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.

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 NOVEMBER 4, 2025
Stanislaus County Superior Court is now recruiting for a full-time Research Attorney. Final filing date is December 3, 2025. To view the job announcement please visit: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/scstanct

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.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2025

ADD-ON:

Department 21
8:15 a.m.

PR-25-001329 ESTATE OF SHERRIE AMBER PEER
Hearing on Ex Parte Petition for Letters of Special Administration:
•    Petitioner has not submitted a separate order on the ex parte hearing as required by Local Rule 8.35J.
•    Petitioner has not included a “declaration regarding notice” as required by CRC rule 3.1201(3). 
Appearances required (by VCourt if preferred).
 

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

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2025
COURT HOLIDAY

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2025
COURT HOLIDAY

MONDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2025
Department 22 
There are no decedent's estates or trusts on calendar

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2025
Department 22 
There are no decedent's estates or trusts on calendar

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2025
Department 22 
There are no decedent's estates or trusts on calendar

THURSDAY, JANUARY 01, 2025
COURT HOLIDAY

FRIDAY, JANUARY 02, 2025
Department 22 
There are no decedent's estates or trusts on calendar

MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2026

Department 23
9:00 a.m.

2200623 MATTER OF ERICH HOFMANN TESTAMENTARY TRUST 
Case Management Conference:
Appearance required (by VCourt if preferred).

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

TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2026

Department 22
8:30 a.m.

444318 MATTER OF ISAAC ORTIZ SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST
Account Review Hearing:
Ninth Account (Petitioner’s Fourth) and Report of Trustee for the account period of November 1, 2023 through October 31, 2025 not on file at time of review.
Recommend continuance to 06/10/26 to allow time to file the above pleading.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000688 ESTATE OF RONALD L. BROWN
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 05/06/26 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-24-000746 ESTATE OF ROY ROGER MEDEIROS, AKA ROY R. MEDEIROS, ROY MEDEIROS
Account Review Hearing:
Petition for Final Distribution has been filed and set for hearing on 03/04/26.
Hearing of 03/04/26 will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000760 ESTATE OF CHRISTINE RITA PENNACHIO
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 05/06/26 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-24-000826 ESTATE OF MARY LOUISE GREGG HANEY
Inventory Review Hearing:
Letters Issued 06/26/25.  Inventory and Appraisal due 10/26/25.
Inventory and Appraisal not on file at time of review.
See Local Rule 8.41 B, Probate Code section 8800 et seq.
Consider visiting the California Courts Self Help “inventory” page at:
https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/probate/inventory-estimate-value and downloading forms from https://www.courts.ca.gov/forms.htm and please review your responsibilities in the Duties and Liabilities, Form DE-147, you signed and filed.
Appearance by Administrator (self-represented) required (Anyone appearing may do so in person or remotely, by telephone using VCourt).

PR-24-001192 BROWN FAMILY REVOCABLE TRUST
Hearing on Petition Concerning Internal Affairs of the Trust: 1) for Instructing the Trustee; 2) for Construing Trust Provisions and Determining Beneficiaries to Whom Property Shall Pass; 3) for Order to Recover Trust Property; 4) for Partition of Real Property; 5) for Double Damages, and 6) for Attorneys’ Fees and Costs continued from 03/20/25, 08/21/25:
Notice has been perfected.
Objection filed – 04/07/25 (by Kathleen Brown). 
On 08/21/25, the court directed parties to file status report prior to next hearing. Petitioners’ Status Report is on file.  Status Report requests continuance of 120 days to allow time for discovery.  Submitted to Judge for determination.
Hearing required.
Appearances required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000135 ESTATE OF DEBRA ANN McVAY, AKA DEBRA A. McVAY, DEBRA McVAY, DEBBIE McVAY
Inventory Review Hearing:
Letters issued 08/13/25. Inventory and Appraisal due 12/15/25.
Final Inventory and Appraisal not on file.
Recommend Account Review Hearing 08/27/26 when PrC§12200 Status Report will be due, if Petition for Final Distribution is not on file. 
Inventory and Appraisal must be filed before next hearing.
See Local Rules 8.82 and 8.41 B.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000491 ESTATE OF JON DAVID BROST
Inventory Review Hearing:
Letters issued 06/25/25. Inventory and Appraisal due 10/27/25.
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-25-000495 ESTATE OF PETER GLEN SAAD, AKA PETER GLENN SAAD
Inventory Review Hearing:
Final Inventory and Appraisal is on file.
Recommend Account Review Hearing 08/18/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.82.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000507 ESTATE OF JAMES E. BROCK
Inventory Review Hearing:
Letters issued 08/05/25. Inventory and Appraisal due 12/05/25.
Final Inventory and Appraisal not on file.
Recommend Account Review Hearing 08/27/26 when PrC§12200 Status Report will be due, if Petition for Final Distribution is not on file. 
Inventory and Appraisal must be filed before next hearing.
See Local Rules 8.82 and 8.41 B.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-001145 ESTATE OF JAMES T. FOSTER, AKA JAMES THOMAS FOSTER
Hearing on First and Final Report of Administrator on Wavier of Accounting and Petition for its Settlement, for Allowance of Compensation for Ordinary Services and Costs, and for Final Distribution:
Please be aware in future Notes that paragraph 7 of the Report does not appear sufficiently detailed pursuant to PrC§9202(b) (knowledge of personal representative or estate attorney).
Recommend approval of report and petition.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 07/30/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.92.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000365 ESTATE OF JAMES D. LUNA
Hearing on  PrC§12200 Status Report of Administration:
•    Notice of Hearing not yet on file (see PrC§12201).
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 01/30/26 to allow time for notice.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000778 ESTATE OF HARVEY LASKY
Hearing on Amended (file marked 11/24/25) First and Final Account and Report of Administrator with Will Annexed and Petition for Settlement Thereof; for Allowance of Compensation for Ordinary Services; for Reimbursement of Costs Advanced; and for Final Distribution:
Recommend approval of petition.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 07/30/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.92.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000928 MARK STEPHEN GALLO IRREVOCABLE TRUST UNDER TRUST AGREEMENT DTD DECEMBER 28, 1973
Hearing on Petition for Order Modifying Trust Agreement (PrC §§ 15409 and 17200):
REVIEW IN PROGRESS. PLEASE CHECK BACK.

PR-25-001205 ESTATE OF CAROLE ANNE SORIANO
Letters of Special Administration expire today unless extended.
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration:
Recommend approval of petition.
Recommend Inventory Review Hearing 07/07/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.41 B.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-001207 ESTATE OF CAROL ANN FORREST, AKA CAROL ANN BECKHART, CAROL ANNE FORREST, CAROL ANNE BECKHART
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration:
Recommend approval of petition.
Need proposed Letters, Form DE-150.
Recommend Inventory Review Hearing 07/07/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.41 B.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-001212 ESTATE OF PATRICK HEANEY
Hearing on Petition for Probate of Lost Will and for Letters of Administration with Will Annexed:
Petitioner does not appear to have priority of appointment, nor is Petitioner a nominee of the person with priority (Probate Code sections 8461, 8465). The person with priority has filed a competing petition which has a hearing of 02/03/26.

The following defects must be addressed in the Petition (Form DE-111):
•    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 2 reflects two petitioners: Amanda Heaney and Tina Heaney; however, only one of these petitioners has signed the petition.
•    Item 3a incomplete (place/address of decedent’s death).
•    Item 3e(2) was checked (bond waivers); however, waivers of bond are not attached.
•    Item 3f(3) not checked (lost will); however, case caption indicates this is a petition to probate a lost Will.
•    Item 3h incomplete (residency of proposed personal representative).
•    Item 5a(2) incomplete (no spouse).
•    Item 5a(3) or (4) incomplete (existence of registered domestic partner).
•    Item 5a(5) incomplete (existence of child). 
•    Item 5a(7) or (8) incomplete (existence of issue of a predeceased child).
•    Item 5b incomplete (existence of stepchild or foster child who would have been adopted but for a legal barrier).
•    Item 8 did not include the complete addresses for all those listed.
•    Item 8 did not identify the Trustee of the Trust. See Local Rule 8.14A and 8.26.
•    Attachment 3f(3) omitted from Petition (Declaration regarding lost will pursuant to  PrC§6124). See also PrC§8223.

The following defects must be addressed in the court’s file:
•    Waivers of bond [Mandatory Form DE-142/DE-111(A-3e)] not on file for heirs (see Probate Code section 6401). Bond may be required. Minimum bond would be $20,000.00 pursuant to Local Rule 8.33.  Maximum bond would be $612,000.00.
•    Form DE-147, Duties and Liabilities, not on file.
•    Form DE-121, Notice of Petition to Administer Estate, not on file.
•    Affidavit of publication not on file. See Local Rule 8.12.
•    Form DE-140, Proposed Order, not submitted.
•    Form DE-150, Letters, not submitted.

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 co-petitioners (self-represented) required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-001213 ESTATE OF HENRY MICHAEL RIOS, AKA HENRY RIOS
Hearing on Spousal Property Petition:
•    Notice of Hearing not on file (PrC§§13655, 1220).
Recommend continuance to 01/30/26 to allow time to perfect notice.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-001215 ESTATE OF BAUNITA MAE VERNON, AKA BAUNITA M. VERNON
Hearing on Petition for Probate of Lost Will and for Letters Testamentary:
•    Attachment 3f(3) does not include an allegation of which person(s) last had possession of the original will, or which person was last known to have had possession.
•    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.
Recommend continuance to 01/23/26 to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).