1 was not checked (request to administer the estate under the IAEA – see notes above).
      o The form does not reflect that notice was mailed to the minor heir and to the custodial parent/person having legal custody of the minor.
• Based on the attachment to the petition it appears that petitioner may not be able to lodge the original will with the court. If petitioner intends to amend the petition to ask the court to admit a “lost” or “destroyed” will (see Probate Code § 82233), she has not yet filed a verified declaration to rebut the Probate Code § 6124 presumption:
      o Petitioner has not alleged in a verified pleading upon information and belief if the original of decedent’s Will was in decedent’s possession at the time of death.
      o Petitioner has not alleged in a verified pleading upon information and belief if the decedent was competent until death.
• Affidavit of publication not on file. See Local Rule 8.12.
• Forms DE-140 and DE-150, Proposed Order and Letters, not submitted.

Submit to court for determination: one of the two heirs is the petitioner/named executor in the will presented by petitioner, and the other heir is described as a minor. Guardian ad litem appears necessary pursuant to Local Rule 8.07.

Petitioner left most of the petition entirely blank. Please see California Rules of Court rules 7.3 and 7.53 for the types of documents petitioner may file to address these defects.
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 (by VCourt if preferred).
 

THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2026
Department 22
8:30 a.m.

PR-21-001242 THE MAXWELL HEINZLE SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST
Hearing on First Account Current and Report of Trustee and for Allowance of Attorney’s Fees continued from 11/01/23, 02/27/24, 08/27/24, 12/04/25:
REVIEW IN PROGRESS. PLEASE CHECK BACK.

PR-21-001275 ESTATE OF ERA MAE BRANCO, AKA MAE BRANCO
Account Review Hearing continued from 10/02/24, 03/12/25, 07/02/25:
A Petition for Final Distribution has been filed and set for hearing 04/01/26.
Hearing of 04/01/26 will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).    

PR-24-000480 ESTATE OF GLADYS MAE WOODS
Account Review Hearing:
PrC §12200 Status Report filed and set for hearing 04/21/26. 
Hearing of 04/21/26 will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000757 ESTATE OF DARRELL VERN BYE, JR. AKA DARRELL V. BYE, JR. DARRELL BYE

Hearing on Petition for Probate of Will and for Letters Testamentary (filed by M. Bye) continued from 09/19/24, 12/12/24, 07/03/25, 12/02/25, 02/04/26:
Will is not self-proving per Local Rule 8.23.  Proof of Subscribing Witness on file.
Opposition filed – 09/05/25, by D. Ferreira (will contest). Service appears complete.

Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration (filed by D. Ferreira) continued from 09/04/24, 09/19/24, 12/12/24, 07/03/25, 12/02/25, 02/04/26:
Objection filed – 09/05/25, by M. Bye.

Possible long-cause matter. 
Matter was continued by the court from 02/04/26 to allow time for D. Ferreira to perfect notice on the will contest or the will contest would be stricken. 
Declaration file-marked 03/06/26 submitted to court for determination.
Appearance by counsel required. Anyone choosing to appear may do so either in person or remotely, by telephone, using VCourt.

PR-24-000796 ESTATE OF PATRICIA ANN ROBBINS, AKA PATRICIA ROBBINS
Account Review Hearing continued from 11/13/25:
On 11/13/25 court ordered the personal representative to file a PrC§12200 Status Report with Notice of Hearing within 90 days if the estate is not in a position to be closed.
• Neither Petition for Final Distribution nor (Second) PrC§12200 Status Report are on file at the time of review.  See Local Rule 8.82. 
Recommend court issue Order to Show Cause to Administrator and Administrator’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-24-000836 ESTATE OF KWEI-CEE CHU
Account Review Hearing:
PrC §12200 Status Report filed and set for hearing 04/28/26. 
Hearing of 04/28/26 will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000187 ESTATE OF RONALD RAY EDWARDS, AKA RON EDWARDS
Related case PR-25-000188 
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 12/16/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.82.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000188 ESTATE OF GERALDINE EDWARDS, AKA GERI EDWARDS
Related case PR-25-000187 
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 12/16/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.82.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000299 ESTATE OF GARY JACKSON
1.    Inventory Review Hearing continued from 11/12/25:
Supplemental bond rider is on file.
An Amended Final Inventory and Appraisal is on file. Prior Notes have been cured.
If the court does not remove the personal representative today, recommend court set Account Review Hearing on the next available continuance date pursuant to Local Rule 8.82, as a PrC§12200 Status Report will be due in early June.

2.    Hearing on Petition for Removal of Personal Representative continued from 11/12/25:
Notice of Hearing not on file for the bond company. See PrC§1213.
Proof of service of Citation (Form DE-122) not on file. Citation was issued 02/13/26. See PrC§8500(b).
Answer filed purs. to PrC§8500(c) – 11/04/25 (by personal representative). 
    On 11/12/25, the court set a deadline of this hearing for notice to be perfected.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000702 ESTATE OF MONICA MELENDEZ
(1)    Order to Show Cause issued 11/14/25 to Harry Roth, Esq.:
To appear and show cause for failure to appear at the 11/14/25 hearing and for possible sanctions of $300.00.

(2)    Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration continued from 08/21/25, 10/01/25, 11/14/25:
On 11/14/25, the Court ordered that failure to appear and cure defects by next hearing will result in dismissal.
Nothing filed since last hearing. 
Recommend Court dismiss this action.
Prior notes:
• 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.
See California Rules of Court rules 7.3 and 7.53 regarding the types of forms that may be used to address the above defects.
• Form DE-121, Notice of Petition to Administer Estate, file marked 07/10/25 has 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.
• Form DE-140, Proposed Order, not submitted.
• Form DE-150, Letters, not submitted.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-001101 MATTER OF MATTHEW EOFF, OR MATTER OF DURABLE POWER OF ATTORNEY OF RUFUS SANTOS, PRINCIPAL
1.    Hearing on Amended Petition (file-marked 11/24/25) to Invalidate and Revoke Power of Attorney Based on Undue Influence, Abuse of Authority and Elderly Abuse by Respondent and Mental Capacity of the Principal continued from 12/04/25:
• Does petitioner possess a copy of the Power of Attorney document? If so, please file a copy of it attached as an exhibit to a verified pleading purs. to PrC§4542. See California Rules of Court rules 7.3 and 7.53 for the types of pleadings that may be filed.
• Notice of Hearing (Form DE-120) not on file for Respondent/agent. See Probate Code sections 4544, 1220, 1214, and California Rules of Court starting with rule 7.50.
      o    Notice of Hearing on file for principal and the attorney representing principal and agent.
Objection filed – 12/01/25, by K. Hrenko as an individual. It appears the objection was prepared in response to the original petition and not the amended petition.

2.    Hearing on Motion to Disqualify Law Firm of Cyril Lawrence Inc as Counsel for Respondent Due to Conflict of Interest continued from 01/09/26:
SEE TENTATIVE RULING, to be posted day prior to hearing at https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/online-services/tentative-rulings/…

3.    Hearing on Demurrer continued from 03/11/26:
SEE TENTATIVE RULING, to be posted day prior to hearing at https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/online-services/tentative-rulings/…

4.    Hearing on Motion to Dismiss continued from 03/11/26:
SEE TENTATIVE RULING, to be posted day prior to hearing at https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/online-services/tentative-rulings/…

Request for Judicial Notice file-marked 01/14/26. Submitted to court for determination.

Appearance by petitioner (self-represented) and objector’s counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-001082 ESTATE OF TERRY WAYNE MONKHOUSE AKA TERRY W. MONKHOUSE, TERRY MONKHOUSE
Hearing on Third PrC§12200 Status Report of Administration:
Notice appears complete.
Recommend court vacate previously set 06/10/26 Account Review Hearing and reset for 09/22/26.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000487 ESTATE OF RICHARD R. BREHM
Hearing on Report of Administrator on Waiver of Account and Petition for Allowance of Statutory Compensation to Attorney for Ordinary Services, Compensation to Attorney for Extraordinary Services, for Costs of Administration and for Final Distribution Pursuant to Stipulation and Agreement for Distribution of the Estate:
The calculation of statutory compensation included receipts (appropriate, see Local Rule 8.69), however, the Schedule of Receipts included the petitioner’s $1,500.00 deposit to open the estate account. “Receipt” means property belonging to the estate that comes into the possession of the personal representative; the deposit by PR may be considered as a loan or advance by the personal representative to the estate. This Probate Examiner may not note the reporting of such a deposit in the Schedule of Receipts as an isolated defect provided that it does not then increase the calculation of statutory compensation. See CRC rule 7.705.
Recommend approval of the Report and Petition with the modification that counsel’s statutory compensation is approved at the reduced amount of $13,949.71 (calculated by reducing probate fee base by $1,500.00).
Need updated Order.
Recommend court vacate Account Review Hearing of 06/23/26.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 09/24/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.92.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000010 ESTATE OF NANCY LOU PETTY
Hearing on First and Final Report of Administrator and Petition for Final Distribution on Waiver of Statutory Compensation to Administrator, Predistribution be Approved, Reimbursement to John Simmons and Release of Bond:
The report indicates that the personal representative made a preliminary distribution of $70,000.00 to one of the heirs without prior Court approval.  Written agreements are on file from all heirs.
Submitted to court for determination:
•    Administrator’s failure to obtain court’s authorization prior to executing distribution of greater than $10,000.00 to one of the heirs. See Probate Code section 10501(a)(4).
Appearance by personal representative (self-represented) required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-001212 ESTATE OF PATRICK HEANEY
Hearing on Petitioners Amanda Heaney and Tina Heaney’s Motion for Order Prohibiting Sale or Transfer of Estate Property Pending Determination of Authority:
SEE TENTATIVE RULING, to be posted day prior to hearing at https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/online-services/tentative-rulings/…

PR-25-001284 VIRGINIA DARE ROMEO TRUST UAD APRIL 13, 1999
Hearing on Petition for Return of Personal Property (Probate Code Section 850); Elder Financial Abuse (WIC sections 15610.30 et seq); for Double Damages (Probate Code Section 859); and for Attorneys’ Fees and Costs:
REVIEW IN PROGRESS. PLEASE CHECK BACK.

PR-26-000122 ESTATE OF FRANCISCO H. CORTEZ
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration:

Defects in the Form DE-111, Petition:
•    Caption box did not address “Authorization to Administer Under the Independent Administration of Estates Act.”
•    Item 5a(3) or (4) incomplete (existence of registered domestic partner).
•    Item 5b incomplete (existence of stepchild or foster child who would have been adopted but for a legal barrier).
•    Item 8 did not identify/label the proposed personal representative (Local Rule 8.26 D).
The following must be addressed in the Court’s file:
•    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. Full bond would be 31,000.00. Minimum bond would be $20,000.00 pursuant to Local Rule 8.33.  Submitted to Judge for determination.
•    Form DE-121 Notice of Petition to Administer Estate omitted service to one of the heirs reflected in Item 8 of the petition.
•    Affidavit of publication not on file. See Local Rule 8.12.
•    Form DE-140, Proposed Order, not submitted.
•    Form DE-150, Letters, not submitted.
See California Rules of Court rules 7.3 and 7.53 regarding the types of pleadings that may be used to address these defects.
Appearance by petitioner (self-represented) required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000124 ESTATE OF JANET A. HEILBRONN, AKA JANET ADELE HEILBRONN
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration:
Waiver of bond on file.
Recommend approval of petition.
Recommend Inventory Review Hearing 09/22/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.41B.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000125 ESTATE OF MARJORIE E. SIMPSON
Hearing on Petition to Determine Succession to Primary Residence:
•    Attachment 11 omitted a statement of decedent’s interest (including facts that show it was the decedent’s primary residence in California), and facts regarding the nature of the characterization of the property if any petitioner’s claim to the property is based on succession purs. to PrC§§6401, 6402. See Petition item 11.
•    Copy of the grant deed attached to Petition reflects joint tenancy between decedent and allegedly predeceased spouse. Please provide a copy of the recorded Affidavit of Death of Joint Tenant.
Recommend continuance to 05/08/26 to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000130 ESTATE OF MILDRED POLK, AKA MILDRED TAYLOR
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration:
Requested bond of $168,000.00 appears adequate based on estimated value of estate alleged in the petition.
Defects in the Form DE-111, Petition:
•    Item 5a(3) or (4) incomplete (existence of registered domestic partner).
•    Item 8 did not identify/label the proposed personal representative (Local Rule 8.26 D).
See California Rules of Court rules 7.3 and 7.53 regarding the types of pleadings that may be used to address these defects.
•    Letters, Form DE-150, not yet submitted.
Appearance by petitioner (self-represented) required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000132 ESTATE OF MATTHEW EDWARD SIMPSON
Hearing on Petition to Determine Succession to Primary Residence:
•    Attachment 11 omitted a statement of decedent’s interest (including facts that show it was the decedent’s primary residence in California), and facts regarding the nature of the characterization of the property if any petitioner’s claim to the property is based on succession purs. to PrC§§6401, 6402. See Petition item 11.
Recommend continuance to 05/08/26 to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 2026
Department 22
8:30 a.m.

PR-22-001311 ESTATE OF ROBERT S. VIERRA, JR.
Hearing on Report of Administration; Petition for Final Distribution; for Order on First and Final Account; for Approval of Statutory Personal Representative’s Fees; for Approval of Statutory Attorney’s Fees; for Approval of Costs; for Extraordinary Fees continued from 10/08/25, 10/28/25, 02/05/26:
Some prior notes cured.
Prior Notes remain:
• An Affidavit of mailing was not attached to the Notice of Proposed Action file-marked 10/01/24. See Local Rule 8.100.
      o    A Proof of Service does not appear to have been separately filed, as alleged in the Supplement file-marked 02/03/26.
• New proposed Order will be necessary, as request for Guardian ad litem’s fees was added after the fact by supplement (notice thereon waived purs. to CRC rule 7.53)
Recommend continuance to 05/08/26 to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-001036 ESTATE OF AUREL VIREGAN
Hearing on First and Final Report of Administrator and Petition for Final Distribution on Waiver of Account and Waiver of Statutory Compensation continued from 02/18/26:
Nothing filed since last hearing. Prior defects remain:
•    Waivers of Accounting do not bear notary’s acknowledgement (Local Rule 8.69).
Appearance by personal representative (self-represented) required (Anyone appearing may do so in person, or remotely, by telephone using VCourt).

PR-25-000025 ESTATE OF PATSY SUE OLDHAM DUKE, AKA PATSY SUE DUKE, PATSY S. DUKE
Hearing on First and Final Account and Report of Administrator with Will Annexed and Petition for its Settlement, for Allowance of Statutory Compensation to Attorney and for Final Distribution:
Prior Notes have been cured.
Recommend approval of Account and Petition as supplemented.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 09/24/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.92.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-001155 ESTATE OF THAYER LORING BECK
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration continued from 12/11/25, 01/21/26, 02/27/26:
New Note:
• Supplement file-marked 02/27/26 was not verified by the petitioner. See California Rule of Court 7.103, California Code of Civil Procedure sections 2015.5, 446.
• Supplement file-marked 02/27/26 identified two additional heirs of the decedent who were not given notice by mail of this proceeding. See Form DE-121, Notice of Petition to Administer Estate, and California Rules of Court rule 7.51(d) for notice on an interested person who is a minor.
Prior Notes remain:
• Petition item 3e was not completed (reasons why a bond would not be required, as the petitioner has requested a bond not be required).
      o Full bond would be $420,136.00 based on estimated value of decedent’s estate alleged in the petition. 
      o Waivers of bond are on file from the heirs. 
          +    At least one of the heirs has been described as a minor of 17 ½ years of age. Guardian ad litem has not been appointed. Bond may be required.
• Need new proposed Form DE-150, Letters: item 4 on the right-hand column must include the date of city where the petitioner signed the form.
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 (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-001319 ESTATE OF LINDA N. ELLIOTT, AKA LINDA NELLE ELLIOT, LINDA CUDD, LINDA N. CUDD, LINDA BEST, LINDA N. BEST, LINDA SHIPMAN
Hearing on Petition for Probate of Will and for Letters Testamentary continued from 01/28/26:
No defects in the petition.
On 01/28/26, counsel informed the court that notice previously mailed to one of the interested parties came back undeliverable and that petitioner had located what she believed was a new and accurate address for the heir. Form DE-121, Notice of Petition to Administer Estate, file-marked 01/23/26, reflects that that new notice was defective: untimely.
On 01/28/26, the court continued the matter to allow for new and timely notice of this continued hearing date on Dana Elliot. Notice of this hearing on Form DE-121 is not on file.
Recommend court allow a last continuance for mailed notice to be perfected.
Recommend continuance to 04/16/26.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2026

Department 22 
There are no decedent's estates or trust matters on calendar