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, MAY 29, 2026
No decedent's estates, trust matters on calendar

MONDAY, JUNE 1, 2026
No decedent's estates, trust matters on calendar

TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 2026
No decedent's estates, trust matters on calendar

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 2026
No decedent's estates, trust matters on calendar

THURSDAY, JUNE 04, 2026
Department 22
8:30 a.m.

PR-24-000279 ESTATE OF MARIA GUADALUPE SALAZAR
Account Review Hearing:
Corrected Final Inventory and Appraisal on file.
A Petition for Final Distribution has been filed and set for hearing 07/28/26.
Hearing of 07/28/26 will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred). 

PR-25-000011 ESTATE OF RICHARD L. ROSS, AKA RICHARD ROSS
Account Review Hearing:
A Petition for Final Distribution has been filed and set for hearing 07/08/26.
Hearing of 07/08/26 will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000107 ESTATE OF PETER C. LIMPER
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 09/16/26 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-24-000357 ESTATE OF LARRY D. EMENS, SR.
Hearing on PrC§12200 Status Report of Administration:
The report reflects that the personal representative made preliminary distributions without notice of proposed action, a requirement of which he alleges he was unaware. For distributions of the size reported, a notice of proposed action would not have been sufficient; a noticed petition for the court’s prior approval was required. See Probate Code §§ 10501, 11620.
Recommend court allow estate to remain open and set a further Account Review Hearing 09/03/26.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000365 ESTATE OF JAMES D. LUNA
Hearing on First and Final Report and Account of Administrator and Petition for Approval Thereof; for Order for Payment of Administrator’s Statutory Fees; for Order for Payment of Attorney’s Statutory Fees and Costs; and for Order for Final Distribution:
•    Final seller’s escrow statement was not attached.
•    Report paragraph 7 does not appear to comply with PrC§9202(b) (“is or has previously been confined” and to the knowledge of the personal representative “or” estate attorney). See also PrC§216, Local Rule 8.83 F.
•    Paragraph 24 B of the petition and prayer paragraph E, as well as lines 7 and 26 on page 3 of the proposed Order all contain the same typographical error (amount of costs to be reimbursed). 
•    Postage is considered a cost of doing business and is not a reimbursable administrative cost (Exhibit H).
•    Please explain the three distributions dated 10/15/24 described as “Online Banking Transfer” to a savings account and a checking account. Were these transfers to accounts that do not belong to the estate? If so, for what purpose and to whom do the accounts belong? If they were transfers to accounts belonging to the estate, why were there not correlating “Receipts”?
•    The Schedules for Gains and Losses on Sale(s) must include the complete calculation of appraisal less sales price; the total alone is not sufficient.
•    The calculation of statutory compensation appears to contain a mathematical error; the difference is ($0.20). Please see calculator tool available online at https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/divisions/probate/calculator-tools
•    In light of these defects, when petitioner prepares the supplement or amended account that cures these issues, please also update the court and heirs with the status of the discrepancy in the bank account that caused the account not to balance: include an updated Schedule of Property on Hand at End of Account, and an updated Schedule of Proposed Distribution (and updated proposed reserve) that reflects the current cash on hand. See California Rules of Court rules 7.3 and 7.53.
•    Proposed Order omitted the court’s finding regarding notice [see PrC§1260].
Recommend continuance to 09/10/26 to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-001058 ESTATE OF SHONNIA KAY CERVANTES, AKA SHONNIA CERVANTES
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 petition.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 12/17/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.92.
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:
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.
• Notice of Hearing not on file.
• 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.) 
Recommend continuance to 09/17/26 to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000351 ESTATE OF JAMES BARRY TAVRES
Hearing on Petition to Determine Succession to Primary Residence:

Defects with the paperwork:
•    Petition Attachment 11 is not complete: missing statement of decedent’s percentage interest in the real property as well as a statement of facts that show it was the decedent’s primary residence in California, and a statement of facts regarding the nature of the characterization (whether separate or community property). See Petition item 11.
•    Petition Attachment 14 (identification of decedent’s heirs) did not include dates of death. Did any of the deceased relatives pass away after the decedent? Did the decedent’s late brother have any children? Is the decedent’s surviving brother an adult or a minor?
•    Notice of Hearing, Form DE-120, not on file (PrC§§13153, 1220).
•    Proof of mailing not on file for the Department of Health Care Services, nor Declaration that notice is not required (see Local Rule 8.17 and PrC§215).
•    Proposed Order, Form DE-315, not on file. 

Petitioner appears to lack standing to bring this petition:
Petitioner does not appear to be an heir of the decedent’s estate (she has not identified herself as a biological relative; see Probate Code sections 6400 et seq.). The attachments to the petition indicate that petitioner may be a partial owner of the same real property owned by the decedent at the time of his death. Petitioner has not filed an Assignment of Interest showing that one or all of the decedent’s heirs assigned their interest in the estate property to her (see Probate Code section 11604 and Local Rule 8.87).

Consider visiting the California Courts Self Help page at https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/probate/simple-transfer and downloading forms from https://www.courts.ca.gov/forms.htm
Appearance by Petitioner (self-represented) required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000354 ESTATE OF SEAN J. O’HEARN
Hearing on Petition to Determine Succession to Primary Residence:
If no one appears to object, recommend court find notice complete and approve the petition.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000355 ESTATE OF FERNANDO ESPINOZA MARTINEZ
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration:
•    Petition item 2b was not completed (name of proposed personal representative).
•    Petition item 5a(1) or (2) incomplete (existence of spouse).
•    Petition item 5a(3) or (4) incomplete (existence of registered domestic partner).
•    Petition item 5a(7) or (8) incomplete (existence of issue of a predeceased child).
•    Petition item 5b incomplete (existence of stepchild or foster child who would have been adopted but for a legal barrier).
•    Petition item 8 must include the relationships of all those listed to the decedent.
•    If petitioner’s spouse passed away, item 8 must include the spouse’s name and date of death.
•    Petition item 8 reflects that a Guardian ad litem has already been appointed for the minor heir. That does not appear evident in this file. If Letters of Guardianship of the Estate have been issued, please file a certified copy of the Letters. If not, a Guardian ad litem appears necessary in this case. Please see Local Rule 8.07. The petitioner would likely be considered ineligible as Guardian ad litem as there would appear to be an inherent conflict of interest.
•    Form DE-150, Proposed Letters, not submitted.
Recommend continuance to 09/10/26 to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

FRIDAY, JUNE 05, 2026
Department 24 
8:30 a.m.

2200638 ESTATE OF DARYEL JOSEPH KASINGER, AKA DARYEL J. KASINGER, DARYEL KASINGER 
Discharge Review Hearing continued from 01/16/26, 04/03/26:
All receipts on distribution are on file except a receipt for Cash Ethan Kasinger. 
Recommend court inquire about successor administrator’s efforts to enforce the Court’s surcharge order of $18,350.87.
Declaration file marked 05/19/26 submitted to Judge for determination. 
See Local Rule 8.84 and Probate Code sections 12250, 3900 et seq.
See Local Rule 8.92. Form DE-295, Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge and Order, has been submitted, but was returned for corrections.
Appearance by successor administrator required (Any person wishing to appear remotely must obtain the court’s permission to appear via VCourt by contacting the courtroom clerk).

Department 22
8:30 a.m.

PR-24-001128 ESTATE OF SARENA SUE GAWTHORP
Hearing on Waiver of Account, Report of Administrator, Petition for Allowance of Statutory Fees to Personal Representative, and Attorney and for Final Distribution continued from 05/14/26:
Nothing filed since last hearing. Prior notes remain:
•    Waivers of Accounting do not bear notary’s acknowledgement (Local Rule 8.69); Also, Waivers must be filed separately rather than attached to a pleading (PrC§10954).
•    Itemization of costs of administration was omitted (see Local Rules 8.69, 8.83K).
•    Need itemized list of assets on hand.  Please refer to PC§1062f.  "(f) Itemized list of property on hand, describing each item at its carry value."  Also Local Rule 8.83M. 
•    Need schedule calculating gains/losses on sales pursuant to Local Rule 8.65 B 4, CRC rule 7.550(b).
•    Need schedule of proposed distribution. See Local Rule 8.83M.
Recommend continuance to 08/07/26 pursuant to the request of counsel to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-001129 MATTER OF GEORGE W. MOORE TRUST
Hearing on Petition for an Order to Confirm Validity of Trust; Confirm Trustee; and Confirm Asset to Trust continued from 02/19/26, 05/20/26:
Points and Authorities have been filed as the court directed, addressing the prior Note:
•    The facts presented in this matter are that the title of the real property at issue is currently held in the name of the Trustor and his late wife (Peggy Moore), as husband and wife. According to the petition, a (valid) court order determining that the trustor’s late wife’s interest in the real property passed to the trustor has not been located. It therefore appears premature for the court to approve this petition, when the trustee has not shown that they have a claim to the property interest belonging to the trustor’s late wife. [Petitioner has argued that the trustor believed he held title, but petitioner has shown that trustor did not hold title. See PrC§850(a)(3).]
Submitted to court for determination.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

MONDAY, JUNE 8, 2026
Department 21
8:30 a.m.

PR-24-000337 ABEL RIVAS GONZALEZ LIVING TRUST DATED AUGUST 15, 2023
Settlement Conference:
Any person wishing to appear remotely must obtain the court’s permission to appear via VCourt by contacting the courtroom clerk.

TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 2026
Department 23
8:30 a.m.

84236 MATTER OF THE REIANNA DELGADO REVOCABLE TRUST
Hearing on Eleventh Account and Report by Trustee for the Period of 01/01/24 through 12/31/25, Petition for its Settlement and Approval, for Allowance of Trustee’s Compensation and Attorneys’ Fees and Costs:
Notice appears complete.
•    Declaration in Support of Request for Attorneys’ Fees with a breakdown of attorney time records not on file.
•    Need order.
Recommend continuance to 10/07/26 to coincide with previously set Account Review Hearing.
Appearance not required (Any person wishing to appear remotely must obtain the court’s permission to appear via VCourt by contacting the courtroom clerk).

Department 22
8:30 a.m.

PR-24-001137 ESTATE OF LESLIE DAWN BATTLES
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 10/08/26 to allow time for filing of above pleadings. If neither pleading is on file by the next hearing date, the court may issue an order to show cause for personal representative to appear pursuant to PrC§12202.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000081 ESTATE OF PAMELA JOAN BARNUM, AKA PAMELA J. BARNUM
Inventory Review Hearing:
Letters issued 12/05/25. Inventory and Appraisal due 04/06/26.
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-25-000286 ESTATE OF RAMONA SANCHEZ, AKA RAMONA SUBIA SANCHEZ, AKA RAMONA S. SANCHEZ
Inventory Review Hearing:
Letters Issued 12/10/25.  Inventory and Appraisal due 04/10/26.
Inventory and Appraisal not on file at time of review.
Recommend continuance to 09/03/26 to allow time to file above pleading.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000866 ESTATE ANGELINA GARCIA, AKA ANGIE JOSEPHINE NUNEZ, AKA ANGELINA N. GARCIA
Inventory Review Hearing:
Letters Issued 12/05/25.  Inventory and Appraisal due 04/05/26.
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-25-001044 ESTATE OF DANIEL ABELINO LAND-ARELLANO, AKA DANIEL A. ARELLANO
Inventory Review Hearing:
Final Inventory and Appraisal is on file.
Recommend Account Review Hearing 03/10/27 pursuant to Local Rule 8.82.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-001067 ESTATE OF BASIL BARRANT DAVIS, SR.
Inventory Review Hearing:
Letters Issued 12/18/25.  Inventory and Appraisal due 04/20/26.
A Partial No. 1 Inventory and Appraisal on file.
•    Inventory and Appraisal omits characterization of decedent’s property [PrC§8850(c)]. This information will be needed prior to the closing of the estate.
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-25-001076 ESTATE OF KIRK DAVID BAKER 
Inventory Review Hearing:
Final Inventory and Appraisal is on file.
•    Inventory and Appraisal omits characterization of decedent’s property (community or separate property) [PrC§8850(c)]. This information will be needed prior to the closing of the estate.
•    Current bond does not appear sufficient. Personal Representative did not file ex parte for increase of bond [PrC§8480(c), CRC 7.204].
Appearance by counsel required, to address bond (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-001092 ESTATE OF JANICE SIMOES, AKA JANICE C. SIMOES, AKA JANICE CAROL SIMOES
Inventory Review Hearing:
Final Inventory and Appraisal is on file.
Recommend Account Review Hearing 02/03/27 pursuant to Local Rule 8.82.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-001094 ESTATE OF MARK CHRISTOPHER WALLACE, AKA MARK C. WALLACE
Inventory Review Hearing:
Final Inventory and Appraisal is on file.
Petition for Final Distribution has been filed and set for hearing on 07/29/26.
Hearing of 07/29/26 will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000122 ESTATE OF FRANCISCO H. CORTEZ
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration continued from 03/19/26:
Nothing filed since last hearing. Prior notes remain:
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-24-000923 ESTATE OF THOMAS J. TROCHE, AKA THOMAS JOSEPH TROCHE, THOMAS TROCHE
Hearing on First and Final Report of Administrator on Waiver of Account and Petition for Allowance of Statutory Compensation to Administrator and Attorney and for Final Distribution:
As per the Probate Note from the hearing on 10/01/2024, the cost for the second publication purs. to PrC § 8100 et seq. will not be reimbursable. Costs will be reduced by $635.14, for total reimbursement of $3,068.20.
Recommend approval of the Report and Petition with the modification above, that the request for reimbursement of costs will be approved in the reduced amount of $3,068.20.
Need new proposed Order.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 12/17/26 purs. to Local Rule 8.92.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000040 ESTATE OF BOB A. ARSANIS, AKA BABAKHAN A. ARSANIS, BOB ABAJALOO ARSANIS
Hearing on PrC§12200 Status Report of Administration:
Notice appears complete. 
Recommend the Court allow the estate to remain open and set a further Account Review Hearing 10/27/27.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000754 GEORGE GARY VENIOT LIVING TRUST DTD DECEMBER 5, 2006
(1)    Hearing on Petitioner, Tawna Veniot’s Motion to Compel Responses from Respondent, Dana Garth, to Form Interrogatories and for Monetary Sanctions Against Dana Garth for Misuse of the Discovery Process continued from 05/19/26:

(2)    Hearing on Petitioner, Tawna Veniot’s Motion to Compel Responses from Respondent, Dana Garth, to Special Interrogatories and for Monetary Sanctions Against Dana Garth for Misuse of the Discovery Process reset on the court’s own motion from 05/20/26 per court’s 05/19/26 order:

(3)    Hearing on Petitioner, Tawna Veniot’s Motion to Compel Responses from Respondent, Dana Garth, to Requests for Production of Documents and for Monetary Sanctions Against Respondent for Misuse of the Discovery Process:

SEE TENTATIVE RULINGS, to be posted day prior to hearing at https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/online-services/tentative-rulings/…

PR-25-000813 ESTATE OF WASMINDA MAYOL NUNEZ
Hearing on Petition for Final Distribution of Estate, Waiver of Account, Report of Executor, Settlement of Estate, and for Allowance of Attorney Compensation and Extraordinary Fees; and for Final Distribution:
Notice of Hearing not on file (PrC §§ 10830, 11000, 11601).
Two late Creditor Claims were recently rejected by the personal representative, on 03/25/26. Creditors appear to have until late June 2026 to act on a rejected claim (PrC§§9250, 9353). Please supplement the Report pursuant to PrC§10900(b) after 06/24/26. See California Rules of Court rules 7.3 and 7.53.
Waivers of Accounting do not bear notary’s acknowledgement (Local Rule 8.69).
Proposed Order not yet submitted.
Recommend continuance to 07/31/26 to allow time to cure defects.
Recommend court vacate Account Review Hearing of 11/12/26.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000116 JOSHUA MCCLAIN AND EDITH MCCLAIN FAMILY TRUST
Hearing on Petition for Removal of Trustee/Administrator and Revocation of Letters of Administration (filed by Lynn Blackman Jr.):
•    Petition seeks to remove trustee but did not identify and seek confirmation of the named successor under the trust.
•    Petition does not appear to allege that venue is proper in this county (PrC§17005).
•    Body of petition omitted the legal description and assessor’s parcel numbers for the piece of real property.
•    Body of Petition omitted the names and mailing addresses of those entitled to notice (PrC§17201).
•    It appears necessary that the court set a bond pursuant to PrC§15602(a)(3), however petition did not request a bond, nor did it allege the amount of bond that would be appropriate.
•    Petition is not verified (See California Rule of Court 7.103, California Code of Civil Procedure sections 2015.5, 446).
•    Page 33 of the Trust appears to be omitted.
•    Petition requests revocation of Letters of Administration but has not alleged any underlying estate case.
•    Notice of Hearing (Form DE-120) not on file.  See PC§17203(a) for notice requirements in trust proceedings.
•    Need order.
Appearance by Petitioner (self-represented) required.  (Anyone appearing may do so either in person or remotely, by telephone, using VCourt).
 

PR-26-000358 ESTATE OF GLORIA MAGHTAS
Hearing on Petition for Return of Personal Property, Probate Code §850; for Exemplary Damages Under Probate Code §859; for Conversion:
•    Notice of Hearing, Form DE-120, file marked 04/06/26, does not appear to comply with PrC §851(c)(1) (description of property), PrC §851(c)(2) (relief sought), or §851(c)(3) (statement advising interested persons). Notice therefore appears defective. See Mandatory Judicial Council Form DE-115.
•    It does not appear that the Notice of Hearing reflected personal service of the notice and a copy of the petition on the respondent. See PrC§851, CCP§§413.10 et seq.
•    Petition neither alleges a Trust nor includes a copy of a Trust.
Recommend Court require points and authorities why this petition should be filed and to address the issue of how probate court can have jurisdiction when there is no underlying estate case.
Appearance by counsel required (VCourt if preferred).
 

PR-26-000359 ESTATE OF HARRY TRUMAN DAVIS
Hearing on Petition for Probate of Will and for Letters Testamentary:
•    Petition items 7.b.(1)(a) through (e) were left blank. Please see the text in parentheses next to item 7.b.(2) and Probate Code section 6402.5(a).
•    Petition item 8 did not identify any of the heirs of decedent’s late spouse. See above note.
•    Petition item 8 did not include the dates of death for those who are deceased.
•    Petition item 8 must include the proposed personal representative. See Local Rule 8.26.
•    Petition item 8 must include all named executors, even the ones who aren’t going to serve. See Local Rule 8.26 and PrC§8110(b).
•    Form DE-121, Notice of Petition, not on file for the named co-executor. See Local Rule 8.14 and PrC§8110(b).
•    Please provide a family tree attached to a verified pleading.
•    The document which petitioner attached as the purported will is declared by the decedent to be his Living Trust; review of the document reflects that the decedent did not once refer to it as his will. The document contains some language that is typical in either a will or trust. Please provide points and authorities regarding admission of the “Living Trust of Harry Truman Davis” to probate.
•    Purported will is not self-proving per Local Rule 8.23.  Proof of Subscribing Witness (Form DE-131) not on file.
•    Forms DE-140 and DE-150, Proposed Order and Letters, not submitted.
In the future, please take care when reviewing the notice prior to publication, as there appear to be several typographical errors in the notice affixed to the affidavit of publication (decedent’s name, street address of the court).
Recommend continuance to 09/16/26 to allow time to cure defects.
If admitted to probate as the will, some terms of the “Living Trust” will make distribution difficult. Some terms have nothing to do with the probate of the estate (like things that will happen while decedent is still alive); some are unintelligible (last sentence of Article Five Death Taxes).
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000434 ESTATE OF DIANNE ARAMBEL-POOLE
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration:
Recommend approval of petition.
Recommend Inventory Review Hearing 12/09/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.41B.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 2026
Department 22
8:30 a.m.

444318 MATTER OF ISAAC ORTIZ SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST
Account Review Hearing continued from 01/06/26:
Ninth Account (Petitioner’s Fourth) and Report of Trustee not on file.
Recommend court issue Order to Show Cause to Trustee to appear and show cause why surcharge should not be imposed, and/or the Trustee removed, for failure to present Account.
Appearance by Trustee and Trustee’s counsel mandatory (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-000916 ESTATE OF MARGIE MORINE BRISBY, AKA MORINE BRISBY
Account Review Hearing continued from 10/07/25, 01/21/26:
On 01/21/26 court ordered the personal representative to file a PrC§12200 Status Report with Notice of Hearing within 90 days if estate is not in position to be closed.
• Neither Petition for Final Distribution nor PrC§12200 Status Report have been filed. 
Recommend court issue Order to Show Cause to personal representative and personal representative’s counsel to be personally present pursuant to PrC§12202:
      o    To show condition of estate and why estate cannot be distributed and closed;
      o    So that court may order personal representative to prepare and file a First Account Current at the court’s discretion pursuant to PrC§12202(b).
      o    Noncompliance may result in removal of personal representative from office (PrC§§12204, 8500).
Appearance by Administrator and Administrator’s counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-000963 ESTATE OF GARY ALAN JOHNSON
Account Review Hearing:
Account Review Hearing will be dropped.

Hearing on Order to Show Cause issued 02/18/26 to petitioner:
To appear and show cause why the court should not dismiss the petition to determine entitlements.
Recommend continuance to 07/14/26 to coincide with hearing on Petition for Final Distribution

Hearing on Court’s Motion to Dismiss the Petition to Determine Entitlements, set by Minute Order 10/15/25, 02/18/26:
Opposition (purs. PrC§11702) filed 12/03/24 (by the personal representative in his capacity as an heir).
On 04/16/25, the parties stipulated to engage in mediation. 
A Notice of (conditional) Settlement was filed by the petitioner on 08/26/25.
A Petition to Approve a Settlement has not been filed.
Recommend continuance to 07/14/26 to coincide with hearing on Petition for Final Distribution.

A Petition for Final Distribution has been filed and set for hearing on 07/14/26. Cursory review reflects that the petition seeks distribution pursuant to an agreement. The agreement does not bear notary’s acknowledgment as required by Local Rule 8.87. A petition to approve the settlement agreement may be required.

Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-001193 ESTATE OF MARTIN J. McKEAN, AKA MARTIN McKEAN
Account Review Hearing continued from 01/28/26:
A Petition for Final Distribution has been filed and set for hearing on 07/07/26. 
Hearing of 07/07/26 will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000148 ESTATE OF TIMOTHY ALLEN OWNBY, SR
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 12/15/26 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-24-000372 ESTATE OF LAVERNE BARBARA GEORGE
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 12/15/26 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-24-001099 ESTATE OF PAMELA J. DOBBYN, AKA PAMELA JUNE DOBBYN
Account Review Hearing:
Account Review Hearing will be dropped.

Hearing on First and Final Account of Administrator and Petition for Allowance of Compensation to Attorney for Ordinary and Extraordinary Services and to Administrator for Ordinary Services and for Final Distribution continued from 05/06/26:
• Prior Notes have been cured.
• The pleading, including the Schedule of Disbursements and the Declaration file-marked 05/05/26 supplementing the pleading, reflect that the current personal representative and the former PR, who resigned, were reimbursed out of the estate’s funds during this estate’s administration. That is not an act for which the personal representative has authority without the court’s prior approval. 
      o    Submitted to court for determination.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000177 MATTER OF PATRICK HEANEY REVOCABLE TRUST
Hearing on Petition Regarding Internal Affairs of a Trust Accounting of Trustee for Surcharge of Amanda Heaney, Tina Heaney filed 03/26/26, 05/19/26:
In the future please do not use color or highlighting in the accountings, as it has made several Schedules very difficult for court staff to read.
Prior Notes remain:
•    Please provide the street addresses of the real property assets, as the Trust directed specific distributions of four real property assets to individual beneficiaries.
•    Schedule of Net Income did not identify from which property or properties the rental income was received. Since the Trust directed distribution of certain pieces of real property to specific beneficiaries, they may be entitled to know if those assets produced income.
Objection filed – 05/02/26, by Amanda Heaney and Tina Heaney. The Objectors’ verification was filed separately. Prior Probate Notes have addressed the filing of verification separately by these parties, and recommended the court admonish them that verifications are to be attached to the pleading and not filed separately except if due to mistake.
The prior Probate Note recommended this matter be continued to 08/27/26, to coincide with continued hearing on contested petition, for judicial economy.
On 05/19/26, petitioner’s counsel appeared and requested the court rule on the petition for instructions.
Appearance by counsel and the self-represented Objectors requried (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000191 ESTATE OF JOSEPH B. ZIA
Hearing on Amended Spousal Property Petition (file-marked 05/07/26) continued from 04/15/26:
Prior Notes have been cured.
If no one appears to object, recommend approval of amended petition.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

445058 MATTER OF ERIC PIERCE SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST
Hearing on Seventh Account and Report of Trustee of the Eric Pierce Special Needs Trust; Petition to Settle Account; to Confirm Trustee Fees; and to Fix and Allow Attorney Fees:
Recommend approval of Account and Petition with the exception of attorney’s fees which exceed county norms.  Attorney’s fees submitted to the Judge for determination.
Appearance by counsel required pursuant to language used in the proposed Order (which reflects that counsel appeared) (by VCourt if preferred).
 

PR-22-001282 ESTATE OF HARRY P. BELLETTO
Hearing on Third PrC§12200 Status Report: 
Notice appears complete. 
Recommend court vacate previously set 07/22/26 Account Review Hearing and reset it for 10/08/26.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-001201 ESTATE OF JOSE Z. SANCHEZ, AKA JOSE Z. SANCHEZ RODRIGUEZ
Hearing on First and Final Account and Report of Administrator and Petition for its Settlement, for Allowance of Statutory Compensation to Administrator and Attorney, for Costs of Administration and for Final Distribution:
In the future, a hearing on a petition for final distribution may be continued for failure to attach a Schedule of proposed distribution purs. to CRC rule 7.651, Local rule 8.83 M; PrC§1062(f).
Request for order authorizing distribution into a blocked account for the benefit of a minor heir submitted to court for determination.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000969 ESTATE OF PATRICIA ANN CHIPPONERI, AKA PATRICIA A. CHIPPONERI
Hearing on First and Final Report of Administrator on Waiver of Account and Petition for Allowance of Compensation to Attorney for Ordinary Services and Extraordinary Services and to Administrator for Ordinary Services and for Final Distribution:
Please explain the line item in the seller’s statement “Additional Settlement Charges: Clean up to (personal representative’s name)”.
Recommend continuance to 08/07/26 to allow time to address Note.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-001101 MATTER OF MATTHEW EOFF, OR MATTER OF DURABLE POWER OF ATTORNEY OF RUFUS SANTOS, PRINCIPAL
Hearing on Motion to Compel Further Responses to Special Interrogatories, Set One, and for Monetary Sanctions:
SEE TENTATIVE RULING, to be posted day prior to hearing at https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/online-services/tentative-rulings/…

PR-26-000360 ESTATE OF DOUGLAS L. ROBERTS
Hearing on Petition for Probate of Will and for Letters Testamentary:
Will is self-proving.
•    Will waives bond for personal representatives, however personal representatives reside out of state. See PrC§8571. Bond may be required. Minimum bond amount currently is $20,000.00 pursuant to Local Rule 8.33.
Bond matter submitted to Judge for Determination.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred). Please be prepared to inform the court if there are any known California creditors or liabilities of the estate.

PR-26-000365 ESTATE OF JANET FREDERICKSEN
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration:
Please be advised that the heading of every document filed by petitioner so far has not reflected the correct address for this court, including those giving notice of hearings. This court is located at 801 10th Street, Modesto, CA. The clerk’s office is located on the fourth floor and the courtroom, Department 22, is located on the sixth.
•    Proof of mailed notice is defective: Form DE-121 gave notice of this hearing at the wrong address.
•    Affidavit of publication not on file. See Local Rule 8.12.
•    Petitioner’s telephone number omitted from item 2 on page 2 of Form DE-147, Duties and Liabilities.
•    Petition item 5a(3) or (4) incomplete (existence of registered domestic partner).
•    Petition item 8 included second generation heirs but not the deceased ancestor through which they take (please see Local Rule 8.26 E). Please identify the decedent’s parents and their dates of death; if decedent had any siblings that have passed away, please identify them and their dates of death, and allege if the deceased sibling had any children or grandchildren. If there were children or grandchildren of a deceased sibling, they must also be included in petition item 8. See Probate Code sections 6402.
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-26-000387 MATTER OF ALICE FAYE ANDERSON LIVING TRUST
Hearing on Petition for Conveyance or Transfer of Property Claimed to Belong to Trust:
Are William’s two surviving children adults or minors?
The petition reflects a “last known” address for Milton; is petitioner not aware of the current mailing address for that interested party? See California Rule of Court rule 7.52.
It appears the original will was lodged with the court approximately two weeks after the petition was verified; please consider updating line 6 on page 2 of the petition (allegation that someone destroyed the will).
Recommend continuance to 06/24/26 to allow time to cure defects, for judicial economy, to coincide with hearing in related case.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).
 

THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2026
Department 22
8:30 a.m.

445167 MATTER OF RAYMOND GERALD COCHRAN LIVING TRUST DATED 06/27/07; INCLUDING THE SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST FOR TERRI LYNN COCHRAN
Hearing on Sixth Annual Account and Petition for Allowance of Attorney’s Fees, for Reimbursement of Costs Advanced by Attorney continued from 02/03/26:
• Please explain the “stipends” for “church offerings, sundries, etc.” paid to Debra Henry. Who is Debra Henry? Are these cash or cash equivalents to or for the trust beneficiary? Does Ms. Henry provide any kind of receipt or itemization to the Trustee for the stipends? What percentage is used for tithing and what percentage for sundries? 
• Please show either that the distributions (tithing, gifts to others) 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. (McGee v. State Dep't of Health Care Services (2023) 91 Cal.App.5th 1161, 1174–1176.) 
• The Trustee ought not use the Trust to purchase her own meals. Trustee is entitled to seek compensation, and has heretofore waived compensation. Please show either that the distributions for meals for the Trustee 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. (McGee v. State Dep't of Health Care Services (2023) 91 Cal.App.5th 1161, 1174–1176.) 
• Please provide copies of receipts for purchases the Trustee made using her own funds for which she later reimbursed herself from Trust funds and copies of receipts or invoices for purchases made by third parties which the Trustee later reimbursed from Trust funds. 
      o    The court does not encourage this practice; such reimbursements require meticulous record-keeping and the production of receipts at the time of the accounting. Where feasible, it is better to pay vendors directly from the Trust.
• Schedule of Distributions reflects that checks are issued to “Deb Henry” for the purpose of “stipend for Church offerings, sundries, etc”. Who is Deb Henry and how does a monthly check issued to her accomplish both Church offerings and the purchase of sundries?
• Please explain the 09/19/23 disbursement for “executors luncheon meeting/conservator”.
• What were the doctor’s appointment(s) for which Dale Schoeman was reimbursed on 12/07/23, 01/03/24? What expense was incurred that required reimbursement?
• The accounting reflects purchase of and/or reimbursement to others for the purchase of personal property items such as an iPad and computer. These items appear to be trust property; please include them in the Schedule of Property on Hand.
Recommend continuance to 09/22/26 to allow time to cure defects, address Notes.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-22-001317 ESTATE OF CONNIE L. HOWER, AKA CONNIE LYNN HOWER, CONNIE HOWER
Hearing on Petition for Final Distribution, Settlement of estate, Report of Administration, Allowance of Compensation of Personal Representative and Allowance of Attorneys Fees, Extraordinary Fees Costs, Waiver of Account continued from 06/05/25, 10/15/25, 02/04/26:
Prior Note from 06/05/25: Proposed distribution submitted to court for determination. An account appears required if the court does not approve the proposed distribution. [Notarized waivers of account not on file from the three contingent beneficiaries of the residue (charitable entities).]
On 02/04/26, the court directed the filing of a joint or separate status report no fewer than ten (10) days before this hearing, and ordered that if the matter was not settled, the personal representative would be required to attend the hearing.
On 05/28/26, the personal representative’s counsel filed an unverified Declaration alleging his anticipation that an agreement would be submitted prior to this hearing.
Appearance by personal representative and counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000871 ESTATE OF KENNETH W. HARLAN
Account Review Hearing continued from 01/13/26:
Petition for Final Distribution has been filed and set for hearing 07/30/26.
Hearing of 07/30/26 will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000158 CRUZ FAMILY TRUST U/A/D NOVEMBER 2, 1995
Hearing on Petition to Compel Trustee; to Charge Respondent with Breach of Fiduciary Duty, for Surcharge and Removal (PrC §17200); for Accounting; with Elder or Dependent Adult Financial Abuse (WIC §15610.30 & 15657.5), with Wrongful Taking and for Exemplary Damages and Attorney Fees and Costs (Probate Code §§ 859 and 4231 et seq) (filed by Bethany Cruz) continued from 07/01/25, 10/28/25, 02/05/26:
Objection filed 10/02/25 (by Joel Cruz).  Proof of service of objection is on file.
Prior defects on petition cured. Prior notes remain:
•    Need Order.
•    Petitioner requests appointment as successor trustee; therefore, it appears necessary that the court set a bond pursuant to PrC§15602(a)(3), however petition did not request a bond nor did it allege the amount of bond that would be appropriate.
On 02/05/26, the Court ordered counsel to provide an accounting within 90 days. 
Petitioner’s Notice of Failure of Trustee to Comply with Court’ Order (file marked 04/16/26) and Objector’s Responsive Declaration (file marked 04/21/26) submitted to Judge for determination.
At last hearing, the Court ordered parties to meet and confer and indicated if matter is not settled by the next hearing, the Court intends to set for trial.
Hearing required.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000234 ROBERT A. COCKAYNE REVOCABLE TRUST
Hearing on Petition to Invalidate Trust Based on Undue Influence and Lack of Capacity; Damages for Elder Abuse; Finding Beneficiaries Predeceased Under Probate Code §259 and Attorney’s Fees continued from 07/30/25, 09/25/25, 01/27/26:
Prior defects cured. Notice has been perfected.
Objection filed 11/04/25 (by Jennifer M. Deguara)
•    Proposed Order not yet submitted.
On 01/27/26, the court directed parties to file either a joint or separate status report(s) within 10 days of next hearing.  Status reports are not on file at time of review.
Hearing required.
Appearances by counsel and objector’s counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000256 RODRIGUEZ 2008 REVOCABLE TRUST
Related Case PR-25-000284
Hearing on Petition regarding Internal Affairs of a Trust and Request for Appointment of Trustee Probate Code §17200; Confirming Removal of Trustee, Appointing Trustee (filed by Patricia Romo) reset on the court’s own motion from 08/05/25, continued from 08/13/25, 10/28/25, 02/10/26:
Prior Notes remain:
•    It appears necessary that the court set a bond pursuant to PrC§15602(a)(3), however petition did not request a bond nor did it allege the amount of bond that would be appropriate. Matter will be submitted to judge if appointment is sought.
Declaration file marked 09/23/25 alleges that the trustee is now deceased and that petitioner no longer seeks appointment.  On 02/10/26, the matter was continued to allow time for parties to meet and confer regarding a third party fiduciary.   
Need status of petition.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000284 RODRIGUEZ 2008 REVOCABLE TRUST
Related Case PR-25-000256
Hearing on Petition Regarding Family Trust Established by Jesus Espinoza Rodriguez in 2008 (filed by Daniel Rodriguez, David Rodriguez, Julian Rodriguez, Esther Bristow and Linda Rodriguez) reset on court’s own motion from 08/07/25, continued from 08/21/25, 10/28/25, 02/10/26:
Prior notes:
•    It appears necessary that the court set a bond pursuant to PrC§15602(a)(3), however petition did not request a bond nor did it allege the amount of bond that would be appropriate.
•    Notice of Hearing not on file.
•    Petition did not list those who are entitled to notice (PrC §172001).
•    Proposed order has not been submitted.
On 10/28/25, counsel indicated that parties were attempting to settle.
Need status of settlement agreement.
Appearances required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000723 ESTATE OF ELAINE JOYCE GARDNER, AKA ELAINE J. GARDNER, ELAINE GARDNER
Inventory Review Hearing:
Final Inventory and Appraisal is on file.
Recommend Account Review Hearing 02/11/27 pursuant to Local Rule 8.82.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-001329 ESTATE OF SHERRIE AMBER PEER, AKA SHERRI PEER
Hearing on Order to Show Cause issued to petitioner on 01/29/26:
To appear and show cause why court should not dismiss case for failure to appear and for failure to cure defects.
Failure to appear on 01/29/26 will result in dismiss of the case.

Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration continued from 01/29/26:

Nothing filed since previous hearing. Prior Notes remain:
Defects in the petition, Form DE-111:
•    Heading of page 1 did not include a checkmark in box “Authorization to Administer Under the Independent Administration of Estates Act”.
•    Item 1 did not identify the newspaper where petitioner intends to publish notice.
•    Item 3d(5) did not include the amount of encumbrances (the amount of the decedent’s share of the mortgage).
•    Petition item 8 was not completed (names and addresses of all the intestate heirs, as well as whether they are adults or minors).
•    The court cannot determine if Waivers of Bond are on file from all heirs until item 8 is completed.

Defects in the file:
•    Form DE-121 Notice of Petition to Administer Estate not on file.
•    Affidavit of publication not on file. See Local Rule 8.12.

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) mandatory (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000163 ESTATE OF PATRICIA LEGGETT
Hearing on Ex Parte Application for Temporary Restraining Order and Order Preserving Estate Assets Pending Probate Determination:
Notice of Hearing not on file.
Appearance by petitioner (self-represented) required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-20-000879 ESTATE OF MIGUEL AVILA, SR.
Hearing on Fourth PrC§12200 Status Report of Administration:
Notice appears complete.
Recommend court allow estate to remain open and set a further Account Review Hearing 05/04/27.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-000749 MATTER OF ARLETE B. HEMPHILL 2021 REVOCABLE TRUST
Hearing on First and Final Account and Request for Approval of Accounting filed 04/16/26 by Successor Trustee William Hemphill:
•    Pleading was not verified. See California Rule of Court 7.103, California Code of Civil Procedure sections 2015.5, 446.
•    Pleading did not include Trustee’s statements required by PrC§1064(a)(1-5).
•    Pleading did not include a prayer. Pursuant to PrC§1064(b), the filing of an account shall be deemed to include a petition requesting its approval. 
•    Summary of Account omitted. See Local Rule 8.65 and PrC§§1060-4. Please include the specific end date of the account.
•    Please provide a Schedule for Property on Hand at Beginning of Account Period. See Local Rule 8.65 and PrC§§1060-4. 
•    Please provide a Schedule for Property on Hand at End of Account Period. See Local Rule 8.65 and PrC§§1060-4.
•    Please provide a Schedule of Market Value for Property on Hand at Beginning/End of Account Period [PrC§1063(a)].
•    Notice of Hearing not on file.
Recommend continuance to 08/11/26 to allow time to cure defects and to coincide with related contested matters already set.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-000753 ESTATE OF BETTY JEAN WHITTLES
Hearing on Petition for Final Distribution and Discharge of Administrator:
Recommend continuance to 06/16/26, to coincide with hearings in related matters PR-23-000754 and PR-23-000755, for judicial economy.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000599 ESTATE OF GEORGETTE ARLENE ALBANO, AKA GEORGETTE A. ALBANO
Hearing Motion to be Relieved as Counsel:
SEE TENTATIVE RULING, to be posted day prior to hearing at https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/online-services/tentative-rulings/…

PR-25-000465 ESTATE OF CONNIE BURKS
Hearing on Petition for Termination of Proceedings and Discharge Pursuant to Cal. Probate Code Sec. 12251:
•    Please explain the “incentive” payment to the personal representative and the credit/debit to Probate Legal Solutions for “Probate Attorney” as reflected in the final settlement statement attached to the petition.
•    Please clarify line 7 on page 2 of the petition, which reflects that the fair market value of the real property was greater than the mortgage – that situation would ordinarily result in net proceeds from a sale. 
•    The petition includes a statement that the Probate Referee did not appraise the real property before the sale. Please explain why (unnecessary, unavailable?).
•    Report regarding creditor claims appears incomplete. See California Rules of Court rule 7.403.
Recommend continuance to 07/16/26 to allow time to cure defects, address Probate Notes, to coincide with hearing already set.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000730 ESTATE OF CAROLINE MARTINEZ
Hearing on First and Final Report of Executor on Waiver of Accounting and Petition for its Settlement, for Allowance of Compensation of Ordinary Services and Costs for Attorney and Executor, and for Final Distribution:
Recommend approval of petition.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 12/17/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.92.
Recommend court vacate Account Review Hearing 11/10/26.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000367 ESTATE OF DOMINGO ESPINOZA SUNIGA, AKA DOMINGO E. SUNIGA
Hearing on Petition to Determine Succession to Primary Residence:
If no one appears to object, recommend court find notice complete and approve the petition.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000408 BEVERLY A. MICHEL 1985 DECLARATION OF TRUST
Hearing on Petition for Removal of Trustee, Appoint Successor Trustee; Accounting, and Surcharge (filed by Richard A. Michel, II):
•    Petition does not appear to allege that venue is proper in this county (PrC§17005).
•    Body of Petition omitted the names and mailing addresses of those entitled to notice (PrC§17201).
•    Notice of Hearing not on file.  See PC§17203(a) for notice requirements in trust proceedings.
•    Order not submitted.
Appearance by Petitioner (self-represented) required.  (Anyone appearing may do so either in person, or remotely, by telephone, using VCourt).
 

FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2026
Department 22
8:30 a.m.

PR-24-000825 ESTATE OF DORIS COETTA BELL, AKA DORIS COETTA RAMBO
Inventory Review Hearing continued from 10/03/25, 10/17/25, 04/15/26:
Nothing filed since previous hearing. Prior Notes remain:
Letters issued 01/14/26. Final Inventory and Appraisal due 05/14/26. 
While the personal representative was self-represented and before Letters were issued, she filed a (defective) Inventory and Appraisal reflecting multiple financial accounts, totaling more than $250,000.00. This court ordered all funds deposited in a blocked account. A receipt of deposit is not yet on file.
Recommend court issue Order to Show Cause to personal representative to appear and show cause why she should not be surcharged and/or removed from office for failure to show proof of having deposited estate funds into a blocked account.
Appearance by personal representative and counsel mandatory (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-001355 MATTER OF JENEVIEVE ANN KENOYER LIVING TRUST    
Review Hearing on court’s motion to close case:
If no one appears, the court will order the case closed.
Appearances not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000172 ESTATE OF JAMES D. HOLBROOK
Hearing on First and Final Account and Report of Administrator and Petition for Its Settlement; Petition for Final Distribution; and Allowance of Compensation to Attorney and Administrator for Ordinary Services continued from 05/20/26:
Prior defects cured.
Recommend approval of petition as supplemented.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 12/17/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.92.
Recommend court vacate Account Review Hearing 09/15/26.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000287 ESTATE OF AARON PATRICK WALSH
Hearing on PrC§12200 Status Report of Administration continued from 04/15/26:
Nothing filed since previous hearing. Prior Note remains:
•    Notice of Hearing not yet on file (see PrC§12201) including creditors (PrC§48). The court cannot consider the contents of the report when they remain ex parte.
Recommend court issue Order to Show Cause to personal representative to appear and show cause why court should not order the filing of a First Account Current purs. to PrC§12202.
Appearance by personal representative and counsel mandatory (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000618 FELIPE M. TERAN SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST
(1)    Hearing on Second Account and Report of Trustee of Felipe Teran’s Special Needs Trust; Petition to Settle Account; and to Fix and Allow Trustee and Attorney Fees continued from 05/05/26: 
Prior notes cured by supplement.
Recommend approval of request to increase bond by $117,274.18 for total bond of $1,480,983.10.
Recommend continuance to 07/31/26 to allow time for supplemental bond to be filed prior to file-marking of Order Approving Account and Report (PrC§2320.2).
•    Need new order prior to next hearing.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000841 ESTATE OF DANIEL R. HUTSELL, AKA DANIEL RICHARD HUTSELL
Review Hearing set on court’s own motion on 05/01/26 regarding Guardian ad litem:
On 05/01/26, the court ordered that if an order appointing Nini Lee as GAL is filed before this hearing, the hearing would vacate.
No petition and order appointing a Guardian ad litem has been submitted.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000875 ESTATE OF BENJAMIN ANDRES PAUL, AKA BENJAMIN A. PAUL, BENJAMIN PAUL
Inventory Review Hearing continued from 04/02/26:
Based on the verified Declaration file-marked 04/10/26, current bond appears sufficient. 
Recommend Account Review Hearing 01/14/27 pursuant to Local Rule 8.82.
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, 03/20/26:
Prior Notes:
• Need new proposed Form DE-150, Letters: Letters submitted 02/26/26 have two boxes checked in the header: “Testamentary” and “of Administration”. This is a petition for Letters of Administration, not Letters Testamentary.
• 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. This is the pleading that identified the possible heirs Colton W. and Hunter W. 

Recommend court enquire of petitioner if Colton W. and Hunter W. are the children of Heath W., or if they are the children of a different child of Kathy W., and if that child of Kathy W. is or is not deceased. 
• If Colton W. and Hunter W. are the children of Heath W., then Colton W. and Hunter W. are not heirs of this estate, and Waivers of Bond are on file from all intestate heirs. If they are the children of a deceased child of Kathy W. (who has not been identified in any of petitioner’s pleadings yet), then they are heirs of this estate.
      o    If they are heirs of this estate, recommend court ask petitioner for the name of their parent, and also for Hunter W.’s age or date of birth. If he is under the age of 18, he may not sign a bond waiver on his own behalf (Waiver of Bond was filed 05/27/26 with his signature dated 05/06/26), and a bond would therefore appear required.
      o    If they are heirs of this estate, Waiver of Bond not on file from Colton W., and a bond would therefore appear required. 

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-26-000058 BELMIRA JOSEPHINE LOPES LIVING TRUST
Hearing on Petition for Order Confirming Successor Trustee and Trust Asset (Probate Code section 850(a)(3) continued from 04/14/26:
REVIEW IN PROGRESS. PLEASE CHECK BACK.

PR-25-000754 GEORGE GARY VENIOT LIVING TRUST DTD DECEMBER 5, 2006
(1)    Hearing on Petitioner, Tawna Veniot’s Motion to Deem Requests for Admission Admitted and for Monetary Sanctions Against Respondent for Misuse of the Discovery Process:
SEE TENTATIVE RULINGS, to be posted day prior to hearing at https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/online-services/tentative-rulings/…

9:30 a.m.

PR-24-000210 ROBERT SIDNEY JUSTICE AND GAIL O’CONNOR JUSTICE 1999 REVOCABLE TRUST 
Court Trial (1 hour estimate)
Appearances mandatory.