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/UDC 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.

Remote appearances on or after November 2, 2026, will be conducted using "UDC", a digital courtroom appearance system. For more information on how to appear by telephone, please see the section "Remote Appearances" on the home page of this website.

 

POSTED October 2, 2026
Proposed Local Rules revisions for Superior Court of California, County of Stanislaus, which will take effect January 1, 2027, 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.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2026

Department 22
8:30 a.m.

444867 MATTER OF JOEL DOUGLAS RADUECHEL SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST
Hearing on Petition to Appoint Successor Trustee, and for Exoneration of Bond:
Notice appears complete.
•    Please confirm if, to petitioner’s knowledge, the Trustor Joel Raduechel ever exercised the special power of appointment described in the Trust § 2.6.
The Court is inclined to grant the Petition. Hearing required in the event Creditor disputes waiver of bond request. 
Hearing required.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-21-001242 THE MAXWELL HEINZLE SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST
(1)    Order to Show Cause issued on 03/19/26 to Roxanne Heinzle continued from 04/16/26, 07/29/26:
To appear and show cause why Court should not remove her as trustee and issue surcharge for failure to bring account current.
On 07/29/26, the Court suspended Ms. Heinzle and appointed the Public Guardian as Trustee ad Litem for the purposes of giving notice to Megan Heinzel regarding the Court’s intention to appoint her as successor trustee.  Notice to proposed successor trustee is on file.

(2)    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, 03/19/26, 04/16/26, 07/29/26:
On 02/27/24 the Court directed Trustee to bring account current.
On 08/27/24 the Court ordered Trustee to file an account current within forty-five (45 days) of that hearing.
On 11/24/25, more than one year after the deadline set by the court, the Trustee has filed a Supplement to the First Account bringing the account “current” to 10/22/24.
•    A Supplement may correct a mistake or omission, or add information, but it may not be used to allege new facts (such as to bring an account current). Please see California Rules of Court rules 7.3 and 7.53. 
On 12/04/25, the court directed trustee to file either an amendment to the First Account or an amended First Account and give new notice.
On 
Nothing filed since last hearing.
Appearance by Trustee and Trustee’s counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).    

PR-23-000443 ESTATE OF CRAIG GERARD COKER, AKA CRAIG G. COKER
1.    Inventory Review Hearing continued from 04/14/26, 05/06/26, 08/25/26:
Letters were issued 10/23/25. Final Inventory and Appraisal was due 02/23/26.
Partial No. 1 Inventory and Appraisal on file, reflecting there are currently no assets in this estate; Partial No. 2 Inventory and Appraisal recently filed.
Final Inventory and Appraisal not on file.
Recommend court compel the filing of the Final Inventory and Appraisal purs. to PrC§8004, or penalties may be imposed such as sanctions, surcharge, and/or removal from office.

2.    Hearing on Joint Petition for Leave to File a Late Creditor’s Claim continued from 07/15/26, 08/25/26:
Notice of hearing appears complete.
Objection filed – 07/09/26, by personal representative.
Response to Objection filed – 09/17/26, by petitioners.
    
Appearance by petitioners (self-represented) and counsel for personal representative required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-000546 ESTATE OF ROBERT LEROY CARLSON, AKA ROBERT L. CARLSON, ROBERT CARLSON
Account Review Hearing continued from 06/18/26:
On 06/18/26 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.
A PrC§12200 Status Report has been filed and a hearing set for 12/17/26. 
Hearing of 12/17/26 will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).
 

PR-23-000890 ESTATE OF JAMES P. STENSON
(1)    Order to Show Cause 07/23/26 to James Alexaner Stenson:
To appear and show cause for failure to appear at the 07/23/26 hearing an failure to file pleadings as directed.  Failure to abide by this order by 10/20/26 may result in possible suspension and removal from office.

(2)    Order to Show Cause issued 01/22/26 to William J. Hooy, Esq., continued from 07/23/26:
To appear and explain his failure to appear and why the court should not impose sanctions for failure to appear and failure to file Form DE-295, Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge and Order.

(3)    Discharge Review Hearing continued from 10/16/25, 01/22/26, 07/23/26:
Nothing filed since previous hearing. Prior Note remains:
See Local Rule 8.92. Form DE-295, Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge and Order, not yet submitted at time of review.
Need status.
Appearance by Administrator and Administrator’s counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-001095 ESTATE OF ROSA LINDA FELICIANO
Account Review Hearing:
Recommend review hearing be dropped.

Hearing on First and Final Report and Account of Administrators; for Allowance of Statutory Attorney’s Fees and Administrator’s Fees; and for Final Distribution continued from 08/04/26:
Prior Notes have been cured.
If no one appears to object, recommend approval of Report and Petition as supplemented, including requests for reimbursement.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 04/29/27 pursuant to Local Rule 8.92.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-001062 ESTATE OF COLEEN WALLEN
Hearing on First Amended (file marked 10/14/26) First and Final Report Executor on Waiver of Accounting; Petition for Order: 1. Approving Report of Executor on Waiver of Account; 2. Allowing Statutory Compensation to Executor and Attorneys; 3. Reimbursement of Costs; 4. For Final Distribution; and 5. Discharge of Executor: continued from 07/28/26:
The following defects must be addressed in the Amended Petition:
•    Costs of Administration include photocopies and postage ($31.58), which are considered a cost of doing business and are not reimbursable. It appears reimbursement of costs would be $2,042.19.
See California Rules of Court rules 7.3 and 7.53 regarding the types of pleadings that may be used to address these defects.

The following defects must be addressed in the Court’s file:
•    Notice of Hearing not on file on Amended Petition, including notice to one of the eight claimants (Philips & Cohen) who did not file a Satisfaction of Claim (Probate Code §§ 48, 1220, 11429).
•    Need new Proposed Order. Proposed Order submitted 10/14/26:
    o    Paragraph 10 includes “the court finds” and appears under the language “It is so Ordered” (Line 7, Page 2) instead of under the court’s findings (See Line 5 and 6 of page 2). 
    o    Page 1 (Attorney information) does not comply with CRC rule 2.111.
Recommend continuance to 12/18/26 to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).
 

PR-24-001301 MATTER OF SAM RANDY TRUST
Status Review Hearing purs. PrC§§19003 et seq:
Recommend court on its own motion take judicial notice of related cases PR-25-000980 and CV-25-003826.
Recommend continuance to 01/14/27 to coincide with hearing in related case PR-25-000980, for judicial economy.
No appearance required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000407 ESTATE OF NANCY MANLEY, AKA NANCY ELAINE MANLEY
Account Review Hearing:
See Local Rule 8.82. Neither Petition for Final Distribution nor PrC§12200 Status Report are on file. Latter was due four months ago.
Recommend court order personal representative to file a PrC§12200 Status Report (with Notice pursuant to PrC§12201) within 45 days if estate is not in a position to be closed.
Recommend continuance to 03/04/27 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-25-000449 ESTATE OF PATRICIA JEAN CUMBERLAND, AKA PATRICIA J. CUMBERLAND
Account Review Hearing:
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 03/04/27 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-26-000570 ESTATE OF GARRY ALLAN HELLERUD, AKA GARRY A. HELLERUD
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration (filed by Wesley D. Hellerud) 
continued from 07/15/26:
Objection filed – 09/09/26 (by Vineta Matlock)
Reply to Objection filed – 10/05/26 (by Wesley D. Hellerud)
Declarations of Janelle Ellinger and Julie Sanchez regarding decedent’s Will did not include a verification.
Hearing required.
Appearances required (by VCourt if preferred).
 

PR-26-001014 ESTATE OF LAURAL ANN OSBORNE
Hearing on Petition to Determine Succession of Real Property:
If no one appears to object, recommend court find notice is complete and approve the petition as supplemented.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

2200521 MATTER OF ZALEEYA DE LA TORRE TRUST
Hearing on Petition to Approve Sixth Account and Report of Trustee, to Increase Bond, to Confirm Trustee’s Fees, and to Approve Attorney’s Fees:
•    Please address the disbursement paid 06/27/25 to payee “unknown”, but which is categorized as “clothing expense”. How does Trustee know the disbursement was a clothing expense? Did Trustee try but not succeed in tracking down that disbursement?
•    Please explain the $5,000.00 disbursement(s) for windows during the account period.
•    Please report the circumstance(s) that necessitated repairs to the real property as indicated by the January-February 2025 disbursements in both sibling Trusts (repairs, new sliding, labor for wall repair, etc.).
•    Please include additional verbiage in the proposed Order: see items 4 and 5 of order approving fifth account file-marked 09/12/25, and the Declarations file-marked 07/29/25 and 08/01/25.
Recommend approval of request to increase bond by $5,000.00, for total bond of $208,000.00. Bond rider to be filed.
Recommend court vacate Account Review Hearing of 07/21/27.
Recommend continuance to 01/08/27 to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-000308 ESTATE OF GEORGE DOUGLAS BIXLER, SR.
(1)    Report of Sale and Petition for Order Confirming Sale of Real Property at 4944 Mary Harrison Mine Road, Coulterville CA (APN: 003-230-015000):
•    Deposit amount recited in item 4d ($500.00) appears to be under the minimum of 10% of the purchase price. Buyer’s committed loan not provided. Petitioner has not shown good cause. Please see Local Rule 8.60.
•    Petition was file marked 09/17/26, which is prior to the date of sale reflected in Item 4c and Affidavit of Publication (10/01/26). Pursuant to Local Rule 8.55 B, a petition must not be filed and an offer must not be accepted prior to the date of sale specified in the published notice. If this situation occurs, the sale will be denied.

(2)    Report of Sale and Petition for Order Confirming Sale of Real Property at 4813 Crown Lee Road, Coulterville, CA (APN: 003-240-009000):
•    Deposit amount recited in item 4d ($500.00) appears to be under the minimum of 10% of the purchase price. Buyer’s committed loan not provided. Petitioner has not shown good cause. Please see Local Rule 8.60.
•    Petition was file marked 09/17/26, which is prior to the date of sale reflected in Item 4c and Affidavit of Publication (10/01/26). Pursuant to Local Rule 8.55 B, a petition must not be filed and an offer must not be accepted prior to the date of sale specified in the published notice. If this situation occurs, the sale will be denied.

(3)    Report of Sale and Petition for Order Confirming Sale of Real Property at 4901 Crown Lee Road, Coulterville, CA (APN: 003-240-012000):
•    Deposit amount recited in item 4d ($500.00) appears to be under the minimum of 10% of the purchase price. Buyer’s committed loan not provided. Petitioner has not shown good cause. Please see Local Rule 8.60.
•    Petition was file marked 09/17/26, which is prior to the date of sale reflected in Item 4c and Affidavit of Publication (10/01/26). Pursuant to Local Rule 8.55 B, a petition must not be filed and an offer must not be accepted prior to the date of sale specified in the published notice. If this situation occurs, the sale will be denied.

(4)    Report of Sale and Petition for Order Confirming Sale of Real Property at Vacant Lot in Coulterville, CA (APN: 003-250-020000):
•    Deposit amount recited in item 4d ($500.00) appears to be under the minimum of 10% of the purchase price. Buyer’s committed loan not provided. Petitioner has not shown good cause. Please see Local Rule 8.60.
•    Petition was file marked 09/17/26, which is prior to the date of sale reflected in Item 4c and Affidavit of Publication (10/01/26). Pursuant to Local Rule 8.55 B, a petition must not be filed and an offer must not be accepted prior to the date of sale specified in the published notice. If this situation occurs, the sale will be denied.

It appears the court must deny the petitions as premature. Submitted to court for determination.
Please note, there appears to be no defect with the published notices, and purs. to PrC§10306(a), a private sale may be made up to one year after the day in the published notice as the date “on or after which” the sale is to be made. While these sales may be denied by the court, the publications would appear to be acceptable for sales that occur on or after the date “on or after which” the sale was to be made.

Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).
 

PR-23-000606 ESTATE OF OFELIA VALDEZ
Hearing on Petitioner’s Final Report on Waiver of Account and Petition for Final Distribution and Payment of Statutory Compensation, Reimbursement of Costs:
Notes cured. 
Recommend approval of petition as supplemented.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 04/29/27 pursuant to Local Rule 8.92.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-000887 ESTATE OF EMMANUEL GOMEZ
Hearing on Second PrC§12200 Status Report of Administration:
•    Notice of Hearing not on file (see PrC§12201) for creditors for whom an allowance/rejection (Form DE-174) is not on file: Department of Child Support Services, Franchise Tax Board (PrC§48). The former creditor also filed a Request for Special Notice.
Prior Note remains: A Corrected Inventory and Appraisal is not on file and is required: Date of death did not agree with the Order for Probate.
Recommend court order personal representative to perfect notice pursuant to PrC§12201 before the next hearing or surcharge may be imposed. If the Petition for Final Distribution is filed prior to the next hearing, the next hearing may be vacated.
Recommend continuance to 01/08/27 to allow time for notice.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000023 ESTATE OF KATHLEEN MATILDA KANIKKEBERG, AKA KATHLEEN M. KANNIKKEBERG, KATHLEEN KANNIKEBERG
Hearing on Waiver of Accounting and Petition for Final Distribution; and for Compensation for Services of Attorney for Administrator:
•    Waivers of Accounting do not bear notary’s acknowledgement (Local Rule 8.69).
Recommend court vacate Account Review Hearing of 04/27/27.
Recommend continuance to 12/11/26 to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2026

Department 22
8:30 a.m.

PR-19-000562 JASON A WHITE SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST
Account Review Hearing continued from 07/22/26:
Third Account and Report has been filed and set for hearing 01/07/27. 
Hearing of 01/07/27 will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-000515 MATTER OF THE PHILLIP AND JANE REFFLE TRUST  
(3) Hearing on Order to Show Cause issued 03/05/25 to the former Trustee, Janet Reffle continued from 09/09/25, 03/12/26, 07/28/26:
To appear and show cause for failing to provide an accounting as ordered by the court (order issued 08/20/24). 
As the court had ordered, petitioner has filed proofs of service of having served the former trustee with a copy of the Minute Order dated 09/09/25 and a copy of the court’s order file-marked 08/20/24. Notice appears complete.

(2) Account Review Hearing continued from 03/05/25, 09/09/25, 03/12/26, 07/28/26:
Accounting of former Trustee with end date of 08/01/24 not on file.
Need status from Janet Reffle.

(1) Hearing on Petition by beneficiary Pamela Bates for Accounting, Distribution, and Surcharge of Trustee continued from 08/15/23, 12/05/23, 04/30/24, 08/14/24, 03/05/25, 09/09/25, 03/12/26, 07/28/26:
Remaining issues not yet ruled on are petition for surcharge and distribution.
Declaration of petitioner’s attorney on file, file-marked 08/14/26: per counsel, the petitioner has passed away.
The court will set a hearing on 04/23/27 on the court’s motion to close this case. If nothing is filed between now and the next hearing, the case will be closed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-000554 ESTATE OF VICTORIA FRASER
Account Review Hearing continued from 07/21/26:
•    Neither Petition for Final Distribution nor PrC§12200 Status Report are on file at the time of review.  See Local Rule 8.82. 
Recommend continuance to 03/24/27 to allow time for filing of the above pleadings after distribution of related case PR-22-001147.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000170 SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST OF JAMES W. MALLEY
Hearing on Petition to Approve Accounting for Special Needs Trust, Reduce Bond, and Approve Attorney Fees continued from 06/04/26:

New Note:
•    Notice of Hearing file-marked 06/25/26 indicated that a copy of the petition was already served; no proof of service has been filed. Notice is therefore incomplete.

All prior Notes remain:
This is the Second Account of the Trustee, the first having been filed in the related conservatorship case; please label the next accounting as the Third Account.

• The petition includes a request for reduction of bond, which would appear appropriate, however the proposed bond reduction is too low. The bond amount must also include one year of income of the Trust as well as the recovery fee purs. to CRC rule 7.903(c)(5) and PrC§2320. Please see online calculator tool here: https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/divisions/probate/calculator-tools
• Statement regarding family/affiliate relationship omitted [see PrC§1064(a)(4)].
• Statement regarding interest bearing accounts omitted [see PrC§1064(a)(5)].
• The start date of this second account (04/19/22) is the same date as the end date of the prior first account (04/19/22). Both accountings included a disbursement of $500.00 on 4/19/26 – was that the same disbursement? The account periods may not overlap; this account must start on 04/20/22. Please file a supplement, amended account, or amendment to the account purs. to CRC rules 7.3 and 7.53.
• Account omitted Schedules of Property on Hand at beginning and end of the account period.
• Schedule of Disbursement must include both the payee and the purpose. 
• Unusual circumstances must be explained in the Petition, not only as a footnote in the Account (see PrC§1064):
      o    A footnote to the Schedule of Disbursement reflects that there was a prior court order approving visitation expense. Please provide the date of that order and the case number of the file in which the order was made in the body of the Report.
      o    Please elaborate on the second footnote to the Schedule of Disbursement for the $5,479.50 travel expense. 
• Please explain the more than $300.00 disbursement dated 07/16/22 for purpose of “restaurant”.
• The Trust makes frequent disbursements in the same amount for the purpose of “travel/motel”. This may not be an issue, but please include in the petition a brief explanation as to where the beneficiary is traveling to and what benefit he receives from the travel.
• Please explain the disbursements dated 12/6/22 and 12/6/23 for “annual charge inv. Acct.”. In future accountings, please limit the use of abbreviations unless they are universal (e.g., IRS, USPS).
• Schedule of Disbursements includes multiple credit card payments. In whose name is the credit card? If it is in the name of the Trust, then it would be considered a transfer and the credit card should be identified in a Schedule of Liabilities; the expenses charged to the credit card would be the “disbursement”. If it is in the name of the Trust beneficiary, and the beneficiary is charging personal expenses to the credit card and said charges are then paid by the Trustee from Trust funds, such disbursements may reduce or eliminate the beneficiary’s eligibility for public benefits. 
      o    If the latter, please show either that the distributions did not reduce or eliminate the beneficiary’s eligibility for public benefits, or, in the alternative, if the distributions would or did reduce/eliminate the beneficiary’s eligibility, that the distributions were in the beneficiary's best interest and Trustee acted in good faith. (See McGee v. State Dep't of Health Care Services (2023) 91 Cal.App.5th 1161, 1174–1176.) 

Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000206 ESTATE OF WENDY A. WEBER, AKA WENDY ALICE WEBER, AKA WENDY WEBER
Account Review Hearing:
A PrC §12200 Status Report has been filed and set for hearing on 12/08/26.
Hearing of 12/08/26 will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).
 

PR-25-000365 ESTATE OF MARCIE J. BARLOW ISAMAN, AKA MARCIE BARLOW, MARCIE JOHNSON ISAMAN
Account Review Hearing:
See Local Rule 8.82 and also Probate Code sections 12200, and 9000 through 9399. Neither Petition for Final Distribution nor PrC§12200 Status Report are on file.
Please review your responsibilities in the Duties and Liabilities, Form DE-147, you signed and filed.
Appearance by Administrator (self-represented) required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000151 ESTATE OF ALBERT ROBERT BELL
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration continued from 03/18/26, 07/22/26:
Nothing filed in eight months. Prior Notes remain:

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

On 07/22/26, the court directed petitioner to cure the defects by this hearing, and said that this would be the last continuance. Recommend court dismiss the case without prejudice for failure to cure defects.

Appearance by petitioner (self-represented) required (by VCourt if preferred). If no one appears, the case will be dismissed.

PR-26-000544 WILLIAM A. MADSEN REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST
Hearing on Amended (file marked 09/30/26) Petition to Compel Trust Accounting and to Remove Trustee (filed by Lynne Rice) continued from 07/22/26:

Defects with the Amended Petition:
•    The caption (title) of the petition does not appear complete as to relief sought; the prayer at the end of the petition (page 5) includes requests for orders for appointment of successor trustee, transfer of assets, surcharge, legal fees, costs and compensation. See California Rules of Court rule 7.102 and Local Rule 8.83 L.
•    The Trust names petitioner AND Mr. Madsen as alternate successor trustees to serve as co-trustees: Is Mr. Madsen unwilling, or unable to serve as successor trustee?
•    Verification (page 7) was not signed by petitioner and did not include a sworn statement as required by California Rules of Court rule 7.103b and California Code of Civil Procedure §446.
Please see California Rules of Court rule 7.3 for the types of pleadings that petitioner may use to address the above Note, and rule 7.53 for the form of service or notice required for each pleading defined in rule 7.3. Petitioner may consider supplementing Petition.

Defects with the notice:
•    The Notice of Hearing on the Amended Petition is not on file.  Please note, the caption (title) of the amended petition does not appear complete as to relief sought; the prayer at the end of the petition includes request for orders for transfer, surcharge, and legal fees, costs and compensation, etc. The Notice of Hearing on the original petition was deemed defective for this reason. See California Rules of Court rule 7.102, 7.50.

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

PR-26-000696 ESTATE OF DAVID ABRAHAM SAYAD
Hearing on Amended (file marked 10/07/26) Petition for Probate of Will and for Letters Testamentary continued from 08/04/26:
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 following defects must be addressed in the Amended Petition (DE-111):
•    Waivers of Bond are on file.  Personal representative resides outside of the United States. Specifically, Australia. See PrC§8571. Petitioner seeks bond of $30,000.00. Maximum bond would be $870,000.00. Bond matter will be submitted to Judge for determination when defects are cured.
•    The petition (attachment 8b) alleges that the Will bequests property located at 2007 Monte Vista Avenue, Denair CA 95316 to his son David Bernard Abraham and that such property was not owned by decedent at the time of his death as it was sold in 2021 by deed. However, there appears to be a discrepancy. Please clarify this property:
    o    The Will identifies property located at 3104 Andre Lane, Turlock CA 95482 to be given to David Bernard Abraham.  Examiner cannot find any reference to the property located at 2007 Monte Vista Avenue, Denair in the Will. Which property was sold? A copy of the deed would be helpful.
    o    The Inventory from the domiciliary case identifies the real property located at 2007 Monte Vista Avenue, Denair as part of the estate’s assets.
•    The signatures of attorney and petitioner were not dated (page 4). This is required to determine if the oath executed in the Letters was dated prior to verification on petition (PrC§8403).
See California Rules of Court rules 7.3 and 7.53 regarding the types of pleadings that may be used to address these defects.  Petitioners may consider supplementing petition to provide the missing information.

The following defects must be addressed in the Court’s file.
•    Form DE-121, Notice of Petition to Administer Estate (file-marked 10/07/26):
    o    Pursuant to CRC rule 7.51(2), notice mailed to a person in care of another person is insufficient unless the person entitled to notice is an adult and has directed the party giving notice in writing to send the notice in care of the second person.
    o    Notice to a minor must be sent directly to the minor.  A separate copy of the notice must be sent to the person or persons having legal custody of the minor, with whom the minor resides [CRC rule 7.51(d)].
    o    Was served on 10/01/26, prior to the date the Amended Petition was filed. It appears notice on the Amended Petition has not been perfected.
•    Affidavit of publication not on file. See Local Rule 8.12.
•    An authenticated copy of the Will admitted in the sister state does not appear to have been lodged in this county [see PrC§12521(a)(2)].  Original or authenticated copies of Wills 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.

Recommend continuance to 03/10/27 to allow time to cure defects. 
Appearance not required. (Anyone wishing to appear may do so either in person or remotely, by telephone, using VCourt)
 

2200522 MATTER OF JUAN DE LA TORRE SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST
Hearing on Petition to Approve Sixth Account and Report of Trustee, to Increase Bond, to Confirm Trustee’s Fees and to Approve Attorney’s Fees:
•    Please confirm the disbursement of $216.66 to “Integrity Fiduciary Services” on 03/11/25 was for “shoes” as indicated in the Schedule of Disbursements.
•    Please explain the $5,000.00 disbursement(s) for windows during the account period.
•    Please report the circumstance(s) that necessitated repairs to the real property as indicated by the January-February 2025 disbursements in both sibling Trusts (materials for wall repair, truck rental for repair supplies, labor for wall repair, new sliding, etc.).
•    Please include additional verbiage in the proposed Order: see items 4 and 5 of order approving fifth account file-marked 09/12/25, and the Declarations file-marked 07/29/25 and 07/18/25.
Recommend approval of request to increase bond by $5,000.00, for total bond of $216,000.00. Bond rider to be filed.
Recommend court vacate Account Review Hearing of 07/21/27.
Recommend continuance to 01/08/27 to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000957 ESTATE OF THOMAS ALLEN STEVENS
Hearing on First and Final Report of Administrators; Requests for Statutory Compensation and Approval of Reimbursement of Expenses; and Petition for Final Distribution on Waiver of Account:
•    The dates of the personal representatives’ signatures and verifications were not included, presuming that they did in fact sign and execute the verifications and that, if not done electronically, the filer is maintaining the original document bearing their signatures purs. to California Rules of Court rule 2.257(b).
•    Waivers of Account are not on file from two of the three heirs: Michael and Chad. Waivers must be notarized. See Local Rule 8.69 and Probate Code §10954.
•    Waivers of Account by one of three heirs (David) was not notarized. See Local Rule 8.69.
•    The personal representatives are asking for reimbursement for costs in the amounts of $3,793.13 and $18,179.59; copies of supporting documentation was attached to the pleading. A table itemizing the costs/expenses was not provided in the Petition (i.e., a table with date, expense, and dollar amount). See Local Rules 8.69, 8.83 K.
    o    The pleading indicates that the personal representatives have already reimbursed themselves for their costs and expense from estate funds. That is not an act for which they had authority; such reimbursements require the court’s prior approval. This act will be submitted to the court’s determination once the defects are cured.
•    Exhibit B (schedule of receipts) must include both the payor and the purpose for each item. E.g. “State Farm Refund – Chevrolet Equinox” is adequate, but “Rent” is not adequate as, it omits the identity of the payor and also does not identify the property that was rented.
•    The pleading indicates that the interested parties waived notice of hearing; review of the file reflects that the only people who have waived notice are the personal representatives themselves. Form DE-120, Notice of Hearing, not on file for the heirs. 
•    Proposed Order did not include the court’s finding regarding notice. See PrC§1260.
Recommend continuance to 11/19/26, to coincide with Account Review Hearing already set, to allow time to cure defects, perfect notice.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000080 ESTATE OF SUE JANKE, AKA SUE MORSE AKA SUE JANKE-MORSE, AKA SUE ANNE JANKE MORSE, AKA SUE A. MORSE, AKA SUE A. JANKE
Hearing on PrC§12200 Status Report of Administration:
Notice appears complete. 
Recommend court set a further Account Review Hearing 10/27/27.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-001281 ESTATE OF SANDRA LEE ZUMSTEG, AKA SANDRA ZUMSTEG
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 court vacate Account Review of 03/16/27.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 04/29/27 pursuant to Local Rule 8.92.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000987 ESTATE OF JOHN CURTIS HARLAN
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration:
Recommend approval of petition.
•    Form DE-150, Proposed Letters, not submitted.
Recommend Inventory Review Hearing 04/21/27 pursuant to Local Rule 8.41 B.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000990 ESTATE OF SEAN A. CRISP
Hearing on Petition for Probate of Will and for Letters Testamentary:
Will is self-proving.
•    Two of the heirs are minors. A Guardian ad Litem may be necessary. Submitted to Judge for determination.
A copy of the Trust would be helpful.
Appearance by counsel required to address Guardian ad Litem (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000997 ESTATE OF CHRISTY LYNN ANDERSON
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration:
Notes have been cured.
•    Form DE-150, Proposed Letters, not submitted.
•    Waivers of bond on file from intestate heirs, however personal representative resides out of state. See PrC§8571. Bond may be required at the court’s discretion. Submitted to court for determination.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026

Department 21
9:30 a.m.

PR-26-001000 ESTATE OF EDUARDO ALVARADO VERDUZCO
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration:
•    Affidavit of publication not on file. See Local Rule 8.12.
•    Form DE-140, Proposed Order, submitted 10/20/26 does not agree with the petition: Order reflects full IAEA authority and a bond of $243,800.00, which is the maximum allowed purs. PrC§8482 based on the estimated estate value alleged in the petition; however the petition prayed for limited IAEA authority and bond of $20,000.00.
Submit to court whether to direct the petitioner to apply for appointment of a Guardian ad litem purs. to Local Rule 8.07.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

Department 22
8:30 a.m.

PR-23-000764 ESTATE OF KENNETH CAPERTON
Discharge Review Hearing continued from 07/30/26:
Receipts on distribution not on file.
Form DE-295, Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge and Order, not yet submitted.
Need status of discharge.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-000868 ESTATE OF MARY ELIZABETH ALLEY
Discharge Review Hearing:
On 04/17/26, the Petition for Final Distribution was granted contingent upon filing of Satisfaction of creditor which was attached to a supplement but not filed as its own pleading. Satisfaction and Release of Creditor’s Claim for JP Morgan Chase not on file.  
It appears a corrected proposed order has not yet been submitted.
•    Need new order (approving petition for final distribution). Order submitted 04/14/26 has the following defects:
    o    Line 24 appears to reference a virtual call system not available for this county.  The telephonic conferencing mechanism in Stanislaus is “VCourt”.
    o    The Statement regarding the Court’s findings; specifically, the finding regarding notice appears after “it is ordered that” instead of before the Court’s orders [see PrC§1260].
    o    The amount of compensation to administrator was omitted.
    o    The amount of distribution to administrator was omitted.
    o    Omnibus clause was omitted.
Need status of the above issues and status of discharge.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).
 

PR-23-001192 ESTATE OF RYAN SCOTT THOMPSON
Discharge Review Hearing continued from 04/30/26:
Receipts on distribution on file.
Form DE-295, Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge and Order, has been submitted and recommended for approval.
Hearing of 10/22/26 will be vacated
No appearances.

PR-23-001350 ESTATE OF PAUL L. CALKINS, AKA PAUL LAWRENCE CALKINS
Discharge Review Hearing continued from 07/30/26: 
Receipts on distribution not on file.
Form DE-295, Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge and Order, not yet submitted.
Need status of discharge.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000063 ESTATE OF JAMES GORDON O’NEILL
Account Review Hearing on retains pursuant to Local Rules 8.68, 8.92:
The personal representatives filed a request for an extension of six months for time to file the accounting on the reserve, to file final estate tax return, pay CPA fees, pay any supplemental tax bills; proof of service was attached.
Recommend court grant request for continuance, and continue hearing to 04/29/27, at which time if the accounting is not on file, the court may require the personal representatives to file either a noticed Status Report or an account current.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000203 ESTATE OF DAVID ALBERT CHITURAS
Discharge Review Hearing continued from 01/22/26, 07/23/26:
Nothing filed since previous hearing. Prior Notes remain:
Receipts of distribution not on file for four heirs: Tabatha S., Chayane, C., Nicholas S.; nor receipt showing deposit in blocked custodian account for the benefit of Smith “Sharky” B. Please review Pr. Code §11753.
Recommend court issue Order to Show Cause to Executor to appear and show cause 
why surcharge should not be imposed for failure to file receipts of distribution.
Appearance by Executor and Executor’s counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).
No appearance required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000556 ESTATE OF LINDA JANE SUGARS, AKA LINDA JANE GONZALES
Discharge Review Hearing:
Receipts on distribution not on file. [see Pr. Code section 11753(b)].
See Local Rule 8.92. Form DE-295, Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge and Order, not yet submitted at time of review.
Consider downloading the form from https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/jcc-form/DE-295. 
Appearance by Executor (self-represented) required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000025 ESTATE OF PATSY SUE OLDHAM DUKE, AKA PATSY SUE DUKE, PATSY S. DUKE
Discharge Review Hearing continued from 09/24/26:
Nothing filed since previous hearing.
Receipts on distribution not on file.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000708 ESTATE OF MARGARET E. GASCA, AKA MARGARET ELIZABETH GASCA, AKA MARGARET GASCA
Account Review Hearing:
Petition for Final Distribution has been filed and set for hearing 10/28/26.
Hearing of 10/28/26 will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

426248 DONALD LEE SCOTT BOSWELL SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST
Hearing on Ninth Account and Report of Trustee and Petition for its Settlement:
Recommend approval of Account and Report.
Recommend Account Review Hearing 06/24/28 for receipt of Tenth Account and Report for period of 01/16/26 through 01/15/28.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).
 

PR-24-001350 ESTATE OF MATTHEW MCPHERSON
Hearing on Report of Administration; Petition for Final Distribution; for Order on First and Final Account; for Approval of Statutory Attorneys’ Fees; for Approval of Costs:
Recommend approval of petition.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 04/29/27 pursuant to Local Rule 8.92.
Recommend court vacate 02/24/27 previously set Account Review Hearing.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000107 ESTATE OF PETER C. LIMPER
Hearing on PrC§12200 Status Report of Administration:
Notice appears complete.
Recommend court allow estate to remain open and set a further Account Review Hearing 09/29/27.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000607 ESTATE OF AARON SCOTT BOONE
Hearing on Final Report of Administrator and First and Final Account and Petition for its Settlement, for Allowance of Compensation to the Administrator and Attorney for Ordinary Services, for Reimbursement of Costs Advanced and for Final Distribution:
Most Notes have been cured.
• Petition did not explain how the personal representative proposes to distribute to the minor child. Please see Local Rule 8.84. The Schedule of Proposed Distribution (which is incorrectly labeled as “Proposed Distributions During Accounting Period”), reflected that the minor’s distributive share is to be distributed to the Guardian ad litem. Please see Local Rule 8.07; a GAL may not receive distributions unless specifically pled for, and that request must specify what the GAL will do with the distribution afterwards, as the GAL is relieved once the case is closed and the court loses jurisdiction over them.
      o    Supplement file-marked 10/19/26 modified the proposed distribution to instead request: “The Petitioner shall place the funds for Faith Boone, the minor child, in a Blocked Account until she turns 18 years old. Faith turns 18 years old on November 21, 2027.” This appears to be a material change; no proof of service on file for the child, the person having legal custody of her, or the Guardian ad litem.
Recommend the court require the personal representative to file proof of service of the Supplement on all interested parties.
Recommend continuance to 11/20/26 to allow time to perfect service, at which time the request for distribution to the minor will be submitted to the court’s determination purs. to Local Rule 8.84.
Recommend court vacate Account Review Hearing of 06/15/26.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-001023 ESTATE OF CARMEN H. ESPINOZA
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration:
• Petition item 8 did not include the name(s) and date(s) of death deceased ancestor(s) through whom the intestate heirs take (please see Local Rule 8.26 E).
      o    Francis Earl Espinoza and Rudy Anthony Espinoza must themselves be included with their relationships to the decedent and dates of their deaths; the parent of Jennifer Carlos-Marquez through whom she is an heir of decedent must be identified.
      o    The personal representative of the estate of deceased heir Francis Earl Espinoza must be included (separately) in item 8.
• Petition item 8 did not include the proposed personal representative (Local Rule 8.26 D).
• It is not clear if notice is perfected:
      o    The petition indicated the locations of two heirs was unknown. Declaration(s) of diligent search (CRC rule 7.52) not on file for those entitled to notice but for whom the petitioner alleged addresses are unknown.
      o    One of the Forms DE-121 Notice of Petition to Administer Estate file-marked 10/16/26 reflects notice was mailed timely to one of the heirs for whom the petitioner had alleged the location was unknown (Frankie E.). Was the heir located? Please supplement the petition item 8.
      o    One of the Forms DE-121 Notice of Petition to Administer Estate file-marked 10/16/26 reflects notice was mailed UNTIMELY to one of the heirs for whom the petitioner had alleged the location was unknown (Phillip S.). Was the heir located? Please supplement the petition item 8.
• Forms DE-140 and DE-150, Proposed Order and Letters, not submitted.
Recommend continuance to 12/04/26 to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2026

Department 22
8:30 a.m.

PR-25-000177 MATTER OF HAAG FAMILY REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST OF 1992
Hearing on Court’s Motion to Dismiss:
If no one appears, case will be dismissed.
No appearances required (by VCourt if preferred).