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.

MONDAY, MAY 18, 2026
Department 24
10:00 a.m.

PR-23-000155 ESTATE OF FRANK R. HERNANDEZ
Settlement Conference continued from 05/04/26:
Appearances mandatory.
Any person wishing to appear remotely must obtain the court’s permission to appear via VCourt by contacting the courtroom clerk.

TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2026
Department 24  
08:30 a.m.

2200258 THE NICOLL & EDITH GALBRAITH TRUST
Hearing on Trustee, Thomas Bonte’s Ex Parte Application to Re-open Case and File Report of Trustee:
The Ex Parte Application does not appear to allege exigent circumstances for its request for ex parte relief.  Matter submitted to Judge for determination.
Appearance required (Any person wishing to appear remotely must obtain the court’s permission to appear via VCourt by contacting the courtroom clerk).

Department 22
8:30 a.m.

334015 ARIANA LUNA SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST
Account Review Hearing:
Fourteenth Account and Report has been filed and set for hearing 07/08/26.
Hearing of 07/08/26 will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-21-000291 ESTATE OF WILLIAM MATTHEW ARNOLD
Discharge Review Hearing continued from 06/15/23, 08/31/23, 01/04/24, 04/09/24, 05/03/24, 01/09/25, 07/08/25, 01/07/26:
Nothing filed since previous hearing. Prior Note remains:
Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge and Order has not yet been submitted.
Appearance by Administrator and Administrator’s counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-000308 ESTATE OF GEORGE DOUGLAS BIXLER, SR.
Inventory Review Hearing continued from 04/28/26:
Final Inventory and Appraisal is on file.
On 05/08/26, the Court signed an ex parte order allowing Personal Representative did to increase bond to $1,003,442.55.
Supplemental bond rider not yet on file.
Recommend continuance to 07/17/26 for bond review hearing to allow time to file supplemental bond.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-001062 ESTATE OF COLEEN WALLEN
Account Review Hearing:
Petition for Final Distribution has been filed and set for hearing on 07/28/26.
Hearing of 07/28/26 will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).
 

PR-25-000049 ESTATE OF ROBERT SHAWN HENSHAW
Inventory Review Hearing:
Letters issued 03/17/26. Inventory and Appraisal is not due until 07/17/26.
Recommend continuance to 09/17/26 to allow time for filing Final Inventory and Appraisal.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000080 ESTATE OF SUE JANKE, AKA SUE MORSE AKA SUE JANKE-MORSE, AKA SUE ANNE JANKE MORSE, AKA SUE A. MORSE, AKA SUE A. JANKE
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 09/23/26 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-25-000815 ESTATE OF TINA MARIE MITSCHELEN
Review Hearing:
On 03/26/26, the court granted a petition for order confirming sale of real property, and ordered that net sale proceeds must be deposited by escrow holder in a blocked account to be withdrawn only on court order, and that receipt showing deposit must be filed. 
Receipt filed, on 05/15/26.
Recommend court set Account Review Hearing 02/02/27 pursuant to Local Rule 8.82.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).
 

PR-25-000945 ESTATE OF ANITA EARLY
2.    Hearing on First and Final Report of Administrator and Petition for Final Distribution on Waiver of Account and Waiver of Statutory Compensation:
•    The second line of the petition reflects the wrong date of death for decedent.
•    Proposed Order: line 25 on page 1 reflects the wrong date of death.
Recommend continuance to 07/24/26 to allow time to cure defects and for the Corrected Inventory and Appraisal to be filed.

1.    Inventory Review Hearing continued from 04/14/26:
The date of decedent’s death was incorrect on the Final Inventory and Appraisal and the Amended Final I&A. The personal representative has filed a verified Declaration informing the court that she sent a corrected I&A to the Probate Referee in early April. It is not on file yet. 
Recommend court drop Inventory Review Hearing.

Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).
 

PR-25-001046 ESTATE OF LOIS RUBY BRAWLEY
Inventory Review Hearing:
Final Inventory and Appraisal is on file.
Recommend Account Review Hearing 01/14/27 pursuant to Local Rule 8.82.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-001048 ESTATE OF DANIEL JOSEPH ATTANASIO, AKA DANIEL J. ATTANASIO
Inventory Review Hearing:
Final Inventory and Appraisal is on file.
Recommend Account Review Hearing 01/12/27 pursuant to Local Rule 8.82.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-001363 ESTATE OF RONALD CLARK
Hearing on Spousal Property Petition continued from 02/04/26:
Nothing filed since previous hearing. Prior Notes remain:
•    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.
•    Petition item 5a(2) was not completed (existence of issue of a predeceased child).
•    Petition item 5b was not completed (existence of stepchild or foster child who would have been adopted but for a legal barrier).
•    Attachment 9 omitted the ages of the heirs/devisees (the court may require a Guardian ad litem for any heir that has not yet reached adulthood).
•    Will is not self-proving per Local Rule 8.23.  Proof of Subscribing Witness (Form DE-131) not on file.
•    Notice of Hearing not on file.
•    Proposed Order not yet submitted.
Note by Examiner, not a defect: both of the grant deeds attached as exhibits reflect that the decedent and surviving spouse held title as joint tenants. Nothing on file to date indicates why petitioner has not recorded an Affidavit of Death of Joint Tenant or why such a document would not suffice to transfer these non-probate assets.
Recommend court set deadline for defects to be cured or case may be dismissed.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-20-000098 ESTATE OF MELISSA J. TENIO
Hearing on Petition for Order of Final Distribution of Insolvent Estate; First and Final Account and Report of Administrator; for Allowance of Statutory Attorney’s and Administrator’s Fees and Costs; for Reimbursement of Personal Monies Advanced by administrator; for Authorization to Pay Prorated Creditor’s Claim and Tax Lien:
•    Paragraph 14 contains an allegation purs. to PrC§1064(a)(5) that the administrator maintained all cash belonging to the estate in an interest-bearing account but for an amount reasonably necessary for the estate’s execution.  The proceeds from the sale were held in the attorney’s client trust account. The accounting reflects that the administrator received the foreclosure sale proceeds on or around 05/12/23. The report together with the accounting indicates that the administrator did not comply with Probate Code section 9652 (keeping cash in an interest-bearing account).  Declaration filed 05/13/26 submitted to Judge for determination.  
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).
 

PR-23-001095 ESTATE OF ROSA LINDA FELICIANO
Hearing on Second PrC§12200 Status Report of Administration:
Notice appears complete.
Recommend court allow estate to remain open and set a further Account Review Hearing 10/20/26.
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 Compel Responses from Respondent, Dana Garth, to Special Interrogatories and for Monetary Sanctions Against Dana Garth for Misuse of the Discovery Process:
SEE TENTATIVE RULING, to be posted day prior to hearing at https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/online-services/tentative-rulings/…

PR-26-000177 MATTER OF PATRICK HEANEY REVOCABLE TRUST
Hearing on Petition Regarding Internal Affairs of a Trust Accounting of Trustee for Surcharge of Amanda Heaney, Tina Heaney filed 03/26/26:
•    In the future please do not use color or highlighting in the accountings, as it has made several Schedules very difficult for court staff to read.
•    Please provide the street addresses of the real property assets, as the Trust directed specific distributions of four real property assets to individual beneficiaries.
•    Schedule of Net Income did not identify from which property or properties the rental income was received. Since the Trust directed distribution of certain pieces of real property to specific beneficiaries, they may be entitled to know if those assets produced income.
Objection filed – 05/02/26, by Amanda Heaney and Tina Heaney. The Objectors’ verification was filed separately. Prior Probate Notes have addressed the filing of verification separately by these parties, and recommended the court admonish them that verifications are to be attached to the pleading and not filed separately except if due to mistake.
Recommend continuance to 08/27/26, to coincide with continued hearing on contested petition, for judicial economy.
No appearance on 05/19/26. Anyone choosing to appear may do so either in person or remotely, by telephone, using VCourt.

PR-26-000317 ESTATE OF DONNA ROBERTA WALTON
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-26-000330 ESTATE OF TAMI LANEA HENSHAW
Hearing on Spousal Property Petition:
Notes cured.
If no one appears to object, recommend approval of petition as supplemented.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000339 MATTER OF MATTHEW T. COLE IRREVOCABLE TRUST
Hearing on Petition for (1) Removal of co-Trustees; (2) Appointment of Successor Trustee; (3) Accounting; (4) Surcharge; (5) Financial Abuse of a Dependent Adult; (6) Breach of Fiduciary Duty; (7) Constructive Fraud; (8) Property Recovery; (9) Double Damages; (10) Constructive Trust; (11) Attorney’s Fees:
• Notice of Hearing appears incomplete/defective:
      o    As this petition is filed pursuant to both Probate Code section 850 and section 17200, both forms DE-115, Notice of Hearing on Petition to Determine Claim to Property, and DE-120, Notice of Hearing-Decedent’s Estate or Trust, appear required. See PrC§851 and PrC§17203.
      o    Notice of Hearing by mail appears defective on anyone to whom real property is currently titled: the petition reflects that multiple parties are persons claiming an interest in the real property assets. See PrC§851(a) and CCP§413.10 et seq.
      o    If the person to receive notice is represented by an attorney, notice should be mailed to the party and to his/her attorney purs. CRC rule 7.51(b) and PrC§1214. 
      o    Recommend court require notice of hearing be given to Matthew T. Cole (petitioner) in his capacity as Trustee of the revocable trust.
• Body of Petition omitted the names and mailing addresses of those entitled to notice (PrC§17201).
• Petition did not request a bond for proposed successor Trustee, DePiazza, nor did it allege the amount of bond that would be appropriate. See PrC§15602(a)(3).
• A copy of the irrevocable trust was not attached. The petition referred to the trust as Exhibit “A” (line 23, page 5), however the document attached as Exhibit A is the document identified in the petition as Exhibit “B”, Mr. DePiazza’s consent (line 10, page 15). A copy of the Trust must be filed.
• The petition refers multiple times to a document described as the “List of Expenditures” by Kathleen Cole; does petitioner have that document? Please file a copy with appropriate redactions attached to a verified pleading. See CRC rules 7.3, 7.53.
• The Memorandum includes a request not sought in the petition: suspension of trustees and appointment of DePiazza, CLPF, as temporary Trustee.
• Is a Guardian ad litem appropriate for the benefit of the petitioner in his capacity as both/either beneficiary of the irrevocable trust, but also the revocable trust? See PrC§1003 and Local Rule 8.07. Submitted to court for determination once defects are cured.
Recommend continuance to 09/03/26 to allow time to cure defects, perfect notice.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

9:30AM

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

WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2026
Department 22
8:30 a.m.

PR-19-000278 ESTATE OF KARILYN LOUISE READSHAW
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 09/30/26 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-19-001263 ESTATE OF MELVIN ALLEN, SR.
Account Review Hearing:
Neither Petition for Final Distribution nor PrC§12200 Status Report are on file from the Special Administrator.
Recommend court order Special Administrator 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 10/07/26 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-23-001187 ESTATE OF FRANK T. FUSCO, AKA FRANK TOM FUSCO, FRANK TOMMY FUSCO
Account Review Hearing (x2):
A Second PrC§12200 Status Report has been filed and set for hearing 07/08/26.
Recommend court drop one of the Account Review Hearings, appears to have been set by mistake.
Hearing of 07/08/26 will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000587 ESTATE OF ANNE LANGFORD, AKA ANNIE IRENE LANGFORD
Account Review Hearing:
Neither a supplemental accounting pursuant to Local Rule 8.68 nor a verified report, with proof of service attached, of the status of the retains has been filed.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-001028 ESTATE OF CYNTHIA L. TRUMAN, AKA CYNTHIA LEE TRUMAN
Hearing on PrC§12200 Status Report of Administration continued from 03/24/26:
Examiner notes counsel submitted an order after hearing. An order is not required for Status Reports.
•    Notice of Hearing file-marked 01/30/26 did not reflect that notice was given to one of the creditors that have filed a claim and for whom it does not appear that personal representative has filed Form DE-174 Allowance or Rejection of Creditor’s Claim [PrC§§12201(b), 48]; Specifically, City of Modesto.
Recommend continuance to 05/20/26 to coincide with previously set Account Review Hearing to allow time to perfect notice.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-001058 ESTATE OF SHONNIA KAY CERVANTES, AKA SHONNIA CERVANTES
Account Review Hearing:
Petition for Final Distribution has been filed and set for hearing on 06/04/26.
Hearing of 06/04/26 will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-001217 ESTATE OF TARAH ROTERMUND
Account Review Hearing:
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.
•    On 10/17/26, the court granted a petition for order confirming sale of real property, increased bond by $30,000.00 for total of $50,000.00, and ordered that net sale proceeds (less $50,000.00) must be deposited by escrow holder in a blocked account to be withdrawn only on court order, and that receipt showing deposit must be filed. Bond rider is on file; A receipt showing deposit into blocked account not on file.
Appearance by personal representative and counsel mandatory (by VCourt if preferred).

 
PR-25-000922 ESTATE OF SHIRLEY JEAN SHOEMAKER
Inventory Review Hearing:
Final Inventory and Appraisal is on file.
•    Inventory and Appraisal omits characterization of decedent’s property (community or separate property) [PrC§8850(c)]. This information will be needed prior to the closing of the estate.
Recommend Account Review Hearing 02/18/27 pursuant to Local Rule 8.82.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-001123 MATTER OF RAFAEL R. ARMENTA SR. FAMILY 2011 TRUST
Hearing on Petition for Order Determining Title to Assets and for Order Approving Modification of Irrevocable Trust continued from 02/18/26:
Prior Notes remain:
•    This petition seeks relief purs. to both PrC§§17200 and 850. PrC§851 requires certain information be given in the notice, and the Judicial Council adopted Form DE-115 as mandatory for that purpose. Petitioners have filed Form DE-120 Notice of Hearing, as was necessary purs. to PrC§17203, but Form DE-115 not on file.
•    Decedent’s will identified a child of decedent’s whose name and location were unknown to him at the time the will was drafted. A Declaration of Due Diligence reflecting petitioners’ efforts to locate and serve that interested person has not been filed. See California Rule of Court 7.52.
•    Notice of Hearing not on file for Kaarolt Armenta, the then-wife of decedent named in his will.
•    Please provide supporting documentation reflecting that the assets listed in paragraph 4 of the petition were held in the name of the Settlor at the time of death, in the percentages alleged in the petition. 
•    The petition and proposed Order must set forth in explicit language the language to be modified in the Trust. Reference to the settlement agreement is not sufficient.
•    It doesn’t appear that the decedent’s will was lodged with the clerk of this county. Was it lodged in a different court? If not, where is the original will?
•    Please file each of the Consents as a separate pleading not attached to any other document.
•    On 02/18/26 the court directed the petitioner to give notice of hearing purs. to PrC§851 to the corporation and LLC’s.

Recommend court allow an additional continuance as requested by petitioner’s counsel in the Declaration file-marked 05/14/26 (proof of service attached), and continue the matter to 09/09/26.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).
 

PR-25-001129 MATTER OF GEORGE W. MOORE TRUST
Hearing on Petition for an Order to Confirm Validity of Trust; Confirm Trustee; and Confirm Asset to Trust continued from 02/19/26:
Points and Authorities have been filed as the court directed, addressing the prior Note:
•    The facts presented in this matter are that the title of the real property at issue is currently held in the name of the Trustor and his late wife (Peggy Moore), as husband and wife. According to the petition, a (valid) court order determining that the trustor’s late wife’s interest in the real property passed to the trustor has not been located. It therefore appears premature for the court to approve this petition, when the trustee has not shown that they have a claim to the property interest belonging to the trustor’s late wife. [Petitioner has argued that the trustor believed he held title, but petitioner has shown that trustor did not hold title. See PrC§850(a)(3).]
Submitted to court for determination.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-000936 ESTATE OF SHARON LEE WYNNE 
Hearing on PrC §12200 Status Report:
• Notice of Hearing not yet on file (see PrC§12201).
      o    Examiner notes a proof of service was attached to the status report; however, notice of hearing not on file.
Recommend continuance to 07/31/26 to allow time to perfect notice.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000325 ESTATE OF SOCORRO GARZA, AKA SOCORRO G. GARZA
Hearing on First and Final Report on Waivers of Account and Petition for its Approval; Petition for Order of Final Distribution; and for Allowance of Payment of Statutory Fees; and Reimbursement of Costs Advanced:
In future matters, please ensure the pleading title is specific as to whether compensation is sought for the personal representative or counsel or both.
•    Prior Note remains, from the Inventory Review Hearing: Counsel and Executor’s signatures were in the wrong locations (on the Final Inventory and Appraisal). This must be addressed prior to the Petition for Final Distribution.
•    Notice of Hearing not on file.
•    Proposed Order not yet submitted.
Recommend continuance to 08/07/26 to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000954 ESTATE OF JOEY VICTOR DUARTE  
(1)    Hearing on Amended (file marked 10/20/25) Petition for Probate of Lost Will and for Letters Testamentary (filed by Yvonna Brindeiro) continued from 10/08/24, 02/13/25, 06/18/25, 10/21/25, 02/05/26, 05/14/26:
Objection filed – 03/26/26 (by Jeanne Duarte) Objection appears to be a will contest. Objector has not yet filed proof of service of Summons on all interested parties pursuant to PrC§8250, CCP§415.10 et seq.  Proof of service of summons is on file for petitioner.

•    Waivers of bond [Form DE-142/DE-111(A-3e)] not on file for all intestate heirs. 

(2)    Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration (filed by Jeanne Duarte)
Objection filed – 05/13/26 (by Yvonna Brindeiro)

Defects in the petition (Form DE-111):
•    Item 5b was left blank (existence of stepchild or foster child who would have been adopted but for a legal barrier).
•    Item 8 omitted the relationship to the decedent for the proposed administrator.

See California Rules of Court rules 7.3 and 7.53 regarding the types of pleadings that may be used to address these defects.

Defects in the Court’s file:
•    Letters, Form DE-150, not yet submitted.
•    Notice of Petition to Administer Estate, Form DE-121, omitted decedent’s middle name in caption boxes.
•    Affidavit of publication not yet on file.

Proposed administrator resides out of state. Please be prepared to inform the court if there are any known California creditors or liabilities of the estate.
Hearing required.
Appearances required (by VCourt if preferred).
 

PR-25-000172 ESTATE OF JAMES D. HOLBROOK
Hearing on First and Final Account and Report of Administrator and Petition for Its Settlement; Petition for Final Distribution; and Allowance of Compensation to Attorney and Administrator for Ordinary Services:
•    Itemization of costs of administration was omitted (see Local Rules 8.69, 8.83K).
Recommend continuance to 06/12/26 to allow time to cure defect.
Appearances 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 Compel Responses from Respondent, Dana Garth, to Special Interrogatories and for Monetary Sanctions Against Dana Garth for Misuse of the Discovery Process:
SEE TENTATIVE RULING, to be posted day prior to hearing at https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/online-services/tentative-rulings/…

PR-26-000336 ESTATE OF MARSHA CAMERON MCFALL
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration:
Recommend approval of petition.
Recommend Inventory Review Hearing 11/18/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.41B.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000356 HEILMAN FAMILY TRUST U/D/T MARCH 6, 1992
Hearing on Petition for (1) Removal of Trustee; (2) Suspension of Trustee Powers; (3) Invalidation of First Amendment; (4) Invalidation of Installment Land Contract; (5) Breach of Fiduciary Duty; (6) Surcharge; (7) Full Accounting; (8) Appointment of Successor Trustee; (9) Constructive Trust; (10) Attorney Fees and Costs (filed by John Heilman, Patrick R. Heilman, and Therese Gill):
Objection filed – 04/21/26 (by Theodore Heilman, successor trustee) 

The following defects must be addressed in the Petition:
•    Body of Petition omitted the names and mailing addresses of those entitled to notice (PrC§17201).
•    It appears necessary that the court set a bond pursuant to PrC§15602(a)(3); however, paragraph 5 of the petition did not allege the amount of bond that would be appropriate.
•    Copy of the Trust was not attached to the Petition.
In a cursory review of competing petition on calendar 06/16/26, examiner notes:
•    As this petition is filed pursuant to both Probate Code section 850 and section 17200, both forms DE-115, Notice of Hearing on Petition to Determine Claim to Property, and DE-120, Notice of Hearing-Decedent’s Estate or Trust, appear required. See PrC§851 and PrC§17203.
•    Notice filed 05/06/26 appears to omit one of the attorneys for petitioners.
Hearing required.
Appearances by counsel and counsel for objector required (by VCourt if preferred).
 

THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2026
Department 22
8:30 a.m.

439659 DAVID FLUENCE SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST
Account Review Hearing:
Eighth Account Current and Report of Trustee not on file.
Recommend court grant the Trustee’s request for continuance and continue the matter to 09/10/26.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred.)

PR-22-000148 ESTATE OF DONALD H. WAHL, AKA DONALD HUGH WAHL, DONALD H. WAHL, M.D.
Discharge Review Hearing continued from 04/04/24, 08/06/24, 11/19/24, 03/20/25, 07/09/25, 10/16/25, 01/22/26:
Some Receipts of distribution are on file.
See 01/01/25 revisions to Local Rules 8.68 and 8.92.
Recommend court set Account Review Hearing for 11/18/26 to allow time for filing of a formal accounting on retained funds.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-001292 ESTATE OF MARCIA LYNN BENSON
(1)    Order to Show Cause issued 02/26/26 to Cristina McGraff:
To appear and show cause for failure to appear and failure to file pleadings as directed.
Recommend court discharge Order to Show Cause pursuant to its order dated 02/26/26 as pleadings have been submitted.

(2)    Discharge Review Hearing continued from 12/18/25, 02/26/26:
See Local Rule 8.92. 
Form DE-295, Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge and Order, has been submitted but was returned for corrections.
Recommend continuance to 07/30/26 to allow more time to submit corrected forms.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-001317 ESTATE OF MARY LOU PACHECO
Discharge Review Hearing:
All receipts were filed more than five months ago.
Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge, Form DE-295, not yet submitted.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000030 ESTATE OF MARIA L. GUERRERO, AKA MARIA LUISA GUERRERO, AKA MARIA GUERRERO
Discharge Review Hearing continued from 02/26/26:
Receipts on Distribution are on file.
Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge, Form DE-295, not yet submitted.
Recommend continuance to 08/20/26 to allow time for above pleading to be submitted.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000107 ESTATE OF CRAIG LEE KEESLER
Discharge Review Hearing:
The personal representative is the sole distributee of this estate. Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge, Form DE-295, not yet submitted.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000165 ESTATE OF TONY J. FRANCO
Discharge Review Hearing:
Nothing filed in six months: neither any receipt of distribution nor accounting of $19,000.00 reserved funds. See Local Rules 8.68 and 8.92.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-001193 ESTATE OF JOSEPHINE RODRIGUEZ TORRES
Discharge Review Hearing:
The personal representative is the sole distributee of this estate. Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge, Form DE-295, not yet submitted.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-001300 ESTATE MARIA MADALENA VIEIRA, AKA MARIA MADALINA VIEIRA AND MARIA M. VIEIRA  
Account Review Hearing:
Petition for Final Distribution has been filed and set for hearing on 07/22/26.
Hearing of 07/22/26 will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000102 ESTATE OF ROBERT I. BRIDGERS, AKA ROBERT IRVING BRIDGERS, AKA BOB BRIDGERS
(1)    Account Review Hearing:
Recommend court drop this hearing.

(2)    Hearing on First and Final Report on Waiver of Account, Petition for Allowance of Administrator Fees, for Allowance of Compensation to Attorneys for Ordinary Services, for Reimbursement to Attorneys for Costs Advanced, for Reimbursement to Unsecured Creditor for Funeral Expenses, and for Final Distribution continued from 03/12/26:
Some defects cured by supplement. 
New note:
•    Supplemental Schedule of proposed distribution does not recite amounts of distribution for attorney’s fees, costs and heirs. 
•    Notice of Proposed Action must be filed as a separate pleading with affidavit of mailing attached, per Local Rules 8.83 N and 8.100.  NOPA is not on file.
See California Rules of Court rules 7.3 and 7.53 regarding the types of pleadings that may be used to address these defects.
Recommend continuance to 06/05/26 to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000485 MATTER OF ARMANDO VILLA BUELNA OBRA 93 TRUST
Hearing on Amended Petition (file-marked 03/13/26) for Substituted Judgment to Establish and Fund a Trust and Pour Over Will; to Set Trustee Bond; to Exonerate Conservator Bond; and to Permit Fees and Additional Investments continued from 09/11/25, 12/03/25, 03/25/26:
REVIEW IN PROGRESS. PLEASE CHECK BACK.

PR-23-000508 ESTATE OF JOSE JUAN SIMON
Account Review Hearing continued from 01/07/26:
Notice appears complete. 
Recommend court set a further Account Review Hearing 12/02/26.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000883 MATTER OF KENNETH J. OCKEY REVOCABLE TRUST
Hearing on Motion to Require Trustee/Petitioner to Give Bond:
SEE TENTATIVE RULING, to be posted day prior to hearing at https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/online-services/tentative-rulings/…

PR-25-000610 ESTATE OF CHARLES LOUIS FREITAS
Hearing on First and Final Account and Report of Executor and Petition for its Settlement, and Petition for Final Distribution, for Allowance of Compensation to Executor and Attorney for Ordinary Services:
• Itemization of costs of administration was omitted (see Local Rules 8.69, 8.83K).
• It appears personal representatives made reimbursements from estate funds in the amount totaling $7,123.94. Reimbursements for administrative expenses must be authorized by the court. Failure to obtain the court’s authority prior to reimbursing oneself may be grounds for surcharge. 
      o    The report did not include any documentation to support the estate expenses for which personal representative reimbursed herself without prior court authorization (invoices, copies of receipts from the hardware store, receipts or paid invoices from the utility company, etc.).
      o Paragraph 14 (reimbursement to personal representative) and Schedule C (Disbursements) do not appear to agree.  Paragraph 14 alleges personal representative reimbursed herself $7,123.94 ($7,133.94 minus $10.00); however, Schedule C only recites two entries for reimbursement to Cynthia Cheda totaling $1,956.25.  Please explain.
• Beneficiary of estate is a Trust; Written acceptance of Trust by Trustee not on file [PrC§10954(b)(4)].  Please note: Acceptance must be filed separately and not attached to any pleading.
See California Rules of Court rules 7.3 and 7.53 regarding the types of pleadings that may be used to address these defects.
Recommend continuance to 07/10/26 to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000764 ESTATE OF JAMES R. ABBEY, AKA JAMES ROBERT ABBEY
Hearing on First and Final Report of Executor on Waiver of Accounting and Petition for its Settlement, for Allowance of Compensation to Attorney for Ordinary Services and Costs, and for Final Distribution to Inter Vivos Trust:
Recommend approval of petition.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 11/19/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.92.
Recommend court vacate Account Review Hearing 11/12/26.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000338 ESTATE OF HOWARD HENRY LAUGHLIN, AKA HOWARD H. LAUGHLIN
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration:
Waivers of bond on file.
Recommend approval of petition.
Recommend Inventory Review Hearing 11/18/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.41B.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000343 ESTATE OF IAN PAUL LABANDERO MADULARA
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration:
• Petitioner has filed a Petition for Letters of Administration (which would be appropriate if the decedent died intestate) and checked box 3f (alleging the decedent died intestate), but petitioner also completed item 2a (requesting admission of the decedent’s will to probate) and item 3e (alleging the decedent’s will waived bond). Did the decedent leave a will or no? Recommend the court direct the petitioner to amend the petition pursuant to CRC rule 7.53 as this appears to be a fatal discrepancy.
      o    If the decedent did not leave a will, bond must be addressed. See PrC§8482 and Local Rule 8.33.
• The heading of the Petition, page 1, does not agree with item 2c. Is the petitioner seeking full or limited authority under the Independent Administration of Estates Act?
• Petition item 1 did not include the name of the newspaper where Petitioner intends to publish notice. See Probate Code section 8121 and the court’s website here: https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/divisions/probate/newspapers 
• Petition item 3d was left blank (character and estimated value of the property of the estate). Is petitioner either not aware of any property of the estate, unaware of its value, or does the petitioner believe this estate has no value? Please address. See California Rules of Court rules 7.3 and 7.53.
• Petition item 5a(3) or (4) incomplete (existence of registered domestic partner).
• Petition item 5a(7) or (8) incomplete (existence of issue of a predeceased child).
• Petition item 5b incomplete (existence of stepchild or foster child who would have been adopted but for a legal barrier).
• Petition item 8 must identify the relationships those listed had with the decedent. See item 8.
• Petition item 8 includes an heir with an incomplete address (the state only). Is the petitioner unaware of that heir’s current address? See CRC 7.52 and Local Rule 8.14 B.
• Form DE-147 Duties and Liabilities not on file.
• Form DE-121 Notice of Petition to Administer Estate not on file. See CRC 7.51(d) for notice on children and the person having custody of the children.
• Affidavit of publication not on file. See Local Rule 8.12.
• Forms DE-140 and DE-150, Proposed Order and Letters, not submitted.
Once defects are cured, the court may hold a hearing to determine if a Guardian ad litem will be required to represent the interests of the minor heirs. Please review Local Rule 8.07.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-000026 ESTATE OF STEHEN ENNIS HARKRADER
Discharge Review Hearing:
Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge and Order has been submitted and approved.
Hearing has been vacated.

FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2026
No decedent's estates, trust matters on calendar

MONDAY, MAY 25, 2026
Court Holiday

TUESDAY, MAY 26, 2026
No decedent's estates, trust matters on calendar

WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2026
No decedent's estates, trust matters on calendar

THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2026
No decedent's estates, trust matters on calendar

FRIDAY MAY 29, 2026
No decedent's estates, trust matters on calendar