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/UDC 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.

Remote appearances on or after November 2, 2026, will be conducted using "UDC", a digital courtroom appearance system. For more information on how to appear by telephone, please see the section "Remote Appearances" on the home page of this website.

 

POSTED October 2, 2026
Proposed Local Rules revisions for Superior Court of California, County of Stanislaus, which will take effect January 1, 2027, are now available for download.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026

Department 21
9:30 a.m.

PR-26-001000 ESTATE OF EDUARDO ALVARADO VERDUZCO
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration:
•    Affidavit of publication not on file. See Local Rule 8.12.
•    Form DE-140, Proposed Order, submitted 10/20/26 does not agree with the petition: Order reflects full IAEA authority and a bond of $243,800.00, which is the maximum allowed purs. PrC§8482 based on the estimated estate value alleged in the petition; however the petition prayed for limited IAEA authority and bond of $20,000.00.
Submit to court whether to direct the petitioner to apply for appointment of a Guardian ad litem purs. to Local Rule 8.07.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

Department 22
8:30 a.m.

PR-23-000764 ESTATE OF KENNETH CAPERTON
Discharge Review Hearing continued from 07/30/26:
Receipts on distribution not on file.
Form DE-295, Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge and Order, not yet submitted.
Need status of discharge.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-000868 ESTATE OF MARY ELIZABETH ALLEY
Discharge Review Hearing:
On 04/17/26, the Petition for Final Distribution was granted contingent upon filing of Satisfaction of creditor which was attached to a supplement but not filed as its own pleading. Satisfaction and Release of Creditor’s Claim for JP Morgan Chase not on file.  
It appears a corrected proposed order has not yet been submitted.
•    Need new order (approving petition for final distribution). Order submitted 04/14/26 has the following defects:
    o    Line 24 appears to reference a virtual call system not available for this county.  The telephonic conferencing mechanism in Stanislaus is “VCourt”.
    o    The Statement regarding the Court’s findings; specifically, the finding regarding notice appears after “it is ordered that” instead of before the Court’s orders [see PrC§1260].
    o    The amount of compensation to administrator was omitted.
    o    The amount of distribution to administrator was omitted.
    o    Omnibus clause was omitted.
Need status of the above issues and status of discharge.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).
 

PR-23-001192 ESTATE OF RYAN SCOTT THOMPSON
Discharge Review Hearing continued from 04/30/26:
Receipts on distribution on file.
Form DE-295, Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge and Order, has been submitted and recommended for approval.
Hearing of 10/22/26 will be vacated
No appearances.

PR-23-001350 ESTATE OF PAUL L. CALKINS, AKA PAUL LAWRENCE CALKINS
Discharge Review Hearing continued from 07/30/26: 
Receipts on distribution not on file.
Form DE-295, Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge and Order, not yet submitted.
Need status of discharge.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000063 ESTATE OF JAMES GORDON O’NEILL
Account Review Hearing on retains pursuant to Local Rules 8.68, 8.92:
The personal representatives filed a request for an extension of six months for time to file the accounting on the reserve, to file final estate tax return, pay CPA fees, pay any supplemental tax bills; proof of service was attached.
Recommend court grant request for continuance, and continue hearing to 04/29/27, at which time if the accounting is not on file, the court may require the personal representatives to file either a noticed Status Report or an account current.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000203 ESTATE OF DAVID ALBERT CHITURAS
Discharge Review Hearing continued from 01/22/26, 07/23/26:
Nothing filed since previous hearing. Prior Notes remain:
Receipts of distribution not on file for four heirs: Tabatha S., Chayane, C., Nicholas S.; nor receipt showing deposit in blocked custodian account for the benefit of Smith “Sharky” B. Please review Pr. Code §11753.
Recommend court issue Order to Show Cause to Executor to appear and show cause 
why surcharge should not be imposed for failure to file receipts of distribution.
Appearance by Executor and Executor’s counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).
No appearance required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000556 ESTATE OF LINDA JANE SUGARS, AKA LINDA JANE GONZALES
Discharge Review Hearing:
Receipts on distribution not on file. [see Pr. Code section 11753(b)].
See Local Rule 8.92. Form DE-295, Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge and Order, not yet submitted at time of review.
Consider downloading the form from https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/jcc-form/DE-295. 
Appearance by Executor (self-represented) required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000025 ESTATE OF PATSY SUE OLDHAM DUKE, AKA PATSY SUE DUKE, PATSY S. DUKE
Discharge Review Hearing continued from 09/24/26:
Nothing filed since previous hearing.
Receipts on distribution not on file.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000708 ESTATE OF MARGARET E. GASCA, AKA MARGARET ELIZABETH GASCA, AKA MARGARET GASCA
Account Review Hearing:
Petition for Final Distribution has been filed and set for hearing 10/28/26.
Hearing of 10/28/26 will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

426248 DONALD LEE SCOTT BOSWELL SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST
Hearing on Ninth Account and Report of Trustee and Petition for its Settlement:
Recommend approval of Account and Report.
Recommend Account Review Hearing 06/24/28 for receipt of Tenth Account and Report for period of 01/16/26 through 01/15/28.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).
 

PR-24-001350 ESTATE OF MATTHEW MCPHERSON
Hearing on Report of Administration; Petition for Final Distribution; for Order on First and Final Account; for Approval of Statutory Attorneys’ Fees; for Approval of Costs:
Recommend approval of petition.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 04/29/27 pursuant to Local Rule 8.92.
Recommend court vacate 02/24/27 previously set Account Review Hearing.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000107 ESTATE OF PETER C. LIMPER
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 09/29/27.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000607 ESTATE OF AARON SCOTT BOONE
Hearing on Final Report of Administrator and First and Final Account and Petition for its Settlement, for Allowance of Compensation to the Administrator and Attorney for Ordinary Services, for Reimbursement of Costs Advanced and for Final Distribution:
Most Notes have been cured.
• Petition did not explain how the personal representative proposes to distribute to the minor child. Please see Local Rule 8.84. The Schedule of Proposed Distribution (which is incorrectly labeled as “Proposed Distributions During Accounting Period”), reflected that the minor’s distributive share is to be distributed to the Guardian ad litem. Please see Local Rule 8.07; a GAL may not receive distributions unless specifically pled for, and that request must specify what the GAL will do with the distribution afterwards, as the GAL is relieved once the case is closed and the court loses jurisdiction over them.
      o    Supplement file-marked 10/19/26 modified the proposed distribution to instead request: “The Petitioner shall place the funds for Faith Boone, the minor child, in a Blocked Account until she turns 18 years old. Faith turns 18 years old on November 21, 2027.” This appears to be a material change; no proof of service on file for the child, the person having legal custody of her, or the Guardian ad litem.
Recommend the court require the personal representative to file proof of service of the Supplement on all interested parties.
Recommend continuance to 11/20/26 to allow time to perfect service, at which time the request for distribution to the minor will be submitted to the court’s determination purs. to Local Rule 8.84.
Recommend court vacate Account Review Hearing of 06/15/26.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-001023 ESTATE OF CARMEN H. ESPINOZA
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration:
• Petition item 8 did not include the name(s) and date(s) of death deceased ancestor(s) through whom the intestate heirs take (please see Local Rule 8.26 E).
      o    Francis Earl Espinoza and Rudy Anthony Espinoza must themselves be included with their relationships to the decedent and dates of their deaths; the parent of Jennifer Carlos-Marquez through whom she is an heir of decedent must be identified.
      o    The personal representative of the estate of deceased heir Francis Earl Espinoza must be included (separately) in item 8.
• Petition item 8 did not include the proposed personal representative (Local Rule 8.26 D).
• It is not clear if notice is perfected:
      o    The petition indicated the locations of two heirs was unknown. Declaration(s) of diligent search (CRC rule 7.52) not on file for those entitled to notice but for whom the petitioner alleged addresses are unknown.
      o    One of the Forms DE-121 Notice of Petition to Administer Estate file-marked 10/16/26 reflects notice was mailed timely to one of the heirs for whom the petitioner had alleged the location was unknown (Frankie E.). Was the heir located? Please supplement the petition item 8.
      o    One of the Forms DE-121 Notice of Petition to Administer Estate file-marked 10/16/26 reflects notice was mailed UNTIMELY to one of the heirs for whom the petitioner had alleged the location was unknown (Phillip S.). Was the heir located? Please supplement the petition item 8.
• Forms DE-140 and DE-150, Proposed Order and Letters, not submitted.
Recommend continuance to 12/04/26 to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2026

Department 22
8:30 a.m.

PR-25-000177 MATTER OF HAAG FAMILY REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST OF 1992
Hearing on Court’s Motion to Dismiss:
If no one appears, case will be dismissed.
No appearances required (by VCourt if preferred).

MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2026
Department 22 
There are no decedent's estates or trusts on calendar

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2026

Department 21
8:30 a.m.

PR-26-001020 ESTATE OF CARMEN MINI PEMBERTON, AKA CARMEN PEMBERTON
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration (filed by Loree McGowen):
•    Petition item 8 omitted date of death for decedent’s deceased child.
•    Petitioner proposes the court set a bond greater than the alleged value of the estate, with annual income. PrC§8482 does not allow the court to set the bond that high.
•    Proposed Order, Form DE-140, was not filled out completely. Please check the relevant boxes.
•    Proposed Letters, Form DE-150, not yet submitted.
Recommend continuance to 11/04/26 to coincide with hearing already set, for judicial economy.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

Department 22
8:30 a.m.

PR-20-000719 RAMON GILBERT GONZALES TRUST
Account Review Hearing:
Sixth Account and Report of Trustee not on file.
Recommend continuance to 03/03/27 to allow time to file above pleading.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-22-000193 ESTATE OF FLORENCE WALLS
3. Compliance Review Hearing set per 07/23/26 Minute Order:
On 07/23/26, the court ordered the personal representative to file notice of his change of address with the court, so that the court would have means of sending him notices by mail. Not on file.
Please review your responsibilities in the Duties and Liabilities, Form DE-147, you signed and filed on 03/03/22.
Recommend court drop Compliance Review Hearing.

2. Hearing on Order to Show Cause issued to personal representative on 04/28/26 and continued from 07/23/26:
•    To appear and show cause why the court should not impose surcharge and/or remove the personal representative from office for failing to appear on 04/28/26 and for failure to file pleadings as directed.

1.    Account Review Hearing continued from 04/28/26, 07/23/26: 
Nothing filed to progress this probate matter in more than a year.
See Local Rule 8.82 and also Probate Code sections 12200, and 9000 through 9399. On 07/23/26, the court ordered the personal representative to file a Third Probate Code § 12200 Status Report within thirty days. Not on file.

Appearance by Administrator (self-represented) mandatory (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
Hearing on Petition for Preliminary Distribution; Interim Allowance and Payment of Extraordinary Attorney Compensation; Reimbursement of Advanced Costs and Related Relief:
Consents to petition and waivers of notice on file from all six heirs.
Extraordinary fees submitted to Judge for determination.
Appearance by counsel 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, 07/28/26:
On 12/09/26, the Court granted petitioner’s oral request to file a third Amended Petition.
Prior defects cured. One note remains:
•    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). 
Recommend approval of Petition.
On 07/28/26, the court indicated it intends to impose a $20,000.00 bond.

(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, 07/28/26:
On 07/28/26, the Court made findings that petitioner has standing to proceed with this petition.
Objection filed – 08/21/26 (by Alicia Rebecca-Ann Dages)
o    Proof of service not on file for the petitioner. Service on her attorney is required, but service on the petitioner herself is also required. See California Rules of Court rule 7.51(b) and Probate Code section 1214.

(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, 07/28/26:
On 07/28/26, the Court made findings that petitioner has standing to proceed with this petition.
Objection filed – 08/24/26 (by Kyle Anthony Dages)
o    Proof of service not on file for the petitioner. Service on her attorney is required, but service on the petitioner herself is also required. See California Rules of Court rule 7.51(b) and Probate Code section 1214.
Joint Status Report indicates that discovery to be commenced with an estimated completion date no earlier than April 2027 and parties are agreeable to Mandatory Settlement Conference and are discussing private mediation.
Hearing required.
Appearances required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000049 ESTATE OF ROBERT SHAWN HENSHAW
Inventory Review Hearing continued from 05/19/26:
Final Inventory and Appraisal is on file.
Recommend court issue Order to Show Cause to the personal representative to appear for the court to hold a Status Review Hearing on the status of the settlement agreement and its terms purs. to the Notice of Proposed Action filed on 10/05/26.
•    The settlement agreement reflects that the personal representative will, in her capacity as such, transfer real and personal property of this estate to one of the three heirs of the estate, and that said transferee will then pay cash directly to the other two heirs of the estate (including the personal representative) rather than to the estate. 
o    If the transfers of real property and cash have occurred already, one interpretation of the transfers would appear to be that the personal representative executed a preliminary distribution of more than 70% of the estate property without authority. See PrC§10520.
o    There appear to be concerns of fiduciary-duty and self-dealing. If the personal representative as an individual has or plans to receive cash from the transferee of the real property directly, rather than receiving cash on behalf of the estate in her capacity as the personal representative, PrC§9880 appears to apply.
•    All the transfers are subject to claw-back if the court so ordered.
Appearance by personal representative and personal representative’s counsel 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, 07/28/26:
Prior Notes have been cured.
Objection filed – 07/07/25, by N. Bennett and K. Bennett. Per court order 07/28/26, this Objection applies to the Second Amended Petition file-marked 03/26/26.
Need status of meet-and-confer, as directed on 07/28/26.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000445 ESTATE OF DENNIS LAMAR SHIVER
Special Letters expire today unless extended.

2.    Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration (filed by Sonya Canyon and Eric Baccus):
•    Form DE-121 Notice of Petition to Administer Estate not on file.
•    Affidavit of publication not on file. See Local Rule 8.12.
•    Forms DE-140 and DE-150, Proposed Order and Letters, not submitted.
•    Issue of standing will be submitted to court for determination once notice is perfected.
o    Petitioners allege they are the decedent’s natural children purs. to PrC§6453, and under the Uniform Parentage Act purs. to FC§7611, as the decedent’s former step-children (children of the decedent’s late wife), despite the marriage occurring in their late twenties. Petitioners argue that PrC§6454 (intestate succession by stepchild) does not alone apply in this case due to holding in Estate of Martino (2023) 96 Cal.App.5th 596 [314 Cal.Rptr.3d 630]. 
    If the petitioners are determined to be decedent’s “natural” children purs. to PrC§6453 and under the Uniform Parentage Act purs. to FC§7611 (which is their primary argument), they would appear to have priority of appointment second only to the named executor.
    If not determined to be the decedent’s natural children, purs. to PrC§8461, as the children of the decedent’s late spouse (which is their argument “in the alternative”), they would have less priority than the decedent’s siblings, who have less priority than the named executor.

1.    Hearing on Petition for Probate of Will and for Letters Testamentary (filed by Anna Bria) continued from 07/09/26, 10/08/26:
Nothing filed since previous hearing. Prior Notes remain:
•    Will is not self-proving per Local Rule 8.23.  Proof of Subscribing Witness (Form DE-131) not on file.
o    Informationally, not as a defect: this Probate Examiner’s review of the decedent’s will reflects that the will does not include a provision devising his real property, only personal property. Some of the estate may be subject to escheat if no intestate heir can be found. See PrC§§6800 et seq and §§11700 et seq.
•    Petition item 3g was left blank (appointment of personal representative).
•    Petition item 6 was left blank (to be completed when decedent is not survived by issue).
•    Petition item 8 must include the relationship between the petitioner and the decedent, if any, other than as executor/beneficiary.
•    Petition item 8 did not include the decedent’s predeceased spouse.
•    Petition item 8 did not identify any intestate heirs or kin of the decedent. Please see item 6, Probate Code section 6402, and Local Rule 8.14 A.
•    Forms DE-140 and DE-150, Proposed Order and Letters, not submitted.
New Notes:
•    Form DE-121, Notice of Petition, not on file for recently-discovered heirs (PrC§6402) identified in petitioner’s Status Report file-marked 10/06/26.

Recommend court set deadline for defects with Anna Bria’s petition to be cured. Recommend court order that failure to cure defects may result in removal of Special Administrator and appointment of the Public Administrator as Special Administrator, as well as a referral to the Public Administrator to file a petition for appointment as personal representative.

Opposition filed – 10/01/26, by Sonya Canyon and Eric Baccus. Opposition includes a will contest:
•    Objectors have not yet filed proof of service of Summons pursuant to PrC§8250.  

Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000626 ESTATE OF MILDRED J. BAKER, AKA MILDRED JEAN BAKER
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration (filed by Barbara Hughey) continued from 07/28/26:
Objection filed – 07/7/26 (by Mia J. Santana)
Response to Objection filed – 09/29/26 (by Barbara Hughey)
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.
Appearances required (by VCourt if preferred). 

PR-26-000742 ESTATE OF GARY LEE AKERS
Hearing on Spousal Property Petition continued from 08/18/26:
Nothing filed since last hearing. Prior notes remain:
•    Copy of grant deed showing current title was not attached or provided on separate pleading. See Local Rule 8.98B.
•    For future petitions, please consider changing your office’s practice of including the Attachments on the same page
•    Proposed Order Attachment 5A does not agree with petition in that it recites “the court confirms” to “Estate Cathy Gail Akers” rather than passes to.
•    It appears 1/3 of decedent’s ½ should pass to the surviving spouse and 2/3 to each child. PrC §6401. Please provide the court with Points and Authorities to support the request to pass ½ interest.
Recommend continuance to 03/10/27 to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-001082 ESTATE OF TERRY WAYNE MONKHOUSE AKA TERRY W. MONKHOUSE, TERRY MONKHOUSE
Hearing on Fourth PrC§12200 Status Report:
Notice appears complete. 
Recommend court set a further Account Review Hearing 03/10/27.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000782 ESTATE OF DIANA LEE DIMENCO-FREER
Hearing on First and Final Account, Petition for Final Distribution, Allowance of Statutory Administrator’s Fees, Allowance of Statutory and Extraordinary Attorney’s Fees, Reimbursement of Costs, Reduction of Bond, and Request for Reserve:
Recommend approval of petition.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 04/29/27 pursuant to Local Rule 8.92.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).
 

PR-25-000287 ESTATE OF AARON PATRICK WALSH
Hearing on Petition for Settlement of First and Final Account with Waivers, Final Distribution, Waiver of Compensation for Ordinary Services to Administrator, and Allowance of Compensation for Ordinary Services to Attorney:
Recommend court find notice of hearing complete purs. to PrC§1201.
Please be aware in future Notes that paragraph 9 the Report does not appear sufficiently detailed pursuant to PrC§9202(b) (knowledge of personal representative or estate attorney).
•    Pleading does not appear to contain an allegation of the characterization of the decedent’s property as either separate or community property. See Local Rule 8.83 H.
•    Statement regarding interest bearing accounts omitted [see PrC§1064(a)(5)].
•    Proposed Order not yet submitted.
Recommend continuance to 12/11/26 to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-001344 JOHN AND CAMILLE NELSON TRUST
Hearing on Respondent Vanessa Vingry’s Motion for Separate Trial of Special Defenses:
SEE TENTATIVE RULING, to be posted day prior to hearing at https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/online-services/tentative-rulings/…

PR-26-000920 MARGARET A. BOLTON LIVING TRUST DTD AUGUST 23, 2022
Hearing on Petition to Compel Accounting and Report; for Instructions; to Suspend and Remove Trustee; for Surcharge; and for Other Appropriate Relief:
The following defects in the Petition must be addressed:
•    Petition is not verified (See California Rule of Court 7.103, California Code of Civil Procedure sections 2015.5, 446).
•    Body of Petition omitted the names and mailing addresses of those entitled to notice (Probate Code section 17201).
•    Petition did not identify from what specific start date trustee should account for.
•    Petition did not identify what specific assets petitioner seeks to have transferred back to the Trust.
•    If the petitioner or trustee is unclear as to the proper administration and distribution of the Trust and Petitioner’s rights as a beneficiary (Paragraph 3 of the prayer, Page 5), the trustee shall file a petition seeking instructions.
•    Petition seeks to remove trustee but did not identify and seek confirmation of the named successor under the trust.
    o    Does the Trust identify an alternate successor Trustee?
    o    If not, it appears necessary that the court set a bond pursuant to Probate Code section 15602(a)(3); however, petition did not request a bond nor did it allege the amount of bond that would be appropriate.
See California Rules of Court rules 7.3 and 7.53 for the types of pleadings that may be filed to address these issues.

The following defects in the Petition must be addressed:
•    Form DE-120, Notice of Hearing, not on file.  See Probate Code section 17203(a) for notice requirements in trust proceedings.
•    Copy of the Trust was not attached to Petition.
•    Proposed Order not yet submitted.

Appearance by petitioner (self-represented) required. (Anyone appearing may do so in person or remotely, by telephone, using VCourt).
 

PR-26-001010 ESTATE OF FRANCIS N. BEALL
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration:
Waivers of Bond on file for all intestate heirs.
Recommend approval of petition.
Recommend Inventory Review Hearing 04/27/27 pursuant to Local Rule 8.41B.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-001025 ESTATE OF STEVEN M. GREEN, AKA STEVE GREEN
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration:
•    Form DE-150, Proposed Letters, not submitted.
•    Petitioner requests bond of $20,000.00. 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.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-001065 ESTATE OF RITA F. BURROWS, AKA RITA F. REISINGER, RITA BURROWS
Hearing on Objection to Inventory and Appraisal filed 09/14/26
Notice of hearing not on file for the Probate Referee who conducted the appraisal. See PrC§8906(c).
Reply to Objection, and Declaration in Support of Reply filed – 10/06/26.
Withdrawal of pleading file-marked 10/21/26.
A Stipulation and proposed Order has been submitted that would vacate this hearing from the court’s calendar.
Recommend hearing be dropped as moving document was withdrawn.
No appearance required (by VCourt if preferred).

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2026

Department 22
8:30 a.m.

PR-23-000411 ESTATE OF ELIZABETH EILEEN MOSES
Account Review Hearing continued from 07/28/26:
Receipts of preliminary distributions on file.
On 07/28/26, the court directed that a PrC§12200 Status Report must be filed within sixty days if estate is not in a position to be closed. Neither Petition for Final Distribution nor PrC§12200 Status Report are on file.
•    Recommend court issue Order to Show Cause to Administrator and Administrator’s counsel to be personally present pursuant to PrC§12202:
    o    To show condition of estate and why estate cannot be distributed and closed;
    o    So that court may order Administrator to prepare and file a First Account Current at the court’s discretion pursuant to PrC§12202(b).
    o    Noncompliance may result in removal of personal representative from office (PrC§§12204, 8500).
Appearance by Administrator and Administrator’s counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-001232 ESTATE OF CARRIE EDNA BECKER
Account Review Hearing:
PrC §12200 Status Report filed and set for hearing 12/15/26. 
Hearing of 12/15/26 will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000086 ESTATE OF GEORGE EDWARD COSTA, JR.
(1)    Order to Show Cause issued 07/30/26 to Ronal Dean Setliff:
To appear and show cause why the Court should not remove him from office and issue sanctions for the failure to appear at the 07/30/26 hearing and failure to file Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge. 

(2)    Order to Show Cause issued 03/26/26 to Thomas Bonte, Esq. continued from 07/30/26:
To appear and show cause why the Court should not issue additional sanctions for the failure to appear at the 07/30/26 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.

(3)    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, was submitted and returned for corrections on 08/19/26.
Need status of discharge.
Appearance by personal representative and personal representative’s counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-001157 MATTER OF SMITH FAMILY LIVING TRUST
Hearing on Petition for Order Approving Settlement Agreement and Mutual Release:
Notice appears complete.
If no one appears to object, recommend approval of petition.
Need new proposed Order: Exhibit B omitted (copy of the Settlement Agreement).

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, 10/01/26:

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.
Trailing hearing on Petition for Order Approving Settlement Agreement.
If petition for order approving settlement agreement is granted, recommend court set hearing on court’s motion to close case, on 03/26/2027, at which hearing the case will be closed if nothing else is filed.

Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-001217 ESTATE OF TAR ROTERMUND
Account Review Hearing continued from 05/20/26, 06/25/26, 07/31/26:
On 07/31/26, the court directed that a PrC§12200 Status Report must be filed within forty-five days if estate is not in a position to be closed. Neither Petition for Final Distribution nor PrC§12200 Status Report are on file.
•    Recommend court issue Order to Show Cause to co-Administrators and their counsel to be personally present pursuant to PrC§12202:
    o    To show condition of estate and why estate cannot be distributed and closed;
    o    So that court may order Administrators to prepare and file a First Account Current at the court’s discretion pursuant to PrC§12202(b).
    o    Noncompliance may result in removal of personal representative from office (PrC§§12204, 8500).
Appearance by both co-Administrators and co-Administrators’ counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-001293 ESTATE OF NORRINE COYLE, AKA NORRINE MILDRED COYLE
Account Review Hearing continued from 05/07/26:
A Petition for Final Distribution has been filed and set for hearing 12/03/26.
Hearing of 12/03/26 will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-001156 HECTOR R. ZELAYA REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST 
Hearing on Amended Petition (file marked 10/09/26) 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; to Impose Constructive Trust; Unjust Enrichment; and Financial Elder Abuse (WIC §15610.30); for Attorneys’ Fees and Costs (filed by Juana Antonia Zelaya) continued from 02/11/26, 06/23/26, 07/28/26:
The Court’s prior findings for reference:
On 07/28/26, the Court made findings that PrC §855 permits pleaded civil theories related to the PrC§ 850 Petition claim. However, this Court will not adjudicate the ultimate quiet-title and ownership issues in the absence of all persons whose inheritance rights could be affected. The Court ordered that Petition either file an amendment limiting the petition to the Probate Code claims, or if proceeding with the Petition as plead, join and serve all interested parties.  Amended petition is on file.
•    Exhibit I (60 day notice) is illegible. 
•    Body of Petition omitted the names and mailing addresses of those entitled to notice (PrC§17201).
•    Petition omitted legal description and assessor’s parcel number of the asset. Line 1, Page 2 references “see legal description herein below;” however, it was not included.
•    Notice of Hearing not on file. See PrC§851 and CCP§§413.10 et seq.
Recommend continuance to 03/11/27 to allow time to cure defects.
Appearances required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-001289 MATTER OF ROY KLEIN AND VELMA EDNA KLEIN FAMILY TRUST
Hearing on Order to Show Cause issued 07/29/26 to petitioner’s counsel:
To appear and show cause why case should not be dismissed for lack of notice.
If no one appears, recommend Order to Show Cause be discharged and case dismissed.

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, 07/29/26:
Nothing filed since previous hearing. Prior Notes remain:
•    Notice of Hearing not on file. See PrC§851 and CCP§§413.10 et seq.
 Recommend dismissal of case for lack of notice, as ordered on 07/29/26.

No appearance required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000633 ESTATE OF FRANCINE CHARLOTTE JOHNSON
Hearing on Order to Show Cause issued 07/29/26 to petitioner:
To appear and show cause why case should not be dismissed for failure to appear on 07/29/26.
If no one appears, the case will be dismissed.

Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration continued from 07/29/26:
Nothing filed since previous hearing. Prior Notes remain:
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

Recommend case be dismissed for lack of notice.
Appearance by petitioner (self-represented) mandatory (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000784 MATTER OF O.G. MAYO REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST
Hearing on Petition for Instructions, Appointment of First Successor Trustee and Second Successor Trustee, Establish Trustee’s Powers, and Ascertain Trust Beneficiary continued from 09/29/26:
REVIEW IN PROGRESS. PLEASE CHECK BACK.

PR-26-000894 ESTATE OF LILIANA SANCHEZ PRADO
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration continued from 09/22/26:
Prior defects cured.
Waivers of bond on file for all intestate heirs.
Recommend approval of petition.  
Recommend Inventory Review Hearing 04/28/27 pursuant to Local Rule 8.41 B.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000484 ESTATE OF DONALD F. AYRES
Hearing on PrC§12200 Status Report of Administration:
Notice appears complete. 
The Status Report of Administration alleges that the estate is not in a position to be closed because the Creditor’s Claim of the Franchise Tax Board remains unpaid. However, paragraphs 1 and 2 on page 6 request orders that (1) administration of the estate be closed without an account and (2) the Status Report of Executor be settled, allowed, and approved. Petitioner has not identified the legal basis for this relief or filed a petition seeking waiver of account.  A Status Report of Administration is not the proper vehicle for closing the estate. Please clarify the statutory basis for the requested orders.
Recommend continuance to 02/02/27 to coincide with the previously set Account Review Hearing to allow time to provide further information.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000519 ESTATE OF PASQUAL CASTANEDA
Hearing on Petition for Settlement on Waiver of Account, for Order Allowing Statutory Compensation of Attorney’s Fees, Reimbursement of Costs, and Final Distribution:
Please be aware in future Notes that paragraph 7 the Petition does not appear sufficiently detailed pursuant to PrC§9202(b) (knowledge of personal representative or estate attorney).
•    Petition item 1 appears to misstate the county of jurisdiction. 
•    The ninety (90) -day limitations period has not elapsed yet for the creditor to file suit on the rejected claim (PrC§§9250, 9353) (rejection file-marked 09/09/26). Please supplement the petition as to the disposition of that claim purs. to PrC§10900b)(3) after the ninety (90) days have elapsed. See also CRC rules 7.3 and 7.53. Alternatively, the personal representative may file a withdrawal of claim from the creditor.
•    Waiver of Accounting does not bear notary’s acknowledgement (Local Rule 8.69); Waivers must be filed separately, not only attached to another pleading as an exhibit (PrC§10954).
•    Assignment of Interest not on file. Assignments of Interest must be filed separately, not only attached to another pleading as an exhibit. See Local Rule 8.87 and PrC§11604. 
•    Petitioner assigned her one-half interest in the estate to a relative: Sherry. The other one-half interest in the estate appears vested to the estate of the decedent’s surviving but later deceased daughter, Alicia. The petitioner previously indicated to the court (Supplement file-marked 06/18/25) that formal probate of Alicia’s estate was needed and would be opened (in another county). What is the status of that estate? By what statutory probate process does petitioner allege that Sherry’s beneficial interest in this estate has vested without administration of Alicia’s estate?
Recommend continuance to 02/03/27, to coincide with Account Review Hearing already set, to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000708 ESTATE OF MARGARET E. GASCA, AKA MARGARET ELIZABETH GASCA, AKA MARGARET GASCA
Hearing on Petition for Final Distribution of Estate on Waiver of Accounting; First and Final Report of Administrator; Petition for Allowance of Attorney Statutory Fees and Costs:
Recommend approval of petition.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 04/29/27 pursuant to Local Rule 8.92.
Recommend court vacate Account Review Hearing 01/20/27.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-001011 ESTATE OF MICHAEL D. SYLVESTER
Hearing on Spousal Property Petition:
•    Related items 1b and 7b do not agree. Item 7b reflects that the petitioner has requested a court order confirming property belonging to the surviving spouse, but the actual request for that order, item 1b, was not checked.
•    Assignments of Interest must be notarized and filed separately, not attached to any other pleading. See Local Rule 8.87 and PrC§11604.
Recommend continuance to 12/18/26 to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-001029 ESTATE OF ANDREW JAMES PAPPAS, AKA ANDY PAPPAS
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration:
•    Proposed Letters, Form DE-150, not yet submitted.
Objection filed – 10/22/26, by Maureen Costa.
As the objector’s only objection is as to priority of appointment purs. PrC§8461, and as the objection reflects objector’s intention to file a competing petition, recommend court set deadline of 12/31/26 close of business (a little over sixty days from this hearing date) for objector to file a competing petition.
Recommend continuance to 03/11/26 to allow time for filing and notice of competing petition.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-001030 ESTATE OF CHARLES HERMAN DUERNER
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration:
Bond waivers on file for all intestate heirs.
•    Form DE-140, Proposed Order, not yet submitted.
Recommend approval of petition.  
Recommend Inventory Review Hearing 04/28/27 pursuant to Local Rule 8.41 B.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).