Probate Notes

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

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

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

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

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

POSTED JANUARY 6, 2026
Local Rules of Superior Court of California, County of Stanislaus, revisions effective January 1, 2026, are now available for download.

UPDATED SEPTEMBER 18, 2025; POSTED MARCH 5, 2025
Inventory and Appraisals:  An Inventory and Appraisal must be filed in all decedent's estates, conservatorship, and guardianship matters by a date certain pursuant to statute. If the estate has no assets at all as of the date of the appraisal (e.g., the date of decedent's death, or the date of appointment), an Inventory and Appraisal is still required and failure to file the form even when the estate has no value will very likely result in a required court appearance. For more information, those interested are invited to review the California Probate Referee Guide published by the California Probate Referee's Association, which is available for download online.

If more time is needed to marshal the assets, please see California Probate Code section 8800(b) and (c). Failure to file the Inventory and Appraisal by the statutory deadline, or obtain an extension of time, may result in penalties.

If the Inventory and Appraisal has been submitted to the probate referee but not filed prior to the Inventory Review date, the Personal Representative, or their retained counsel, may file a declaration attesting to these facts and provide an anticipated timeframe for filing.  The Court may, in its discretion, continue the Inventory Review hearing without required appearances.

POSTED JULY 15, 2025
Probate customers may view the documents in the court's files online by accessing the Case Search Portal on the court's website. Access to view confidential documents remains restricted.

POSTED DECEMBER 16, 2024
Please visit the new Probate Examiner's Corner section of the Probate Division webpage where you will find news, reminders, and guides!

POSTED SEPTEMBER 29, 2022, UPDATED 12/02/22

• Please help expand the list of qualified counsel willing to accept appointment in Probate matters, as either court-appointed counsel in Conservatorships pursuant to PrC§1471, Guardians ad litem, successor personal representatives in decedents' estates, and successor trustees. 

• For appointment as counsel in a Conservatorship, please see the list of qualifications and requirements found in California Rule of Court 7.1103 and 7.1105.

• Review forms PR004, PR005, and GC-010 available for download on the Common Forms & Packets page here: https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/forms-filing/common-forms-packets for more information.  Remit your completed forms to the Superior Court.

FRIDAY, JULY 24, 2026
Department 22
8:30 a.m.

PR-25-000945 ESTATE OF ANITA EARLY
Hearing on First and Final Report of Administrator and Petition for Final Distribution on Waiver of Account and Waiver of Statutory Compensation continued from 05/19/26:
Prior Notes have been cured.
Recommend approval of Report and Petition as supplemented.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 01/27/27 pursuant to Local Rule 8.92.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-001253 ESTATE OF RICHARD EUGENE WALKER
Hearing on Petition for Probate of Will and for Letters Testamentary continued from 01/13/26, 05/05/26:
Some Notes have been cured. Prior Notes remain:
•    Need new Form DE-150, proposed Letters, as new counsel has substituted on.
Will waives bond for personal representative, and Waivers of Bond are on file from the devisees named in the decedent’s will; personal representative resides out of state. See PrC§8571. Submit to court’s determination whether bond is required. Please come to the hearing prepared to inform the court of the existence of any known California liabilities or creditors.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred). 

PR-26-000251 ESTATE OF PAUL J. SWIDERSKI, SR.
Hearing on Petition for Probate of Will and for Letters Testamentary continued from 05/05/26:
Prior Notes have been cured.
Recommend approval of petition and admission of will to probate.
Recommend Inventory Review Hearing 01/26/27 pursuant to Local Rule 8.41 B.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000222 ESTATE OF LILA JENNIE RUIZ
(1)    Hearing on Petitioner Frank Martinez’s Motion to Strike Misleading, Irrelevant, False, and Prejudicial Allegations from Response and Objections to Petition of Frank Martinez for Letters of Administration:
SEE TENTATIVE RULING, to be posted day prior to hearing at https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/online-services/tentative-rulings/…

(2)    Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration (filed by Francine McLean) continued from 04/23/26, 06/25/26:  
Requested bond of $350,000.00 appears adequate based on estimated value of estate alleged in the petition.

(3)    Hearing on competing Petition for Letters of Administration (filed by Frank Martinez) continued from 06/25/26:
Response and Objection filed – 06/02/26 (by Francine McLean)
Reply and Supplemental Reply filed – 06/12/26 and 06/16/26 (by Frank Martinez)
•    Proof of Electronic Service of Notice of Intent to Request Continuance reflects a copy was served to petitioner and her attorney by email; however, Notice of Consent to Electronic Service not on file for any parties or attorneys. Examiner notes, the pleading also included a proof of service by mail. 

Requested bond of $400,000.00 appears adequate based on estimated value of estate alleged in the petition.
Prior defects in the petition have been cured.  Prior defects in the file remain:
The following must be addressed in the Court’s file:
•    Affidavit of publication not on file. See Local Rule 8.12.
•    Forms DE-140 and DE-150, Proposed Order and Letters, not submitted.
Consider visiting the California Courts Self Help page at https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/probate and downloading forms from https://www.courts.ca.gov/forms.htm

On 06/25/26, the court directed both sides to file proof of qualification of bond.
Proof of qualification of bond up to $2,000,000.00 for Francine McLean is on file.
Proof of qualification of bond for Frank Martinez is not on file at the time of review.

Appearances required (by VCourt if preferred).
 

MONDAY, JULY 27, 2026

No decedent's estates, or trust matters on calendar

TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2026
Department 22
8:30 a.m.

2201147 DAVID LEE AMESQUITA, II SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST
Hearing on Petition for Fourth Account and Report of Trustee, Request for Termination of Court Supervision, for Termination of Bond and for Attorney Fees and Costs continued from 03/26/26, 04/16/26:
Prior Notes have been addressed by the Response file-marked 06/29/26:
Please further elaborate on the request for termination of this court’s supervision, and particularly on the allegation that the Trust beneficiary does not receive any needs-based benefits nor is it anticipated that he will need them in the future. The Petition to establish this SNT, and this accounting, both allege the beneficiary receives Medi-Cal coverage, a needs-based program. Is the Medi-Cal coverage active, does the beneficiary continue to be eligible for Medi-Cal, and does the SNT’s current structure impact his eligibility now or in the future? 
The terms of the Trust establish it as meeting the requirements for “an exempt disability trust as described in 42 USC §1396p(d)(4)(A)” and require accountings be- made to the court purs. to CRC rule 7.903. Please explain how termination of the court’s supervision aligns with the terms of the Trust. 
Submitted to court’s determination.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-000411 ESTATE OF ELIZABETH EILEEN MOSES
Account Review Hearing:
Receipt of preliminary distribution signed by K. Moses not on file.
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 60 days if estate is not in a position to be closed.
Recommend continuance to 10/28/26 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-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 continued from 09/09/25, 03/12/26:
To appear and show cause for failing to provide an accounting as ordered by the court (order issued 08/20/24). 
As the court had ordered, petitioner has filed proofs of service of having served the former trustee with a copy of the Minute Order dated 09/09/25 and a copy of the court’s order file-marked 08/20/24. Notice appears complete.

(2) Account Review Hearing continued from 03/05/25, 09/09/25, 03/12/26:
Accounting of former Trustee with end date of 08/01/24 not on file.
Need status from Janet Reffle.

(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, 09/09/25, 03/12/26:
Remaining issues are petition for surcharge and distribution.
Need status from petitioner.

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

PR-24-000095 ESTATE OF NORMA JEAN CATHCART
Hearing on Order to Show Cause issued to former Administrator, Neil Cathcart on 03/18/26:
To appear and show cause why the court should not impose monetary sanctions and/or surcharge.
Neil Cathcart was removed from office as personal representative on 03/18/26.

Account Review Hearing continued from 06/03/25, 09/17/25, 01/14/26, 03/18/26:
Letters of Special Administration were issued to the Public Administrator.
Verified Declaration of the Public Administrator, file-marked 03/18/26, contains allegation on information and belief that the real property belonging to this estate was sold, and net sale proceeds of $314,566.02 were deposited into an estate account.
Notice of Hearing is on file, notifying the known heirs-at-law of this estate of this hearing and providing a copy of the Public Administrator’s Declaration.
•    Did the Public Administrator seek to gain control of the estate account? What was the response from the financial institution?
•    What are the Public Administrator’s fees and costs in this matter? (The court may include those in any surcharge of the removed personal representative.)

Appearance by former Administrator Neil Cathcart mandatory, appearance by Public Administrator and County Counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-001280 ESTATE OF GWENDOLYN JOHNSON
Account Review Hearing continued from 03/18/26:
Petition for Final Distribution has been filed and set for hearing on 09/02/26.
Hearing of 09/02/26 will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000024 ESTATE OF PERRY DAGES 
(1)    Hearing on Third Amended (file marked 03/05/26) Petition for Letters of Administration (filed by Ramona Dages) continued from 02/25/25, 03/25/25 and reset on court’s own motion from 08/07/25, 08/21/25, 12/09/25, 03/25/26:
On 12/09/26, the Court granted petitioner’s oral request to file a third Amended Petition.
Prior defects cured.
New Note:
•    Republication is necessary pursuant to CRC 7.53(a) as an Amended Petition was filed. Affidavit of Publication on the Amended Petition is not yet on file.
•    Waivers of bond [Form DE-142/DE-111(A-3e)] not on file for all intestate heirs. Only one waiver is on file (Ramona Dages) (see Probate Code section 6401). Bond may be required. Minimum bond would be $20,000.00 pursuant to Local Rule 8.33.  Bond matter submitted to judge.
On 03/25/26, the court indicated this is the last continuance and failure to perfect the defects may result in dismissal.

(2)    Hearing on Amended Subsequent Petition (file marked 09/24/25) for: 1) Order Establishing Estate’s Claim to Property PrC §850; 2) for Constructive Trust; 3) for Attorney’s Fees and Costs (filed by Ramona Dages) continued from 03/25/25 and reset on court’s own motion from 08/07/25, 08/21/25, 12/09/25, 03/25/26:
Prior note for reference:
•    It appears petitioner does not have standing to file a Petition pursuant to Probate Code section 850 until and unless she is appointed personal representative.
On 03/25/25, matter was continued to allow time to file points and authorities.  Points and Authorities (file marked 03/24/26 by Ramona Dages) explaining how this petition is proper under Probate Code §850 is on file. Petitioner’s Brief re Standing (file marked 06/18/26) is also on file. Both pleadings Submitted to Judge for determination.
Notice of Hearing, Form DE-115, on amended petition is on file.

(3)    Hearing on Amended Subsequent Petition (file marked 09/24/25) for: 1) Order Establishing Estate’s Claim to Property PrC §850; 2) for Constructive Trust; 3) for Attorney’s Fees and Costs (filed by Ramona Dages) continued from 03/25/25 and reset on court’s own motion from 08/07/25, 08/21/25, 12/09/25, 03/25/26:
Prior note for reference:
•    It appears petitioner does not have standing to file a Petition pursuant to Probate Code section 850 until and unless she is appointed personal representative.
On 03/25/25, matter was continued to allow time to file points and authorities.  Points and Authorities (file marked 03/24/26 by Ramona Dages) explaining how this petition is proper under Probate Code §850 is on file. Petitioner’s Brief re Standing (file marked 06/18/26) is also on file. Both pleadings Submitted to Judge for determination.
Notice of Hearing, Form DE-115, on amended petition is on file.

Hearing required.
Appearances required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000577 MATTER OF REBECA BENNETT
Hearing on Second Amended Petition (file-marked 03/26/26) for Return of Real Property Belonging to Decedent; for Cancellation of Written Instrument; for Imposition of Constructive trust; for Double Damages, Attorneys’ Fees, and Costs continued from 07/08/25, 12/02/25, 03/25/26:
New Note:
•    This Second Amended Petition bears the identical signatures, dated 12/02/25, as the First Amended Petition file-marked 12/03/25. New signatures and verifications were required purs. to California Rules of Court rule 7.104.

Objection filed – 07/07/25, by N. Bennett and K. Bennett. The stipulation of 12/02/25 was that this Objection would also apply to the First Amended Petition, which was then filed on 12/03/25; the court’s file does not have a stipulation as to the Objection applying to the Second Amended Petition. Does objector intend to file a new Objection?

On 03/25/26, court gave petitioner leave to file this Second Amended Petition, and directed counsel for both sides to file points and authorities. 
Petitioner’s Memorandum of Points and Authorities filed – 04/14/26.
Objector’s Opposition to Points and Authorities filed – 06/18/26.

Copied from previous Probate Note: “Submit issue of standing to court’s determination. Petitioner is one of the decedent’s children and seeks return of real property to the decedent’s “estate”. Petitioner asserts her standing as “any interested person” pursuant to PrC§§850(a)(2)(D), 48. The statutes referenced in section III of the Petition (jurisdiction and venue) apply to a proceeding involving administration of a decedent’s estate. Please come to court prepared to inform the court if this decedent’s estate administration has commenced in another county, and is the petitioner the personal representative? If so, please file a certified copy of the Letters.”

Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000323 ESTATE OF WALLACE ALLAN FARLEY
2.  Hearing on PrC§12200 Status Report of Administration continued from 06/24/26:
Nothing filed since previous hearing.
•    Notice of Hearing not on file (see PrC§12201).
•    Report reflects that a Partial I&A is on file and that a Supplemental I&A will be filed later; please review the most recent Probate Referee Guide, available for download online. A Final I&A is due within four months of the issuance of Letters even if all the property is not yet marshaled. A Supplemental I&A does not take the place of the Final I&A, it would be used for property discovered/marshaled after the filing of the Final I&A.
Recommend court continue this hearing in the interests of judicial economy, based on the status of the contested PrC§850 petition, but order that failure to perfect notice by the next hearing may result in the imposition of a surcharge.
Recommend continuance to 09/04/26.

1.    Hearing on Petition to Determine Ownership of Real Property, to Void Wrongful Affidavit of Death of Joint Tenant, and for Related Relief continued from 01/22/26, 02/03/26, 02/20/26, 02/24/26:
Objection filed – 02/17/26, by Jennifer Hayes. 
First Amended Objection filed – 06/08/26. Proof of service on file only for the petitioner’s attorney and not on the petitioner herself. See PrC§1214.
•    On 02/03/26, the court set a deadline of 03/03/26 for objections to be filed and served. If this matter is not ultimately settled, timeliness of amended objection will be submitted to the court for determination.
Joint Declaration Regarding Status Report on file (07/07/26), which states an offer and acceptance in principle was made. 
Recommend court set hearing on Court’s Motion to Dismiss 11/06/26.

Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-001113 MATTER OF JENNIFER HAYES
Hearing on Petition for Order Determining Title to Personal Property, PrC§859 Double Damages, Attorneys Fees continued from 12/09/25, 04/23/26:
Notice deemed complete on 12/09/25.
Opposition filed – 12/03/25, by the personal representative of the Decedent’s Estate of Wallace Farley (related case PR-25-000323).
On 04/23/26, the court directed counsel to file joint or separate Status Reports no fewer than ten days prior (as was directed in the other matter). Not on file.
Recommend court take judicial notice of related case PR-25-000323 on its own motion, and particularly the Declaration Regarding Status Report file-marked 07/07/26, which states an offer and acceptance in principle was made.
Recommend court set hearing on Court’s Motion to Dismiss 11/06/26.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-001121 ESTATE OF SHARON JOZWIK
Inventory Review Hearing:
Final Inventory and Appraisal is on file.
Recommend Account Review Hearing 04/06/27 pursuant to Local Rule 8.82.
Appearance not 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, 06/23/26:
•    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.
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 (file marked 06/12/26) are on file and submitted to Judge for determination.
Appearances required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-001317 ESTATE OF DENNIS HENSLEY
Inventory Review Hearing:
Final Inventory and Appraisal is on file.
A Petition for Final Distribution has been filed and set for hearing 08/27/26.
Hearing of 08/27/26 will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000212 ESTATE OF ROBERT LEONARD LIPPERT III, AKA ROBERT LIPPERT III, AKA ROBERT LIPPERT
Hearing on Petition for Probate of Will and for Letters of Administration with Will Annexed continued from 04/22/26:
•    Minor heir’s guardian does not appear to have authority to waive bond on minor’s behalf. Guardian ad litem has not been appointed. Bond may be required.  Minimum bond would be $20,000.00 pursuant to Local Rule 8.33. Based on this petitioner’s estimate of the estate value, maximum bond would be $221,756.01.
•    Petition reflects that the sole heir is a minor child. Guardian ad litem has not been appointed. Submitted to judge for determination.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-000903 ESTATE OF DENISE MARIE BUTLER
Hearing on Second PrC§12200 Status Report of Administration:
Notice appears complete.
The Report appears to indicate that the estate is in a position to be closed, and that an additional three (3) months are necessary for the personal representative to “complete administration duties and file closing petition”. 
In case there is any confusion, the personal representative does not have authority to reimburse herself for estate or administrative expenses; but she may include a request for that authority in her Petition for Final Distribution.
Recommend court allow estate to remain open and set a further Account Review Hearing 12/02/26. See Probate Code sections are 10900 – 11005, 10830, 11640; Local Rules 8.69 and 8.83; 
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000279 ESTATE OF MARIA GUADALUPE SALAZAR
Hearing on Report on Waiver of Accounting and Petition for Final Distribution:
•    Waivers of Accounting do not bear notary’s acknowledgement (Local Rule 8.69).
•    Petition must particularly identify the asset on hand including the street address, legal description and assessor’s parcel number of real property as required by CRC 7.651(b), Local Rule 8.83 M.
•    Please submit a new proposed order with the legal description and assessor’s parcel number in addition to the street address of the real property.
Recommend continuance to 08/21/26 to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred). 

PR-24-001062 ESTATE OF COLEEN WALLEN
 Hearing on First and Final Report of Personal Representative; Petition for Final Distribution and Allowance of Statutory Compensation and for Discharge:
The following defects must be addressed in the Petition:
Please review Local Rule 8.83 for required contents of the report even when accounting is waived.
•    Statement regarding family/affiliate relationship was omitted [see PrC§1064(a)(4)].
•    Statement regarding interest bearing accounts was omitted [see PrC§1064(a)(5)].
•    Statement regarding notice to Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board omitted [see PrC§9202(b) and Local Rule 8.83F. See also PrC§216].
•    Statement regarding requirements of Revenue and Taxation Code §480 have been met omitted. See Local Rule 8.83D
•    Statement regarding notice to Franchise Tax Board omitted [see PrC§9202(c) and Local Rule 8.83G].
•    Itemization of costs of administration was omitted (see Local Rules 8.69, 8.83K).
•    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 8.83N).
•    Report omitted detailed statement regarding creditor’s claims. See Local Rule 8.83 B.
•    Caption of pleading appears inadequate as personal representative is also seeking ordinary compensation and Waiver of Accounting [see Probate Code § 10830, California Rule of Court 7.102, Local Rule 8.83L].
    o    Notice therefore appears defective, as well, [PrC § 10830(b), 11000(b), CRC 7.50].
•    Report paragraphs 4, 5, and 6 (regarding Creditor’s Claims) do not appear sufficiently detailed pursuant to Local Rule 8.83 B.
•    Exhibit A (Schedule of proposed distribution) omitted the beneficiary to whom the estimated balance will be distributed to. 
•    Computation of statutory compensation, including gains on sales if any, is required even when compensation is waived (see Local Rules 8.69, 8.83 J). The calculator tool may be found online at https://www.stanct.org/calculator-tools. 
•    Verification of personal representative omitted.  See CRC 7.103.
See California Rules of Court rules 7.3 and 7.53 regarding the types of pleadings that may be used to address these defects.

The following defects must be addressed in the Court’s file:
•    Waiver of Accounting does not bear notary’s acknowledgement (Local Rule 8.69); (PrC§10954).
•    Need new Proposed Order. Proposed Order submitted 05/15/26:
    o    Omitted the hearing date in the caption and on line 25.
    o    Omitted a statement regarding the Court’s finding regarding notice [see PrC§1260].
    o    Paragraph 6 of the prayer is insufficient as it does not specify the amount(s) to be distributed and does not recite the name of the distributee.
    o    Omitted omnibus clause.
Recommend continuance to 10/20/26 to allow time to cure defects.
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
1.    Hearing on Motion to Deem Requests for Admission, Set Two, Admitted; Request for Monetary Sanctions:
SEE TENTATIVE RULING, to be posted day prior to hearing at https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/online-services/tentative-rulings/…

2.    Hearing on Second Amended Petition (file-marked 06/03/26) to Invalidate and Revoke Power of Attorney; for Elder Abuse, Neglect, Isolation, Financial Elder Abuse, and Related Relief continued from 12/04/25, 03/19/26, 07/23/26:
REVIEW IN PROGRESS. PLEASE CHECK BACK.

PR-26-000563 MATTER OF SAMUEL AND LODMEN BAZA LIVING TRUST
Hearing on Petition for Order Confirming Property Held in Trust:
Recommend approval of petition if no one appears to object.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred). 

PR-26-000602 ESTATE OF DELBERT OLEN EVITT
Hearing on Petition for Probate of Will and for Letters Testamentary:
Wavier of bond on file for sole heir.
•    Will was not witnessed. Declaration re: supporting evidence not on file. See PrC§§8221, 6110. Form DE-135 (file-marked 06/04/26) does not appear adequate for this purpose. In addition, a notary is not a subscribing witness as defined in the statute.
•    Affidavit of publication not on file. See Local Rule 8.12.
•    Form DE-150, Letters, not yet submitted.
Recommend continuance to 08/28/26 to allow time to file above document.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred). 

PR-26-000603 ESTATE OF BEVERLY WAHLEN
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration:

Defects in the Petition, Form DE-111:
• Item 1 did not name the newspaper where the petitioner intends to or has already published notice as required by Probate Code section 8120 et sequence and Local Rule 8.12. Please see list of Stanislaus County newspapers on the court’s website here: https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/divisions/probate/newspapers
• Item 2b did not include the name of the proposed administrator.
• Item 3c was left blank (the street address, city, and county of decedent’s residence when she died).
• Item 3e was left blank (reasons why a bond would not be required, as the petitioner has requested a bond not be required).
      o    Full bond would be $449,950.00 based on estimated value of decedent’s estate alleged in the petition. Please review Probate Code sections 8480 et seq. regarding necessity of bond, and Judicial Council Form DE-142, Waiver of Bond.
• Item 3g(2)(c) was left blank (the relationship petitioner had with the decedent).
• Item 5a(1) or (2) was left blank (existence of spouse).
• Item 5a(3) or (4) was left blank (existence of registered domestic partner).
• Item 5a(5) or (6) was left blank (existence of child).
• Item 5a(7) or (8) was left blank (existence of issue of a predeceased child).
• Item 5b was left blank (existence of stepchild or foster child who would have been adopted but for a legal barrier).

Defects in the file:
• Form DE-147 Duties and Liabilities not on file.
• Form DE-121, Notice of Petition, was adopted for mandatory use by the Judicial Council of California for giving notice of this type of petition; Form DE-121 is not on file. See Probate Code section 8100 et seq. Form DE-120, Notice of Hearing, may not be used for the purpose of giving notice of this petition.
• Affidavit of publication not on file. See Local Rule 8.12.
• Forms DE-140 and DE-150, Proposed Order and Letters, not submitted.

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

PR-26-000604 ESTATE OF DANIEL TSCHOSIK, AKA DAN TSCHOSIK
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-26-000624 ESTATE OF MARIO J. URIBE, AKA MARIO JUAN URIBE LARA, AKA MARIO JUAN URIBE
Hearing on Spousal Property Petition:
If no one appears to object, Recommend approval of Petition.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).
 

PR-26-000625 ESTATE OF JHONNA CELESTINE LAMUR
Hearing on Spousal Property Petition:
•    Will is not self-proving per Local Rule 8.23.  Proof of Subscribing Witness (Form DE-131) not on file.
•    Proposed Order not yet submitted.
Recommend continuance to 08/28/26 to allow time to file above document.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred). 

PR-26-000626 ESTATE OF MILDRED J. BAKER, AKA MILDRED JEAN BAKER
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration:
Petitioner does not appear to have priority of appointment, nor is Petitioner a nominee of a person with priority (Probate Code sections 8461, 8465). A person with priority does not appear to have filed a competing petition.
•    Petition seeks no bond, and an order that “all sums” be deposited in a blocked account at a financial institution: F&M Bank. The petition alleges zero personal property and real property estimated at $50,00.00 with zero encumbrance. Request submitted to court for determination.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred). 

WEDNESDAY, JULY 29, 2026
Department 22
8:30 a.m.

PR-21-001242 THE MAXWELL HEINZLE SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST
(1)    Hearing on Motion to be Relieved as Counsel of Record filed by Trustee’s counsel, Ronald Hillberg, Esq.:
SEE TENTATIVE RULING, to be posted day prior to hearing at https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/online-services/tentative-rulings/…

(2)    Order to Show Cause issued on 03/19/26 to Roxanne Heinzle continued from 04/16/26:
To appear and show cause why Court should not remove her as trustee and issue surcharge for failure to bring account current.

(3)    Hearing on First Account Current and Report of Trustee and for Allowance of Attorney’s Fees continued from 11/01/23, 02/27/24, 08/27/24, 12/04/25, 03/19/26, 04/16/26:
On 02/27/24 the Court directed Trustee to bring account current.
On 08/27/24 the Court ordered Trustee to file an account current within forty-five (45 days) of that hearing.
On 11/24/25, more than one year after the deadline set by the court, the Trustee has filed a Supplement to the First Account bringing the account “current” to 10/22/24.
•    A Supplement may correct a mistake or omission, or add information, but it may not be used to allege new facts (such as to bring an account current). Please see California Rules of Court rules 7.3 and 7.53. 
On 12/04/25, the court directed trustee to file either an amendment to the First Account or an amended First Account and give new notice.
Nothing filed since last hearing.
Appearance by Trustee and Trustee’s counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).    

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

3. Hearing on Petition for Approval of First Account and Report of Trustee continued from 09/26/24, 03/04/25, 07/08/25, 11/12/25, 01/28/26:
On 01/28/26, the court approved the settlement agreement; parties stipulated that all remaining petitions were moot and would be dismissed upon satisfaction of settlement, approximately thirty days from the hearing date of 01/28/26.
Nothing having been filed, if no one appears, the court will drop the petition for being moot and order the case closed.

2. Hearing on Petition for Orders Instructing Trustee to Take Proposed Action to Sell Real Property and Expunge Notice of Pendency of Action continued from 09/17/24, 03/04/25, 07/08/25, 11/12/25, 01/28/26:
On 01/28/26, the court approved the settlement agreement; parties stipulated that all remaining petitions were moot and would be dismissed upon satisfaction of settlement, approximately thirty days from the hearing date of 01/28/26.
Nothing having been filed, if no one appears, the court will drop the petition for being moot and order the case closed.

1.  Hearing on Petition for Instructions for Removal of Trustee for Breach of Fiduciary Duty, for Accounting and for Order Compelling Redress of Breach of Trust by Recession and for Order for Return of Trust Property continued from 10/12/23, 01/30/24, 04/11/24, 06/17/24, 09/17/24, 03/04/25, 07/08/25, 11/12/25, 01/28/26:
On 01/28/26, the court approved the settlement agreement; parties stipulated that all remaining petitions were moot and would be dismissed upon satisfaction of settlement, approximately thirty days from the hearing date of 01/28/26.
Nothing having been filed, if no one appears, the court will drop the petition for being moot and order the case closed.

Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000303 ESTATE OF GARY BURNETT, AKA GARY GENE BURNETT
Account Review Hearing:
A Petition for Final Distribution has been filed and set for hearing 08/18/26.
Hearing of 08/18/26 will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000636 ESTATE OF PRITAM CHAHAL
Account Review Hearing:
PrC §12200 Status Report filed and set for hearing 09/09/26. 
Hearing of 09/09/26 will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000020 ESTATE OF PATRICIA A. HARPER, AKA PATRICIA ANNETTE HARPER
Account Review Hearing:
A Petition to Terminate Estate Proceedings has been filed and set for hearing 08/18/26.
Recommend court continue this matter to 08/18/26 to coincide with petition hearing as an account review may be moot if proceedings are terminated.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000173 ESTATE OF TONY WILLIAMS
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 12/02/26 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-25-000174 ESTATE OF SHIRLEY ANN CLEVENGER, AKA SHIRLEY A. CLEVENGER, AKA SHIRLEY CLEVENGER
Account Review Hearing:
•    Neither Petition for Final Distribution nor PrC§12200 Status Report are on file at the time of review.  See Local Rule 8.82. 
Recommend court order personal representative to file a PrC§12200 Status Report (with Notice pursuant to PrC§12201) within 90 days if estate is not in a position to be closed.
Recommend continuance to 12/01/26 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-25-000754 GEORGE GARY VENIOT LIVING TRUST DTD DECEMBER 5, 2006
Hearing on Petitioner, Tawna Veniot’s Motion to Appoint Receiver continued from 07/08/26: 
SEE TENTATIVE RULINGS, to be posted day prior to hearing at https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/online-services/tentative-rulings/…

PR-25-000951 ESTATE OF GUSTAVO CASTILLO, AKA GUSTAVO CASTILLO DIAZ
Inventory Review Hearing:
Final Inventory and Appraisal on file.
Current bond does not appear sufficient. Personal Representative failed to file ex parte for increase of bond [PrC§8480(c), CRC 7.204].
Appearance by counsel mandatory, to address bond (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-001289 MATTER OF ROY KLEIN AND VELMA EDNA KLEIN FAMILY TRUST
Hearing on Petition for 1. Cancellation of Instrument (Undue Influence; Lack of Capacity); 2. Trust Accounting; 3. Removal of Trustee; 4. Financial Elder Abuse; 5. Constructive Fraud; 6. Return of Trust Assets; 7. Unjust Enrichment continued from 03/24/26:
Nothing filed since previous hearing. Prior Notes remain:
•    Need copies of the original Trust, and the First, Second, and Third Amendments to the Trust if they do not completely restate the Trust.
•    Please then identify the particular Trust provisions at issue.
•    Please include street addresses, assessor’s parcel numbers, and the legal description of both assets identified in Petition paragraph 24.
•    Is petitioner aware of the date the Trustor was diagnosed as lacking capacity, or of the name of the doctor who made the diagnosis? (Petition paragraphs 2, 17)
•    Is petitioner aware of the name of the attorney who was alleged to have assisted in creating at least one of the Trust amendments? (Petition paragraph 20).
•    Who asked the Trustee to provide accountings, by what method, and when? (Petition paragraphs 26, 35).
•    From what specific start date does Petitioner seek an accounting?
•    Which specific assets does petitioner seek to have transferred back to the Trust?
•    What amount of damages is petitioner seeking?
•    Does the Trust identify an alternate successor Trustee? If not, it appears necessary for the court to set a bond. See PrC§15602(a)(3).
•    Notice of Hearing not on file. See PrC§851 and CCP§§413.10 et seq.
Recommend court issue Order to Show Cause to petitioner to appear at the next hearing and show cause why the case should not be dismissed for failure to cure defects.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-001325 ESTATE OF PAUL SCOTT ICHORD, AKA PAUL ICHORD
Inventory Review Hearing:
Letters issued 02/02/26. The court has granted an extension of time for filing the Final Inventory and Appraisal, to 10/01/26.
Recommend Account Review Hearing 03/17/27 when PrC§12200 Status Report will be due, if Petition for Final Distribution is not on file. 
Inventory and Appraisal must be filed before next hearing.
See Local Rules 8.82 and 8.41 B.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-001344 JOHN AND CAMILLE NELSON TRUST
Hearing on Petition Regarding Internal Affairs of a Trust, for Removal and Appointment of Trustee, for Accounting; for Disinheritance of Beneficiary; for Dependent Adult Financial Abuse; for Return Property Owned by Another; Double Damages; and for Attorney Fees continued from 03/25/26:
Response/Objection filed – 07/22/26 (by Vanessa Vingrys, Trustee)

Prior defects in the petition have been cured.
•    Proposed order not yet submitted.
Hearing Required.
Appearances required (by VCourt if preferred).
 

PR-24-000295 ESTATE OF GERALDINE KITCHENS, AKA GERALDINE SANTOS
Hearing on PrC§12200 Status Report of Administration:
Notice appears complete.
Report is not particularly detailed, but does include a reason why the estate is not ready to close and a request that the estate remain open a further nine months.
Recommend court allow estate to remain open and set a further Account Review Hearing 05/26/27.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000587 ESTATE OF ANNE LANGFORD, AKA ANNIE IRENE LANGFORD
Hearing on Petition for Approval of Supplemental Accounting of Reserve:
Recommend approval of petition and accounting.
Recommend court vacate Account Review Hearing of 10/22/26.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 01/27/27.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-001094 ESTATE OF MARK CHRISTOPHER WALLACE, AKA MARK C. WALLACE
Hearing on First and Final Report of Administrator with Will Annexed on Waiver of Account and Petition for Allowance of Statutory Compensation to Attorney, and for Final Distribution:
For future filings, please attach a separate schedule for proposed distribution, required even when accounting is waived per Local Rules 8.69 and 8.83M. 
Recommend approval of petition as supplemented.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 01/27/27 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 Initial Responses and Production to Requests for Production, Set Two; Request for Monetary Sanctions:
SEE TENTATIVE RULING, to be posted day prior to hearing at https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/online-services/tentative-rulings/…

PR-26-000567 MATTER OF WILLIAM M. KNEASS REVOCABLE TRUST
Hearing on Petition for Appointment of Successor Trustee and Acceptance of Resignation of Trustee:
•    Exhibit G was not attached (petitioner’s conditional resignation).
It appears necessary that the court set a bond pursuant to PrC§15602(a)(3), however petitioner prays that court appoint the successor trustee without requiring a bond.
Hearing required.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000628 ESTATE OF SCHU CHU
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration:
Waivers of Bond on file from all intestate heirs.
•    Item 8 did not include the name and date of death of decedent’s predeceased spouse.
•    Item 8 did not properly label the proposed personal representative (Local Rule 8.26 D).
See California Rules of Court rules 7.3 and 7.53 regarding the types of pleadings that may be used to address these defects.
•    Form DE-147 Duties and Liabilities not on file.
•    Affidavit of publication not on file. See Local Rule 8.12.
•    Form DE-150, Letters, not yet submitted.
Recommend continuance to 09/0426 to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000631 ESTATE OF DOUGLAS FERRELL JONES
Hearing on Petition to Determine Succession to Primary Residence:
•    Please provide a copy of the recorded Affidavit of Death of Joint Tenant described in Attachment 11.
•    Copy of the deed demonstrating current title not attached; see Local Rule 8.99 B.
•    Notice of petition not on file (PrC§13151).
•    Notice of Hearing not on file (PrC§§13153, 1220).
•    Proof of mailing not on file for the Department of Health Care Services, nor Declaration that notice is not required (see Local Rule 8.17 and PrC§215).
•    Proposed Order not yet submitted.
Recommend continuance to 08/28/26 to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000633 ESTATE OF FRANCINE CHARLOTTE JOHNSON
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration:

Defects in the Petition, Form DE-111:
• The caption (title) of this form appears to misspell the decedent’s first name.
• Heading of petition page 1 omitted checkmark in box “Authorization to Administer Under the Independent Administration of Estates Act”.
• Item 1 did not name the newspaper where the petitioner intends to or has already published notice as required by Probate Code section 8120 et sequence and Local Rule 8.12. Please see list of Stanislaus County newspapers on the court’s website here: https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/divisions/probate/newspapers
• Item 3e was left blank (reasons why a bond would not be required, as the petitioner has requested a bond not be required).
      o    Full bond would be $614,000.00 based on estimated value of decedent’s estate alleged in the petition. Please review Probate Code sections 8480 et seq. regarding necessity of bond, and Judicial Council Form DE-142, Waiver of Bond.
• Item 5a(1) or (2) was left blank (existence of spouse).
• Item 5a(3) or (4) was left blank (existence of registered domestic partner).
• Item 5a(7) or (8) was left blank (existence of issue of a predeceased child).
• Need dates of death of all deceased persons listed in petition item 8.
      o    Was the deceased son survived by children?
Please see California Rules of Court rule 7.3 for the types of pleadings that petitioner may use to address the above Notes, and rule 7.53 for the form of service or notice required for each pleading defined in rule 7.3.

Defects in the file:
• Form DE-147 Duties and Liabilities not on file.
• Form DE-121, Notice of Petition, not on file. See Probate Code section 8100 et seq. 
• Affidavit of publication not on file. See Pr. Code §§ 8120 et seq. and Local Rule 8.12.
• Forms DE-140 and DE-150, Proposed Order and Letters, not submitted.

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

PR-26-000639 ESTATE OF FAKEHA NAGI DABWAN, AKA FAKAHA DABWAN
Hearing on Spousal Property Petition:
• Attachment 7a/7b of the Petition: the legal description of the property that starts on page 2 of this Attachment appears to contain a typographical error. Examination of the attached Grant Deed indicates that the legal description of Parcel One begins “Lot 18”, not “Lot 10”.
      o    The proposed Order also states “Lot 10”.
• Please include the fractions or percentage of ownership interest each spouse has/had in the properties listed in Attachments 7a and 7b; review of the attached grant deeds reflects that each spouse’s interest in at least one property is or may each be less than 50%. [Please consider changing your office’s practice of including the Attachments on the same page (as Attachment 7a/7b but with a single sentence, e.g.: “as to husband’s share and as to wife’s share”).] See Local Rule 8.98 A.
• Proposed Order has a similar issue: again, the attachments are combined and reflect the order of ½ of decedent’s interest and ½ of spouse’s interest, however, one of the deeds attached to the petition appears to reflect that each spouse’s share in that property is less than 50%.
Recommend continuance to 08/28/26 to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000655 ESTATE OF ROBERT ANDREW HECTOR, AKA ROBERT A. HECTOR
Hearing on Petition for Probate of Will and for Letters Testamentary:
Will is not self-proving.  Proof of Subscribing Witness on file.
Recommend approval of petition and admission of will to probate.
Recommend Inventory Review Hearing 02/02/27 pursuant to Local Rule 8.41 B.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000660 ESTATE OF FERNANDA CABRERA
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration:
Objection filed – 07/13/26 (by Frank Cabrera and Georgine Seaver)
Reply to Objection filed – 07/23/26 (by Laureen Cabrera Aguayo and Olga Cabrera Johnson) with Amended Declaration in Support of Reply to Objection
Requested bond of $220,000.00 appears adequate based on estimated value of estate alleged in the petition.
Need new order.
Hearing required.
Appearance by petitioners’ counsel and Objectors’ counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).
 

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

PR-22-000327 ESTATE OF WILLIAM CARL SILVA
Discharge Review Hearing: 
Form DE-295, Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge and Order, has not been submitted yet.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-22-000911 ESTATE OF VICTOR DAVID VARGAS
Discharge Review Hearing: 
Form DE-295, Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge and Order, has not been submitted yet.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-000289 MATTER OF MACHADO FAMILY CREDIT BYPASS TRUST

Hearing on Motion for Consolidation of Trials of Related Actions continued from 07/07/26:
SEE TENTATIVE RULING, to be posted day prior to hearing at https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/online-services/tentative-rulings/…

Hearing on Motion to Quash Subpoena for Business Records or, in the Alternative, to Modify or Limit the Subpoena, and for Monetary Sanctions continued from 07/21/26:
SEE TENTATIVE RULING, to be posted day prior to hearing at https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/online-services/tentative-rulings/…

PR-23-000611 ESTATE OF AMADOR E. NAVARRO, JR.
Hearing on Order to Show Cause issued 03/26/26 to Administrator’s counsel:
•    To appear and show cause why sanctions should not be imposed for failure to appear on 03/26/26 and for failure to submit proposed order for discharge.
Failure to appear at this hearing may result in sanctions against the attorney, and the issuance of an Order to Show Cause to the Administrator to appear and show cause why the court should not impose sanctions or surcharge, and/or remove the personal representative from office.

Discharge Review Hearing continued from 03/26/26:
Nothing filed since previous hearing. Prior Notes remain:
Form DE-295, Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge and Order, not yet submitted.
Appearance by counsel mandatory (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-000640 ESTATE OF MARIA DE REFUGIO JAUREGUI
(1)    Order to Show Cause issued 03/26/26 to Thomas Bonte, Esq.:
To appear and explain his failure to appear at the 03/26/26 hearing and failure to file Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge. 
The Order to Show cause will be discharged pursuant to the court’s minute order dated 03/26/26 as counsel has submitted Form DE-295 with Declarations.

(2)    Discharge Review Hearing continued from 12/18/25, 03/26/26:
Receipts on distribution not on file.
Form DE-295, Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge and Order, has been submitted and recommended for approval.
The order to show cause and discharge review hearings will be vacated.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).
 

PR-23-000764 ESTATE OF KENNETH CAPERTON
Discharge Review Hearing: 
Receipts on distribution not on file.
Form DE-295, Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge and Order, not yet submitted.
Recommend continuance to 10/22/26 to allow time to file the above pleadings.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-001350 ESTATE OF PAUL L. CALKINS, AKA PAUL LAWRENCE CALKINS
Discharge Review Hearing: 
Receipts on distribution not on file.
Form DE-295, Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge and Order, not yet submitted.
Recommend continuance to 10/22/26 to allow time to file the above pleadings.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000086 ESTATE OF GEORGE EDWARD COSTA, JR.
(1)    Order to Show Cause issued 03/26/26 to Thomas Bonte, Esq.:
To appear and show cause why the Court should not issue sanctions for the failure to appear at the 03/26/26 hearing and failure to file Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge. 
Failure to appear at this hearing may result in sanctions against the attorney, and the issuance of an Order to Show Cause to the personal representative to appear and show cause why the court should not impose sanctions, and/or remove the personal representative from office.

(2)    Discharge Review Hearing continued from 12/18/25, 03/26/26:
Receipts on distribution not on file.
Form DE-295, Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge and Order, not yet submitted.
Need status.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000249 ESTATE OF JOHN ROBERT DALEY
Discharge Review Hearing: 
Form DE-295, Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge and Order, has not been submitted yet.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000869 ESTATE OF CAROL CALVIN, AKA CAROL EVELYN CALVIN, CAROL E. WEAST
Discharge Review Hearing: 
• On 01/15/26, the court approved and signed the Order for Final Distribution in this matter. On 02/10/26, the Public Administrator filed a Declaration alleging that new information had come to light which may have significantly modified the property that was on hand for distribution at the end of the accounting approved by the court. A proposed Amended Order for Final Distribution was presented to the court and rejected by the Probate Examiner on 02/11/26: “If the reason for the amendment is not to correct something simple and innocuous tike a typographical error, the court may require filer to submit an ex parte application and order, and give notice thereon, purs. to Local Rule 8.35 and CRC rules 3.1200 et seq.”
      o    No application and order for amendment of the Order for Final Distribution has been presented.
• Receipts of distribution not on file from ten of the thirty heirs: R. Weast, J. Bazarnick, J. Floyd, T. Floyd, L. Williams, A. Callaway, T. Tyree, M. Luke, J. Huffman, and J. Miller.
• Of the twenty receipts of distribution on file signed by the heirs, all twenty reflect distributions of less cash than what the court ordered. See Note above regarding proposed amended Order for Final Distribution.
Recommend continuance to 08/25/26, for judicial economy, as County Counsel will be in court on other matters.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-001048 ESTATE OF TOMASA RAMIREZ
Discharge Review Hearing: 
Receipts of distribution on file.
Recommend court grant continuance to 03/25/27 pursuant to counsel’s request in verified Declaration file-marked 07/15/26 (proof of service attached).
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-001276 ESTATE OF ALVIN LANCE STILLFORD, AKA ALVIN L. STILLFORD, AKA AL STILLFORD
Discharge Review Hearing: 
Receipts on distribution not on file.
Form DE-295, Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge and Order, has been approved.
This hearing has been vacated.

PR-25-000055 ESTATE OF PHILLIP JOHNSON, AKA PHILLIP MARVIN JOHNSON
Discharge Review Hearing: 
Receipt of distribution not on file.
Recommend court grant continuance sought by Administrator pursuant to Declaration file-marked 06/30/26 (proof of service attached), to 02/02/27.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-19-000044 ESTATE OF PATRICIA ANN FERNANDEZ
Hearing on Seventh PrC §12200 Status Report of Administration:
Notice appears complete.
There is no new information in the Seventh Report that was not provided in the Sixth Report. 
Recommend court hold hearing pursuant to PrC§12201 to determine if continuation of administration is the in the best interests of the estate or of interested person(s). 
Appearance by personal representative and personal representative’s counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-000912 ESTATE OF LINDA NEFF BLANEY
Hearing on Petition for Preliminary Distribution:  
Notice appears complete.
If no one appears to object, recommend approval of petition.
Recommend court confirm Account Review Hearing of 03/18/27.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).
 

PR-24-000143 ESTATE OF HENRY FRANK SHERMAN
Hearing on Report of Administration on Waiver of Account and Petition for Allowance of Statutory Compensation to Administrator and Attorney for Ordinary Services, for Costs of Administration, Reserve for Closing Expenses and for Final Distribution:
Recommend approval of Report and Petition.
Recommend court vacate Account Review Hearing of 08/27/26.
Recommend Account Review Hearing (on retains) 02/25/27 pursuant to Local Rule 8.92.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000871 ESTATE OF KENNETH W. HARLAN
Hearing on First and Final Report of Administrator on Waiver of Account and Petition for Allowance of Statutory Compensation to Attorney and for Final Distribution:
Recommend approval of Report and Petition.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 02/25/27 pursuant to Local Rule 8.92.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000299 ESTATE OF GARY JACKSON

1.    Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration:
•    Petition item 3g(4) was not completed although, if appointed, the proposed personal representative would be a successor personal representative.
•    Form DE-147 Duties and Liabilities not on file.
•    Form DE-121 Notice of Petition to Administer Estate not on file.
•    Forms DE-140 and DE-150, Proposed Order and Letters, not submitted.

2.    Hearing on Petition for Removal of Personal Representative continued from 11/12/25, 03/19/26, 07/23/26:
Notice appears complete: heirs, bond company, and counsel for the personal representative signed a notice and acknowledgement of receipt of the citation, summons, notice, and petition.
•    Although not a defect, in response to counsel’s supplement file-marked 05/19/26 and for guidance in future matters, Examiner offers an explanation that PrC§8500(b) does not mean that a Citation is only required when the court wants to remove a personal representative on its own motion; “… the court shall issue a citation…” means that a Citation (as is also true for a Summons) must first be issued by the clerk of the court before it is served.
Answer filed purs. to PrC§8500(c) – 11/04/25 (by personal representative). 
Submit to court whether to set a future hearing purs. to PrC§8500(d). 

Appearance required by petitioner, petitioner’s counsel, the personal representative, and personal representative’s counsel (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 Initial Responses to Special Interrogatories, Set Two; Request for Monetary Sanctions:
SEE TENTATIVE RULING, to be posted day prior to hearing at https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/online-services/tentative-rulings/…

PR-26-000593 MATTER OF BROWN 2016 FAMILY TRUST
Hearing on Petition to Confirm Trust Property; to Compel Production of Accounting and Trust Records; for Elder Financial Abuse; Fraud; for Damages for Breach of Fiduciary Duty; for Double Damages; and for Attorney’s Fees and Costs:
•    Petition does not appear to establish that this is the proper venue for this matter. See PrC§17005.
•    Petition paragraph 25 refers to “Defendant”; is that a typographical error, and, if so, did petitioner mean “Decedent”?
•    Exhibit C (Limited Power of Attorney) is not legible. If the copy in petitioner’s possession is also illegible, please file a verified Declaration; if petitioner does not have a legible copy, the Probate Examiner will recommend the court direct the Respondent to file a legible copy.
•    Exhibit D (doctor’s 2024 letter) is not legible. If the copy in petitioner’s possession is also illegible, please file a verified Declaration.
•    Petition seeks return of property to the Trust or to decedent’s estate; petitioner has not alleged her standing to seek return of property to the decedent’s estate.
•    Petition seeks return of property to the Trust or to decedent’s estate; petitioner has not particularly identified which assets rightfully belong to the Trust and which to the decedent’s estate.
If Respondent does not make a general appearance, submit to court whether to require service of civil summons purs. to Local Rule 8.08.
Recommend continuance to 10/21/26 to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000680 ESTATE OF THOMAS EDWARD HOOD, AKA THOMAS HOOD
Hearing on Petition for Probate of Will and for Letters Testamentary:
Will is not self-proving.  Proof of Subscribing Witness on file.
For future filings, please ensure to properly label the proposed personal representative on item 8.
Recommend approval of petition and admission of Will to probate.
Recommend Inventory Review Hearing 02/03/27 pursuant to Local Rule 8.41 B.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000683 ESTATE OF MARK SHERIFF
Hearing on Petition to Determine Succession to Primary Residence:
• 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).
• Copy of grant deed showing current title was not attached or provided on separate pleading. See Local Rule 8.99.
      o    The assessor’s parcel number alleged in Attachment 11 does not agree with the number on Attachment 2 of the Inventory and Appraisal (Attachment 8c). 
• Notice of petition not on file (PrC§13151).
• Notice of Hearing not on file (PrC§§13153, 1220).
• Proof of mailing not on file for the Department of Health Care Services, nor Declaration that notice is not required (see Local Rule 8.17 and PrC§215).
Recommend continuance to 09/04/26 to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000684 ESTATE OF MARK ROWLAND SMITH
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration:
•    Petition item 5a(3) or (4) incomplete (existence of registered domestic partner).
•    Petition item 8 did not properly label the proposed personal representative (Local Rule 8.26 D).
•    Petition item 8 must include the relationships of all those listed to the decedent.
•    Affidavit of publication not on file. See Local Rule 8.12.
•    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.  Bond matter will be submitted to Court for determination.
Recommend continuance to 08/21/26 to allow time to cure defects.
Please be prepared to inform the court if there are any known California creditors or liabilities of the estate.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-22-000192 ESTATE OF TONY NUNES, AKA ANTHONY F. NUNES
Discharge Review Hearing:
Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge and Order was approved.
Hearing has been vacated.

PR-20-000674 ESTATE OF ALICE D. LABETTE, AKA ALICE D BUTLER AKA ALICE D. COLE
Discharge Review Hearing:
Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge and Order has been submitted and is recommended for approval.
Hearing will be vacated.
No appearances.

PR-23-000120 ESTATE OF CAMILLA CANTU GARCIA, AKA CAMILLA C. GARCIA, CAMILLA GARCIA
Discharge Review Hearing:
Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge and Order was approved.
Hearing has been vacated.

PR-23-000537 ESTATE OF DAVID BUCHANAN
Discharge Review Hearing:
Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge and Order was approved.
Hearing has been vacated.

PR-23-001292 ESTATE OF MARCIA LYNN BENSON
Discharge Review Hearing: 
Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge and Order was approved.
Hearing has been vacated.

PR-24-000468 ESTATE OF GRACIE DUTRA
Discharge Review Hearing:
Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge and Order was approved.
Hearing has been vacated.

PR-24-001015 ESTATE OF KARRIE BENNETT
Discharge Review Hearing: 
Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge and Order has been submitted and is recommended for approval.
Hearing will be vacated.
No appearance required.
 

FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2026
Department 22
8:30 a.m.

PR-23-000936 ESTATE OF SHARON LEE WYNNE 
Hearing on PrC §12200 Status Report continued from 05/20/26:
Prior defects cured. Notice complete.
A Petition for Final Distribution has been filed and set for hearing 09/03/26.
Hearing of 09/03/26 will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000067 ESTATE OF ROBIN G. CARTER
Hearing on First and Final Account and Report of Administrator and Petition for Final Distribution; Waiver of Compensation by Administrator; for Allowance of Compensation to Attorney for Ordinary Services and for Final Distribution continued from 03/03/26, 05/06/26:
Prior Notes remain, but are rephrased:
The petition reflects it is petitioner’s allegation that the entirety of this estate is comprised of community property. Neither the Petition nor the Final Inventory and Appraisal specify whether the assets inventoried represent the decedent's one-half community interest only or 100% of the community property.
•    An election of the surviving spouse to administer her 50% of the community property purs. to PrC§13502 was not filed, and therefore only the decedent’s 50% community property may be subject to probate.
•    Unless the estate assets are comprised of only decedent’s 50% of the community property, the calculation of statutory compensation appears incorrect. 
•    The proposed omnibus clause would award any property belonging to the estate not now known or hereafter discovered to the surviving spouse and not any other intestate heir; that does not appear appropriate, as the property discovered later could be separate property and only two of the decedent’s three children signed Assignments of their interest. Recommend court instruct the personal representative to include an omnibus clause that includes hereafter discovered separate property. Please see PrC§6401 et seq.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-001217 ESTATE OF TARAH ROTERMUND
Account Review Hearing continued from 05/20/26, 06/25/26:
Prior Notes:
The current bond is $50,000.00. Receipt of deposit of funds into blocked account is on file, reflecting that only $75,000.00 of the $315,355.78 sale proceeds received by seller (as reflected in the escrow statement attached to the 05/21/26 Declaration filed by the personal representative) were deposited into a blocked account as the court had ordered at the hearing on confirmation of the sale, which therefore left $190,355.78 of the sale proceeds unprotected.
According to the 05/21/26 Declaration, “$173,135.70 was used to pay off the mortgage on the home the beneficiaries live in.” 

New Notes:
The co-Administrator’s 07/24/26 Declaration elaborates further on how the $190,355.78 was spent prior to deposit of the remainder of the sale proceeds into a blocked account. 
Recommend court accept this representation for now and allow estate to remain open. As the court informed counsel at the last hearing, the co-Administrators are not “off the hook” for possible surcharge in the future, as their use of the sale proceeds was not authorized, and the court had explicitly ordered all sale proceeds to be deposited in a blocked account but for the $50,000.00 protected by the bond. Had there been an urgent need for payment of an estate expense, the co-Administrators can and ought to have filed an ex parte petition for withdrawal or a noticed petition for instructions.
Recommend court order the co-Administrators to file the first PrC§12200 Status Report within 45 days.
Recommend continuance to 10/28/26 to allow time for above to be filed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000355 ESTATE OF FERNANDO ESPINOZA MARTINEZ
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration continued from 06/04/26:
Nothing has been filed since previous hearing. Prior Notes remain:
•    Petition item 8 must include the name and date of death of the decedent’s predeceased spouse.
•    Petition item 8 reflects of the four heirs is a minor. As the court discussed with counsel on 06/04/26, a Guardian ad litem appears necessary in this case. Please see Local Rule 8.07. The petitioner would likely be considered ineligible as Guardian ad litem as there would appear to be an inherent conflict of interest.
•    Form DE-150, Proposed Letters, not submitted.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000392 ESTATE OF DOROTHY SUE MILLER
Hearing on Petition to Determine Succession to Primary Residence continued from 06/23/26:
Defect not cured. Prior note remains:
•    A copy of the current recorded grant deed was not attached. See Local Rule 8.99.
Recommend continuance to 08/21/26 to allow time to cure defect.
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 continued from 06/23/26:
Defect not cured. Prior note remains:
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, Andy Melton Edmiston.
Recommend continuance to 08/21/26 to allow time to cure defects.
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 continued from 06/17/26:
Nothing has been filed since the previous hearing. Prior Note remains:
•Please identify the Settlor’s intestate heirs. The petition identified only the beneficiaries of the Trust as interested parties (paragraph 8) and not the intestate heirs. 
      o    Petitioner’s Statement filed on 04/27/26 regarding the PrC§6124 presumption (regarding lost/revoked wills) included the allegation that a duplicate original of the will exists. The purported duplicate offered by petitioner is apparently a photocopy of the original will; a photocopy of the will is not a “duplicate original” in the meaning of PrC§6124. Lauermann v. Superior Court (2005) 127 Cal.App.4th 1327 [26 Cal.Rptr.3d 258]. The PrC§6124 presumption appears to therefore apply. 
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000503 ESTATE OF ANA CARDENAS
Hearing on Petition to Determine Succession continued from 06/25/26:
Nothing has been filed since the previous hearing. Prior Notes remain:
•    Part of petition item 17 was completed, indicating that the decedent’s estate may have been under either a guardianship or a conservatorship at the time of decedent’s death. Please clarify.
•    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).
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).