Probate Notes

Probate Examiners, Anne Holsinger and Michelle Warren, may be reached at Probate.Examiner@stanct.org . Telephone calls can be directed to the Probate Unit as set forth above. Emails must have the case identification information and hearing time/date in the subject line. No attachments will be opened. The Probate Examiner can only respond to inquiries regarding the meaning of comments in the notes. Please do not email to notify that documents have been filed, to request a confirmation whether documents have been received, or to request the clearing of notes. No legal or procedural advice may be given by the Probate Examiner in response to your email.

• It is the goal of the Probate Examiner to have Probate Notes posted five (5) calendar days prior to the hearing.
• Defects described in the Probate Notes must be corrected prior to approval of the moving papers. 
• If you are filing documents to cure technical defects, they should be filed NO LATER THAN FIVE COURT DAYS before the hearing.  Later-filed documents might not be reviewed prior to the hearing and could result in a continuance of your case.

Probate Notes will be updated as needed when late-filed documents are reviewed.  Please note:  Late-filed documents that do not contain the hearing date in the caption require more time and effort to be matched to the files.  This may result in an otherwise avoidable continuance.

---

Please Note: "Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred)."

This language indicates that no one is required to appear at the hearing.  Probate hearings are open to the public, however, and anyone who wishes to observe a proceeding may do so. Appearances in most cases may be made in person or remotely, by telephone, using VCourt. For more information on how to appear by VCourt, please see the section "Remote Telephonic Hearings" on the home page of this website.
 

POSTED 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 MARCH 5, 2025
Inventory and Appraisals:  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 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.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2025

Department 22
8:30 a.m.

PR-21-000536 ESTATE OF JESUS PLANCARTE-BOCANEGRA AKA JESUS PLANCARTE BOCANEGRA
(1)    Account Review Hearing continued to 04/30/25:
Recommend court drop this hearing.

(2)    Hearing on Fourth PrC§12200 Status Report of Administration:
Notice appears complete. 
Recommend court set a further Account Review Hearing 03/03/26.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-22-001147 ESTATE OF VIRGINIA J. WILTON
I.    Hearing on Second PrC§12200 Status Report of Administration:
Notice appears complete.
The present Report and the First Report (verified more than eighteen months ago) both request/requested the estate remain open for six months to allow time for the personal representative to sell the real property and investigate a possible claim for financial elder abuse/breach of fiduciary duty. In the time since the last Report, the personal representative has entered into a lease agreement with himself as an individual as a resident tenant of the real property of the estate (ref: NOPA file-marked 04/04/24). 
Recommend court hold a hearing purs. to PrC§12201(c):
1.    What efforts has administrator undertaken to sell the property since January 2024? What remaining work will be done in the next six months?
2.    What efforts has administrator undertaken to explore/investigate the possible claim for elder abuse since January 2024? What new work will be done in the next six months? What is the anticipated result of that work?
3.    Has the administrator been depositing his rent checks into the blocked estate account pursuant to the court’s 10/13/23 Order? Is all liquid cash of the estate in the blocked account as the court had ordered at the personal representative’s request? If any amount at all is not blocked, a bond may be necessary.
4.    Is an estate proceeding open or anticipated for the estate of Suzanne Wilton (the administrator’s parent and the parent and sole intestate heir of the deceased heir Victoria Fraser)? The personal representative of Ms. Wilton’s estate would be due notice of this proceeding.

II.    Hearing on Petition for Order to Deposit Funds Into Blocked Account:
Recommend approval of petition. In Examiner’s opinion, the court’s 10/13/23 order ought to have rendered this petition unnecessary – “any and all sums of money of the decedent, including, but not limited to, any and all sums of money in the name of the decedent at” her preferred bank were ordered deposited into a blocked estate account.
Need proposed Order.

Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-000469 ESTATE OF CHRISTIAN GOMEZ GUITRON, AKA CHRISTIAN GUITRON GOMEZ
Hearing on Petition for Final Distribution of Estate on Waiver of Account; First and Final Report of Administrator:
The court granted a Fee Waiver at the onset of the case. There appear to be sufficient assets (though non-liquid) on hand for payment of court fees. Recommend court terminate the Fee Waiver. It appears that Administrator has already paid all court costs.
Recommend approval of petition and report.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 03/26/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.92.
No appearance required (by VCourt if preferred).
Court appearances may be made in-person or remotely. Remote appearances are conducted by "VCourt"; more information about VCourt and how to register for VCourt may be found on the court's website https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/ 

PR-23-000546 ESTATE OF ROBERT LEROY CARLSON, AKA ROBERT L. CARLSON, ROBERT CARLSON
Account Review Hearing:
PrC §12200 Status Report filed and set for hearing 09/17/25. 
Hearing of 09/17/25 will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-000903 ESTATE OF DENISE MARIE BUTLER
Account Review Hearing continued from 04/29/25:
Final Inventory and Appraisal on file.
The Administrator filed a “Status Report of Administration” pursuant to Probate Code section 12200, and gave Notice of Hearing thereon pursuant to Probate Code section 12201, as the court had ordered. However, the clerk’s office did not set a hearing on the report, nor charge the Administrator the $200.00 filing fee for that pleading (charged $60.00).
Recommend court deem today’s hearing to be a hearing on the Status Report of Administration purs. to PrC§12200.
Recommend court order the Administrator to pay the difference of $140.00 between the filing fee she paid ($60.00) and the filing fee for a PrC§12200 Status Report ($200.00). This fee shall be paid before the court will approve a petition for final distribution.
Per the Report, there appear to be no delays before the administrator would be ready to file a petition for final distribution. The report reflects that she intends to request authority to reimburse herself and another heir for costs of administration and funeral expenses. Recommend court hold PrC§12201 hearing to determine if more time is needed to close the estate, or if the court may, in its discretion, order the Administrator to file a petition for final distribution.
Appearance by Administrator (self-represented) required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000107 ESTATE OF CRAIG LEE KEESLER
Order to Show Cause issued to personal representative on 04/29/25:
To appear and show cause for failure to appear on 04/29/25, failure to cure file pleadings as required by statute. Failure to appear on 09/03/25 may result in surcharge including removal from office.
Administrator was suspended by the court on 04/29/25.

Order to Show Cause issued to personal representative’s counsel on 04/29/25:
To appear and show cause for failure to appear on 04/29/25, failure to file pleadings as required by statute.

Account Review Hearing continued from 04/29/25:
Final Inventory and Appraisal on file.
A Petition for Final Distribution has been filed and set for hearing on 11/12/25.

Appearance Administrator’s counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000143 ESTATE OF HENRY FRANK SHERMAN
Account Review Hearing continued from 04/29/25:
A PrC§12200 Status Report has been filed and set for hearing 09/30/25.
Hearing of 09/30/25 will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000962 ESTATE OF GREGORY A. FILIN, AKA GREGORY FILIN
Hearing on First and Final Report on Waivers of Account and Petition for its Approval; Petition for Order of Final Distribution; and for Allowance of Payment of Statutory Attorney Fees; and Reimbursement of Costs Advanced reset on court’s own motion from 08/06/25:
Recommend approval of petition.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 03/26/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.92.
Recommend court vacate Account Review Hearing 01/07/26.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).
 

PR-24-001042 ESTATE OF LARRY WAYNE HELLER, AKA LARRY W. HELLER
Inventory Review Hearing continued from 05/06/25:
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 03/04/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.82.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-001355 MATTER OF JENEVIEVE ANN KENOYER LIVING TRUST    
Hearing on Petition for 1) Trustee to Account; 2) Removal of Trustee; 3) Appoint Successor Trustee; 4) Compel Redress of Breach of Trust; 5) Recovery of Trust Property; 6) Award of Double Damages and Attorney Fees continued from 04/30/25:
Notice appears complete.
Please review California Rules of Court rule 1.201 (exclusion or redaction of identifiers in pleadings).
The request to remove the personal representative of decedent’s estate in case PR-23-001288 and appoint a successor appears outside the scope of this Trust proceeding. Such a request may be made by noticed petition in the appropriate court case. Submitted to court for determination.
The petition includes a request that the court appoint an independent professional fiduciary as successor Trustee; it would then appear 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. Submitted to court for determination.
Objection filed – 07/16/25, by Trustee. Attached to the Objection is a signed Declaration from Melissa Scott opposing the Trustee’s removal.
On 07/18/25, Judge Freeland ordered the Trustee to prepare an accounting. Has that been served? 
Need status.
Appearance required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000217 ESTATE OF CARL. N. HELTON
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration continued from 04/29/25:
Petitioner appears to have the least priority to serve as a personal representative than any other person or entity described in Probate Code §§ 8461, 8465.
Objection filed – 07/07/25, by Paul Helton. 
•    Objection was not verified. See California Rules of Court rule 7.103, California Code of Civil Procedure sections 2015.5, 446.
Objection includes allegation that the decedent executed a will. Two photocopies of different wills were attached to the objection. The original will does not appear to have been lodged with this court’s clerk’s office by the custodian of the original will. See Probate Code section 8200. 
It does not appear that the objector or any other proponent of decedent’s will has filed a competing probate petition pursuant to Probate Code section 8004.
Appearance by petitioner’s counsel and objector (self-represented) required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000225 ESTATE OF HELENA C. HILL
Hearing on Petition for Probate of Will and for Letters Testamentary continued from 04/29/25:
Nothing filed since previous hearing.
•    Prior Note remains: Will waives bond for personal representative, however personal representative resides out of state. See PrC§8571. Petitioner seeks minimum bond of $20,000.00 pursuant to Local Rule 8.33. Hearing required. Please be prepared to inform the court of the existence of any California creditors.
On 04/29/25, counsel appeared for an interested party and informed the court that a competing petition was or may have been filed in San Joaquin County. Need status.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000226 ESTATE OF HELENA C. HILL
Hearing on Petition for Probate of Will and for Letters Testamentary continued from 04/29/25:
Nothing filed since previous hearing. Prior Notes remain:
•    Form DE-121 Notice of Petition to Administer Estate not on file.
•    Affidavit of publication not on file. See Local Rule 8.12.
•    Forms DE-140 and DE-150, Proposed Order and Letters, not submitted.
•    Will waives bond for personal representative, however personal representative resides out of state. See PrC§8571. Petitioner seeks minimum bond of $20,000.00 pursuant to Local Rule 8.33.
    o    Hearing will be required once other defects are cured. Please be prepared to inform the court of the existence of any California creditors.
On 04/29/25, counsel appeared for an interested party and informed the court that a competing petition was or may have been filed in San Joaquin County. Need status.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000261 ESTATE OF JOAN BARBARA CRUZ, AKA JOAN CRUZ
Hearing on Petition for Probate of Will and for Letters Testamentary continued from 05/01/25:
Prior Notes cured.
Will is not self-proving per Local Rule 8.23; Proof of Subscribing Witness is on file.
•    The Declaration of an interested party, filed 07/14/25 by the petitioner, reflects that there are three intestate heirs of the postdeceased heir identified in a prior Probate Note. One of the three intestate heirs (the one who signed the Declaration) was not included in item 8 of the petition or given notice purs. to PrC§8110.
Will waives bond for personal representative, however personal representative resides out of state. See PrC§8571. Waivers of bond [Form DE-142/DE-111(A-3e)] not on file.  Bond may be required at the court’s discretion.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-001310 ESTATE OF LORA LYNN WINTERS, AKA LORA L. WINTERS
Hearing on First and Final Report of Administrator on Waiver of Account, Waiver of Statutory Compensation and Petition for Final Distribution:
Prior defects cured.
Recommend approval of petition.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 03/26/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.92.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-001323 ESTATE OF ALICE JOAN LANKFORD, AKA JOAN LANKFORD
Hearing on First and Final Account, Petition for Final Distribution, Allowance of Statutory Attorney’s Fees, and Reimbursement of Costs:
Recommend approval of Account and Petition.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 03/26/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.92.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000458 MATTER OF JAMES EDWIN MCGUY
Hearing on Petition to Prove Decedent’s Intent to Execute a Trust:
•    Body of Petition omitted the names and mailing addresses of those entitled to notice (PrC§17201).
•    Notice of Hearing not on file at time of review.
Recommend continuance to 10/15/25 to coincide with reserved motion hearing to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 04, 2025

Department 22
8:30 a.m.

2201146 STEPHANIE K. ST. PIERRE SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST
Account Review Hearing:
Fifth Account and Report of Trustee not on file at time of review.
Recommend continuance to 12/04/25 to allow time to file the above pleading.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-21-000085 ESTATE OF ANET SAROUKHANIOFF
Account Review Hearing:
A Petition for Partial Distribution and Status Report have been filed and set for hearing on 11/13/25.
Hearing of 11/13/25 will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-001200 ESTATE OF BESSIE MAE PUGH
(1)    Order to Show Cause issued 12/05/24 to Sandra Roberts-Stokes, Esq. continued from 04/30/25:
The Court has reviewed the declarations filed by counsel and the personal representative.  The Court finds good cause to discharge the OSCs.

(2)    Order to Show Cause issued 12/05/24 to Lois S. Johnson continued from 04/30/25:
To appear and show cause for failing to appear at the 12/05/24 and 04/30/25 hearings 
The Court has reviewed the declarations filed by counsel and the personal representative.  The Court finds good cause to discharge the OSCs.

(3)    Inventory Review Hearing continued from 09/04/24, 12/05/24, 04/30/25:
Letters Issued 06/27/24.  Inventory and Appraisal due 10/27/24.
Final Inventory and Appraisal is on file. See Local Rule 8.41 B.
•    Inventory and Appraisal omits characterization of decedent’s property [PrC§8850(c)]. This information will be needed prior to the closing of the estate.

The Court reinstates the personal representative, lifting the suspension put in place on 04/30/25. 
The Court sets this matter for Account Review Hearing 01/13/26 when a PrC§12200 Status Report must be filed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).  

PR-24-000165 ESTATE OF TONY J. FRANCO
Account Review Hearing continued from 04/29/25:
A Petition for Final Distribution has been filed and set for hearing on 11/19/25.
• Pursuant to the NOPA file-marked 06/12/25, it appears that Administrator sold the real property to himself.
      o    The above petition includes an allegation that all heirs consented to the Notice of Proposed Action, pursuant to PrC§10501(c). Consents are not on file. Without said consents, it appears the sale of the real property to Administrator was done without the court’s approval as required by PrC§10501.
      o    This will be submitted to the court for determination at the hearing on 11/19/25 following a complete review of the file.
Hearing of 11/19/25 will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000442 ESTATE OF HAROLD D. PETERSON, AKA HAROLD DON PETERSON
Account Review Hearing reset on the court’s own motion on 02/24/25 and 07/07/25:
Nothing filed since previous hearing. Prior Notes remain:
Letters issued 06/27/24. Inventory and Appraisal due 10/27/24.
Final Inventory and Appraisal not on file. See Local Rule 8.41 B, Probate Code section 8800 et seq.
A Petition for Termination of Further Proceedings and Discharge of Personal Representative has been filed and set for hearing on 09/25/25.
Hearing of 09/25/25 will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000447 ESTATE OF BRIAN CHARLES JACKSON, AKA BRIAN C. JACKSON, BRIAN JAKSON
Account Review Hearing:
A Petition for Final Distribution has been filed and set for hearing 11/18/25.
Hearing of 11/18/25 will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000479 ESTATE OF STEPHANIE MARIE VENNEMA, AKA STEPHANIE M. VENNEMA
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 01/14/26 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-24-000577 ESTATE OF JUDY ANN HORTON
Hearing on First and Final Account, Petition for Final Distribution, Allowance of Statutory Administrator’s Fees, Allowance of Statutory and Extraordinary Attorney’s Fees, Reimbursement of Costs, and Request for Reserve:
Notes have been cured.
Recommend approval of Account and Petition as supplemented.
Recommend court vacate Account Review Hearing 10/07/25.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 04/30/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.92.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000634 AMENDED AND RESTATED DEL AND PAT FARREL FAMILY TRUST
Hearing on Petition to Remove Co-Trustees and to Appoint Successor Trustee for cause, including Breach of Fiduciary Duty; Petition to Compel Accounting; for Conspiracy to Defraud Petitioner; for Double Damages Pursuant to Probate Code 859 for Wrongful Taking of Trust Assets, and for Damages for Harassment and Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress continued per stipulation and order: 
Pursuant to a Stipulation and Order to Continue Hearing signed and filed 08/28/25, the 09/04/25 hearing has been rescheduled to 01/14/26. 
No appearances.

PR-24-001062 ESTATE OF COLEEN WALLEN
Inventory Review Hearing continued from 05/08/25:
Letters Issued 11/06/24.  Inventory and Appraisal due 03/06/25.
Inventory and Appraisal not on file at time of review.
Recommend continuance to 11/18/25 to allow time to file above pleading.  This will be the last continuance.  Appearances will be required at next hearing if Inventory and Appraisal is not on file.
Appearance at the 09/04/25 hearing not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000041 ESTATE OF ANGELA VELAZQUEZ DELAGRANDE, AKA ANGELA V. DELAGRANDE
Inventory Review Hearing:
Letters were issued only this week due to the bond being secured late. Inventory and Appraisal due 01/02/2026.
A PrC§12200 Status Report has been filed and set for hearing on 09/18/25.
Hearing of 09/18/25 will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000042 ESTATE OF AUGUSTINE L. DELAGRANDE JR., AKA AUGUSTINE DELAGRANDE JR.
Inventory Review Hearing:
Letters were issued only this week due to the bond being secured late. Inventory and Appraisal due 01/02/2026.
A PrC§12200 Status Report has been filed and set for hearing on 09/23/25.
Hearing of 09/23/25 will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000241 ESTATE OF BUGS BOUGUERBA
Hearing on Order to Show Cause issued 04/30/25 to petitioner:
To appear and show cause why the case should not be dismissed for petitioner’s failure to appear on 04/30/25 and failure to cure the prior noted defects (see below).

Hearing on Spousal Property Petition continued from 04/30/25:
Nothing filed since previous hearing. Prior Notes remain:
•    Petition item 5a(1) was not completely filled out (was decedent’s child/children his natural or adopted children, or were they his children adopted by a third party?)
•    Petition item 5a(2) was not completed (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 7a was not checked, although the related item 1a was checked. 
•    Item 9 did not state how the person listed was related to the decedent.
•    Attachment 7 was not attached (sufficient relevant facts to support allegation that the subject properties are community property). See Local Rule 8.98.
    o    Exhibit A cannot be used for this.
•    Attachment 7a was not attached (including the legal descriptions as well as the assessor’s parcel numbers of each of the deceased spouse’s properties that petitioner requests to be determined as having passed to her). This must include the percentage of interest in the properties that belonged to the deceased spouse. See wording in item 7a of the petition.
    o    Exhibit A cannot be used for this.
•    Attachment 7b was not attached (including the legal descriptions as well as the assessor’s parcel numbers of the community property assets that petitioner requests to be determined as having belonged to her at the time of her spouse’s passing). This must include the percentages of the community property interest in each asset belonging to the petitioner. See wording in item 7b of the petition.
    o    Exhibit A cannot be used for this.
•    Copies of the recorded grant deeds showing current title of each property were not attached or provided on separate pleading. See Local Rule 8.98 B.
•    Notice of Hearing not on file (Form DE-120; see Probate Code sections 13655, 1220).
•    Proposed Order has not been submitted yet (Form DE-226).
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) mandatory (by VCourt if preferred). Failure to appear will result in the case being dismissed.

PR-25-000324 ESTATE OF RUDY ALBERTO BURGARA
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration continued from 05/13/25:
• Waivers of Bond on file for all intestate heirs. One of the heirs waiving bond is a minor, who, it has been alleged, will turn eighteen on 12/14/25. 
      o    If the heir who is currently a minor wishes to waive bond after he turns eighteen, he may sign a new Waiver of Bond form on or after 12/14/25, and petitioner may file that form before the next hearing.
This matter will be continued to 01/13/26 on the court’s own motion to allow time for waiver of bond to be filed. 
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000328 ESTATE OF VINCENT JOSEPH WILEY
Hearing on Petition for Probate of Will and for Letters Testamentary continued from 05/13/25:
Will is not self-proving per Local Rule 8.23.  Proof of Subscribing Witness (Form DE-131) on file.
Recommend approval of petition and admission of Will to probate.
Recommend Inventory Review Hearing 03/04/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.41 B.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).
 

PR-24-000691 ESTATE OF ROSEMARIE JOHNS, AKA R. L. JOHNS, ROSEMARIE L. JOHNS
Hearing on First and Final Report of Administrator and Petition Final Distribution on Waiver of Account and Waiver of Statutory Compensation to Administrator:
Notes have been cured.
Recommend approval of Report and Petition.
Recommend court vacate Account Review Hearing of 09/25/25.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 03/26/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.92.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000985 ESTATE OF BETTY J. BATES, AKA BETTY JEAN BATES
Hearing on Report on Waiver of Account and Petition for Final Distribution to the Trustee of the Betty Jean Bates Living Trust and for Allowance of Compensation to Attorneys for Ordinary Services:
Notes have been cured.
Recommend approval of Report and Petition.
Recommend court vacate Account Review Hearing of 02/10/26.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 03/26/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.92.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000459 MATTER OF OLDSON FAMILY TRUST
Hearing on Petition for 1. Internal Affairs of a Trust and Contest of Accounting; 2. Breach of Fiduciary Duties by Former Trustee; 3. Surcharge of Former Trustee; 4. Elder Financial Abuse; 5. Attorney’s Fees:
Body of Petition omitted the names and mailing addresses of those entitled to notice (PrC§§17201, 15804).
Notice of Hearing not on file. See PrC§§172003 et seq., 15804.
Proposed Order not yet submitted.
Recommend continuance to 11/18/25 to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 05, 2025

Department 22
8:30 a.m.

PR-23-000736 ESTATE OF EDDIE FRANKLIN JOHNS
Hearing on Petition for Final Distribution, Final Report of Administration, Settlement of Estate, Allowance of Compensation of Personal Representative and Allowance of Attorneys Fees, Allowance of Extraordinary Fees, Waiver of Account continued from 07/03/25:
Some defects cured. Prior note remain and one noted added:
See California Rules of Court rules 7.3 and 7.53 to learn about the types of forms that may be used to address these defects.
•    Schedule(s) showing Gains/Losses and/or Receipts not attached as required by CRC 7.550(b)(6).
•    Caption of pleading and notice requests “extraordinary fees”; however, extraordinary fees were not requested in the pleading.
    o    New notice will be required. 
•    Need new order to agree with caption of petition. (Proposed orders submitted 07/16/25 and 09/03/25 reference extraordinary fees in the caption and on lines 23)
Recommend continuance to 10/03/25 to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-000781 ESTATE OF JONATHAN N. HOWARTH, AKA JONATHAN HOWARTH
Hearing on First and Final Account and Report of Executor and Petition for Allowance of Compensation to Executor and Attorneys for Ordinary Services, Costs to Attorneys, and for Final Distribution continued from 03/11/25, 06/26/25:
Prior Notes have been addressed or otherwise cured.
Background
• Report reflects the personal representative distributed half a million dollars of estate assets without prior court authorization, without serving a Notice of Proposed Action. Receipts of distribution are on file.  
• On 06/26/25, the court ordered the personal representative (PR), in his capacity as PR and not in his capacity as Trustee, to distribute an equalizing amount to the estate of the deceased Trust beneficiary, since the PR made like distributions to the other two (of three) Trust beneficiaries. When the court grants final distribution, the court will order the residue of the estate to be distributed to the Trustee of the Trust pursuant to the decedent’s will. 
A Second Amendment is on file with language to the effect of what the court directed on 
06/26/25. Waivers of notice of same are also on file.
Recommend approval of the Account and Petition as amended (amendments thereto file-marked 05/29/25 and 09/03/25).
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 03/26/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.92.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-000887 ESTATE OF EMMANUEL GOMEZ
Hearing on PrC§12200 Status Report of Administration continued from 07/10/25:
Nothing filed since previous hearing. Prior Note remains:
•    Notice of Hearing is not on file for the three minor heirs. Notice to a minor must be sent directly to the minor.  See CRC rule 7.51(d).
    o    On 07/10/25, the court ordered the personal representative to perfect notice before this hearing. Failure to perfect notice as ordered may result in surcharge.

The following issue was continued to this date by the court on 07/10/25 to be considered by Judge Speiller:
•    The file reflects that the person serving as Guardian ad litem has filed a Creditor’s Claim (file-marked 04/18/24). Recommend court set and hold a hearing on this date on its own motion as to Guardian ad litem review based on the appearance of a potential conflict of interest.
Appearance by Administrator’s counsel, Guardian ad litem, counsel for Guardian ad litem required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000067 ESTATE OF ROBIN G. CARTER
Review Hearing regarding bond:
Supplemental bond rider is on file, as the court ordered. 
Recommend court direct the personal representative to file a PrC§12200 Status Report within forty-five (45) days of this hearing if the estate is not in a position to be closed.
Recommend Account Review Hearing 12/11/25.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000343 ESTATE OF MARTIN CHRISTOPHER ARNO
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration continued from 05/14/25, 06/27/25:
Prior Notes remain but are not repeated here.
A Petition for Termination of Proceedings and Discharge has been filed and set for hearing on 10/02/25. It appears that this petition may not be needed. 
Hearing required.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000465 ESTATE OF CONNIE BURKS
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration continued from 06/10/25, 07/11/25:
Prior Notes have been cured.
Recommend approval of petition.
Recommend Inventory Review Hearing 03/05/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.41 B.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000547 ESTATE OF SUMICO TAKAHASHI
Hearing on Amended Petition for Probate of Will and for Letters of Administration with Will Annexed continued from 07/01/25:
Will is not self-proving.  Proof of Subscribing Witness is on file.
Prior Notes remain:
• Petition item 8 did not include the proposed personal representative (Local Rule 8.26 D).
• Waivers of bond on file from the beneficiaries, however the proposed personal representative resides out of state. See PrC§8571. Bond may be required at the court’s discretion. This will be submitted to court for determination once other notes are cured.
• Form DE-150, Proposed Letters, not submitted.
New Note:
• Form DE-121, Notice of Petition to Administer Estate, file-marked 09/02/25: Item 3 on page 2 was not completed. Notice to the foreign consulate appears defective (PrC§8113, see Local Rule 8.16).
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000557 ESTATE OF RICHARD McVAY
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration continued from 07/01/25:
Prior Notes have been cured.
Recommend approval of petition.
Recommend Inventory Review Hearing 03/05/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.41 B.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2025
Department 22 
There are no decedent's estates or trusts on calendar

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2025
Department 22
8:30 a.m.

404060 ESTATE OF HAROLD HENRY SIMIDIAN
Account Review Hearing continued from 06/27/24, 09/12/24, 01/07/25, 05/13/25:
The defects in the pleading file-marked 04/23/25, titled Status Report of Administration, have been cured.  One note remains:
• Notice of Hearing not on file.
On 01/09/25, the court directed counsel to file a Notice of Firm Change with the Court if he is no longer at Damrell Law Firm.
• Notice of Firm Change not on file at time of review.
Recommend court order personal representative to give Notice of Hearing pursuant to PrC§12201.
Recommend court set a hearing on Fifteenth PrC§12200 Status Report for 11/07/25.
Examiner notes Final Inventory and Appraisal is not yet on file.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-21-000344 ESTATE OF RUDOLPH REYES
Account Review Hearing continued from 11/20/24, 01/08/25:
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.

Hearing on Order to Show Cause issued 05/08/25 to the personal representative:
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.
Appearance by Administrator (self-represented) mandatory (by VCourt if preferred). 
 

PR-21-001189 ESTATE OF NANCY SHAILOR
(2) Hearing on First and Final Report of Practice Administrator and Petition for Settlement of Account and for Allowance for Compensation of for Administrator and Discharge:
Notice of Hearing not on file (PrC§§1220, 1214) for the personal representative and his counsel. 
Recommend continuance to 10/17/25 to allow time to perfect notice.

(1) Hearing on First Amended (file-marked 01/10/25) Petition for Final Distribution, Waiver of Account, Allowance of Compensation Attorneys, Extraordinary Fees, Costs continued from 06/12/24, 09/11/24, 01/15/25, 05/21/25, 06/27/25:
Prior Notes cured. If the Practice Administrator’s accounting is approved, this pleading may require modification as the cash on hand would be reduced (Practice Administrator’s compensation).

Recommend continuance to 10/17/25 to trail the Practice Administrator’s accounting.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-000515 MATTER OF THE PHILLIP AND JANE REFFLE TRUST
(3) Hearing on Order to Show Cause issued 03/05/25 to the former Trustee, Janet Reffle:
To appear and show cause for failing to provide an accounting as ordered by the court (order issued 08/20/24). 
There is neither a “Notice of Entry of Order” nor a proof of service on file reflecting that the former trustee was served with a copy of the court’s order to Janet Reffle that she prepare an accounting.

(2) Account Review Hearing continued from 03/05/25:
Accounting of former Trustee with end date of 08/01/24 not on file.
Need status.

(1) Hearing on Petition by beneficiary Pamela Bates for Accounting, Distribution, and Surcharge of Trustee continued from 08/15/23, 12/05/23, 04/30/24, 08/14/24, 03/05/25:
Remaining issues are petition for surcharge and distribution.
Need status.

Appearance by former Trustee (self-represented) mandatory; appearance by counsel for petitioner (successor Trustee) required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-001109 ESTATE OF DOROTHY LOYD
Account Review Hearing:
On 03/11/25, the court directed that a PrC§12200 Status Report must be filed if estate is not in a position to be closed. Neither Petition for Final Distribution nor PrC§12200 Status Report are on file.
• Recommend court issue Order to Show Cause to Executor and Executor’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 Administrator 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 Executor and Executor’s counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000357 ESTATE OF LARRY D. EMENS, SR.
(2) Hearing on Order to Show Cause issued 05/08/25 to the personal representative:
To appear and show cause why surcharge should not be imposed for failing to appear on 05/08/25 and failing to file the Final Inventory and Appraisal as required by statute.

(1) Inventory Review Hearing continued from 05/08/25:
Nothing filed since previous hearing. Prior Notes remain:
Letters issued 11/08/24. Inventory and Appraisal due 03/10/25.
Final Inventory and Appraisal not on file. 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) mandatory (by VCourt if preferred).
 

PR-24-000579 ESTATE OF JAMES EDWIN McGUY
Inventory Review Hearing continued from 05/20/25:
Final Inventory and Appraisal on file.
Recommend Account Review Hearing 04/14/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.82.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000782 ESTATE OF DIANA LEE DIMENCO-FREER
Inventory Review Hearing continued from 05/15/25:
Final Inventory and Appraisal on file.
•    Current bond does not appear sufficient. Personal Representative submitted ex parte for increase of bond [PrC§8480(c), CRC 7.204] which is pending the Court’s approval.
Appearance by counsel required to address bond (by VCourt if preferred).
 

PR-24-001207 ESTATE OF KAREN GAIL MOUNDAY
Hearing on Petition for Probate of Will and for Letters Testamentary continued from 12/19/24, 05/06/25:
Will is not self-proving. Proof of Subscribing Witness is on file.
• A copy of the decedent’s will was not attached to the amended petition. See item 3f(2).
• There is insufficient information in court's file to determine if notice is adequate under PrC§§1208b, 15804.  Need copy of trust.
• Form DE-121 Notice of Petition to Administer Estate not on file (reflecting notice of the amended petition purs. to CRC rule 7.53).
• Affidavit of publication not on file (reflecting publication occurred after the filing of the amended petition purs. to CRC rule 7.53). See Local Rule 8.12.
• Forms DE-140 and DE-150, Proposed Order and Letters, not submitted.
Recommend court set deadline for defects to be cured or case may be dismissed.
Appearance by petitioner’s counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-001314 RAEGAN AMERINE REVOCABLE TRUST DTD DECEMBER 14, 2014
Hearing on Petition to Invalidate Trust Amendment; for Financial Elder Abuse; and Suspension and Removal of Trustee (filed by Ronald R. Amerine) continued from 04/15/25:
Objection filed 03/28/25 (by Gary Amerine & Garrett Amerine)
On 04/15/25, the court ordered a joint or separate report regarding meet and confer efforts 10 days prior to the next hearing.  Respondents’ status report is on file.
Recommend continuance to 01/08/26 pursuant to the request of parties in the joint status report.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000043 ESTATE OF MANUEL TICAS, AKA MANUEL JESUS TICAS, MANUEL J. TICAS
Inventory Review Hearing:
Letters issued 03/07/25. Inventory and Appraisal due 07/07/25.
Final Inventory and Appraisal not on file.
Recommend court compel Personal Representative to file the Final Inventory and Appraisal pursuant to Probate Code § 8804 or face possible sanctions including removal from office.
Appearance by counsel required, to receive the court’s order (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000047 ESTATE OF JANELLE KAY AHRENHOLTZ, AKA JANELLE KAY TABOGA
Inventory Review Hearing:
Letters issued 03/10/25. The Inventory and Appraisal was due 07/10/25.
Final Inventory and Appraisal not on file. 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 (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000158 CRUZ FAMILY TRUST U/A/D NOVEMBER 2, 1995
Hearing on Respondent Joel Cruz’s Amended Notice of Motion and Motion to Quash Service of Summons for Lack of Personal Jurisdiction and to Dismiss or Stay Proceedings on Grounds of Forum Non Conveniens continued from 08/21/25:
SEE TENTATIVE RULING, to be posted day prior to hearing at https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/online-services/tentative-rulings/…

PR-22-000455 ESTATE OF MARIE NICKSON
Hearing on PrC§12200 Status Report of Administration:
•    Notice of Hearing file-marked 08/05/25 gave notice of the wrong hearing date. The hearing of 12/03/25 is only an Account Review, which is a compliance review set by the court pursuant to Local Rule 8.82 to ensure the case moves along. The clerk’s office set the Report for hearing on 09/09/25. 
•    The Report was not signed by the personal representative, nor was it verified. Please see CRC rule 7.103(c), PrC§1023.
•    The Report did not specify the time needed for the estate to be closed. See PrC§12201(a).
Recommend continuance to 12/03/25, to coincide with Account Review Hearing already set, to allow time to cure defects and for PrC§12201 notice to be perfected. If the Petition for Final Distribution is filed prior to the next hearing, the next hearing may be vacated.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000607 ESTATE OF FELIX MARTINEZ BERBENA, SR., AKA FELIX BERBENA, SR.
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:
Need schedule calculating gains/losses on sales pursuant to Local Rule 8.65 B 4, CRC rule 7.550(b).
Page 11 omitted the personal representative’s signature.
Specific bequests in the Will were not included in the Inventory and Appraisal or the Petition for Final Distribution. See PrC§11640(b).
Proposed Order not yet submitted.
Recommend continuance to 10/09/25, to coincide with Account Review Hearing already set, to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000462 JOE S. ROCHA 2002 TRUST
Hearing on Petition for Order Confirming Trustee and Trust Assets:
•    Notice of Hearing file-marked 06/09/25 does not appear compliant with PrC§§851(c)(1) or (3).  Please see Judicial Council Form DE-115, adopted for mandatory use for this purpose pursuant to PrC§851(c).
Recommend continuance to 12/16/25 to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000718 ESTATE OF SANDRA J. ARNETT
Hearing on Petition for Probate of Will and for Letters Testamentary:
Will is not self proving.  Proof of Subscribing Witness is not on file.
• The copy of the Will attached to the petition appears to recite “Charles Arnett” as the testator on the attestation, page 5.  
      o    Will was not witnessed. Declaration re: supporting evidence not on file. See PrC§§8221, 6110.
• It appears the original Will has not yet been presented in person to the Clerk’s Office for filing.  Original Wills are not accepted via E-file.  See Local Rule 1.14G and the Court’s website:  www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/forms-filing/e-filing.
• 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 8 must include names as they are written in the Will; AKA’s may be used to identify the correct individuals.
• Petition item 8 did not properly identify the proposed personal representative (Local Rule 8.26 D).
• Form DE-140, Proposed Order, not submitted.
• Form DE-150, Letters, not submitted.
Recommend continuance to 10/17/25 to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000721 ESTATE OF EDWARD DWIGHT MORROW, AKA EDWARD D. MORROW, EDWARD MORROW
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration:
Recommend approval of petition.
Recommend Inventory Review Hearing 03/10/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.41 B.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000729 ESTATE OF FERNANDO OLIVEIRA
Hearing on Petition for Probate of Will and for Letters of Administration with Will Annexed:
• Case caption does not agree with the decedent’s name in the will (which included decedent’s middle initial).
• Petition item 8 must include all those named in the Will, and if they are deceased so state with date of death (spouse Maria E.).
• Petition item 8 must include names as they are written in the Will; AKA’s may be used to identify the correct individuals (petitioner, and maybe spouse Maria E.?).
• Will waived bond only for those named as Executor; petitioner is seeking appointment as Administrator with Will Annexed.
      o    Waivers of bond [Form DE-142/DE-111(A-3e)] not on file.  Bond may be required.
• Form DE-121 Notice of Petition to Administer Estate not on file.
• Affidavit of publication not on file. See Local Rule 8.12.
• Forms DE-140 and DE-150, Proposed Order and Letters, not submitted.
Recommend continuance to 10/24/25 to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000730 ESTATE OF CAROLINE MARTINEZ
Hearing on Petition for Probate of Will and for Letters Testamentary:
Will is self-proving.
• Petition item 8 must list all those named in Will in any capacity whether or not they are named as beneficiaries under the Will.
• Petition item 8 did not properly label the proposed personal representative (Local Rule 8.26 D).
• Notice of Petition incomplete:
      o    Notice not on file for the alternate Executor named in the Will (PrC§8110(b)).
      o    Notice was mailed to a person not named in the petition nor in the Will.
• Need new Letters, Form DE-150.  Affirmation incomplete. Item 2 (individual) not checked.
Recommend continuance to 10/24/25 to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000732 ESTATE OF STACEY TURNER
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration:
Bond waivers on file for all intestate heirs.
Recommend approval of petition.
Recommend Inventory Review Hearing 03/10/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.41B.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).