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/Remotely 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.

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.

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 TARAH ROTERMUND
Account Review Hearing continued from 05/20/26, 06/25/26, 07/31/26:
A PrC§12200 Status Report has been filed, seven months after required by statute and thirty days after the deadline set by the court, and set for hearing on 01/05/27.
Hearing of 01/05/27 will be confirmed.
Appearance not 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:
•    Notice of Hearing file-marked 10/27/26:
      o    Reflects recipients were give notice that the hearing would be held in another venue (Bakersfield).
      o    Reflects notice was mailed to the Respondent/Trustee by mail rather than in person. See PrC§851 and Chapter 4 of Title 5 of Part 2 of the Code of Civil Procedure.

Appearance by counsel mandatory (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:
•    Lineal Chart omitted the grandchild who was recited in the Petition.
•    Certification of Trust attached to the Petition reflects that O.G. Mayo and Robin A. Lopez are current trustees of the trust, yet petitioner has petitioned to be named successor trustee. Please explain. Was the trusteeship terminated?
•    The petition does not include trust terms (death, incapacity, resignation, removal…etc) and any other terms that can be provided.
•    Please provide legal descriptions of all real property assets in the body of the petition rather than reference to an attached grant deed.
•    Please further clarify if the Will was admitted to probate.  
•    It appears necessary that the court set a bond pursuant to PrC§15602(a)(3), however petition did not request a bond nor did it allege the amount of bond that would be appropriate.
Appearance by petitioner (self-represented) required (by VCourt if preferred).
 

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.
Response to Objection filed – 10/23/26, by petitioner, Heather Chung.
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.
Petitioner, in her reply to the objection, requests the court overrule the objection and find the objector not competent to serve; in the alternative, Petitioner requests the court set a deadline of fifteen (15) days 
Recommend continuance to 03/11/27 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).

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2026

Department 22
8:30 a.m.

PR-24-001088 ESTATE OF JOHN C. TOWNER, AKA JOHN CLIFFORD TOWER, AKA JOHN C. TOWNER, JR. AKA JACK TOWNER, AKA JAMES TOWNER
Inventory Review Hearing continued from 05/14/25, reset by stipulation file-marked 08/28/25 and reset on the court’s own motion from 09/17/26:
Final Inventory and Appraisal is on file. 
A PrC §12200 Status Report of Administration has been filed and set for hearing 12/01/26.
Hearing of 12/01/26 will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).
 

PR-24-001338 ESTATE OF JOHN H. RIEN
Hearing on First and Final Report and Account of Executor and Petition for its Approval; Petition for Payment of Executor’s Statutory Commission and for Payment of Attorney’s Statutory Commission and Costs for Ordinary Services; Petition to Retain a Reserve for Payment of Taxes and Closing Expenses of the Estate; and Petition for Final Distribution continued from 10/08/26:
Prior defects cured. New note:
•    Notice of Hearing (file marked 10/14/26) with notice to all three claimants omitted the date mailed in item 4a, Page 2.  If Notice of withdrawal/Satisfactions of Claims are filed, notice to those creditors will not be required.
Recommend continuance to 12/11/26 to allow time to perfect notice.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000004 ESTATE OF MAYRA EDITH PENA, AKA MAYRA PENA
Inventory Review Hearing continued from 08/19/26:
Letters Issued 03/03/26. Inventory and Appraisal due 07/03/26.
Inventory and Appraisal not on file at time of review.
Recommend court compel Personal Representative to file the Final Inventory and Appraisal pursuant to Probate Code § 8804 or face possible sanctions including removal from office.
Appearance by Personal Representative and personal representative’s counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000566 ESTATE OF MARK HARRY SCRIVEN
Account Review Hearing:
Correct Inventory and Appraisal is on file.
Petition for Final Distribution has been filed and set for hearing 12/10/26.
Hearing of 12/10/26 will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).
 

PR-25-000904 ESTATE OF RICKEY L. FORD, AKA RICKY LEE FORD
(1)    Hearing on Order to Show Cause issued 09/02/26 to Anca N. Abbas, Esq.:
To appear and show cause for failing to appear at the 09/02/26 hearing.
Declaration of Attorney Anca N. Abbas (file marked 09/03/26) in Response to Order to Show Cause for Failure to Appear submitted to Judge for determination.

(2)    Hearing on Petition to Determine Succession to Primary Residence (filed by Adrian Criner) continued from 09/25/25, 01/28/26, 05/13/26, 09/02/26:
Notes have been cured. No defects in Petition.
Objection filed – 11/25/25 (by Jordan Alexander Ford). 
    Amended Objection filed – 07/22/26 (by Jordan Alexander Ford).
    Second Amended Objection filed – 10/05/26 (by Jordan Alexander Ford).  Proof of service not on file for the petitioner. Service on petitioner’s attorney is required, but service on the petitioner , Adrian Criner, is also required. See California Rules of Court rule 7.51(b) and Probate Code section 1214.

Contest and Grounds of Objection of Purported Will filed – 04/16/26 (by Jordan Alexander Ford).
Answer to Contest of Purported Will and Grounds of Objection filed – 05/26/26 (by Adrian Criner). 
    First Amended Answer to Contest of Purported Will and Ground of Objection filed – 07/21/26 (by Adrian Criner). 
On 01/28/26 court directed Objector to do the following or objection may be stricken:
1.    Augment the Objection. File and serve supplemental pleading setting forth facts that serve the basis of his opposition.  Second Amended Objection on file.
2.    Pay filing fees.  Filing fees have been paid.
3.    Perfect notice – Proof of Service of Summons on all interested parties by next hearing date. If not properly served and filed, the objection will be stricken. No further continuance will be provided.  
o    Proof of service of Summons is on file on interested party Adrian Criner and Christopher Gregory pursuant to PrC§8250, CCP§415.10 et seq. but summons was not yet served on remaining interested party (Crisean Gregory) at the time of review. 
o    Declaration of counsel for Objector re Service of Summons (file marked 08/31/26) submitted to Judge for Determination.
Request for Admission of March 20, 2025 Will filed – 08/28/26 (by Adrian Criner)
Hearing required.
A summary petition appears to be the improper vehicle to challenge a Will. Recommend the court direct parties to file points and authorities to support contesting the Will in this matter.
Appearance by Petitioner’s counsel and Objector’s counsel required (Anyone appearing may do so in person, or remotely, by telephone, using VCourt).

PR-26-000250 ESTATE OF TRISTAN MIIN-SHI ZENG
Inventory Review Hearing:
Final Inventory and Appraisal is on file.
Recommend Account Review Hearing 06/30/27 pursuant to Local Rule 8.82.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000660 ESTATE OF FERNANDA CABRERA
1.    Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration (filed by Laureen Cabrera Aguayo and Olga Cabrera Johnson) continued from 07/29/26:
Requested bond of $220,000.00 appears adequate based on estimated value of estate alleged in the petition.

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.
    Need new order.

2.    Hearing on Competing Petition for Letters of Administration (filed by Frank Cabrera) continued from 09/22/26:
Requested bond of $250,000.00 appears adequate based on estimated value of estate alleged in the petition.

Response and Objection filed – 09/11/26 (by Laureen Cabrera Aguayo and Olga Cabrera Johnson).
Reply filed by Frank Cabrera – 09/18/26. 
Hearing required.
Appearances required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000124 ESTATE OF JANET A. HEILBRONN, AKA JANET ADELE HEILBRONN
Hearing on Petition for Final Distribution, Final Report of Administration, Settlement of Estate, Allowance of Attorneys Fees, and Costs, Waiver of Account:
Recommend approval of petition as supplemented.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 04/29/27 pursuant to Local Rule 8.92.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000260 ESTATE OF NORMA LOU JENSON, AKA NORMA LOU JENSEN, NORMA LOU PERRYMAN, NORMA L. JENSON
Hearing on Petition for Final Distribution of Estate; First and Final Account and Report of Administrator with Will Annexed; for Allowance of Attorney and Administrator with Will Annexed’s Statutory and Extraordinary Fees and Costs; for Unblocking Estate Account; for Reimbursement of Personal Monies Advanced:
The Court has reviewed and will approve the Petition.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 04/29/27 pursuant to Local Rule 8.92.
Recommend court vacate Inventory Review Hearing of 11/10/26.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000951 MATTER OF DARRYL TORRE AND ODETTE TORRE REVOCABLE TRUST
Hearing on Petition for Modification of Trust Due to Changed Circumstances:
Recommend approval of the petition.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-001021 ESTATE OF JUNE ESTHER GALAS, AKA JUNE E. GALAS
Hearing on Petition for Probate of Will and for Letters Testamentary:
Recommend approval of petition, and admission of will to probate.
Recommend Inventory Review Hearing 04/28/27 pursuant to Local Rule 8.41 B.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-001026 ESTATE OF FRANCES ELIZABETH HYATT, AKA FRANCES ELIZABETH PEELER
Hearing on Petition for Probate of Will and for Letters Testamentary:
•    Need new Letters: Oath was dated prior to verification on petition (PrC§8403).
Recommend approval of petition and admission of Will to probate.
Recommend Inventory Review Hearing 04/28/27 pursuant to Local Rule 8.41 B.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).
 

PR-26-001041 ESTATE OF NANCY M. HANELINE, AKA NANCY M. COFFEY
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration:
Recommend approval of petition.
•    Form DE-150, Proposed Letters, not submitted.
Recommend Inventory Review Hearing 05/04/27 pursuant to Local Rule 8.41 B.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2026

Department 22
8:30 a.m.

445167 MATTER OF RAYMOND GERALD COCHRAN LIVING TRUST DATED 06/27/07; INCLUDING THE SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST FOR TERRI LYNN COCHRAN
Hearing on Sixth Annual Account and Petition for Allowance of Attorney’s Fees, for Reimbursement of Costs Advanced by Attorney continued from 02/03/26, 06/11/26, 08/07/26:
•    Supplement identifying Dale Schoeman and explaining tithing in the context of McGee v. State Dep't of Health Care Services (2023) 91 Cal.App.5th 1161, 1174–1176, not on file.
    o    Instead, the Trustee filed a Supplement on 10/21/26 that included a highly detailed breakdown of reimbursements.
As the Supplement file-marked 10/21/26 went beyond what was requested, recommend court approve the Account and Petition as supplemented.
In future accountings, please identify who Dale Schoeman and Debra Henry are, and please include a specific statement under penalty of perjury establishing that the distributions did not reduce or eliminate the beneficiary’s eligibility for public benefits, or, in the alternative, if the distributions would or did reduce/eliminate the beneficiary’s eligibility, that the distributions were in the beneficiary's best interest and Trustee acted in good faith. [McGee v. State Dep't of Health Care Services (2023) 91 Cal.App.5th 1161, 1174–1176.]
Recommend court set Account Review Hearing 03/16/2028.

Appearances not required (by VCourt if preferred).
 

PR-25-000212 ESTATE OF TAMMY SUE CICCONE
Hearing on PrC§12200 Status Report of Administration continued from 09/29/26:
Notice appears complete. 
Recommend court set a further Account Review Hearing 05/12/27.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-001178 ESTATE OF ARCHIE LANE, AKA ARCHIE C. LANE
Hearing on First and Final Account and Report of Administrator with Will Annexed and Petition for Settlement Thereof; for Allowance of Statutory Compensation; for Reimbursement of Costs; for Allowance of Compensation to Attorneys for Extraordinary Services; for Retaining a Reserve; for Entitlement of Distribution; and for Final Distribution continued from 09/29/26:
Prior defects cured. 
The Court denies the request for additional statutory compensation 
The Court will approve extraordinary fees subject to removal of the $35.00 fee for the administrative assistant’s work and a reduction of paralegal rate to $165 per hour for paralegal work performed.
•    Need new order.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 04/29/27.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).
 

PR-26-000068 ESTATE OF FRANKLIN ORVIS CRAMER
Hearing on Petition for Final Distribution, Final Report of Administration; Settlement of Estate, Allowance of Attorney’s Fees, Waiver of Account continued from 10/14/26:
Prior defects cured.
Recommend approval of petition as supplemented.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 04/29/27 pursuant to Local Rule 8.92.
•    Need new order. Proposed order submitted 08/31/26 reflects distribution amount that does not agree with supplement.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000073 MATTER OF DONALD AND MARY ANN MCBRIDE LIVING TRUST, AKA TRUST OF MARY ANN MCBRIDE   
Hearing on Motion to Compel Further Responses to Petitioner’s First Set of Requests for Production of Documents continued from 08/25/26, 08/26/26, 10/08/26:
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 Compel Further Responses to Petitioner’s First Set of Special Interrogatories continued from 08/26/26, 10/08/26:
SEE TENTATIVE RULING, to be posted day prior to hearing at https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/online-services/tentative-rulings/…

PR-26-000206 DON MURRISON 2005 FAMILY TRUST
Hearing on Verified Petition to (1) Remove Trustee; (2) Compel Accounting; and 3) Appoint Successor Trustee continued from 05/05/26, 08/13/26:
Prior defects cured.
If no one appears to object, recommend approval of petition as supplemented.
•    Need new order. Proposed order submitted 02/26/26:
    o    Orders must include a clause that the Court finds notice was properly given as required by law.  Finding regarding notice was omitted [see PrC§1260].
    o    Paragraph 6 (costs and fees) is incomplete.  Petitioner has not submitted a petition/motion for attorney’s fees.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 02, 2026
Department 22 
There are no decedent's estates or trusts on calendar

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 03, 2026

Department 21
8:30 a.m.

PR-26-000957 MATTER OF THE JAMES N. HAYDN-MYER AND JANET A. HAYDN-MYER 2016 TRUST
Hearing on Petition for Instructions Regarding Internal Affairs of Trust; Breaches of Trust; Determination and Recovery of Trust Property; Accounting and Surcharge; Removal of Trustee; and Other Relief:
Notice of Hearing appears incomplete:
[As the Form POS-015, Notice of Acknowledgment and Receipt, signed by counsel for Respondent Janet H.’s and file-marked 10/09/26, acknowledges receipt of the petition, NOH, and an Amended NOH, notice appears complete on that Respondent but not any other person entitled to notice.]
•    Proof of notice appears defective or incomplete on interested person Nicole H.
    o    Form DE-115, Notice of Hearing on Petition to Determine Claim to Property, file-marked 09/11/26, reflects that notice was mailed to interested person Nicole H. at an address that does not correspond to the information alleged in the petition; the address where she was mailed notice corresponds to the information alleged in the petition as to Madison H. 
•    Form DE-115, Notice of Hearing on Petition to Determine Claim to Property, does not appear adequate / complete. 
    o    Item 4 on page 1 of Form DE-115, referenced above, was not checked; petitioner has therefore not given notice of hearing to all parties of his request for PrC§859 damages. 
    o    Notice of hearing must state the complete title of the pleading (CRC rule 7.50). 
•    A Form DE-120, Notice of Hearing – Decedent’s Estate or Trust, would include the entire title of the pleading and would therefore appear to satisfy PrC§17203 as to notice of hearing for all causes of action save for the PrC§§850 and 859 requests. Both Forms DE-115 and DE-120 therefore appear required in order to satisfy PrC§§17203, 851, 859, and CRC rule 7.50. 
Recommend continuance to 03/02/27 to allow time to perfect notice.
Appearance not required (remotely, if preferred).

Department 23
8:30 a.m.

PR-26-000740 ESTATE OF DEREK ANTONIO, AKA DEREK MARTINS
1.    Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration continued from 08/05/26, 09/16/26:
Requested bond of $345,000.00 appears adequate based on estimated value of estate alleged in the petition.
Prior defects cured.
On 09/16/26, the Court directed petitioner to either supplement or amend probate petition purs. to CRC rules 7.3 and 7.53 to allege (with verified signature) the names and addresses of the person(s) having legal custody of the minor heirs. Verified Supplement is on file and notice to the persons having legal custody of minor heirs has been perfected.
Recommend approval of Petition as supplemented.
Recommend Inventory Review Hearing 05/04/27 pursuant to Local Rule 8.41B.

2.    Hearing on Petition for Appointment of Guardian ad Litem (Catherine Antonio):
Notice appears complete.
Recommend approval of Petition.

3.    Hearing on Petition for Appointment of Guardian ad Litem (Benjamin Antonio):
Notice appears complete.
Recommend approval of Petition.

4.    Hearing on Petition for Appointment of Guardian ad Litem (Cameron Antonio):
Notice appears complete.
Recommend approval of Petition.

Appearance not required (remotely if preferred).
 

PR-26-000759 ESTATE OF GURBAKSH KAUR UPPAL
1.    Hearing on Amended Petition (file-marked 07/21/26) for Probate of Will and for Letters Testamentary (filed by Kashmir Uppal) continued from 08/13/26, 09/15/26:
•    Prior Note remains: Petition Attachment 8 did not allege whether the living heirs/beneficiaries are adults or children.
    o    None of the Declarations filed 08/12/26 cured this final remaining Note. In the petition Attachment 8, petitioner identified children, grandchildren, and/or beneficiaries named in the will, but did not include an allegation whether they are adults or children: Kashmir, Amarjit, Manjit, Pardip, Anthony, Admonick, Raja.
•    Forms DE-140 and DE-150, Proposed Order and Letters, not submitted.

2.    Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration (filed by Amarjit Uppal) continued from 09/15/26:
(Not a defect precluding consideration of this petition): Multiple attachments attached to the petition reflect that petitioner Amarjit Uppal would consent to act as an executor if the court determines that the will at issue in the Petition filed by Kashmir Uppal were valid. (If the filer at any point in the future wishes to be appointed as executor of a will, an amended petition would appear required purs. to CRC rule 7.3.)

Possible long-cause matter.
Appearance by petitioner K. Uppal (self-represented) and counsel for competing petitioner (A. Uppal) required. Anyone appearing at this hearing may do so either in person or remotely, by telephone.

Department 22
8:30 a.m.

2201024 ESTATE OF KEVIN D. SILVA 
(1) Review Hearing continued from 07/08/26:
This hearing was set at the 09/17/25 Status Conference for review of ongoing negotiations and continued from 01/14/26 and reset from 07/01/26.
On 01/14/26, the Court directed Answer to be filed within 120 days and Reply due 30 days once Answer is filed. Neither Answer nor Reply is on file.
On 07/08/26, parties were directed to submit either joint or separate status report 15 days’ prior to today’s hearing regarding meet and confer efforts and what the issues are in this matter.  Nothing on file.
Need status of meet and confer.

(2) Hearing on Third PrC §12200 Status Report continued from 03/12/26, 07/08/26:
On 07/08/26, the court ordered Mr. Echols to file a Declaration of his client’s income and expenses of the estate within the next 60 days.  Nothing on file.
Defects not cured. Prior notes remain:
•    The Report did not specify the time needed for the estate to be closed. See PrC§12201(a).
See California Rules of Court rules 7.3 and 7.53 regarding the types of pleadings that may be used to address these defects.

Appearance by personal representative and both personal representative’s counsel and claimant’s counsel required (remotely if preferred).

PR-24-000250 ESTATE OF DALE NELSON ROBERTSON
Order to Show Cause issued 07/15/26 to Administrator, Kimberley Ann Yates: 
Kimberley Ann Yates has been ordered to appear on 11/3/2026 and bring proof or supporting evidence of what investigation she has conducted to determine the source and extent of the fraudulent transfers from the bank. Failure to appear on 11/3/2026 may result in a possible surcharge.  
Response to Order to Show Cause (file marked 10/21/26) submitted to the Judge for determination.
Background notes for reference only:
In her supplement, the Personal Representative alleged that the decedent’s bank account was compromised and funds were withdrawn before appointment.  Examiner notes Letters were issued 04/18/24 and the report identifies forty-three (43) fraudulent transfers after that date.
On 03/13/26, the court directed personal representative to file a police report regarding fraud.  Declaration re efforts to be filed 10 days prior to hearing. Declaration by Kimberley Yates regarding Police Report (file marked 05/26/26) was submitted to Judge for determination at prior hearing.
Appearance by administrator and administrator’s counsel required (remotely if preferred).

PR-24-000283 ESTATE OF LEO GENE JONES, AKA LEO JONES
Inventory Review Hearing:
Final Inventory and Appraisal on file. 
Recommend Account Review Hearing 08/24/27 pursuant to Local Rule 8.82.
Appearance not required (remotely if preferred).

PR-24-001160 ESTATE OF VIEVA LAVERNE THORNTON
1.    Account Review Hearing continued from 07/09/26:
Recommend the court drop this hearing.

2.    Hearing on First and Final Report of Administrator and Petition for Final Distribution on allowance of Statutory Compensation to Administrator, Waivers of Accounting and Reimbursements:
Recommend approval of petition.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 05/27/27 pursuant to Local Rule 8.92.
Appearance not required (remotely, if preferred).

PR-26-000247 ESTATE OF MARCIA IRENE SABASTIA, AKA MARCIA I. SABASTIA, MARCIA SABASTIA
Inventory Review Hearing:
Final Inventory and Appraisal is on file. 
Recommend Account Review Hearing 07/01/27 pursuant to Local Rule 8.82.
Appearance not required (remotely if preferred).

PR-26-000249 ESTATE OF JAMES CLIFFORD JONES
Inventory Review Hearing:
Final Inventory and Appraisal is on file. 
Recommend Account Review Hearing 07/01/27 pursuant to Local Rule 8.82.
Appearance not required (remotely if preferred).

PR-26-000258 ESTATE OF INEZ BOSS, AKA INEZ SHARON BOSS, AKA INEZ S. BOSS
Inventory Review Hearing:
Letters issued 05/11/26. Inventory and Appraisal due 09/11/26.
•    Final Inventory and Appraisal is on file; however, it was signed by the personal representative on 03/02/26, prior to the date Letters were issued. The appointment had not yet taken effect and the personal representative had no authority to marshal the assets or act in this estate. (See PrC §§ 8400, 8403 and 8800).
o    Either a Second Corrected Final I&A or an Amended Corrected Final I&A, with a new signature from the Probate Referee and personal representative, appears required.
Petition for Final Distribution has been filed and set for hearing 11/18/26.
Recommend continuance to 11/18/26 to coincide with that hearing.
Appearance not required (remotely if preferred).

PR-26-000897 ESTATE OF KENNETH DAVID EBERWEIN
Hearing on Spousal Property Petition continued from 09/29/26:
Nothing filed since previous hearing. Prior Notes remain:
•    Did the petitioner record the 2002 Spousal Property Order in case 318908? If so, please file a copy of the recorded deed attached to a verified pleading. See CRC rules 7.3 and 7.53. Please also attach a copy of the prior recorded deed showing chain of title back to the time the petitioner and her late spouse acquired title.
Appearance by petitioner’s counsel required (remotely if preferred).

PR-22-001282 ESTATE OF HARRY P. BELLETTO
Hearing on Fourth PrC §12200 Status Report of Administration:  
•    Notice of Hearing (file marked 10/28/26) omitted service to: James McKay.
Recommend court order personal representative to perfect notice pursuant to PrC§12201 before the next hearing or surcharge may be imposed.
Recommend continuance to 01/22/27 to allow time for notice.
Appearance not required (remotely if preferred).
 

PR-24-001364 ESTATE OF SIERRA SUNSHINE MORGAN
Hearing on First and Final Account and Report of Administrator and Petition for Final Distribution; for Allowance of Compensation to Administrator; for Allowance of Compensation to Attorney for Ordinary Services and for Final Distribution:
In future matters, please be sure to include “Reimbursement” sought in the caption and notice of this type of pleading [see Probate Code § 10830, California Rule of Court 7.102, Local Rule 8.83L].
Recommend approval of petition.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 05/25/27 pursuant to Local Rule 8.92.
Appearance not required (remotely, if preferred).
 

PR-25-000173 ESTATE OF TONY WILLIAMS
Hearing on Motion to be Relieved as Counsel:
SEE TENTATIVE RULINGS, to be posted day prior to hearing at https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/online-services/tentative-rulings/…

PR-26-001042 ESTATE OF PATRICIA A. LEDOUX
Hearing on Petition for Probate of Will and for Letters Testamentary
Will is self-proving.
•    Form DE-150, Letters, not submitted at time of review.
Recommend approval of petition and admission of Will to probate.
Recommend Inventory Review Hearing 04/28/27 pursuant to Local Rule 8.41 B.
Appearance not required (remotely if preferred).
 

PR-26-001045 ESTATE OF JOVIELYN FLORES ALBINO
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration:
•    Form DE-150, Proposed Letters, not yet submitted.
Submit to court for determination: two heirs are minors. Guardian ad litem appears required purs. to Local Rule 8.07.
Appearance by counsel required (remotely if preferred).

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 04, 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 Corinne Nepote):
•    Petition item 8:
o    Omitted date of death for decedent’s deceased child.
o    Omitted relationships for those listed but for the petitioner herself.
o    Provides a different last name for the petitioner than was provided in the pleading.
•    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.
o    Proposed Order, Form DE-140, submitted 10/15/26, sets bond in the higher amount.
o    Bond in the overly-high amount is already on file for this proposed administrator.
•    Affidavit of publication not on file. See Local Rule 8.12.
•    Need new Form DE-150, Proposed Letters: administrator’s name omitted from left-hand column from the form submitted 10/15/26.

Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration (filed by Loree McGowen) continued from 10/27/26:
•    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 03/11/27 to allow time for defects to be cured.
Appearance not required (remotely if preferred).

Department 22
8:30 a.m.

PR-22-000750 ESTATE OF WENDY D. MAYHUE, AKA WENDY DANELLE MAYHUE, WENDY DONELL MAYHUE
(1)    Account Review Hearing continued from 09/30/26:
•    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 03/16/27 to allow time for filing of above pleadings. 

(2)    Hearing on Petition to Compel Account PrC §10950 (filed by Stuart Jones) continued from 09/30/26:
Prior defect cured. Notice appears complete.
Request for Judicial Notice (file-marked 08/26/26) submitted to court for determination.
If no one appears to object, recommend approval of petition.
Appearance not required (remotely if preferred).

PR-23-000308 ESTATE OF GEORGE DOUGLAS BIXLER, SR.
(1)    Report of Sale and Petition for Order Confirming Sale of Real Property at 4944 Mary Harrison Mine Road, Coulterville CA (APN: 003-230-015000) continued from 10/20/26:
On 10/20/26, the Court allowed a supplement to be filed in lieu of an Amended Petition to cure the prior defects.  Supplement to Report of Sale and Petition for Order Confirming Sale is on file.  Prior defects cured.

(2)    Report of Sale and Petition for Order Confirming Sale of Real Property at 4813 Crown Lee Road, Coulterville, CA (APN: 003-240-009000) continued from 10/20/26:
On 10/20/26, the Court allowed a supplement to be filed in lieu of an Amended Petition to cure the prior defects.  Supplement to Report of Sale and Petition for Order Confirming Sale is on file.  Prior defects cured.

(3)    Report of Sale and Petition for Order Confirming Sale of Real Property at 4901 Crown Lee Road, Coulterville, CA (APN: 003-240-012000) continued from 10/20/26:
On 10/20/26, the Court allowed a supplement to be filed in lieu of an Amended Petition to cure the prior defects.  Supplement to Report of Sale and Petition for Order Confirming Sale is on file.  Prior defects cured.

(4)    Report of Sale and Petition for Order Confirming Sale of Real Property at Vacant Lot in Coulterville, CA (APN: 003-250-020000) continued from 10/20/26:
On 10/20/26, the Court allowed a supplement to be filed in lieu of an Amended Petition to cure the prior defects.  Supplement to Report of Sale and Petition for Order Confirming Sale is on file.  Prior defects cured.

Appearance by counsel mandatory (in-person only, CRC rule 7.452).

PR-23-000753 ESTATE OF BETTY JEAN WHITTLES
Hearing on Amended Petition (file-marked 10/26/26) for Final Distribution and Discharge of Administrator continued from 06/11/26, 06/16/26, 09/30/26:
•    New Notice of Hearing, Form DE-120, required as the administrator amended the petition; not on file.
•    To educate the administrator, paragraph 15 of the report appears incorrect – the deaths of the heirs does not cancel out the fact that they were and remain heirs of this estate: based on the identification of the intestate heirs, the three heirs of this estate are Deborah Costa, and the estates of Richard Whittles (PR-23-000754) and Thomas Whittles (PR-23-000755). 
o    No notarized Assignment of Interest is on file from heir Deborah Costa as to her interest in THIS estate, as was alleged in the amended petition.
•    On 09/30/26, the court directed the personal representative to also file a copy of the most recent recorded deed showing how current title to the real property (the sole asset) was held. The administrator has not done that, instead the amended pleading reflects petitioner’s position has changed, and administrator alleges instead that the real property was held by decedent and others as “tenants in comment” rather than as “joint tenants”; other than that, the administrator’s position appears fundamentally the same: requesting that the court skip distributions to the estates of this decedent’s surviving but later deceased heirs, and, pursuant to an Assignment of Interest filed in a related case, order distribution of the entire estate to the administrator himself.
•    Since the administrator’s position has changed as to how title was held, and he now alleges there is property subject to estate administration (the real property), it is premature for him to seek a court order for discharge of Letters and termination of administration.
o    The pleading must include the following, which were omitted from the present petition:
    All statements required by Probate Code section 1064(a).
    All allegations required by Local Rules 8.69 and 8.83; please note that even if the administrator is not seeking reimbursement, he must provide a list of all administrative costs (including filing fees, publication costs, Probate Referee’s fees, etc.).
Recommend court again order the administrator to file a verified Supplement with a copy of the most recent recorded deed showing how current title to the real property was held.
Recommend court order the administrator to file a verified Supplement including a schedule of creditor claims; see Creditor’s Claim file-marked 09/05/23. Paragraph 25 reflects “No creditor claims are pending” – that allegation is not adequate. Please download or view the California Rules of Court and review rule 7.403
Recommend court instruct the administrator that an Assignment of Interest signed by his mother as to her interest in a different case cannot apply to this estate, and if he wishes the court to approve distribution purs. to an Assignment of Interest, the notarized Assignment must be specific as to this estate and filed in this case.
Recommend court set deadline for administrator to comply with the court’s orders, or the court may impose surcharge; failure to abide by the court’s orders may result in surcharge, removal from office, and appointment of a successor personal representative.
Appearance by administrator (self-represented) mandatory (remotely, if preferred).

PR-23-000754 ESTATE OF RICHARD ALLEN WHITTLES
Hearing on Amended Petition (file-marked 10/26/26) for Final Distribution and Discharge of Administrator continued from 06/16/26, 09/30/26: 
•    New Notice of Hearing, Form DE-120, required as the administrator amended the petition; not on file.
•    To educate the administrator, paragraph 15 of the report appears incorrect – the death of the heir does not cancel out the fact that he was and remains an heir of this estate: based on the identification of the intestate heirs, the two heirs of this estate are Deborah Costa, and the estate of Thomas Whittles (PR-23-000755). 
o    No notarized Assignment of Interest is on file from heir Deborah Costa as to her interest in THIS estate, as was alleged in the amended petition.
•    On 09/30/26, the court directed the personal representative to also file a copy of the most recent recorded deed showing how current title to the real property (the sole asset) was held. The administrator has not done that, instead the amended pleading reflects petitioner’s position has changed, and administrator alleges instead that the real property was held by decedent and others as “tenants in comment” rather than as “joint tenants”; other than that, the administrator’s position appears fundamentally the same: requesting that the court skip distributions to the estates of this decedent’s surviving but later deceased heirs, and, pursuant to an Assignment of Interest filed in a related case, order distribution of the entire estate to the administrator himself.
•    Since the administrator’s position has changed as to how title was held, and he now alleges there is property subject to estate administration (the real property), it is premature for him to seek a court order for discharge of Letters and termination of administration.
o    The pleading must include the following, which were omitted from the present petition:
    All statements required by Probate Code section 1064(a).
    All allegations required by Local Rules 8.69 and 8.83; please note that even if the administrator is not seeking reimbursement, he must provide a list of all administrative costs (including filing fees, publication costs, Probate Referee’s fees, etc.).
Recommend court again order the administrator to file a verified Supplement with a copy of the most recent recorded deed showing how current title to the real property was held.
Recommend court instruct the administrator that an Assignment of Interest signed by his mother as to her interest in a different case cannot apply to this estate, and if he wishes the court to approve distribution purs. to an Assignment of Interest, the notarized Assignment must be specific as to this estate and filed in this case.
Recommend court set deadline for administrator to comply with the court’s orders, or the court may impose surcharge; failure to abide by the court’s orders may result in surcharge, removal from office, and appointment of a successor personal representative.
Appearance by administrator (self-represented) mandatory (remotely, if preferred).

PR-23-000755 ESTATE OF THOMAS RAY WHITTLES
Hearing on Amended Petition (file-marked 10/26/26) for Final Distribution and Discharge of Administrator continued from 06/16/26, 09/30/26:
•    New Notice of Hearing, Form DE-120, required as the administrator amended the petition; not on file.
•    Paragraph 8 reflects the administrator’s allegation that title to the property was “at all times relevant” held by only two people as tenants in common, a statement that does not agree with allegations in the two related cases on calendar.
•    The pleading must include the following, which were omitted from the present petition:
o    All statements required by Probate Code section 1064(a).
o    All allegations required by Local Rules 8.69 and 8.83; please note that even if the administrator is not seeking reimbursement, he must provide a list of all administrative costs (including filing fees, publication costs, Probate Referee’s fees, etc.).
Recommend court set deadline for administrator to comply with the court’s orders, or the court may impose surcharge; failure to abide by the court’s orders may result in surcharge, removal from office, and appointment of a successor personal representative.
Appearance by administrator (self-represented) mandatory (remotely, if preferred).

PR-23-001293 ESTATE OF FRANK LANCE COHEN
Hearing on Amended / [sic] Objection to Petitioner’s Inventory and Appraisal and “Proposed Final/ Corrected Inventory and Appraisal of the Estate of Frank L. Cohen (file-marked 10/16/26) continued from 10/14/26:
•    Form DE-120, Notice of Hearing, file-marked 10/16/26, reflects that notice was defective: untimely; the form reflects that a copy of the Amended Objection was served on 10/11/26, when the document was not filed until 10/16/26. 
•    Subject to court’s determination once notice is perfected: a PrC§8906 Objection does not appear to be the appropriate mechanism to present this argument/position to the court.
o    PrC§8906 is the statutory process by which one objects to the appraisal, that is to say, the valuation, of an asset or assets. Objector specifically opposes not the appraisal value of any asset, but the inclusion of a particular asset in the inventory of this estate, e.g. the scheduling of assets, arguing that the asset belongs not to this estate but rather to a Trust. Please see Probate Code section 850 (determining title to property claimed to belong to decedent or another person).
•    On 10/16/26, the objector filed two identical amended objections, the first at 3:38 p.m. and the second at 4:21 p.m.; recommend court strike the second amended Objection file-marked at 4:21 p.m. for being a duplicate.
Recommend continuance to 03/11/27 to allow time for perfection of notice.
Appearance not required (remotely, if preferred).

PR-23-001294 ESTATE OF MARY ELLA COHEN ESTATE OF MARY ELLA COHEN
Hearing on Amended / [sic] Objection to Inventory and Appraisal and “Proposed Partial Final/ Corrected Inventory and Appraisal of the Estate of Mary E. Cohen (file-marked 10/16/26) continued from 10/14/26:
•    Form DE-120, Notice of Hearing, not on file. See PrC§8906(c).
•    Subject to court’s determination once other defects are cured; a PrC§8906 :Objection does not appear to be the appropriate mechanism to present this argument/position to the court.
o    PrC§8906 is the statutory process by which one objects to the appraisal, that is to say, the valuation, of an asset or assets. Objector specifically opposes not the appraisal value of any asset, but the inclusion of a particular asset in the inventory of this estate, e.g. the scheduling of assets, arguing that the asset belongs not to this estate but rather to a Trust. Please see Probate Code section 850 (determining title to property claimed to belong to decedent or another person).
Recommend continuance to 03/11/27 to allow time for perfection of notice.
Appearance not required (remotely, if preferred).

PR-25-000135 ESTATE OF DEBRA ANN McVAY, AKA DEBRA A. McVAY, DEBRA McVAY, DEBBIE McVAY
Account Review Hearing:
Final Inventory and Appraisal on file.
•    Inventory and Appraisal omitted characterization of decedent’s property but for the real property [PrC§8850(c)]. This information will be needed prior to the closing of the estate.
Neither Petition for Final Distribution nor Second 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 03/11/27 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 (remotely, if preferred).

PR-25-000803 ESTATE OF MARY KATHLEEN WARD, AKA KATHIE WARD
Hearing on Petition for First and Final Report of Administration Upon Waiver of Accounting; for Allowance of Statutory Attorney’s Fees; and for Final Distribution Pursuant to Distribution Agreement continued from 09/30/26:
Prior Notes have been cured.
Recommend approval of Petition and Report as supplemented.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 04/29/27 pursuant to Local Rule 8.92.
Appearance by counsel required (remotely, if preferred).

PR-23-000289 MATTER OF MACHADO FAMILY CREDIT BYPASS TRUST
Hearing on Petition of Angela Estacio for Removal or Suspension of Trustee; Appointment of Neutral Temporary or Successor Trustee; Restriction on Use of Trust Assets; Instructions; and Distribution of Specifically Devised Property:
Notice appears complete.
Respondent and Objection filed – 10/22/26, by Anna Cabral.
Possible long-cause.
Appearance by counsel required (remotely, if preferred).

PR-25-000884 ESTATE OF VICKI BOZARTH, AKA VICKI LYNN BOZARTH
Hearing on First and Final Report of Executor upon Waiver of Account and Petition for Settlement Thereof; for Allowance of Compensation for Ordinary Services; for Reimbursement of Costs Advanced; and for Final Distribution:
Recommend approval of Report and Petition.
Recommend court vacate Account Review Hearing of 12/02/26.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 05/25/27 pursuant to Local Rule 8.92.
Appearance not required (remotely, if preferred).

PR-25-000926 ESTATE OF WINFRED WAYNE DAVIS SR.
Hearing on Petition for Final Distribution, Final Report of Administration, Settlement of Estate, Allowance of Attorney’s Fees, Waiver of Account:
In future matters, please include a separate Schedule for proposed distribution, not only in the body of the report/petition which is required even when accounting is waived. See Local Rules 8.69 and 8.83M. See PrC§§1061-3.
Recommend approval of Report and Petition.
Recommend court vacate Account Review Hearing of 06/16/27.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 05/25/27 pursuant to Local Rule 8.92.
Appearance not required (remotely, if preferred).

PR-26-001062 ESTATE OF JAMIE JOSEPH THEILER, AKA JAMIE THEILER
Hearing on Petition for Probate of Will and for Letters of Administration with Will Annexed
Waivers of Bond on file from all heirs.
•    Affidavit of publication not on file. See Local Rule 8.12.
Recommend continuance to 12/04/26 to allow time to cure defect.
Appearance not required (remotely, if preferred).

ADD-ON:
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, 10/27/26:
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 (remotely, if preferred).