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.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2026

Department 22
8:30 a.m.

PR-23-001293 ESTATE OF FRANK LANCE COHEN
Inventory Review Hearing:
Letters issued 02/03/26. Inventory and Appraisal due 06/03/26.
A Partial No. 1 Inventory and Appraisal is on file; I&A omitted the characterization of the property (separate or community). Final Inventory and Appraisal not on file.
The personal representative has not been authorized to take possession of any property without a specific court order.
A PrC§12200 Status Report has been filed and set for hearing 08/06/26. The report was not verified by the personal representative. The Report was filed earlier than strictly necessary pursuant to Local Rule 8.82 and Probate Code section 12200.
Hearing of 08/06/26 will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-001294 ESTATE OF MARY ELLA COHEN
Inventory Review Hearing:
Letters issued 02/03/26. Inventory and Appraisal due 06/03/26.
A Partial No. 1 Inventory and Appraisal is on file; I&A omitted the characterization of the property (separate or community). Final Inventory and Appraisal not on file.
The personal representative has not been authorized to take possession of any property without a specific court order.
A PrC§12200 Status Report has been filed and set for hearing 08/05/26. The report was not verified by the personal representative. The Report was filed earlier than strictly necessary pursuant to Local Rule 8.82 and Probate Code section 12200.
Hearing of 08/05/26 will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000709 ESTATE OF CONSUELO GLADYS QUINTERO
Account Review Hearing continued from 02/04/26:
A Petition for Final Distribution has been filed and set for hearing 08/13/26.
Hearing of 08/13/26 will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000964 ESTATE OF MANUEL GARCIA
(1)    Inventory Review Hearing:
Final Inventory and Appraisal is on file.

(2)    Hearing on First and Final Accounting and Report of Personal Representative; Petition for Allowance of Ordinary Compensation to Personal Representative and to Attorney and for Extraordinary Compensation to Attorney and for Final Distribution continued from 05/14/26:
Prior defects cured.
Request for extraordinary compensation submitted to Judge for determination.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-001088 ESTATE OF JOHN C. TOWNER, AKA JOHN CLIFFORD TOWNER, AKA JOHN C. TOWNER, JR. AKA JACK TOWNER, AKA JAMES TOWNER
(1)    Hearing on Amended Petition for Removal of Personal Representatives (file marked 02/25/26) (filed by Robert Sanders) continued from 10/09/25, 10/16/25, 02/04/26:
Objection filed – 01/29/26 (by Kathleen E. Towner and John C. Towner III)
Prior defects cured.  

(2)    Petition to Determine Ownership of Real Property; for Cancellation of Void Instruments; to Quiet Title for Declaratory Relief; and for Double Damages and Attorneys’ Fees continued from 10/16/25, 02/04/26: 
Prior defects cured.
Waivers of notice of petition on file for: Roxanne Louise Reed, Brittany Ann Johnson, Robert S. Towner, Tracy Towner
Prior note:
•    This petition appears to plead independent civil causes of action.  Proof of service of Civil Summons is not on file.  (CCP §§412.20, 413.10 et seq, PrC §1000).  Matter of independent civil causes of action in a probate petition submitted to judge for determination.
•    Lis pendens not on file (CCP § 761.010(b)).

On 02/24/26, the Court ordered counsel to meet and confer and indicated once notice is perfected, the Court intends to ask for briefing as to whether this petition should be an independent Civil action. Memorandum of Points and Authorities in Support of Probate Code Section 850 Petition and Request for Breslin Order submitted to Judge for determination.
Appearances required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000345 ESTATE OF DORSENA M. TIPTON
Inventory Review Hearing continued from 02/11/26:
Final Inventory and Appraisal is on file. 
•    A Notice of Proposed Action, Form DE-165, was filed by the personal representative on 03/12/26. See Probate Code section 10585. The form reflects the following deficiencies:
    o    No affidavit of mailing was attached. See Local Rule 8.100 B.
    o    Item 5a on page 2 was left blank (address where objectors are to deliver or mail their objections).
•    An Objection to DE-165 Notice of Proposed Action, drafted on pleading paper, was filed by an interested party on 03/20/26. 
    o    Please review Probate Code sections 10587 through 10592, and particularly section 10590. The court does not act on Objections to Notice of Proposed Action. Any party due notice of the proposed action pursuant to Probate Code 10581 may educate themselves on their legal rights, perhaps by visiting a Law Library in their community, or contact an attorney to advise them of their legal rights. 

This hearing is merely a compliance review to ensure that the personal representative has filed the Inventory and Appraisal forms.
A PrC§12200 Status Report has been filed and set for hearing on 08/04/26.
Hearing of 08/04/26 will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000664 STEVEN A. SANDERS 2023 TRUST
Hearing on Petition for Order Directing Trustee to Account and Report and for Production of Trust Records (filed by Talya L. Dodson-Martin) continued from 10/21/25, 02/11/26:
No defects in the petition.
Response to Petition filed 10/15/25 (by Drew Steven Sanders) 
On 10/21/25, the court granted petitioner’s request for limited discovery and found the issue of accounting moot.  Parties were directed to meet and confer in advance of today’s hearing to determine if today’s hearing is necessary or not.  
On 02/11/26, parties were directed to file a status report if not resolved.  Status reports not on file.
Petitioner filed a Request to Withdrawal Petition, but has not yet submitted Form CIV-110, Request for Dismissal.  Submitted to Judge for determination.
Appearances required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-001068 ELSA CASTANON LIVING TRUST DTD SEPTEMBER 13, 2011
Hearing on Petition for Instructing the Trustee and Removal of Trustee (Probate Code §§ 17200, 15642) continued from 02/10/26: 
Defects not cured. Prior notes remain:
•    Petition seeks to remove trustee but did not identify and seek confirmation of the named successor under the trust.
•    Need order.
On 02/10/26, parties requested a continuance for further negotiations.
Need status.
Appearance by petitioner’s counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-001181 ESTATE OF DOROTHY LAVERNE PETERSON
Inventory Review Hearing:
Final Inventory and Appraisal is on file.
Court ordered bond increased pursuant to ex parte application, order file-marked 06/10/26. Supplemental bond rider not yet on file.
Recommend court set an Account Review Hearing 03/09/27 pursuant to Local Rule 8.82.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-001192 ESTATE OF WALDO R. PEREZ
Inventory Review Hearing:
Final Inventory and Appraisal is on file.
Recommend Account Review Hearing 02/17/27 pursuant to Local Rule 8.82.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

2200698 TARRIS PHILYAW LIVING TRUST
Hearing on Petition to Reopen Case and for Order Confirming Trust Assets under Probate Code Section 850 and 856:
•    As this petition is filed pursuant to both Probate Code section 850 and section 17200, both forms DE-115, Notice of Hearing on Petition to Determine Claim to Property, and DE-120, Notice of Hearing-Decedent’s Estate or Trust, appear required. See PrC§851 and PrC§17203.  Form DE-115 is on file.  Form DE-120 is not on file.
•    It appears the petition to reopen this case is not appropriate; Petitioner has not identified the procedural rule for reopening a closed trust matter.  Secondarily, the present petition involves different assets and different respondent(s) than the earlier petition adjudicated in 2018. It appears a new petition is necessary.  Declaration in Response to Probate Notes (file marked 06/15/26) submitted to Judge for determination.
Appearance by petitioner (self-represented) required. Anyone appearing may do so either in person or remotely, by telephone, using VCourt.
 

PR-22-000002 ESTATE OF MARK WAYNE GIRDNER
Hearing on First and Final Report of Administrator and Petition for Final Distribution on Waiver of Account:
•    Report appears to omit clear statements of compliance with Probate Code § 9050, and of notice to creditors given per PrC§10900(b)(1) or that there are no creditors known or reasonably ascertained. See PrC§9053(d).
•    Report does not appear to describe which acts Administrator took under the Independent Administration of Estates Act without court authorization, or that no such acts were taken (CRC 7.250 and Local Rule 8.83 N).
•    Attachment A, Schedule of Creditor’s Claims purs. PrC§10900: 
            o    Reflects that the claim dated 01/07/23 (file-marked 01/27/23, by Yesenia G.) was untimely and thus no action was taken by Administrator. That does not appear correct: Letters were issued 09/30/22, so the time to file and serve Creditor Claims expired on 01/30/23. Please address.
            o    Did not include two Rejections filed by the Administrator for which Creditor Claims had not been filed. Rejections were both file-marked 07/06/23: $7,000.00 claim by Armando R. was rejected entirely and 45,000.00 claim by Cariaun W. was rejected entirely.
•    The proposed distribution is 100% of property on hand to the decedent’s surviving spouse. This does not appear correct purs. to PrC§6401 (intestate succession when the decedent is survived by a spouse). According to the amended Petition for Probate file-marked 04/14/22, decedent was also survived by both his parents. Purs. to PrC§6401(c)(2), the intestate share of the decedent’s surviving spouse is one-half of the intestate estate, and purs. to PrC§6402(b), the part of the estate not passing to the surviving spouse passes to the decedent’s parents equally.
            o    Recommend court order the Administrator to file either an amendment to the Report and Petition, or file an Amended Report and Petition, pursuant to California Rules of Court rules 7.3 and 7.53.
Appearance by personal representative (self-represented) required, to receive the court’s order (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000149 ESTATE OF MELANIE A. HORIO, AKA MELANIE ANNE HORIO, MELANIE HORIO
Hearing on PrC§12200 Status Report of Administration:
Notice appears complete.
Recommend court allow estate to remain open and set a further Account Review Hearing 04/20/27 at which time a Second PrC§12200 Status Report must be filed if a petition or final distribution is not on file.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).
 

PR-25-000195 ESTATE OF ROGER DALE KNIGHT
Hearing on First and Final Account of Administrator and Petition for Allowance of Compensation to Administrator for Ordinary Services and to Attorney for Ordinary Services and Extraordinary Services and for Final Distribution:
Court has reviewed request for fees. Will approve at a reduced amount of 23 hours for counsel, at a rate of $400 per hour. Will approve extraordinary paralegal fees as pled. 
Counsel to submit new order.
Court will vacate Account Review Hearing of 07/09/26.
Court will set a Discharge Review Hearing 12/17/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.92.
No appearance 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 Disqualify Cyril L. Lawrence and Cyril Lawrence, Inc. from Representing Respondent, and for Related Relief:
SEE TENTATIVE RULING, to be posted day prior to hearing at https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/online-services/tentative-rulings/…

PR-26-000377 ESTATE OF NORVIA BROOKS
Hearing on Petition to Determine Succession to Primary Residence:
Defects with notice:
•    Notice of Hearing file-marked 05/07/26 appears defective: Form DE-115 does not apply to this type of matter; the form applies to actions filed pursuant to Probate Code section 850. See item 1 on page 1 of Form DE-115. Form DE-120, Notice of Hearing, is mandatory for the purpose of providing notice of hearing purs. to PrC§13152-3, and is not on file.
•    Proof of mailing not on file for the Department of Health Care Services, nor Declaration that notice is not required (see Local Rule 8.17 and PrC§215).

Defects with the petition form:
•    Item 9 contains the allegation that the decedent was not survived by a spouse, because the spouse was deceased at the time of decedent’s death. That does not appear correct based on Attachment 11. Please see the first bullet point below in the section “Legal issues”.
•    Attachment 11 omitted a statement of facts showing the property was decedent’s primary residence in California at time of death [see petition item 11(2)].
•    Attachment 11 omitted a statement of facts showing the asset was community property [see petition item 11(3)].
•    Item 13 was not completed correctly; the form requires the percentage or fraction of interest of each petitioner in the property described in item 11. Attachment 13 contains a request that is not relevant to item 13. 
•    Attachment 14 was not attached (all heirs and devisees). Please include the decedent’s spouse Jerry Albert Brooks, date of death 09/11/16.
•    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.
•    Please provide a copy of the prior recorded deed(s), back to the originating deed showing transfer from a third party to the decedent. See Local Rule 8.99.

Legal issues:
•    Petition Attachment 11 contains allegation that the decedent’s 50% share of the real property was community property, and further that the other 50% interest was “disposed of” in Stanislaus County Case PR-21-001007. Recommend court on its own motion take judicial notice of the entirety of case PR-21-001007, Estate of Jerry Albert Brooks. That decedent (Jerry), having died on 09/11/16, survived this decedent (Norvia), who is alleged to have died 07/27/11. Purs. to PrC§6401, the intestate share of the surviving spouse (Jerry) is the one-half of the community property that belongs to the decedent (Norvia).
•    Petition Attachment 13 contains a statement that the petitioner’s 50% shall be put in an irrevocable Special Needs Trust. Does a Special Needs Trust already exist?
Recommend continuance to 09/23/26 to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000382 ESTATE OF PATRICIA KATHRYN O’BRIEN, AKA TRICIA O’BRIEN
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration:
Waiver of bond [Form DE-142/DE-111(A-3e)] is on file.
For future filings, please ensure item 8 did properly labels the proposed personal representative (Local Rule 8.26 D).
Recommend approval of petition.
Recommend Inventory Review Hearing 12/16/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.41B.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).
 

PR-26-000457 MATTER OF MARGARET JOAN HOYLE 2008 REVOCABLE TRUST
Hearing on Petition for Order Confirming Trust Assets:
Most Notes have been cured or dropped.
•    Petitioner’s Statement filed on 04/27/26 regarding the PrC§6124 presumption regarding revoked wills includes the allegation that a duplicate original of the will exists. The duplicate original has not been lodged with this court. Pursuant to the petitioner’s Supplement file-marked 06/11/26, it appears that what exists is not a duplicate original will bearing original signatures (Lauermann v. Superior Court (2005) 127 Cal.App.4th 1327 [26 Cal.Rptr.3d 258]), but rather a photocopy of the original will. A photocopy is not a duplicate original, see above citation. The PrC§6124 presumption appears to therefore apply. The petition identified only the beneficiaries of the Trust as interested parties (paragraph 8). Please identify the Settlor’s intestate heirs as well.
Recommend continuance to 07/31/26 to allow time to address Note.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

 

9:30 A.M.

PR-23-000155 ESTATE OF FRANK R. HERNANDEZ
Court Trial:
Appearances mandatory.

THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2026

Department 22
8:30 a.m.

PR-18-000314 ESTATE OF DIANE FRANCIS BELLO, AKA DIANE FRANCIS KAISER
(1)    Order to Show Cause issued 06/25/25 to Andon Rogers continued from 10/15/25, 12/04/25, 02/18/26:
To appear and show cause for failing to appear at 06/25/25, 10/15/25, 12/04/25 SNF 02/18/26 hearings.  The Court’s minute order dated 02/18/26 indicates that failure to appear and failure to cooperate with counsel may result in additional sanctions.

(2)    Hearing on Petition for Final Distribution, Settlement of First and Final Account, Report of Administration, Allowance of Compensation of Personal Representative and Allowance of Attorney’s Fees, Extraordinary Fees and Costs continued from 02/18/26:
Notice perfected. Other prior notes remain:
•    Paragraph 2 of the prayer (page 13) indicates a Waiver of Accounting is on file; however, notarized Waivers of Accounting are not on file. 
o    Title of the pleading does not reflect a waiver of accounting.  Please clarify. See CRC rule 7.102.
•    Schedule K (proposed distribution) itemizes $12,877.54 reimbursement to Personal Representative, Andon Rogers; however, the title of the pleading does not reflect a request for reimbursement. [see Probate Code § 10830, California Rule of Court 7.102, Local Rule 8.83L].
o    Please provide copies of receipts for the $4,095.54 reimbursement request labeled as “Out of Pocket Costs” on Exhibit C.
•    Order Pursuant to Stipulation filed 04/21/21 recites the Law Office of Sekhon and O’Bryant shall receive $4,200.00 from the Probate Estate as extraordinary fees and costs, “upon filing of itemized billing.” Itemized billing is not yet on file nor included in the accounting.
•    The report accurately reflects a Creditor’s Claim and Request for Special Notice was submitted by Franchise Tax Board. Examiner notes that these documents are not in the Court’s file but were rejected by the Clerk’s Office for correction on 11/08/21. Please include a copy of these forms for the Court’s file. 
When defects are cured, will recommend the court hold a hearing to admonish Administrator and Administrator’s counsel they must not hold liquid estate assets in the attorney’s attorney-client trust account as no interest will accrue to benefit the estate. See PrC section 9652.
Appearance by Administrator and Administrator’s counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-21-000750 ESTATE OF RAJEND PRASAD
Hearing on Amendment (file-marked 02/11/26) to 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 Costs continued from 02/26/26:
The Amendment to this pleading, file-marked 02/11/26, appears to completely restate the original pleading rather than merely modifying the original pleading. See CRC Rule 7.3. The Examiner therefore reviewed only the “Amendment” file-marked 02/11/26.
Some defects cured. 
•    The report contains an allegation purs. to PrC§1064(a)(5) that the administrator maintained all cash belonging to the estate in an interest-bearing account but for an amount reasonably necessary for the estate’s execution. The accounting reflects that the estate received no interest at all, and that all but $3,000.00 (see note below) is held in the attorney’s client trust account. The accounting reflects that the administrator received the foreclosure sale proceeds on or around 02/01/23. The report together with the accounting indicate that the administrator did not comply with Probate Code section 9652 (keeping cash in an interest-bearing account). This issue is submitted to Judge for determination.
•    The verified supplement corrects the request for authority to distribute $7,548.66 directly to minors and instead requests authority to deposit funds in a blocked account. Submitted to Judge for determination.
•    Need order on petition for final distribution.
•    Need Order to Deposit Funds into Blocked Account, Form MC-355 for each minor.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).
 

PR-23-000546 ESTATE OF ROBERT LEROY CARLSON, AKA ROBERT L. CARLSON, ROBERT CARLSON
Account Review Hearing:
Final Inventory and Appraisal is on file.
•    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 Third PrC§12200 Status Report (with Notice pursuant to PrC§12201) within 90 days if estate is not in a position to be closed.
Recommend continuance to 10/20/26 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-24-000295 ESTATE OF GERALDINE KITCHENS, AKA GERALDINE SANTOS
1.    Hearing on Petition to Determine Persons Entitled to Distribution of Estate (PrC§11700) continued from 08/20/24, 12/04/24, 02/20/25, 06/25/25, 10/21/25, 02/11/26:
Petitioner filed a Declaration in support of the petition, file-marked 03/04/25.
On 10/21/25, the court set a deadline of the end of business on 01/09/26 for filing of a PrC§11702 statement either in support or opposition of the petition. None filed.
Submitted to court for determination purs. to PrC§11705: “The court shall make an order that determines the persons entitled to distribution of the decedent’s estate and specifies their shares.”

2.    
a.    Inventory Review Hearing continued from 02/20/25, 06/25/25, 10/21/25, 02/11/26:
Final Inventory and Appraisal file-marked 02/27/26, five months after it was due and two months after the date the court compelled it be filed (order issued 10/21/25).
On 10/21/25 the court compelled Personal Representative to file the Final Inventory and Appraisal pursuant to Probate Code § 8804 within sixty (60) days. Filed late.
Recommend court set Account Review Hearing in sixty (60) days, as a PrC§12200 Status Report of Administration is due now.

b.    Hearing on Order to Show Cause issued to personal representative on 02/11/26:
To appear and show cause why she should not be suspended, surcharged, and/or removed from office for failing to abide by the court’s order compelling her to file the Inventory and Appraisal.

3.    Review Hearing on Requests for Judicial Notice file-marked 07/29/24 and 08/28/24 continued from 06/25/25, 10/21/25, 02/11/26:
Submitted to court for determination. 

A document titled “Amended Objection of Matthew Eoff to Approval of Settlement and Request for Independent Counsel for Rufus Santos” was file-marked 04/20/26 by Matthew Eoff. 
Although Mr. Eoff declares himself to be an interested party (PrC§§1043, 48), he does not explain the subsection of PrC§48 that identifies his interest. His objection states he has “a documented and legally recognized interest” in Rufus Santos’s rights, but that does not necessarily make him an interested person to this proceeding. Additionally, his “Objection” is as to a settlement document that has not been presented to this court for its approval. 
As the Objection makes requests of the court regarding the purported settlement, and requests regarding blocked accounts, appointment of counsel, requiring an accounting by a fiduciary that is not a party to this case, propose court order the Objection stricken for not being properly brought before the court.

Appearance by Executor, Executor’s counsel and Petitioner (Rufus Santos, self-represented) required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-001157 MATTER OF SMITH FAMILY LIVING TRUST
Review Hearing continued from 02/24/26: 
Status re: Triable issues; set by court 10/01/25.
Status Report filed – 01/27/26, by Trustee.
Status Report filed – 06/15/26, by Trustee.

Hearing on Petition for Instructions and Order Confirming Power to Sell Trust Asset continued from 03/27/25, 06/05/25, 10/01/25, 02/24/26:

Opposition filed – 03/07/25, by Steven Switzer. The Opposition includes request for “instruction from the Court” that would appoint of Objector as the successor Trustee of the “Carol C. Smith Special Needs Trust” and modify the terms of the SNT after the deaths of the Trustor and sole Trust beneficiary. Objector filed a Supplement on 05/02/25.  

Memorandum of Points and Authorities on file – 07/31/25 by Objector (untimely, deadline 07/28/25 close of business); 08/29/25 by Petitioner (timely, deadline 08/29/25 close of business).

Request for Judicial Notice filed by Petitioner – 08/29/25.

Appearance required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-001192 BROWN FAMILY REVOCABLE TRUST
Hearing on Petition Concerning Internal Affairs of the Trust: 1) for Instructing the Trustee; 2) for Construing Trust Provisions and Determining Beneficiaries to Whom Property Shall Pass; 3) for Order to Recover Trust Property; 4) for Partition of Real Property; 5) for Double Damages, and 6) for Attorneys’ Fees and Costs continued from 03/20/25, 08/21/25, 01/06/26:
Notice has been perfected.
Objection filed – 04/07/25 (by Kathleen Brown). 
On 01/06/26, the court directed parties to file status report prior to next hearing. Petitioners’ Status Report (file marked 06/03/26) requests continuance of 120 days to allow time for discovery.  Submitted to Judge for determination.
Hearing required.
Appearances required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-001292 ESTATE OF STEVEN D. BELLEAU
Account Review Hearing:
Final Inventory and Appraisal is on file.
•    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 Third PrC§12200 Status Report (with Notice pursuant to PrC§12201) within 90 days if estate is not in a position to be closed.
Recommend continuance to 10/20/26 to allow time for filing of above pleadings. 
If neither pleading is on file by the next hearing date, the court may issue an order to show cause for personal representative to appear pursuant to PrC§12202.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-001096 G. RUSSELL AND PATRICIA C. COSGRAVE TRUST
Hearing on Petition for Order Compelling Trustee to Account and Report; for Suspension of Trustee and Appointment of Temporary Trustee; and for Removal of Trustee and Appointment of Successor Trustee (PrC §§15642, 16061, 16420, 17200)(filed by Steven C. Cosgrave) continued from 02/11/26:
Prior defects cured.  
Notice appears complete.
Hearing required.
Appearances required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000026 ESTATE OF GUADALUPE CORTEZ, AKA GUADALUPE CORTEZ GUTIERREZ
Hearing on Spousal Property Petition continued from 02/19/26:
One of the decedent’s intestate heirs is a minor (Petition item 9). On 02/19/26 the court directed counsel to submit a Guardian ad Litem to receive notice.
Guardian ad Litem is on file. Notice has been perfected.
If no one appears to object, Recommend approval of Petition.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-000912 ESTATE OF LINDA NEFF BLANEY
Hearing on PrC §12200 Status Report of Administration:  
Notice appears complete. 
Recommend court set a further Account Review Hearing 03/18/27.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000460 ESTATE OF BOBBY RAY BROWN
Hearing on First and Final Report of Administrator on First and Final Account and Petition for Final Distribution; for Reimbursement to Administrator for Funds Advanced for Estate Administration; and for Allowance of Compensation to Administrator and to Administrator’s Attorney for Ordinary Services:
Recommend approval of petition as supplemented.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 12/17/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.92.
Recommend court vacate Account Review Hearing 10/06/26.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).
 

PR-25-000675 ESTATE OF MICHAEL EDWARD FREDERICK; AKA MICHAEL E. FREDERICK, MICHAEL FREDERICK
Hearing on Report of Executor, Petition for Final Distribution on Waiver of Accounting and for Allowance of Compensation for Statutory Services:
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 10/21/26.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 12/17/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.92.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

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

PR-25-001284 VIRGINIA DARE ROMEO TRUST
Hearing on Petition for Removal of Trustee, Appointment of Successor Trustee and Related Relief (filed by Anthony Pulliam):
•    Petition does not appear to allege that venue is proper in this county (PrC§17005).
•    Body of petition omitted the legal description and assessor’s parcel number for the real property.
•    Body of Petition omitted the names and mailing addresses of those entitled to notice (PrC§17201).
•    Copy of the Trust was not attached to the petition.
•    Petition is not verified (See California Rule of Court 7.103, California Code of Civil Procedure sections 2015.5, 446).
•    Petition seeks to remove trustee but did not identify and seek confirmation of the named successor under the trust.
•    It appears necessary that the court set a bond pursuant to PrC§15602(a)(3), however petition did not request a bond nor did it allege the amount of bond that would be appropriate.
•    Notice of Hearing (Form DE-120) not on file.  See PC§17203(a) for notice requirements in trust proceedings.
•    Need order.
Hearing required.
Appearance by petitioner (self-represented) required (by VCourt if preferred).
 

PR-26-000384 ESTATE OF LARRY LOW
Hearing on Petition for Probate of Will and for Letters Testamentary
Will is self-proving. 
Recommend approval of petition and admission of Will to probate.
Recommend Inventory Review Hearing 12/16/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.41 B.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000388 PAUL DAVID ZAVALA, AKA DAVID ZAVALA
Hearing on Petition to Determine Succession to Primary Residence:
If no one appears to object, recommend court find notice complete and approve the petition as supplemented.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).
 

PR-26-000463 MATTER OF TRUST OF MARIA MATILDA SILVA
Hearing on Petition to Appoint Successor Trustee:
No defects in the petition. 
Recommend court find that waivers of bond signed by the secondary alternate trust beneficiaries (attached to the petition) constitute a compelling circumstance purs. to PrC§15602 and accordingly excuse the requirement of a bond by the proposed successor Trustee.
Recommend approval of petition.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 2026
COURT HOLIDAY

MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2026

Department 21
8:30 a.m.

PR-22-001064 ESTATE OF CLARA CONSTANCE NUNES, AKA CLARA C. NUNES
Settlement Conference:
Appearances mandatory (by VCourt if preferred).

TUESDAY, JUNE 23, 2026

Department 21
8:30 a.m.

PR-23-000109 MATTER OF THE LEO LANDUCCI AND PATRICIA LANDUCCI REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST OF 2007
Fee Waiver Hearing:
Appearance by Stephen Landucci (self-represented) mandatory. Anyone appearing at this hearing may do so either in person or remotely, by telephone, using VCourt.

Department 22
8:30 a.m.

PR-18-000116 ESTATE OF GUADALUPE A. OROZCO, AKA LUPE OROZCO   
1.    Hearing on Petition for Surcharge and Sanctions Against Samuel Orozco, et al., and Reimbursement to Rebecca Orozco for Estate Attorney Services Paid continued from 01/13/26, 05/05/26:
Notice has been perfected. 
•    On 05/05/26, the court ordered petitioner, Rebecca Orozco, to choose one of her three (3) nearly identical “Supplements” filed on 01/08/26, 01/12/26, 01/21/26, serve it, and thereafter file a proof of service with the exact pleading title AS WELL AS the file-mark date of the Supplement of which parties were served copies, or the court would not consider the Supplement. As of 06/18/26, the petitioner has not filed complied. The Notice of Hearing file-marked 06/08/26 does not include the file-mark date of the Supplement, so the court cannot know which of the three (3) nearly identical supplements was served on the parties. Recommend court not consider any of the three supplements, finding that they are ex parte.
•    Proposed Order submitted 01/12/26 did not include court’s finding regarding notice. See PrC§1260.
Opposition filed – 12/23/25, by Samuel Orozco, Sr., Paul Orozco, Samuel Orozco, Jr., and Jeremy Orozco.
Request for Judicial Notice filed – 12/23/25.
Response to Opposition filed – 01/06/26, by petitioner, Rebecca Orozco.
•    Proof of service of Response is not on file.

2.    Hearing on Petition for 1) Approval of Second and Final Account and Report of Personal Representative; 2) Approval of Payment of Statutory Compensation to Personal Representative and Counsel; 3) Approval of Payment of Extraordinary Compensation to Personal Representative and Counsel; 4) Approval of Reimbursement to Personal Representative and Counsel for Costs; 5) Instructions and Orders on Payment of Fees Based on Court’s Prior Orders; 6) Instructions and Orders on Payment of Outstanding Legal Fees by Prior Counsels; 7) Instructions and Order on Reimbursement to Rebecca Orozco for Costs; 8) Instructions and Order on Surcharge to Samuel Orozco (or, Alternatively, Against All Adversarial Beneficiaries); 9) Approval of Withholding of $2,500 for Reserve; 10) Settlement of Estate and Order for Final Distribution; 11) Order on Release of Funds from Blocked Account; 12) Order Approving Payment of Receivables; and 13) Discharge of Personal Representative and Exoneration of Bond Upon Filing of Receipts and Application for Discharge:
More time is needed for review; pleadings (petition, objection, and declarations in support of both) total more than 400 pages.

Both matters will be continued to 07/09/26 to allow time for review. 
No appearance required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-001148 JOHN AND LUPE OROZCO FAMILY TRUST
Hearing on Petition for Instructions and for Approval of Reimbursement of Attorney’s Fees and Costs from Trust Principal; Request for Offsets, Discretionary Allocation of Taxable Costs, Accounting-Coordination Directive, and Ancillary Relief (filed by Samuel R. Orozco, Co-Trustee) continued from 02/25/26, 04/15/26, 05/05/26:
Objection filed – 06/09/263 (by Henry Orozco)
Reply to Opposition filed – 06/12/26 (by Samuel R. Orozco)
Prior defects cured by supplement.
Request that court take Judicial Notice of related case PR-18-000116 submitted to Judge for determination.
Hearing required.
Appearances required. (by VCourt if preferred)

PR-19-000552 ESTATE OF DOUGLAS BERNARD PIERCE
(1)    Order to Show Cause issued 02/11/26 to Mark J. Reichel, Esq.:
To appear and show cause why court should not dismiss this petition for failure to appear at the 02/11/26 hearing, failure to file pleadings as directed, failure to perfect notice, failure to cure defects.

(2)    Hearing on Petition and Statement of Facts to Recover Money or Property on Deposit in Treasury (filed by Nighthawk Investigations) continued from 03/05/25, 06/05/25, 10/21/25, 02/11/26:
Nothing filed since last hearing. Prior notes remain:
•    Notice of Hearing not on file.
•    Assignments of Interest must be notarized and filed separately, not attached to any other pleading. See Local Rule 8.87 and PrC§11604. 
•    Assignment of Interest not on file for intestate heir: Catherine Pierce. 
•    Petition is not verified.
•    It appears the Court has not been provided with a 13100 Affidavit signed by the parties as to the share from Brian’s estate.
•    Division of interest does not appear to be correct.  It should be divided as follows: ½ to Catherine, 1/6 of the total amount at issue to first child, 1/6 to second, and 1/6 to Nighthawk.  The calculation of 1/3 to Nighthawk is incorrect.
If Petitioner disagrees with this division, please provide a memorandum of points & authorities for the Court’s review.
Need status of prior notes.
Declaration of Third Party, Larry King, (file marked 02/06/26) requesting that the Court authorize its contractual share to be deducted from Nighthawk’s payment appears insufficient.  Mr. King has not formally objected or filed a noticed petition.  Matter submitted to Judge for determination.
Recommend court dismiss this petition for failure to cure defects as directed.
Appearance by counsel required.  (Anyone wishing to appear may do so in person or by telephone, using VCourt).

PR-24-000911 ESTATE OF RADELLA MARIE REYES
Account Review Hearing:
A Petition for Final Distribution has been filed and set for hearing 08/20/26.
Hearing of 08/20/26 will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000138 ESTATE OF WALTER EDWARD CLIFFORD, AKA WALTER CLIFFORD
Account Review Hearing:
Petition for Final Distribution has been filed and set for hearing on 08/19/26.
Hearing of 08/19/26 will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000197 ESTATE OF GILBERT CHARLES LONG
Inventory Review Hearing continued from 02/18/26:
Nothing filed since previous hearing. 
Letters were issued 02/11/26. Final Inventory and Appraisal was due 06/11/26.
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 Executor (self-represented) required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000607 ESTATE OF AARON SCOTT BOONE
Order to Show Cause issued 04/28/26 to counsel for personal representative: 
Order to Show Cause will be discharged as the attorney filed a verified pleading alleging that the current bond is sufficient.

Inventory Review Hearing continued from 04/28/26:
•    Prior Note remains: A Corrected I&A appears required: Date of decedent’s death does not conform to the Order for Probate or Petition for Probate.
Recommend court set Account Review Hearing 06/08/27 pursuant to Local Rule 8.87. 
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000955 ESTATE OF MERRY C. ROCHE, AKA MERRY CAROL ROCHE
Hearing on Petition to Establish Estate’s Claim of Ownership to Property, and for Order Directing its Transfer to Estate continued from 01/08/26, 04/16/26:
Nothing filed since the previous hearing.
At the hearing on 04/16/26, the court ordered petitioner to address the legal relationship between petitioner and decedent, petitioner’s own trust, jurisdiction, venue, and standing. The more particular explanation of the defects were detailed in the prior notes:
•    Petition does not address jurisdiction or venue. See PrC§17005.
•    Petition does not assert petitioner’s standing to bring this action. See PrC§850.
o    Please provide points and authorities regarding petitioner’s authority, as the decedent’s surviving (or former, see note below) spouse, to effectuate a transfer of the asset as prayed for, if the court were to grant the petition. Petitioner is not the personal representative of the decedent’s estate and there appears to be no (other) appropriate transferee.
o    Please file a verified supplement clarifying the petitioner’s legal relationship to the decedent at the time of her passing, as the Objector has alleged that the petitioner and decedent were divorced; the petition portrays the decedent’s estate plan as that of a wife intending to give all of her property to her husband (paragraph 3.l); and the decedent’s will describes the petitioner as her former spouse. If a Judgment of Dissolution was entered after the will was executed, please review PrC§6122.
•    Petitioner has filed a verified Declaration which included an allegation that he neither has recollection of the existence of any trust created by the decedent, nor of having discussed the creation, execution, or terms of such a trust with her. Please consider preparing a verified Supplement to address the verbiage in Exhibit A’s Deed that indicates that petitioner created his own Trust on the same date as decedent’s (non-existent) Trust. Did petitioner create a Trust? Was his Trust executed on or around the date as described in the Deed? Who prepared his Trust for him? Was it acknowledged by a notary? 
Objection filed – 12/31/25, by S. Vegas. 
Recommend court set deadline for petitioner to cure defects re: jurisdiction, venue, or case may be dismissed. 
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-001122 ESTATE OF PETER OSTERHOLM
Hearing on Petition to Determine Succession to Primary Residence continued from 02/10/26:
Nothing filed since last hearing. Prior notes remain:
•    Notice of Hearing file-marked 01/30/25 appears defective, in that the filer used Form DE-115 and not Form DE-120. Form DE-115 gives notice that the petition was filed under Probate Code section 850, which is not correct for this matter. See PrC§§13655, 1220.
•    Proof of mailing not on file for the Department of Health Care Services, nor Declaration that notice is not required (see Local Rule 8.17 and PrC§215).
•    The property is alleged to be for “special recreational use.”  If so, this petition does not appear appropriate. Please provide additional detail in Attachment 11 to satisfy petition item 11(2) (facts that show the property was decedent’s primary residence in California).
•    Please provide additional detail in Attachment 11 to satisfy petition item 11(3) (facts that show the asset was decedent’s separate property). A copy of the current recorded grant deed was not attached. See Local Rule 8.99.
Need status.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-001156 HECTOR R. ZELAYA REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST
Hearing on Petition for Return of Property (Probate Code §850); for Double Damages (Probate Code §859); Quiet Title; Cancellation of Deed (CC §3412); Fraud; Breach of Fiduciary Duty; Conversion; to Impose Constructive Trust; Unjust Enrichment; and Financial Elder Abuse (WIC §15610.30); for Attorneys’ Fees and Costs continued from 02/11/26:
•    This petition appears to plead independent civil causes of action.  Proof of service of Civil Summons is not on file.  (CCP §§412.20, 413.10 et seq, PrC §1000).  Matter of independent civil causes of action in a probate petition submitted to judge for determination.
•    Lis pendens not on file (CCP § 761.010(b)).
On 02/11/26, the Court ordered counsel to provide Points and Authorities within 10 days prior to today’s hearing if petitioner wishes to proceed with the civil matters as a probate case.  Points and Authorities not on file at time of review.
Appearances required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000001 ESTATE OF DOLORES MARIE CORLEY
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration continued from 02/18/26:

Petitioner filed a second Petition on 05/26/26; the document is not labeled “Amended”. Submit to court’s determination whether to deem the pleading a First Amended Petition for Letters of Administration, or to require the petitioner to file an document labeled “Amended” Petition.

Defects in the second petition filed 05/26/26:
•    Heading of petition page 1 omitted box in checkmark “Authorization to Administer Under the Independent Administration of Estates Act”.
•    Item 3d (the character and estimated value of the property of this estate) was completed with all zeroes (“0”). 
o    Depending on the value of the estate property, formal probate may not be necessary. Please review Probate Code sections 890, 13000 et seq, and visit the California Self Help website (link at the bottom of this Note).
•    Item 5a(2)(a) or (b) was not completed (reason why decedent was not survived by a spouse, i.e. either the decedent was never married or was divorced, or the decedent’s spouse died before the decedent).
•    Item 8 omitted the relationships all those listed had with the decedent.
•    Affidavit of publication file-marked 06/08/26 contains the following defects:
o    The left-hand margin of the document is cut off, leaving much of the document illegible.
o    The affidavit reflects that the first date of publication was 05/15/26, which is prior to the date the second Petition was filed. Even if the court were to deem the second Petition an amended Petition, the published notice would be untimely pursuant to California Rules of Court rule 7.53.
o    The notice published did not include petitioner’s request for authority under the Independent Administration of Estates Act.
•    Forms DE-140 and DE-150, Proposed Order and Letters, not submitted.

Waivers of bond on file from intestate heirs, however personal representative resides out of state. See PrC§8571. Bond may be required at the court’s discretion. Submitted to court for determination.
Consider visiting the California Courts Self Help page at
https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/probate and downloading forms from https://www.courts.ca.gov/forms.htm
Appearance by petitioner (self-represented) required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000022 ESTATE OF MERRY C. ROCHE, AKA MERRY CAROL ROCHE
Hearing on Petition for Probate of Will and for Letters Testamentary (filed by William J. Roche) continued from 02/18/26:
Will is self-proving.
Objection filed - 05/01/26 (by Sheree Vegas)
Opposition filed - 05/01/26 (by Judith Brown)
Opposition filed - 05/01/26 (by Adam Maisel)
Opposition filed - 05/01/26 (by Mike Maisel)
Opposition filed - 05/01/26 (by James Maisel)
Opposition filed - 05/01/26 (by Rick Freeman)
Hearing required.
Appearances required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000177 MATTER OF PATRICK HEANEY REVOCABLE TRUST
Status Review Hearing on singular issue of the second cause of action in Petition file-marked 03/26/26, set per ruling issued 06/11/26:
Need status of meet-and-confer.
Appearance by counsel and the self-represented Objectors required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-22-001064 ESTATE OF CLARA CONSTANCE NUNES, AKA CLARA C. NUNES
Hearing on Motion to be Relieved as Counsel of Record filed by petitioner’s counsel, Ben Rowe, Esq.:
SEE TENTATIVE RULING, to be posted day prior to hearing at https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/online-services/tentative-rulings/…

PR-25-000328 ESTATE OF VINCENT JOSEPH WILEY
Hearing on First and Final Report of Executor, Waiver of Accounting, Petition for Settlement Hereof, and for Final Distribution:
•    Schedule of proposed distribution not provided.  See Local Rule 8.83M which requires a schedule even if accounting is waived.
See California Rules of Court rules 7.3 and 7.53 regarding the types of pleadings that may be used to address this defect.
Recommend continuance to 07/24/26 to allow time to cure defect.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000392 ESTATE OF DOROTHY SUE MILLER
Hearing on Petition to Determine Succession to Primary Residence:
•    A copy of the current recorded grant deed was not attached. See Local Rule 8.99.
Recommend continuance to 07/24/26 to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000395 ESTATE OF BERNARDO TORRES-PIMENTEL, AKA BERNARDO TORRES PIMENTEL
Hearing on Petition to Determine Succession to Primary Residence:
If no one appears to object, recommend court find notice complete and approve the petition.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000396 ESTATE OF MAX WAYLON EDMISTON
Hearing on Petition for Probate of Will and for Letters Testamentary:
Will is self-proving.
•    Petition item 8 must include names as they are written in the Will; AKA’s may be used to identify the correct individuals.
•    Notice of Hearing omitted one of the heirs; specifically, Any Melton Edmiston.
Recommend continuance to 07/24/26 to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).
 

PR-26-000398 ESTATE OF LLOYD K. INGRAM, AKA LLOYD K. INGRAM, JR.
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration:
Waivers of bond [Form DE-142/DE-111(A-3e)] on file.  
•    Examiner notes one of the heirs of this estate is a conservatee and her conservator has signed a bond waiver. Conservators of the estate do not have power to waive bond. A guardian ad Litem may be necessary.  Bond matter submitted to Judge for determination.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000400 ESTATE OF ALEJO SILVA
Hearing on Spousal Property Petition:
If no one appears to object, Recommend approval of Petition.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000473 MATTER OF REVOCABLE TRUST AGREEMENT OF GARY R. VANCE AND MAUREEN ELIZABETH VANCE
Hearing on Petition for Order to Determine Title to Personal Property:
Informational note from Probate Examiner, not a defect: A pour-over will does not prove that the testator intended an asset to belong to the Trust during testator’s life, as a pour-over will, as in the nature of all wills, only reflects testator’s plan for his or her estate after death. The probate court considers a pour-over will as evidence of the absence of an alternate plan for the specific property; in other words, a pour-over will shows the court that the decedent did not devise the specific property elsewhere, it does not serve as evidence that a trustor intended his or her property to belong to a Trust during his or her life. 
• Exhibit 6 is described by petitioner as a pour-over will. That does not appear correct, as the attached will named the petitioner as an individual as sole devisee of the entirety of the testator’s estate, and named the Trust as contingent devisee only if the petitioner were not living at the time of testator’s death.
• It doesn’t appear that the decedent’s will was lodged with the clerk of this county. Was it lodged in a different court? If not, where is the original will?
• Petition paragraph VI alleges that this county is the proper venue based on the “corporation principal place of administration”; please clarify where the Trustee resides (“principal place of administration of the trust”). See PrC§17005(a)(1).
• Exhibit 1: “Schedule ‘A’” of the Restated Trust was not included; the Restated Trust identifies Schedule A as a list of all assets to be made part of the Trust.
•    The petition does not identify other potential persons entitled to notice:
      o    the decedent’s intestate heirs.
      o    statement if probate proceedings have commenced in any other jurisdiction.
      o    surviving co-owners of the asset and/or officers who may be shareholders.
• Neither the petition nor prayer appear sufficiently specific as to the decedent’s particular interest in the personal property. Can petitioner identify the number/class of decedent’s shares or specify the interest in some other way?
• How did the decedent’s partnership interests convert into specific corporate shares upon incorporation? Did the decedent receive stock? Were there any later transfers?
• The prayer seeks confirmation of “all [decedent’s] rights… dividends, voting rights”; is petitioner aware of any transfer restrictions in the bylaws or articles of incorporation?
• The petition does not appear to offer an argument, or any proof in support thereof (other than the allegation that the decedent’s will is a pour-over will), that the decedent/trustor intended, prior to his death, to include the personal property in his Trust. It does not appear that petitioner has shown that the Trustee has a claim to the at-issue property purs. to PrC§850.
• Notice of Hearing forms file-marked 05/12/26 and 05/20/26 do 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).
• Proposed Order does not agree entirely: paragraphs 2 and 3 on page 2 of the order are phrased as though the entire corporation belonged to the decedent and is ordered confirmed as an asset of the Trust and transferred to the Trustee; the prayer sought confirmation of only decedent’s interest in the corporation.
Recommend continuance to 09/30/26 to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

9:30 a.m.

PR-25-000508 TRAMMELL 1998 TRUST DTD JUNE 11, 1998, AS AMENDED – THE BYPASS TRUST
Court Trial (1-2 day estimate) continued from 05/19/26:
Appearances mandatory.