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.
 

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 JULY 11, 2025
The revised Local Rules took effect July 1, 2025, and are now available for download. 

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 OCTOBER 15, 2024, UPDATED JANUARY 2, 2025
To those in the probate community who handle or assist with Conservatorships: Please take care to learn about the revision to Judicial Council Form GC-355 and new attachment Form GC-356 which went into effect January 1, 2025, and the new requirements for that form based on Senate Bill 280.

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.

DUE TO STAFFING LEVELS, THE PROBATE NOTES MAY BE UPDATED INFREQUENTLY BETWEEN THE FOLLOWING DATES: MONDAY OCTOBER 6, 2025 TO FRIDAY OCTOBER 10, 2025. WE APPRECIATE YOUR PATIENCE.

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 8, 2025

Department 22
8:30 a.m.

PR-21-001017 ESTATE OF KAMIL ABRAHAM, AKA MIKE ABRAHAM, MAJED ABRAHAM, MIKE IBRHIM
Account Review Hearing:
Petition for Final Distribution has been filed and set for hearing on 11/05/25.
Hearing of 11/05/25 will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).
 

PR-22-000768 ESTATE OF CAROL J. OWENS, AKA CAROL JUNE OWENS
Account Review Hearing:
Petition for Final Distribution has been filed and set for hearing on 01/13/26.
Hearing of 01/13/26 will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-22-001311 ESTATE OF ROBERT S. VIERRA, JR.
(1)    Account Review Hearing:
Recommend court drop the 10/08/25 account review hearing as a petition for final distribution is on file.

(2)    Hearing on Report of Administration; Petition for Final Distribution; for Order on First and Final Account; for Approval of Statutory Personal Representative’s Fees; for Approval of Statutory Attorney’s Fees; for Approval of Costs; for Extraordinary Fees:
This case will be heard on 10/28/25 to allow more time for review.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).
 

PR-23-000952 ESTATE OF JAMES EARLY TONEY
Account Review Hearing:
Petition for Final Distribution has been filed and set for hearing on 12/17/25.
Hearing of 12/17/25 will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-001091 ESTATE OF CAMERON K. SCHLICHT

2. Hearing on First Report and First Account of Executor and Petition for Compensation to Attorneys for Extraordinary Services, for Reimbursement of Costs Advanced and for Distribution continued from 06/03/25, 06/05/25:
•    Prior Note remains: Corrected Inventory and Appraisal file-marked 04/09/25: Attachment 1 omitted.
              o    An Attachment to a supplement to the accounting may not cure a defect with the I&A. A supplement to the account can address only the accounting. See CRC rule 7.3.
                           +    Attachment 1 of the corrected I&A was still omitted from the attachment to the 06/02/25 supplement.
•    New Note: In the supplement file-marked 06/02/25, the filer alleges that multiple assets listed in both the Final I&A and the Corrected I&A did not belong to the decedent. A Second Corrected Final I&A therefore appears mandatory before the court may approve a First Account. Again, defects with an I&A may not be cured by a supplement to the accounting. See CRC rule 7.3.
•    New Note: The Schedule of Disbursements reflects multiple checks were issued to the personal representative for “reimbursements”. These reimbursements do not appear to have been authorized by the court previously. Please provide copies of receipts, invoices marked as paid, or, as a last resort, copies of redacted financial statements reflecting the personal representative’s payment of the expenses.
•    Prior Note remains: Please provide a Schedule of (prior) Distributions as referenced in the Summary of Account (Exhibit A). Were these assets included in the Corrected I&A file-marked 04/09/25?
           o    It appears that, instead, the personal representative included prior distributions in the Schedule of Disbursements. Please see PrC§§1060-4; disbursements and prior and proposed distributions are separate schedules.
•    Prior Note remains: Please provide a more detailed Schedule of (Proposed) Distribution, including calculation showing cash on hand at end of account period, less proposed extraordinary compensation, less proposed reimbursement of costs, and totaling the proposed reserve.
           o    Paragraph 8 of the 06/02/25 supplement does not cure this Note, as the text in that paragraph does not constitute a Schedule.
Objection filed – 10/01/25 by S. Wright. Would Ms. Wright consent, as custodian, to receiving the property on behalf of the minor heir(s)? Please see Local Rule 8.84 and PrC§3401.

1. Hearing on Petition to Confirm Assets to Probate Estate, to Compel Return of Assets and Related Information, and to Compel Account and Report continued from 08/29/24, 10/18/24, 02/04/25, 06/05/25:
Objection filed – 05/29/25 by Meta Platforms Inc.
Objection filed – 05/29/25 by S. Wright.
Status Report filed by Executor on 05/29/25 includes allegation of settlement with Respondent, Google, however the attached Exhibit A does not appear to be an agreement but rather a proposed Order. There has been no request that the court approve a stipulation or settlement agreement in this matter between Petitioner and that Respondent.
Possible long-cause matter.
Trial-setting.

Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000488 C. SCHLICHT 2022 TRUST, DTD SEPTEMBER 15, 2022
Hearing on Petition for Modification of Trust continued from 09/16/25:
•    Petition does not include a prayer for relief at the end of the pleading. 
Objection filed - 09/12/25 by S. Wright. Brief in support of Objection filed 10/03/25.
Hearing required.
Appearance required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-001324 ESTATE OF NORMA PAULINE WALLEY
(1)    Account Review Hearing:
Recommend court drop the 10/08/25 Account Review Hearing as Petition for Final Distribution was filed.

(2)    Hearing on First Amended (file marked 07/18/25) Waiver of Account and Report of Administrator; Petition for Final Distribution continued from 05/21/25:
On 05/21/25, the court terminated the Fee Waiver. Previously waived court fees of $870.00 have been paid.   
Prior notes cured.
Recommend approval of petition.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 04/30/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.92.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-001137 ESTATE OF LESLIE DAWN BATTLES
Inventory Review Hearing:
Final Inventory and Appraisal is on file.
•    Inventory and Appraisal omits characterization of decedent’s property [PrC§8850(c)]. This information will be needed prior to the closing of the estate.
Recommend Account Review Hearing 06/09/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.82.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

 
PR-25-000018 ESTATE OF DELBERT O. EVITT
(1)    Order to Show Cause issued 07/08/25 to Kenneth Bryan Evitt:
To appear and show cause for failure to appear at the 07/08/25 hearing and failure to cure defects.
(2)    Hearing on Petition for Probate of Will and for Letters Testamentary continued from 03/04/25, 07/08/25:
Nothing filed since last hearing. Prior notes remain:
Examiner notes it appears 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.
•    Will is not self-proving per Local Rule 8.23 and Probate Code section 6240.  
•    Will was not witnessed. Declaration re: supporting evidence not on file. See PrC§§8221, 6110.
•    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.
•    The following items will need to be addressed in the petition:
    o    Petition 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 
    o    Item 2a incomplete (box is not checked indicating Will to be admitted).
    o    Item 2c unclear - Both Full and Limited boxes were checked (authority to be granted under the Independent Administration of Estates Act).  Please indicate which powers are being requested.
    o    Item 2d unclear (bond).  If requesting limited authority, a bond will be required or the funds can be ordered deposited in a blocked account.  Please clarify what you are requesting.
    o    Item 3c incomplete (decedent’s residence at time of death).  Without this information, the Court is unable to determine if this Court is the proper venue for this matter.
    o    Item 3e(1) was checked (will waives bond); however, there is no statement in the Will indicating executor shall serve with no bond.  Please either file Waivers of Bond [Form DE-142/DE-111(A-3e)] or request the     appropriate bond amount on Item 2.  
    o    Item 3f(2) incomplete (date of Will).
    o    Item 5a(3) or (4) incomplete (existence of registered domestic partner).
    o    Item 5a(7) or (8) incomplete (existence of issue of a predeceased child).
    o    Item 5b incomplete (existence of stepchild or foster child who would have been adopted but for a legal barrier).
    o    Item 8 incomplete (Names, relationships and addresses).  Must include all those named in the Will, as well as the decedent’s heirs. If any are deceased, please include the date of death. See Petition item 8 and Local     Rule 8.26.
        Item 8 box checked “continued on Attachment 8” but the attachment was not included.
•    Once the issues of bond and authority under IAEA are clarified on the petition, a new Order for Probate (Form DE-140) may be required to match the request.

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
Need status.
Appearance by petitioner (self-represented) required (Anyone wishing to appear remotely, may do so by telephone, using VCourt).

PR-25-000155 ESTATE OF THOMAS ELLSWORTH SPILLER, II; AKA THOMAS E. SPILLER, II; THOMAS SPILLER, II; THOMAS E SPILLER, JR.
Inventory Review Hearing:
Final Inventory and Appraisal is on file.
•    Inventory and Appraisal omits characterization of decedent’s property [PrC§8850(c)]. This information will be needed prior to the closing of the estate.
Petition for Final Distribution has been filed and set for hearing on 12/10/25.
Hearing of 12/10/25 will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000167 ESTATE OF LINCOLN WACHIRA WAITIKI
Inventory Review Hearing:
Letters issued 04/08/25. Inventory and Appraisal due 08/08/25.
Final Inventory and Appraisal not on file.
Recommend Account Review Hearing 04/15/26 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-25-000171 ESTATE OF JESSICA S. EVERS, AKA JESSICA SARAH EVERS
Inventory Review Hearing:
Final Inventory and Appraisal on file.
A Petition for Final Distribution has been filed and set for hearing 11/20/25.
Hearing of 11/20/25 will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).
 

PR-23-001273 ESTATE OF ROBERT R. VERGARA
Hearing on Report of Administrator and Petition for Approval of Statutory Compensation and for Final Distribution and Waiver of Accounting:
More time is needed for review. Matter will be continued to 10/28/25 on the court’s own motion.
No appearance required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000790 ESTATE OF BEVERLY ZELLA KIOUS
Hearing on First and Final Report of Executor and Petition for its Settlement, for Allowance of Compensation of Ordinary Services and Costs, and for Final Distribution:
•    Any costs incurred by the personal representative for attendance at the decedent’s funeral is not a reimbursable expense ($3,628.56).
Recommend approval of petition with the modification that reimbursement of travel expenses is not approved. 
•    Need new order.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).
 

PR-25-000589 ESTATE OF JERRY L. MORGAN
Hearing on Petition to Determine Succession to Primary Residence:
Recommend continuance to 01/29/26 to coincide with related trust petition.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).
 

PR-25-000590 JERRY L. MORGAN TRUST DATED DTD DECEMBER 17, 2022
Hearing on Petition to Confirm Trust Asset [Probate Code 850]:
•    Notice not on file for attorney general.  See PrC §17203.
•    Need Order.
Recommend continuance to 01/29/26 to allow time to perfect notice.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).
 

PR-25-000951 ESTATE OF GUSTAVO CASTILLO, AKA GUSTAVO CASTILLO DIAZ
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration:
Matter will be continued to 10/09/25, to coincide with related petition set, for judicial economy.
No appearance required.

PR-25-000952 ESTATE OF CURTIS LYNN SHIVAR, SR.
Hearing on Petition to Determine Succession to Primary Residence:
Defects in the Petition, Form DE-310, that must be addressed by petitioner:
•    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.
•    Attachment 11 omitted:
    o    Please provide detail in Attachment 11 to satisfy petition item 11(2) (facts that show the property was decedent’s primary residence in California).
    o    Please provide detail in Attachment 11 to satisfy petition item 11(3) (facts that show the asset was decedent’s separate property).
    o    Please provide Legal description and APN.
•    Attachment 14 omitted.
•    The information provided in item 13 is helpful, but it does not provide each petitioner’s specific percentage interest in the real property. This information must be provided purs. to PrC§§13150 et seq. See proposed Order item 9b.
•    Copy of grant deed showing current title was not attached or provided on separate pleading. 
Defects in the Court’s file:
•    Notice of Hearing, Form DE-120, not on file.
•    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).
•    Form DE-315, Order Determining Succession to Real Property, not on file at time of review.
Appearance by petitioner (self-represented) required.  Anyone appearing may do so in person or remotely, by telephone, using VCourt.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2025

Department 23
8:30 a.m.

PR-23-000760 ESTATE OF ETHEL VONNELL MANTARRO, AKA VONNELL MANTARRO
(1)    Order to Show Cause issued 07/17/25 to Lisa Mantarro Moore:
To appear and show cause for failing to appear at the 07/17/25 hearing and failing to file Petition for Final Discharge and Order.

If personal representative fails to appear, the court may order sanctions in the amount of $150.00.

(2)    Discharge Review Hearing continued from 07/17/25:
See Local Rule 8.92 and Judicial Council Form DE-295.
Consider downloading the form from https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/jcc-form/DE-295. 
Nothing filed. Prior notes remain:
Form DE-295, Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge and Order, not yet submitted.
Need status.
Appearance by executor (self-represented) required (by VCourt if preferred). 

Department 22
8:30 a.m.

PR-19-001293 MATTER OF WALTER LEROY WELKER JR. SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST
Hearing on Third Account and Report of Co-Trustees, Request for Reduction of Bond and Request for Attorney Fees continued from 09/23/25:
After further review, the note has been updated as follows.
Notice appears complete.
Recommend matter be continued to 02/04/26 for the filing of a verified supplement providing a further explanation for the following disbursements: 
-    Dentistry charges for three visits between 1/5/23 and 2/7/23 totaling $929.
-    Giants Tickets totaling $3,975: Per the explanation in the petition, three tickets were purchased. Usually, only one ticket for the beneficiary plus one companion ticket is allowed. Please provide an explanation justifying the SNT paying for the third ticket. 
-    Sheraton hotel charges on 1/11/23 and 1/17/23.
-    $100 to China Basin Garage on 7/31/23. 
-    The purchase of three Christmas gifts for $40.20 (11/30/2023), $9.99 (12/14/2023), and $25.85 (12/15/2023). SNT assets must be used for the sole benefit of the beneficiary. Please explain how these gifts fit within the Special Needs Trust criteria. 
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-21-000883 ESTATE OF FRANCISCO VALENCIA AGUILAR
(1)    Review Hearing re Proof of Deposit of Funds:
On 08/29/25, the court granted the ex parte Application to Grant Full Authority and orders funds to be placed into a blocked account at Bank of Stockton.
Failure to file the order to place funds in a blocked account may result in surcharge and possible removal from office.  Proof of Deposit of Funds in Blocked Account is not on file.
Need status.

(2)    Account Review Hearing:
•    Neither Petition for Final Distribution nor (Second) PrC§12200 Status Report are on file at the time of review.  See Local Rule 8.82. 
Recommend court 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.
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 by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).
 

PR-24-000596 ESTATE OF FLOYD D. GOODMAN
Account Review Hearing:
•    Neither Petition for Final Distribution nor (Second) PrC§12200 Status Report are on file at the time of review.  See Local Rule 8.82. 
Recommend court 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 02/11/26 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-24-000607 ESTATE OF FELIX MARTINEZ BERBENA, SR., AKA FELIX BERBENA, SR.
(1)    Account Review Hearing:
Recommend court drop 10/09/25 account review hearing.

(2)    Hearing on First and Final Report of Executor; for Allowance of Statutory Attorney’s Fees and Executor’s Fees; and for Final Distribution Under Will continued from 09/09/25:
Prior defects cured. 
Recommend approval of petition as supplemented.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 04/30/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.92.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).
 

PR-24-001090 ESTATE OF LIDIA YVETTE AHUMADA, AKA LIDIA IVETTE AHUMADA
Inventory Review Hearing:
Letters Issued 05/06/25.  Inventory and Appraisal due 09/06/25.
Inventory and Appraisal not on file at time of review.
Recommend continuance to 01/29/26 to allow time to file above pleading.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-001156 ESTATE OF WESLEY DEWAYNE GROGAN SR.
Inventory Review Hearing continued from 06/05/25:
Final Inventory and Appraisal on file.
•    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-25-000139 ESTATE OF ARMANDO CRUZ, AKA ARMANDO J. CRUZ
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration continued from 03/27/25, 07/01/25, 08/12/25:
Prior defects cured.
Waivers of Bond on file for all intestate heirs.
Recommend approval of petition.
Need Order and Letters.
Recommend Inventory Review Hearing 04/15/26. See Local Rule 8.41 B, Probate Code section 8800 et seq.
To learn next steps of probating a decedent’s estate, 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 not required (Anyone wishing to appear remotely, may do so by telephone using VCourt).

PR-25-000145 MATTER OF WILLIAM LEDBETTER, JR. AND MAVIS IRENE LEDBETTER FAMILY TRUST
Hearing on Petition for Conveyance or Transfer of Property Claimed to Belong to Trust continued from 06/25/25:
Prior defects cured.

If no one appears to object, recommend approval of petition.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000173 ESTATE OF TONY WILLIAMS
Inventory Review Hearing:
Letters Issued 04/09/25.  Inventory and Appraisal due 08/09/25.
Inventory and Appraisal not on file at time of review.
Recommend continuance to 01/29/26 to allow time to file above pleading.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000174 ESTATE OF SHIRLEY ANN CLEVENGER, AKA SHIRLEY A. CLEVENGER, AKA SHIRLEY CLEVENGER
Inventory Review Hearing:
Letters Issued 04/09/25.  Inventory and Appraisal due 08/09/25.
Inventory and Appraisal not on file at time of review.
Recommend continuance to 01/29/26 to allow time to file above pleading.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000585 ESTATE OF SUSANNE LYNNE RIDGE, AKA SUSANNE RIDGE
Hearing on Petition to Determine Succession to Primary Residence:
Recommend continuance to 10/30/25 to allow more time for review.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).
 

PR-23-000868 ESTATE OF MARY ELIZABETH ALLEY
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:
•    Report paragraph 5 (regarding Creditor’s Claims) does not appear sufficiently detailed pursuant to Local Rule 8.83 B.  There were two creditor’s claims filed. Were they paid?  A release of creditor’s claim is on file for Stanford Health Care. 
    o    Notice to remaining unpaid creditor (JP Morgan) also appears necessary.
•    Paragraph 17 “statutory fees” appears to contain an error in the computation of statutory fees. Please see calculator tool available online at https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/divisions/probate/calculator-tools 
•    Report reflects property on hand is cash.  This does not agree with the Final Inventory and Appraisal. Was the real property sold?  If so, gains/losses on sale were not included in the fee base calculation nor was a schedule attached.
•    Itemization of costs of administration was omitted (see Local Rules 8.69, 8.83K).
•    Order not yet submitted.
Recommend continuance to 12/02/25 to coincide with previously set account review hearing and allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000387 ESTATE OF JEFFREY LEE KRETZ
Hearing on Waiver of Accounting, Report of Administrator and Petition for Final Distribution; allowance of Compensation by Administrator; for Allowance of Compensation to Attorney for Ordinary Services and for Final Distribution:
More time is needed for review. Matter will be continued to 12/18/25 to allow time for review.
No appearance required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000631 ESTATE OF JAMES RAY NIXON AKA JAMES R. NIXON
Hearing on First and Final Report of Administrator on Waiver of Account and Petition for Allowance of Compensation to Administrator for Ordinary Services and to Attorney for Ordinary Services and Extraordinary Servies and for Final Distribution:
Recommend continuance to 10/30/25 to allow more time for review.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-001088 ESTATE OF JOHN C. TOWNER, AKA JOHN CLIFFORD TOWER, AKA JOHN C. TOWNER, JR. AKA JACK TOWNER, AKA JAMES TOWNER
Hearing on Petition for Removal of Personal Representatives (filed by Robert Sanders):
Recommend continuance to 10/16/25 to coincide with petition to determine ownership for judicial economy.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-00596 BARNARD FAMILY LIVING TRUST
Hearing on Petition for Order Confirming Trust Assets (Probate Code section 850(a)(3):
If no one appears to object, Recommend approval of petition.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000951 ESTATE OF GUSTAVO CASTILLO, AKA GUSTAVO CASTILLO DIAZ
(1)    Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration continued from 10/08/25:
Recommend Court clarify if real property listed on petition for appointment of personal representative is different from real property at issue in spousal property petition. If the real property is the same, then full probate appears unnecessary. 
Petitioner seeks full powers but proposes no bond and monies (amount unknown) to be placed in a blocked account at Oak Valley Community Bank in Modesto, California. Either bond with full powers or limited powers with a petition for confirmation of sale are preferred. Submitted to the Judge for determination.
Petitioner to note: if the Court grants the petition as prayed and the proceeds from the sale exceed $245,000, a second blocked account at a different institution may be required due to FDIC insurance limits. 
(2)    Hearing on Spousal Property Petition:
If no one appears to object, Recommend approval of Petition.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).
 

PR-25-000956 ESTATE OF JAMES COWAN
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration:
•    Waivers of bond not on file from intestate heirs. See Probate Code §8571. Minimum bond amount currently is $20,000.00 pursuant to Local Rule 8.33.  Maximum bond would be $2,300,000.00. Petitioner’s request for minimum bond submitted to Judge for Determination.
•    Form DE-150, Letters, not yet submitted.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).
 

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2025
Department 22
8:30 a.m.

PR-21-000344 ESTATE OF RUDOLPH REYES
Account Review Hearing continued from 11/20/24, 01/08/25, 09/09/25:
Neither a Second PrC§12200 Status Report of Administration nor Petition for Final Distribution have been filed. Prior Status Report was filed more than twelve months ago.
PER COURT ON 09/09/25, NO ADDITIONAL PROBATE NOTE TO BE PREPARED.

Hearing on Order to Show Cause issued 05/08/25 to the personal representative continued from 09/09/25:
To appear and show cause why he should not be surcharged and removed as personal representative purs. to Probate Code section 8500 for distributing the estate assets without the authority to do so.
The court will consider making a referral to the Public Administrator as successor personal representative.
Hearing required.
Recommend court on its own motion take judicial notice of the (now dismissed) Petition for Partition file-marked 12/20/22 and the pleading attached as Exhibit “A”.
Exhibit “A” is a recorded Administrator’s Deed recorded 09/22/22 reflecting that Administrator transferred the decedent’s 50% interest in the subject property to each of the three intestate heirs (Petitioner, Respondent, and deceased surviving heir Radella Reyes), as tenants-in-common. 
This appears to have been done without authority – the court has made no order that the Administrator be authorized to distribute any property of this estate, nor does the Administrator appear to have such authority under the Independent Administration of Estates Act.
PER COURT ON 09/09/25, NO ADDITIONAL PROBATE NOTE TO BE PREPARED.

Appearance by Administrator (self-represented) mandatory (by VCourt if preferred). 

PR-22-000327 ESTATE OF WILLIAM CARL SILVA
Hearing on First and Final Report of Administrators on Waiver of Account; Petition for Final Distribution; Allowance of Compensation to Attorney for Ordinary Services continued from 08/20/25:
•    Updated Note: A copy of a Notarized Assignment of Interest was attached to the 09/29/25 Supplement as an Exhibit. Assignments must be filed as a separate pleading. See Local Rule 8.87 and PrC§11604. 
•    Prior Note remains: Proposed Order not yet submitted. Please note the proposed Order must also include the legal description and assessor’s parcel number for the real property.
•    New Note: One of the two heirs is alleged to have recently passed away. It appears therefore that approval of the petition for final distribution may be premature. How does the remaining personal representative propose to distribute the deceased heir’s half of the estate?
Recommend continuance to 01/09/26 to allow time to cure notes.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-22-000861 ESTATE OF RAYMOND MASCADRI
Hearing on First and Final Account; Report of Administrator; Petition for Settlement; and Final Distribution continued from 01/28/25, 05/15/25, 08/15/25:
• Prior Note remains: Notice of Hearing file-marked 06/11/25 was defective, in that it did not include notice of the request for ordinary compensation (as reflected in the 08/25/25 Supplement), [PrC § 10830(b), 11000(b), CRC 7.50]. 
• New Note: Proposed Order submitted 08/11/25:
      o    Omitted total property on hand for distribution. “The remaining Property in the Estate, which is the minimal sum on deposit in the Estate’s bank account” is not sufficiently specific. Is the personal representative unaware of the current funds in the account?
      o    Order of distribution is not sufficiently specific (“The remaining Property in the Estate, which is the minimal sum on deposit in the Estate’s bank account”). Additionally, the order must specify the name of the person to whom the distribution will be made; “petitioner” refers to the personal representative in his capacity as the personal representative; the distribution will be made to him as an individual; please use his name.
      o    Paragraph 6 on page 2 is an order that was not pled for.
Not a defect, but a recommendation for the court: Page 4 of the 04/30/25 Supplement (itemization of counsel’s costs) includes $94.00 each for two VCourt appearances on 10/15/24 and 05/15/25 (total $188.00). According to the court’s Fiscal Services Manager, the VCourt fee has been $35.00 since 07/01/24. Recommend court reduce request for counsel’s administrative costs by $118.00, for total of $4,115.53.
Recommend court allow one last continuance for notice to be perfected purs. to PrC§§ 10830(b), 11000(b), CRC 7.50, to 12/12/25.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-000443 ESTATE OF CRAIG GERARD COKER, AKA CRAIG G. COKER
Letters of Special Administration in effect, do not expire until general personal representative appointment
Hearing on Petition for Probate of Lost Will and for Letters Testamentary set by stipulation and order:
Objection has been dismissed.
Declaration regarding lost Will is on file; lost Will is not self-proving; a Proof of Subscribing Witness is on file.
Proposed bond of $3,202,000.00 appears adequate. 
Recommend approval of petition and admission of will to probate.
Need new Order & Letters.
Recommend court set bond at $3,202,000.00 as pled.
Recommend Inventory Review Hearing 04/14/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.41 B.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-001015 ESTATE OF KARRIE BENNETT
Hearing on Report of Administrator on Waiver of Account and Petition for Allowance of Statutory Compensation to Administrator and Attorney for Ordinary Services, for Compensation to Guardian ad Litem, for Costs of Administration, Reserve for Closing Expenses and for Final Distribution continued from 09/10/25:
The personal representative proposes the court authorize distribution of the distributive share belonging to the minor child to be deposited into a CUTMA account with the child’s custodial parent acting as custodian purs. to PrC§§3900 et seq. Since the child’s distributive share exceeds $20,000.00 (see Local Rule 8.84), the Probate Examiner would have submitted the request to the court for determination as the norm in this county has been the establishment of a Guardianship of the Estate for an amount exceeding $20,000.00. 
However, in this case, the minor child was not himself an intestate heir of the decedent but rather the successor-in-interest for one of the decedent’s intestate heirs who survived the decedent but later passed away. The personal representative has informed the court that no estate proceeding has been commenced or is anticipated as that heir’s estate is alleged to fall below the threshold of $184,500.00. The personal representative has attached a PrC§13100 Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property to the Supplement file-marked 09/09/25. The Affidavit was signed by the child’s custodial parent, the proposed custodian of the CUTMA account, with the declaration that she was authorized under PrC§13051 to act on behalf of the heir’s successor-in-interest (the child). Review of PrC§13051 and PrC§3903 appear to indicate that the declarant is not a person authorized to complete the PrC§13100 Affidavit as she is neither a guardian of the child’s estate nor a custodian authorized under a will to receive this distribution.
It appears there is no person authorized to complete a PrC§13100 Affidavit for collection of the distributive share of the deceased heir and therefore, in Examiner’s opinion, one of two things must occur: formal probate of the estate of the surviving but later deceased heir of this decedent OR approval of a guardianship of the estate of that heir’s successor-in-interest, the minor.
Submitted to court for determination. 
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000081 ESTATE OF PAMELA JOAN BARNUM, AKA PAMELA J. BARNUM
Hearing on Petition for Probate of Will and for Letters Testamentary continued from 03/19/25, 05/01/25, 07/11/25:
On 05/01/25, the court ordered petitioner to conduct an heir search to identify and locate the decedent’s surviving intestate heirs to the nearest degree of kinship pursuant to PrC§6402. Petitioner previously identified the decedent’s parents and sibling, all alleged to have passed prior to the decedent, but not her grandparents, aunts or uncles, cousins, or nearest surviving kin.
Declaration filed 10/1/25 by counsel attaches report from investigator indicating they were unable to locate any relatives of the decedent. (See p. 5.) Statement does not provide any further details. Submitted to court for determination. 
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000361 MATTER OF NORMALEE MICKLO GRAVES 2014 REVOCABLE TRUST
Hearing on Petition for Conveyance or Transfer of Property Claimed From Trust continued from 08/14/25:
Recommended for approval as supplemented.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000363 ESTATE OF HELEN PATRICIA SILVA
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration continued from 05/20/25, 08/12/25:
Prior Notes remain:
•    Affidavit of publication not on file. See Local Rule 8.12.
•    Form DE-140, Proposed Order, 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
Recommend continuance to 11/21/25 for publication. If an Affidavit of publication is not on file by the next hearing, the case may be dismissed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).
 

MONDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2025

Department 23
10:00 a.m.

PR-22-000686 MATTER OF OZBIRN FAMILY 1993 TRUST
Settlement Conference:
Appearances mandatory.
Any person wishing to appear remotely must obtain the court’s permission to appear via VCourt by contacting the courtroom clerk.

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

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2025
Department 22 
There are no decedent's estates or trusts on calendar