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.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2026
Department 22
8:30 a.m.

PR-20-000503 ESTATE OF STEPHEN BLAKEMORE
Discharge Review Hearing continued from 01/23/25:
Form DE-295, Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge and Order, not submitted.
Sole asset awaiting distribution last year was real property; no receipts are necessary. What is the cause for the delay?
Appearance by counsel mandatory (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-22-000148 ESTATE OF DONALD H. WAHL, AKA DONALD HUGH WAHL, DONALD H. WAHL, M.D.
Discharge Review Hearing continued from 04/04/24, 08/06/24, 11/19/24, 03/20/25, 07/09/25, 10/16/25:
Some Receipts of distribution are on file.
Form DE-295, Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge and Order, not yet submitted.
Recommend continuance to 05/21/26 pursuant to declaration filed by counsel.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-22-000439 ESTATE OF BENJAMIN A. DAVIS
Discharge Review Hearing reset on the court’s own motion from 08/21/25 due to the court’s unavailability:
Receipts of distribution on file.
Form DE-295, Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge and Order, was returned for correction on 01/20/26.
Recommend continuance to 07/23/26 to allow time for above to be filed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-22-001095 ESTATE OF JUDY BARNETT
Discharge Review Hearing:
Receipts of distribution not on file.
Form DE-295, Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge and Order, not submitted.
Recommend continuance to 07/23/26 to allow time for above to be filed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-22-001318 ESTATE OF THERESA LERMA, AKA THERESA C. LERMA, THERESA CORENDA LERMA
Discharge Review Hearing:
Receipts on Distribution are on file.
See Local Rule 8.92. Form DE-295, Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge and Order, not yet submitted at time of review.
Recommend continuance to 04/30/26 to allow time for above pleading to be submitted.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-000775 ESTATE OF ENRICO S. ROMANINO, AKA ENRICO SALVATORE ROMANINO
Discharge Review Hearing reset on the court’s own motion from 08/21/25 due to the court’s unavailability:
Receipts of distribution on file. Pursuant to the attorney’s Declaration file-marked 01/14/26, the personal representative intends to distribute the reserved funds pursuant to the court’s Order for Final Distribution.
Recommend continuance to 07/23/26 to allow time for the personal representative to file either receipts of distribution or a verified Declaration after the distribution purs. to Local Rule 8.68, with a proposed Form DE-295.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-000890 ESTATE OF JAMES P. STENSON
Discharge Review Hearing:
Nothing filed since previous hearing. Prior Note remains:
See Local Rule 8.92. Form DE-295, Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge and Order, not yet submitted at time of review.
Need status.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-001030 ESTATE OF JONETTE MARTINE
Discharge Review Hearing:
See Local Rule 8.92. Form DE-295, Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge and Order, not yet submitted at time of review.
Recommend continuance to 04/30/26 to allow time for above pleading to be submitted.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-001074 ESTATE OF COOPER ALEXANDER GERLING
Discharge Review Hearing:
Form DE-295, Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge and Order, has been submitted and is recommended for approval.
Hearing will be vacated.
No appearances.

PR-23-001116 ESTATE OF JOAN MARLENE GARBERDING
Discharge Review Hearing continued from 10/16/25:
Receipts of distribution on file [see Pr. Code section 11753(b)].
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. 
See Local Rule 8.92. Form DE-295, Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge and Order, not yet submitted at time of review.
It appears personal representative attempted to submit the above pleading but was returned for corrections on 06/27/25 and 08/27/25.
Appearance by petitioner (self-represented) required (Anyone appearing may do so in person or remotely, by telephone using VCourt).

PR-23-001343 ESTATE OF KATRINA LOCKETT
Discharge Review Hearing:
Receipts of distribution are on file. 
The administrator was authorized to retain $11,500.00.
Pursuant to the administrator’s Declaration and the copies of financial account statements attached, submitted with the rejected Form DE-295:
•    Administrator issued two checks (107 and 111), each for $3,406.80, to the California Disbursements Unit (Department of Child Support Services). Has she requested a refund of $3,406.80 from the California Disbursements Unit?
•    What was the purpose of the deposit described as BOFA FIN CTR dated 08/25/25 for $1,486.89?
•    Administrator deposited a total of $230.00 into the estate account from accounts ending 8591 and 9897 between the months of November 2024 and May 2025; in her Declaration, administrator explained that approximately $67.00 was for purchase of checks. Why did she deposit the other $163.00?
•    Administrator transferred out of the estate account $1,118.48 into account ending 9897 and $1,854.00 into account ending 8591 between the months of November 2024 and September 2025; in the Declaration, administrator claims all withdrawals were her personal funds that she left in the account; however, the account was unfunded until on or around 09/09/24 when the real property sold and administrator deposited the sale proceeds into the estate account. All funds of this estate were accounted for in the Final Accounting, which this court approved. The court already considered the administrator’s request for reimbursement and authorized her to reimburse herself $5,579.49, which she did on 07/21/25 (check no. 109). Other than reimbursing herself $67.00 in November 2024 for purchasing the checks and $217.00 in December 2024 for the internet bill from retained funds as explained in the Declaration, administrator was not authorized to transfer any other funds (net balance total $1,019.48) from the estate account to herself.
•    Administrator explained that the deposit described as BOFA FIN CTR dated 05/27/25 for $2,024.34 was a refund from the mortgage company, for a mortgage overpayment administrator personally made in October 2023; in the Accounting, the administrator told the court she loaned the estate $1,817.84 total for the mortgage and was subsequently authorized to reimburse herself, which she did on 07/21/25 (check no. 109). Any refunds from the mortgage company would therefore appear to belong to the estate and not the administrator, and since the court authorized retains of $11,500.00, there would have been $13,524.34 cash on hand belonging to the estate between the estate account and the attorney’s trust account. 
Recommend court order the administrator to prepare a complete accounting of the retains purs. to Local Rule 8.68, have a copy served on all interested parties purs. to PrC§48, and submit it to the court for approval. Recommend court allow the accounting to be submitted ex parte provided a copy was first served on all parties.
Appearance by counsel mandatory to receive the court’s order (by VCourt if preferred). 

PR-24-000050 ESTATE OF WILLIAM THOMAS PICKUREL, AKA WILLIAM THOMAS PICKUREL, JR.  
Discharge Review Hearing continued from 10/16/25:
Receipts on distribution on file for all but the vehicle.
Form DE-295, Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge and Order, was returned for correction on 01/21/26.
Recommend continuance to 05/21/26 to allow time for above to be submitted.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000203 ESTATE OF DAVID ALBERT CHITURAS
Discharge Review Hearing:
Receipts of distribution not on file for four heirs: Tabatha S., Chayane, C., Nicholas S., Sharky B.
The executor’s ex parte petition authorizing deposit of one of the heir’s shares into a blocked CUTMA was returned on 10/01/25, as no exigent circumstances were alleged purs. to CRC rule 3.1200 et seq.
Form DE-295, Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge and Order, not submitted.
Recommend continuance to 07/23/26 to allow time for above to be filed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000247 ESTATE OF MARY JANE BERNARD
Discharge Review Hearing:
Receipts of distribution not on file.
Form DE-295, Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge and Order, not submitted.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000368 ESTATE OF ROBERT A. LOTT
Discharge Review Hearing continued from 10/16/25:
Receipts on distribution on file.
Form DE-295, Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge and Order, has been submitted and recommended for approval.
Hearing of 01/22/26 will be vacated.
No appearance required.
 

PR-24-000554 ESTATE OF TERESA RAMIREZ
Discharge Review Hearing continued from 10/16/25:
Receipts on distribution on file.
See Local Rule 8.92. Form DE-295, Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge and Order, not yet submitted at time of review.
Need status.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred

PR-24-000717 ESTATE OF ANN FAWCETT, AKA GRACE ANN FAWCETT
Discharge Review Hearing:
Receipts of distribution on file.
Form DE-295, Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge and Order, has been submitted and is recommended for approval.
Hearing will be vacated.
No appearance required.

PR-24-001167 MATTER OF ELDON & SHIRLEY MAWYER LIVING TRUST DTD 02/25/25, MAWYER SURVIVOR’S TRUST DTD 08/25/22
2)  Hearing on Cross-Petition for Elder Financial Abuse; for Return of Property; for Double Damages; for Accounting; and for Attorney’s Fees and Costs:    Notice of Hearing not on file for petitioners or objector; notice of hearing on counsel alone is not adequate. See PrC§1214 and CRC rule 7.51(b).
Objection filed – 12/19/25, by Chicago Title Company. Proof of service attached reflects notice on the attorneys but not the parties they represent. Please see PrC§1214.

1)    Hearing on Petition Regarding Internal Affairs of a Trust; Trust Contest, Elder Abuse and Disinheritance; Claim to Return Property Owned by Another; Double Damages, Attorneys Fees continued from 03/12/25, 07/30/25, 12/04/25:
Opposition filed – 09/10/25, by T. Mawyer. 

Prior Note: Need status of meet-and-confer, and particularly regarding what was discussed at the last hearing re: stipulation to bifurcate what the petitioner’s counsel described as the two legal issues: trustee’s legal authority to amend the trust; trustee’s capacity to amend the trust.
New Note: pursuant to the discussion had in court 12/04/25, both matters will be continued.

Recommend continuance to 05/14/26.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-21-000981 ESTATE OF MATTHEW R. BOX
Hearing on PrC§12200 Status Report of Administration:
•    Notice of Hearing not yet on file (see PrC§12201) including creditor Franchise Tax Board (PrC§48).
Recommend court order personal representative to perfect notice pursuant to PrC§12201 before the next hearing or surcharge may be imposed. If the Petition for Final Distribution is filed prior to the next hearing, the next hearing may be vacated.
Recommend continuance to 03/06/26 to allow time for notice.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000632 ESTATE OF CRISANTA DIAZ ORDAZ, AKA CRISANTA DIAZ
Hearing on Report of Administration; Petition for Final Distribution; for Order on First and Final Account; for Approval of Statutory Personal Representative’s fees; for Approval of Statutory Attorneys’ Fees; for Approval of Costs:
•    The finding with the court’s approval of the report is sufficient. It does not appear necessary for the court to adopt the verbiage that the court-ordered distribution occur “subject to liens” for unpaid attorney’s fees/costs. 
•    Please remove this language from paragraphs 6, 7, 8 and 9 on pages 5 and 6 of the proposed order.
•    This language would appear to suggest that counsel may be planning to record a lien prior to the administrator’s conveyance of the real property, rather than recording a lien after administrator distributes the property as pled.
    o    Once the court approves the attorney’s fees, the attorney will be able to record an Abstract of Judgment with the County Clerk Recorder’s Office; alternatively, the administrator and counsel could have agreed to seek the court’s approval to issue a promissory note and record it as a deed of trust on the real property. It does not appear necessary for the court to adopt the verbiage that the court-ordered distribution occur “subject to liens” for unpaid attorney’s fees. 
Appearance by counsel required unless a new proposed Order is submitted that corrects the Notes above (by VCourt if preferred). 

PR-24-000838 ESTATE OF TYRONE RAYMOND KNELLER, JR.
Hearing on Petition for Settlement of Fist and Final Account and Final Distribution, Waiver of Accounting, Waiver of Compensation to Administrators and Allowance of Compensation to Attorney:
Recommend approval of petition.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 07/30/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.92.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).
 

PR-25-000323 ESTATE OF WALLACE ALLAN FARLEY
Hearing on Petition to Determine Ownership of Real Property, to Void Wrongful Affidavit of Death of Joint Tenant, and for Related Relief:
More time is needed for review.
Matter will be continued to 02/03/26.
No appearance required on 01/23/26 (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-001000 TREFREN FAMILY TRUST
Hearing on Petition of Beneficiary to Remove Trustee and to appoint Successor Trustee and for Payment of Attorney’s Fees:
•    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.
•    Need order.
Hearing required.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).
 

PR-25-001101 MATTER OF MATTHEW EOFF, OR MATTER OF DURABLE POWER OF ATTORNEY OF RUFUS SANTOS, PRINCIPAL
Hearing on Motion to Dismiss:
SEE TENTATIVE RULING, to be posted day prior to hearing at https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/online-services/tentative-rulings/…

PR-25-001309 ESTATE OF DIANNE ARAMBEL, AKA DIANNE ARAMBEL-POOLE
Hearing on Petition to Determine Succession to Primary Residence:
• Attachment 11 was not attached (legal description and assessor’s parcel number); statement of decedent’s interest (including facts that show it was the decedent’s primary residence in California), and facts regarding the nature of the characterization of the property. See Petition item 11.
      o    The document titled “Decedent’s Residency Information” file-marked 12/17/25 does not cure this defect, as the document is not a verified Declaration. 
• Inventory and Appraisal, Judicial Council Form DE-160 with attachment Form DE-161, signed by the Probate Referee Steven G. Pallios, was not attached as required by Probate Code section 13152.
• Notice of Hearing not on file (PrC§§13153, 1220), including proof of mailing on the Department of Health Care Services, [or a verified Declaration that notice is not required (see Local Rule 8.17 and PrC§215)].
• Proposed Order, Form DE-315, not submitted.
Please see California Rules of Court rules 7.3 and 7.53 for the types of documents which may be filed to cure these issues.
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. Petitioner is also referred to the Stanislaus County Law Library on 13th and K Streets in Modesto to learn more about this process and the Inventory and Appraisal form.
Appearance by Petitioner (self-represented) required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-000907 ESTATE OF FRANCES LOUISE OAKLEY, AKA FRANCES L. OAKLEY, FRANCES OAKLEY
Discharge Review Hearing:
Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge has been approved.
Hearing was vacated.

PR-24-000578 ESTATE OF JOSEPH EDWARD BETTENCOURT, AKA JOSEPH BETTENCOURT
Discharge Review Hearing:
Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge has been approved.
Hearing was vacated.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2026
Department 22
8:30 a.m.

PR-23-000537 ESTATE OF DAVID BUCHANAN
Hearing on First and Final Account and Report of Administrator; Petition for Order: Settling Account and Approving Report of Administrator; Allowing Statutory Administrator’s and Attorneys’ Compensation; Allowing Extraordinary Attorneys’ Compensation; and for Final Distribution continued from 12/18/25:
Prior Notes have been cured.
Recommend approval of Account and Petition.
•    Need new proposed order setting forth the specific distributions to the heirs as pled. The court will compare this order to the future receipts when it considers discharging the personal representative.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 07/30/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.92.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000250 ESTATE OF DALE NELSON ROBERTSON
Hearing on PrC§12200 Status Report of Administration continued from 05/20/25, 09/25/25, 11/21/25:
On 05/20/25, the court directed personal representative to give Notice of Hearing of the continued hearing pursuant to PrC§12201. Notice is on file.
Petition for Final Distribution was filed and set for hearing 02/24/26.
Hearing of 02/24/26 will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000793 ESTATE OF PATRICIA MARLENE REED
Hearing on First and Final Account; Report of Administration; Allowance of Compensation to Attorney for Ordinary Services; and Petition for Final Distribution continued from 10/01/25, 12/17/25:
Prior Notes have been cured. Consent of devisee Amy C. on file as to proposed distribution on file.
Recommend approval of Account and Petition as supplemented.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 07/30/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.92.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-001091 ESTATE OF JANICE A. DUNKEL
Hearing on Petition to Determine Succession to Primary Residence continued from 12/03/25:
Prior Notes have been cured.
If no one appears to object, recommend court find notice complete and approve the petition.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-001186 ESTATE OF JAVIER BENAVIDEZ
Hearing on Spousal Property Petition continued from 12/17/25:
Prior defects cured. Guardian ad Litem is on file.
If no one appears to object, Recommend approval of Petition.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).
 

PR-25-001190 ESTATE OF LINDA CAROLYN COLLINS
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration continued from 12/10/25:
Some defects cured. Prior notes remain:
Waivers of Bond [Mandatory Form DE-142/DE-111(A-3e)] on file for all intestate heirs.
•    Bond may be required as petitioner is a nominee of persons with priority.  See Probate Code section 8465(e).  Minimum bond would be $20,000.00 pursuant to Local Rule 8.33. Maximum bond would be $101,000.00.  Bond matter submitted to Judge.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-001215 ESTATE OF BAUNITA MAE VERNON, AKA BAUNITA M. VERNON
Hearing on Petition for Probate of Lost Will and for Letters Testamentary continued from 01/06/26:
Prior Notes have been cured. 
Lost will is not self-proving; Proof of Subscribing Witness on file.
Recommend approval of petition as supplemented and admission of lost will to probate.
Need new proposed Order: date of death does not agree with petition.
Recommend Inventory Review Hearing 07/23/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.41 B.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

MONDAY, JANUARY 26, 2026
Department 23
10:00 a.m.

PR-24-000404 ESTATE OF JOHN MARTINEZ AYOLT HETTINGA, AKA JOHN M.A. HETTINGA AKA JOHN HETTINGA
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.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2026
Department 22
8:30 a.m.

334534 ESTATE OF JUSTIN R. WOOD
Account Review Hearing:
PrC §12200 Status Report filed and set for hearing 03/18/26. 
Hearing of 03/18/26 will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-001299 MATTER OF LIDIA BETTENCOURT 2017 REVOCABLE TRUST
Hearing on Petition (filed by Beverly Morin) for Removal of Trustee; Surcharge; Attorney’s Fees and Costs continued from 04/23/24, 10/29/24, 11/07/24, 04/03/25, 08/12/25, 09/16/25:
Notice appears complete. No objection or response on file.

Hearing on Petition for Instruction (filed by Anselmo Bettencourt) and/or Removal of Trustee continued from 03/05/24, 04/23/24, 10/29/24, 11/07/24, 04/03/25, 08/12/25, 09/16/25:
Objection filed – 02/27/24.

On 08/12/25 the court appointed Monica Ramos, CLPF, as successor trustee ad litem, and stayed that order until 09/16/25 pursuant to stipulation of the opposing sides. The court further ordered that the stay would be lifted on 09/16/25 if this matter were not resolved by that time, and the court would set bond for the successor Trustee ad litem. 

On 09/16/25, upon joint request of the parties, the court ordered that a petition to approve the settlement be filed within ninety (90) days of that hearing. Not on file.

Hearing required for court to set amount of bond for the  successor Trustee ad litem, Monica Ramos, CLPF.

Appearance by parties and their counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000477 ESTATE OF BONNIE LOU KEENER, AKA BONNIE KEENER

4.  Hearing on Court’s Own Motion Inquire into the Circumstances Surrounding the Execution of, and the Consideration for, the Purchase Agreement and Assignment file-marked 06/26/25 [PrC§§11604(b), 11604.5(g)]:
• Notice appears defective: untimely. Notice of Hearing file-marked 01/06/26 reflects notice was mailed 01/05/26 for this hearing on 01/27/26. On 10/01/25, the court directed the personal representative to give thirty days' notice of this hearing on all interested parties, including all heirs and the buyer, purs. to PrC§11604(d).
A Corrected Purchase and Sale Agreements was filed on 01/06/26.

3.  Hearing on Petition to Approve Purchase Agreement and Assignment by Guardian ad Litem continued from 01/07/26:
Trailing hearing on court’s own motion purs. PrC§§11604(b), 11604.5(g).

2.  Hearing on Petition for Final Distribution, First and Final Accounting, Allowance of Statutory Fees continued from 10/01/25:
Trailing hearing on court’s own motion purs. PrC§§11604(b), 11604.5(g).

• Prior Note remains: Schedule of Gains on Sale must include the equation showing the appraisal value and sale amount. See Local Rule 8.65 B 4. 
      o    The supplement file-marked 01/06/26 addressed this note by restating the Summary of Account. This note applies to Schedule B “Gain on Sale” attached to the Accounting, it does not apply to the Summary of Account.
• It appears the Guardian ad litem entered into a Purchase Agreement and Assignment on behalf of the two minor children without the authority to do so. A GAL lacks authority to sign an Assignment on behalf of the represented person without a prior court order. Agreement appears void. A hearing has been set on the court’s own motion.

1.    Account Review Hearing set by Minute Order 05/22/25 purs. Local Rule 8.82:
Account Review Hearing will be vacated.

Recommend continuance of hearings on petition and the motion to 03/26/26 to allow time for notice of the hearing on motion to be perfected. 

Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000484 ESTATE OF DONALD F. AYRES
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 06/16/26 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-24-001362 ESTATE OF LARRY SOTO SANCHEZ, AKA LARRY SANCHEZ
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 09/03/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.82.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-001374 L M DAVIDSON 2018 FAMILY TRUST DTD MAY 30, 2018
Hearing on Petition to 1) Compel a Report of the Trust and its Administration; 2) Compel an Account; 3) Compel Trustee to Perform Duties; 4) Instruct the Trustee; 5) Suspend and Remove the Trustee; and 6) Surcharge the Trustee continued from 05/14/25, 09/16/25:
Objection filed 09/16/25 (by Karen E. Serpa)

Defects not cured. 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.
•    Need proposed order.

On 09/16/25, the court directed counsel to file declaration re status 10 days prior to the next hearing.  Status Report/Declaration is not on file.

Hearing required.
Appearance by counsel and objector’s counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000047 ESTATE OF JANELLE KAY AHRENHOLTZ, AKA JANELLE KAY TABOGA
Inventory Review Hearing continued from 09/09/25:
Final Inventory and Appraisal on file.
Recommend court set an Account Review Hearing 07/21/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.82 and refer the Administrator also to Probate Code sections 12200, and 9000 through 9399.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000050 ESTATE OF JENNY LU MCCORD ERICKSON
Inventory Review Hearing continued from 10/07/25:
Letters Issued 06/27/25.  Inventory and Appraisal due 10/27/25.
Inventory and Appraisal not on file at time of review.
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-25-000234 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:
Prior defects cured. Notice has been perfected.
Objection filed 11/04/25 (by Jennifer M. Deguara)
•    Proposed Order not yet submitted.
Hearing required.
Appearances by counsel and objector’s counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-001121 ESTATE OF SHARON JOZWIK
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration continued from 12/09/25:
Petition reflects petitioner knows of no next of kin for decedent. On 12/09/25, the court ordered petitioner to file a verified family tree no fewer than five (5) days before this hearing. Not on file.
Recommend continuance to 03/27/26 to allow time for above to be filed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000468 ESTATE OF GRACIE DUTRA
Hearing on First and Final Report of Executors on Waiver of Account and Petition for Allowance of Statutory Compensation to Attorney, and for Final Distribution:
Recommend approval of petition.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 07/30/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.92.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).
 

PR-24-000946 ESTATE OF AMY RENE SMITH
Hearing on PrC §12200 Status Report:  
Notice appears complete. 
Recommend court set a further Account Review Hearing 01/28/27.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-001048 ESTATE OF TOMASA RAMIREZ
Hearing on Report on Waiver of Account, Petition for Allowance of Compensation to Attorneys and Administrator for Ordinary Services, for Reimbursement of Costs Advanced and for Final Distribution:
Recommend approval of Report and Petition.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 07/30/26 purs. to Local Rule 8.92.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-001002 BARNETT FAMILY TRUST DTD MAY 06, 2010
Hearing on Petition for Instructions, Modification of Trust (PrC §§ 15403, 15409, 17200 et seq):
If no one appears to object, recommend approval of petition.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-001008 TRAMMELL 19698 TRUST DTD JUNE 11, 1998, AS AMENDED – THE SURVIVORS TRUST
(1)    Hearing on Petition to Establish Trust’s Ownership of Property; Cancellation of Instrument; for Order Authorizing and Directing Transfer of Property to Trust:
Demurrer to Petition filed (by Brianna Trammell)
Recommend continuance to 05/07/26.

(2)    Hearing on Respondent Brianna Trammell’s Demurrer to Petition:
SEE TENTATIVE RULING, to be posted day prior to hearing at https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/online-services/tentative-rulings/…

PR-25-001310 ESTATE OF JOHN ALBERT KRAMARZ, AKA JOHN ALBERT KRAMARZ, II
Hearing on Petition to Determine Succession to Primary Residence:
Notes have been cured.
If no one appears to object, recommend court find notice complete and approve the petition.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-001313 ESTATE OF REXFORD MURRAY THOMAS III, AKA REXFORD M. THOMAS
Hearing on Petition for Probate of Will and for Letters Testamentary:
Will is self-proving.
•    Petition recites the date of decedent’s Will to be 07/19/20.  The correct date appears to be 07/19/23. Please clarify.
•    The order, DE-140, and Letters, DE-150, and Notice, Form DE-121, recite a second “aka” for the decedent that is not recited on the petition nor on the publication, specifically: “Rex Thomas”.
See California Rules of Court rules 7.3 and 7.53 regarding the types of forms that may be used to address these defects.
Recommend continuance to 02/20/26 to cure defect.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2026
Department 22
8:30 a.m.

2201147 DAVID LEE AMESQUITA, II SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST
Account Review Hearing continued from 05/08/25, 09/11/25:
Fourth Account has been filed and set for hearing 03/26/26.
Hearing of 03/26/26 will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-21-001327 ESTATE OF ANECIA LEARY

3.   Hearing on Motion for Order Determining Good Faith of Settlement continued from 01/16/26:
SEE TENTATIVE RULING, to be posted day prior to hearing at https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/online-services/tentative-rulings/…

2.   Review Hearing set by Minute Order 06/12/25 for status of meet and confer on contested accounting:
    A Petition to Approve Settlement Agreement not on file.

1.    Hearing on Petition for First and Final Account and Report of Administrator and Petition for its Settlement, for Allowance of Statutory Attorney Fees, Administrative Commissions, for Reimbursement to Attorney and for Final Distribution continued from 06/12/25, 10/01/25:

On 10/01/25, court set deadline of 11/01/25 for PR to cure defects or court may impose surcharge and/or reduce statutory compensation purs. to PrC 12205 for the delay.

New Notes:
• Supplement filed-marked 10/29/25, which appears intended to address some of the Prior Notes, was not verified nor was it signed by the personal representative. See PrC§1023, CRC rule 7.103.
• The Supplement filed-marked 10/29/25 includes the allegation that the preliminary distributions were actually non-probate transfers of financial accounts with “pay-on-death” beneficiaries. If that is the case, that account(s) was never part of this estate, should not be part of the accounting or the proposed distribution, and should not have been included in the calculation of statutory compensation.

Prior Notes (see note above regarding the defective Supplement):
• Statement regarding family/affiliate relationship omitted [see PrC§1064(a)(4)].
• Report (page 2, lines 7-9) omits clear statement of compliance with PrC§9050 or a statement that there are no creditors known or reasonably ascertained. See PrC§9053(d). What were the results of the administrator’s “reasonable efforts”?
• Administrator reports that notice to Franchise Tax Board was not required in this matter. Notice to the FTB is mandatory in all such matters [see PrC§9202(c) and Local Rule 8.83 G].
• Report (page 5, lines 4-8) reflects that the administrator made preliminary distributions of cash to three of the eight heirs. Did he serve a Notice of Proposed Action for these distributions? See PrC section 10520.
• Report (page 6, line 12) does not appear correct. A Request for Special Notice was filed on 02/05/24.
• Schedule C-1 (Disbursements): ATM withdrawal is a method of transfer, not a payee. Does the administrator know who withdrew $160.00 from that account 9 days after the decedent passed, and why?
• Schedules I and J (proposed distributions) leave $4,684.67 undistributed. Is the administrator intending to add that amount to the reserved funds, thus reserving $19,684.67? 
• Proposed Order not yet submitted.

Objection filed – 07/01/25, by S. Nabong. Objection seeks court’s findings as to breach of fiduciary duties and harm, order denying reimbursements, order for surcharge, and attorney’s fees and costs.
Objection to the Objection (specifically as to surcharge) filed – 10/14/25, by surety company.

Appearances required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-000743 KAREN L. PAPPAS 2009 REVOCABLE TRUST  

4. Hearing on Petition for 1) Approval of Settlement Agreement and Mutual Release; 2) Denial of Petition for Approval of Sale; 3) Orders Implementing Settlement; and 4) Retention of Jurisdiction CCP§664.6:
• Consent attached to the Settlement Agreement does not include the date of the (electronic) signature. See CRC rule 2.257.
• Body of petition does not set forth the names and addresses of all interested parties and beneficiaries of the trust (including residual and contingent beneficiaries) and then clarify whether the interest of any heir or beneficiary who did not sign the agreement would be adversely impacted by the proposed settlement.
• Body of petition does not state whether notice of the court’s Breslin order was given, to whom, and when.

3. Hearing on Petition for Approval of First Account and Report of Trustee continued from 09/26/24, 03/04/25, 07/08/25, 11/12/25:
No defects. Trailing.

2. Hearing on Petition for Orders Instructing Trustee to Take Proposed Action to Sell Real Property and Expunge Notice of Pendency of Action continued from 09/17/24, 03/04/25, 07/08/25, 11/12/25:
Objection filed – 09/19/24. 
Notice appears complete.

1.  Hearing on Petition for Instructions for Removal of Trustee for Breach of Fiduciary Duty, for Accounting and for Order Compelling Redress of Breach of Trust by Recession and for Order for Return of Trust Property continued from 10/12/23, 01/30/24, 04/11/24, 06/17/24, 09/17/24, 03/04/25, 07/08/25, 11/12/25:
Objection filed – 01/26/24. 

Recommend continuance to 05/19/26 to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-001193 ESTATE OF MARTIN J. McKEAN, AKA MARTIN McKEAN
Account Review Hearing:
Neither Petition for Final Distribution nor Second 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 06/10/26 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-24-000442 ESTATE OF HAROLD D. PETERSON, AKA HAROLD DON PETERSON
Hearing on Petition for Termination of Further Proceedings and Discharge of Personal Representative continued from 09/25/25: 
Notice appears appropriate.  
On 09/25/25, counsel requested a continuance to allow time to address debt.
Nothing filed since last hearing.
Need status.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000895 ESTATE OF HECTOR MUNOZ
Inventory Review Hearing continued from 03/25/25, 08/12/25, 09/16/26:
See Local Rule 8.41 B, Probate Code section 8800 et seq. Letters issued 09/24/24. Final Inventory and Appraisal was due 01/24/25. On 09/16/25, the court ordered the personal representative to file the Final Inventory and Appraisal within sixty (60) days.
Recommend continuance to 03/17/26, to coincide with the hearing on the PrC§12200 Status Report, pursuant to the personal representative’s Declaration file-marked 01/13/26. The Declaration includes an allegation that the only known assets of the estate are a vehicle and real property; the personal representative told the court during the hearing on 09/16/25 that there were multiple bank accounts and a 401k.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-001030 ESTATE OF ANN HEDWIG ALBRECHT
(1)    Order to Show Cause issued 09/24/25 to Benjamin D. Harvey, Esq.:
To appear and show cause for failure to appear at the 09/24/25 hearing and failure to file Inventory and Appraisal as directed.

(2)    Order to Show Cause issued 09/24/25 to Augusta Graves:
To appear and show cause for failure to appear at the 09/24/25 hearing and failure to file Inventory and Appraisal as directed.

(3)    Inventory Review Hearing continued from 07/10/25, 09/24/25:
Letters Issued 01/10/25.  Inventory and Appraisal due 04/10/25.
Declaration (file marked 07/03/25) indicated the I&A is with probate referee.
On 09/24/25, the court indicated that a failure to file Inventory and Appraisal may result in sanctions, including removal.  Inventory and Appraisal not on file at time of review.
Declaration filed 01/22/26 submitted to Judge for determination.

For failure of personal representative to comply with the court’s prior orders:
 Recommend court suspend Personal Representative pursuant to PrC§8500(b).
Recommend court set a hearing on its own motion for removal of the personal representative from office (an Order to Show Cause) pursuant to PrC§§8804(b), 8502. Personal Representative will be ordered to appear and show cause why he/she should not be removed from office for neglecting to perform any act as personal representative.
Recommend court refer matter to the Public Administrator and County Counsel, pursuant to PrC§7621, for appointment of Public Administrator.
Appearance by Personal Representative and counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).
 

PR-25-000020 ESTATE OF PATRICIA A. HARPER, AKA PATRICIA ANNETTE HARPER
Inventory Review Hearing continued from 10/02/25:
Final Inventory and Appraisal is on file.
Recommend Account Review Hearing 07/29/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.82 when status report will be due if the estate is not in a position to be closed,
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000904 ESTATE OF RICKEY L. FORD, AKA RICKY LEE FORD
Hearing on Petition to Determine Succession to Primary Residence (filed by Adrian Criner) continued from 09/25/25:
Notes have been cured. No defects in Petition.
Objection filed – 11/25/25 (by Jordan Alexander Ford).  
• Objection constitutes a Will contest; Proof of service of Summons not yet on file pursuant to PrC§8250, CCP§415.10 et seq.
• It appears objector has filed Form DE-165, Notice of Proposed Action, which is an incorrect form for the purpose of objecting to a petition.  
• Filing fee of $435.00 has not been paid.
• Proof of service not on file for the petitioner. Service on the petitioner is required. See California Rules of Court rule 7.51(b) and Probate Code section 1214.
Objection submitted to Judge for determination.
Recommend the court inquire if objector served the objection on anyone.
Appearance by Petitioner (self-represented) and Objector (self-represented) required (Anyone appearing may do so in person, or remotely, by telephone, using VCourt).

PR-25-000994 ESTATE OF CAROLE ANN PELCHAT
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration continued from 10/28/25:
Neither the Petition nor Supplement (file marked 10/01/25) addressed the following issues:
•    Petition item 8 must include the relationships of all those listed to the decedent.
•    Petition item 8 did not properly label the proposed personal representative nor identify relationship to the decedent (Local Rule 8.26 D).
•    Petitioner appears to have the least priority to serve as a personal representative than any other person or entity described in Pr. Code §§ 8461, 8465. A person with priority does not appear to have filed a competing petition. Recommend court require petitioner to mail notice (Form DE-121) to the Public Administrator.
•    Forms DE-140 and DE-150, Proposed Order and Letters, not yet submitted.
At last hearing, court ordered petitioner to conduct an heir search and required notice mailed to Public Administrator.    
Nothing filed since last hearing.  Need status.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-21-000344 ESTATE OF RUDOLPH REYES
Hearing on 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-22-000307 ESTATE OF SHIRLEY LANGLEY
Hearing on Third PrC§12200 Status Report of Administration:
Notice appears complete.
Prior Note remains: A Partial I&A on file; a Final I&A is not on file.
•    The Status Report includes the allegation that a Final Inventory and Appraisal cannot be filed until the personal representative receives the distribution from a deceased relative’s estate.
•    The Status Report does not state how much time is estimated before the estate will be ready to close (required purs. to PrC§12200). Hearing required.
Recommend the court instruct the personal representative that an anticipated inheritance is to be appraised by the Probate Referee, and that anticipation of a probate estate distribution is not a reason to delay filing the Inventory and Appraisal. Should the eventual distribution differ from the Referee’s appraisal, the personal representative would file a Corrected Inventory and Appraisal. Please see PrC§8901 and the California Probate Referee’s Guide.
Recommend court compel the personal representative to file the Final Inventory and Appraisal pursuant to Probate Code § 8804 or face possible sanctions including removal from office. 
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000711 ESTATE OF BILLY RANDELL JONES, AKA BILLY R. JONES
Hearing on First and Final Account of Administrator and Petition for 1. Allowance of Compensation to Attorney for Ordinary and Extraordinary Services; 2. Allowance of Compensation to Administrator for Ordinary Services; 3. Approval of Administrator’s Creditor’s Claim; and 4. Final Distribution:
Recommend court discharge bond as the estate (less than $40,000.00) is in a blocked account.
Submitted to court for determination:
- Request for extraordinary attorney’s fees.
- Petition for approval of personal representative’s creditor’s claim of $29,213.44.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-001253 ESTATE OF DOYLE H. CALDWELL
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, and for Final Distribution:
In future matters, please ensure the pleading title is specific as to whether compensation is sought for the personal representative or counsel or both.
Recommend approval of Report and Petition.
Recommend court vacate Account Review Hearing of 03/10/26.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 07/30/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.92.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-001020 JOE PAUL GONSALES AND LUETTA MAE GONSALES 2006 TRUST
Hearing on Petition for Order Appointing Successor Trustee:
•    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. Examiner notes one beneficiary filed a bond waiver.  Waiver of bond not on file for the remaining beneficiary.
Hearing required.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-001317 ESTATE OF DENNIS HENSLEY
Letters of Special Administration expire today unless extended.
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration:
Recommend approval of petition.
Recommend Inventory Review Hearing 07/28/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.41 B.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-001319 ESTATE OF LINDA N. ELLIOTT, AKA LINDA NELLE ELLIOT, LINDA CUDD, LINDA N. CUDD, LINDA BEST, LINDA N. BEST, LINDA SHIPMAN
Hearing on Petition for Probate of Will and for Letters Testamentary:
No defects in the pleadings.
The court will approve the petition, and admit the will, including ordering bond of $20,000.00 as requested.
The court will also set an Inventory Review Hearing 07/28/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.41 B.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).