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 APRIL 7, 2025
The proposed revisions to the Local Rules, which will take effect July 1, 2025, are now available for download . The public commenting period is open until May 15, 2025.

POSTED MARCH 5, 2025
Inventory and Appraisals: 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 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 OCTOBER 15, 2024, UPDATED JANUARY 2, 2025To those in the probate community who handle or assist with Conservatorships: Please take care to learn about the revision to Judicial Council Form GC-355 and new attachment Form GC-356 which went into effect January 1, 2025, and the new requirements for that form based on Senate Bill 280.

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.

TUESDAY, APRIL 15, 2025
Department 22
8:30 a.m.

2201024 ESTATE OF KEVIN D. SILVA 
(1)    Account Review Hearing:On 03/05/25, the court set a further Account Review Hearing for 10/07/25.  
Recommend 04/15/25 hearing be dropped.

(2)    Trial Readiness Conference continued from 11/20/24:
Parties to appear and advise if the issues have been resolved.Hearing required.
Appearance by counsel mandatory (by VCourt if preferred).

2201462 ESTATE OF JOHN R. SWANSON
Discharge Review Hearing continued from 11/23/22, 03/22/23, 07/27/23, 10/05/23, 11/09/23, 05/09/24, 08/29/24, 12/12/24:
Some defects cured. One prior Note remains:
Declaration of Robert Swanson (filed marked 08/29/24) recited distribution of 16 firearms, that one (1) of the firearms does not require a federal licensed dealer to transfer and one was reported stolen.  
On 12/12/24, the Court directed personal representative to file proof of report to the Sheriff’s Office for the firearm purported to be stolen (Serial No 182-04872 per Declaration filed) and receipts to be filed separately.  Report not on file.
14 of the 16 Receipts for the distribution of firearms are on file.  
Need receipts for remaining 2 firearms or proof of report for stolen firearm(s).
All other receipts of distribution are on file.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-18-000122 SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST OF DIANE WANDA CRARY
Account Review Hearing continued from 12/10/24:
Notice of death of beneficiary on file.
Fourth and Final Account and set for hearing 08/21/25. 
Hearing of 08/21/25 will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-18-000251 ESTATE OF AIMEE CRAWFORD, AKA AIMEE EDDINGTON
Account Review Hearing on retained funds pursuant to Local Rules 8.68, 8.92:
See 01/01/25 revisions to Local Rules 8.68 and 8.92.
Recommend continuance to 04/15/2026 as requested by personal representative in the Declaration file-marked 03/12/25 (proof of service attached).
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-000606 ESTATE OF OFELIA VALDEZ
(1)    Order to Show Cause issued 03/06/25 to Mary E. Maclellan, Esq.:To appear and show cause for failing to file PrC §12200 Status Report with Notice as directed.
Status report filed.  Order to Show Cause will be discharged.

(2)    Order to Show Cause issued 03/06/25 to Jennifer Valdez:
To appear and show cause for failing to file PrC §12200 Status Report with Notice as directed.
Status report filed.  Order to Show Cause will be discharged.

(3)    Account Review Hearing continued from 10/17/24:

On 10/17/24, the Court ordered the personal representative to file a PrC§12200 Status Report with Notice of Hearing within 90 days if estate is not in a position to be closed.
PrC §12200 Status Report filed and set for hearing 05/15/25. Hearing of 05/15/25 will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-001095 ESTATE OF ROSA LINDA FELICIANO
Account Review Hearing:
Final Inventory and Appraisal on file.
A PrC§12200 Status Report has been filed and set for hearing 05/13/25.
Hearing of 05/13/25 will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000050 ESTATE OF WILLIAM THOMAS PICKUREL, AKA WILLIAM THOMAS PICKUREL, JR.
(1)    Account Review Hearing:
Petition for Final Distribution is on file. Recommend Court drop 04/15/25 Account Review Hearing.
(2)    Hearing on First and Final Account and Report of Executor; Petition for Allowance of Statutory Fees to Attorney for Ordinary Services; and Petition for Order of Final Distribution of Estate:
Recommend approval of Report and Petition.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 10/16/25 pursuant to Local Rule 8.92.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000066 ESTATE OF KERRY ELAINE KENNEDY, AKA KERRY E. KENNEDY, KERRY KENNEDY
Account Review Hearing:
Petition for Final Distribution has been filed and set for hearing on 05/06/25.
Hearing of 05/06/25 will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000292 ESTATE OF SUNIL KUMAR
Hearing on Spousal Property Petition continued from 05/07/24, 08/15/24, 11/06/24:
Amended Objection to Petition (filed 08/06/24 - by Rachna Thibodeaux).
On 11/06/24, counsel was ordered to file a joint or separate status report no later than April 1, 2025.  Status Report (filed by Jasber Singh) is on file.
Appearance by petitioner and objector’s counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000911 ESTATE OF RADELLA MARIE REYES
Hearing on Amended Petition (file-marked 09/25/24) for Letters of Administration continued from 09/25/24, 01/08/25, 03/14/25:
•    Submitted to court for determination: Issue of bond. Petitioner alleges estate has $0.00 value but seeks court order that bond not be required and that “all funds” be deposited in a blocked account at US Bank.
Hearing required.
Appearance by petitioner (self-represented) required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000983 ESTATE OF KELLY RENE EVANS
Inventory Review Hearing:
Final Inventory and Appraisal on file.
Current bond does not appear sufficient. Personal Representative did not file ex parte for increase of bond [PrC§8480(c), CRC 7.204].
Appearance by counsel required, to address bond (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000049 ESTATE OF ROBERT SHAWN HENSHAW
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration (filed by Shelby Jones):Submitted to court for determination: it appears that petitioner claims priority of appointment and may also claim to be decedent’s sole heir purs. to PrC§6454 as decedent’s stepchild who would have been adopted but for a legal barrier. In the petitioner’s Declaration file-marked 02/28/25, petitioner claims to satisfy PrC§6454(b) in that a biological parent did not consent to decedent’s adopting petitioner and petitioner’s sibling. Please see Commentary to this code section in the Annotated Probate Code; as both petitioner and petitioner’s sibling were thirty-three years old and twenty-five years old, respectively, at the time of decedent’s passing, there was a span of fifteen years and eight years, respectively, prior to his passing when the decedent would (presumably) have faced no legal barrier to adopting his stepchildren as adults.  
•    Waivers of bond [Form DE-142/DE-111(A-3e)] not on file for all intestate heirs (specifically, decedent’s three siblings). Bond may be required. Based on this petitioner’s estimate of the estate value, maximum bond would be $310,000.00.

Hearing on Amended Petition (file-marked 03/27/25) for Letters of Administration (filed by Kimberly Parker) continued from 03/06/25:
•    Proposed bond appears higher than is permitted by statute. See PrC§8482. Is the estimated value of the estate described in the Amended Petition item 3d correct? If so, the maximum bond would appear to be $340,500.00.
•    Petition item 6 was omitted (to be completed if decedent was not survived by issue).
•    Affidavit of publication not on file. See Local Rule 8.12.
•    Form DE-150, proposed Letters, not yet submitted.

Appearance by counsel for competing petitioners required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-000554 ESTATE OF VICTORIA FRASER
Hearing on PrC§12200 Status Report of Administration:Recommend court set a further Account Review Hearing 09/10/25.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000354 ESTATE OF KATHRYN MARTLOCK
Hearing on Petition for Final Distribution Accounting Waived, Allowance of Statutory Fees:
•    Inventory and Appraisal not on file. See PrC §8800(b).
•    The calculation of statutory commissions and/or attorney’s fees must include losses on sales and include gains on sales (see Local Rule 8.69) and inventory and appraisal final amount.  This may change the fee base and amount of compensation owed.  See CRC 7.705.
•    Schedule showing Gains/Losses not attached as required by CRC 7.550(b)(6).
Recommend continuance to 08/05/25 to coincide with previously set Order to Show Cause and Inventory Review hearing.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000731 ESTATE OF REMEDIOS NOLAN BYRD
Hearing on Petition for Final Distribution to Beneficiaries and First and Final Report of Executor; for Estate Settlement; for Waiver of Accounting; for Order Allowing Compensation to Attorney for Ordinary Services; and Allowing Executor to Withhold Reserve Funds: 
Recommend approval of Petition and Report.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 10/16/25 pursuant to Local Rule 8.92.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-001314 RAEGAN AMERINE REVOCABLE TRUST DTD DECEMBER 14, 2014Hearing on Petition to Invalidate Trust Amendment; for Financial Elder Abuse; and Suspension and Removal of Trustee (filed by Ronald R. Amerine):

Objection filed (by Gary Amerine & Garrett Amerine)
Possible long cause.Hearing required.
Appearance by petitioner and objector’s counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000187 ESTATE OF RONALD RAY EDWARDS, AKA RON EDWARDS
Related case PR-25-000188 
Hearing on Petition for Probate of Will and for Letters Testamentary:
Amended Petition for Probate of Will and for Letters of Administration with Will Annexed was filed 04/14/25:
Prior defects on the petition cured.
Will is Self-Proving.
The following items must be addressed in the file:
•    Will waived bond only for those named as Executor, both of whom are alleged to be deceased. Waivers of bond [Form DE-142/DE-111(A-3e)] not on file from all beneficiaries of the decedent’s will.  Bond may be required.  Minimum bond would be $20,000.00.  Maximum bond would be $374,569.64. Bond matter will be submitted to judge when defects are cured.
•    Form DE-147 Duties and Liabilities (file marked 04/14/25) omitted address and telephone number on Item 2, page 2.
•    Republication is necessary pursuant to CRC 7.53(a) as an Amended Petition was filed.
•    A new Notice of Petition to Administer Estate is necessary pursuant to CRC 7.53(a) as an Amended Petition was filed.
•    Proposed Order submitted 04/14/25 has the following defects:
    o    Item 3 incomplete (name of proposed personal representative).
    o    Ite 3a incomplete (Executor of decedent’s will).
    o    Item 4a box not checked (Full authority).
    o    Item 5b box not checked (bond amount to be determined by the court).
    o    Item 6 incomplete (name of probate referee: Steven G. Pallios).

Consider visiting the California Courts Self Help page at:
https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/probate and downloading forms from https://www.courts.ca.gov/forms.htm

Appearance by petitioner (self-represented) required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000188 ESTATE OF GERALDINE EDWARDS, AKA GERI EDWARDS
Related case PR-25-000187 
Hearing on Petition for Probate of Will and for Letters Testamentary:
Amended Petition was filed 04/14/25:
Prior defects on the petition cured.
Will is Self-Proving.

The following items must be addressed in the file:
•    Form DE-147 Duties and Liabilities (file marked 04/14/25) omitted address and telephone number on Item 2, page 2.
•    Republication is necessary pursuant to CRC 7.53(a) as an Amended Petition was filed.
•    A new Notice of Petition to Administer Estate is necessary pursuant to CRC 7.53(a) as an Amended Petition was filed.
•    Proposed Order submitted 04/14/25 has the following defects:
    o    Item 3 incomplete (name of proposed personal representative).
    o    Ite 3a incomplete (Executor of decedent’s will).
    o    Item 4a box not checked (Full authority).
    o    Item 5a box not checked.
    o    Item 6 incomplete (name of probate referee: Steven G. Pallios).

Consider visiting the California Courts Self Help page at:
https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/probate and downloading forms from https://www.courts.ca.gov/forms.htm

Appearance by petitioner (self-represented) required (by VCourt if preferred).

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2025

Department 24
8:30 a.m.

2200638 ESTATE OF DARYEL JOSEPH KASINGER, AKA DARYEL J. KASINGER, DARYEL KASINGER 

Hearing on Revised Accounting for Melissa Kasinger, First Report and Account of Successor Administrator with Will Annexed and Petition for Final Distribution continued from 09/23/21, 10/26/21, 03/02/22, 04/08/22, 06/10/22, 06/30/22, 07/28/22, 09/15/22, 10/05/22, 11/10/22, 02/03/23, 04/07/23, 04/28/23, 10/26/23, 07/19/24:
•    Caption of Petition omitted the following items which were requested in the petition:
    o    Request for Surcharge to Former Administrator.
    o    Allowance of Payment of Ordinary Attorney’s Fees and Costs.
•    Paragraph 46 (Administrator’s Fees) is not compliant with CRC rule 7.705.  The amount is correct but the format does not comply with this rule.
•    Notice of Hearing not on file at the time of review.
•    The account periods of the two accountings do not appear to coordinate.
    o    Account period of former administrator should be from 12/30/16 (date of appointment) through 02/03/23 (date of suspension).
    o    Account period of successor administrator should be from 04/20/23 (date of appointment) through current.
    o    Please explain the gaps.
•    Proposed order omitted the following:
    o    Request for Surcharge to Former Administrator in the caption.
    o    Exact percentage of amounts to be distributed to each beneficiary in the omnibus clause.

Appearance by successor administrator 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.

2200062 ESTATE OF MARY RUBY ANDRUS, AKA MARY R. ANDRUS, MARY ANDRUSAccount Review Hearing:

Hearing on PrC§12200 Status Report of Administration continued from 03/11/25: 
Recommend court allow estate to remain open and set a new Account Review Hearing 03/18/26 at which time another PrC§12200 Status Report will be due if the estate is not in a position to be closed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-20-000674 ESTATE OF ALICE D. LABETTE, AKA ALICE D BUTLER AKA ALICE D. COLE
Account Review Hearing:
•    Neither Petition for Final Distribution nor Third PrC§12200 Status Report are on file at the time of review.  See Local Rule 8.82. 
Recommend continuance to 10/15/24 at which time Third PrC§12200 Status Report will be due if estate is not in a position to be closed.  
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-000441 ESTATE OF HELEN CASTANEDA CORDERO
Hearing on First and Final Account and Report of Juanita Reynoso, Administrator, and Petition for its Settlement, and for Allowance of Compensation to Administrator and Attorney, and for Final Distribution continued from 12/17/24:
•    Summary of Account must be the first page of the account, not only incorporated in the body of the Report (see Local Rule 8.65).
•    Summary of Account incorporated in the body of the Supplement file-marked 03/27/25 reflects the account period began 07/22/24, when the decedent’s date of death was 02/18/19. The account period does not appear adequate; the account period does not begin on the date the real property was sold. Please see a California Decedent’s Estate Practice Guide.
•    The file reflects that the Property on Hand at the Beginning of Account is not $405,000.00, it is $285,000.00. $405,000.00 was what the Probate Referee valued the asset as “reappraisal for sale”, which is to say, the Referee’s appraisal of the asset’s value as of the date of his signature, on 04/12/24 (ref: “Reappraisal” I&A file-marked 04/24/24). The Referee appraised the estate asset as $285,000.00 as of the date of decedent’s death, on 02/18/2019 (ref: “Final” I&A file-marked 11/25/24).
    o    This error has impacted the Report, the Accounting, and the calculation of statutory compensation.
    o    If the asset, which the Referee appraised at $285,000.00, sold for $405,000.00, there was a gain on sale (of $120,000.00) and not a loss on sale.
        -    Gains and Losses on sale have to be included in the calculation of statutory compensation. See California Rules of Court rule 7.705, Local Rule 8.69 and the calculator tool shared on the court’s website here: https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/divisions/probate/calculator-tools
•    Each of the items listed in the Schedule “Losses on Sale” is actually a disbursement. A loss on sale or a gain on sale is the difference between the appraisal value and the sale price and does not include any expense, tax, fee, etc. associated with the sale.
•    Schedule of Proposed Distribution not included. The personal representative must specify what funds will remain on hand for distribution after compensation is paid and costs are reimbursed, and how much is to be distributed to each heir.
•    Statement regarding notice to Franchise Tax Board omitted [see PrC§9202(c) and Local Rule 8.83 G]. Paragraph 15 does not satisfy this requirement.
•    Total of reimbursement of administration costs due to the personal representative does not appear correct. The sum of $455.64 and $604.89 is $1,060.53.
•    Proposed omnibus clause is over 100%, specifically 9/7. If decedent had ten children - one predeceased with no issue, two predeceased children who left three children each - the distribution would be 1/9 to each surviving child and 1/3 of 1/9 (or 1/27) to each child of the predeceased issue.
Recommend continuance to 08/14/25 to allow time to cure defects. Please see CRC 7.3 and 7.53.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-000498 ESTATE OF DONALD E. GARNER, AKA DONALD EUGENE GARNER
Account Review Hearing:
PrC §12200 Status Report filed and set for hearing 05/01/25. 
Hearing of 05/01/25 will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-000963 ESTATE OF GARY ALAN JOHNSON
Hearing on Petition to Determine Entitlement (filed by heir) continued from 08/22/24, 12/03/24:Opposition (purs. PrC§11702) filed 12/03/24 (by the personal representative in his capacity as an heir).
Possible long-cause matter. Need status of meet-and-confer.

Inventory Review Hearing continued from 08/01/24, 08/22/24, 12/03/24:
Partial No. 1 and Partial No. 2 (and Final) Inventory and Appraisals on file; both omitted characterization of decedent’s property [PrC§8850(c)]. This information will be needed prior to the closing of the estate.
Recommend Account Review Hearing 10/15/25 pursuant to Local Rule 8.82.

Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-001061 ESTATE OF MIO KAWAMURA REYNOLDS
Order to Show Cause issued 11/21/24 to the personal representative:
•    To appear and show cause for failing to appear on 11/21/24 and failing to file the Final Inventory and Appraisal as required by statute. 

Inventory Review Hearing continued from 11/21/24:
Final Inventory and Appraisal filed late – 04/15/25. See Local Rule 8.41 B, Probate Code section 8800 et seq.
Defects:
•    Cash may be appraised by the Administrator herself, but they must be listed on an Attachment labeled as Attachment “No. 1”.
•    An investment account must be appraised by the Probate Referee, Steven G. Pallios and not by the Administrator, on an Attachment labeled as Attachment “No. 2”.
•    Administrator did not include characterization of decedent’s property [PrC§8850(c)] in the descriptions of the assets. This information will be needed prior to the closing of the estate.
A Corrected Final Inventory and Appraisal appears required.

Consider visiting the California Courts Self Help “inventory” page at
https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/probate/inventory-estimate-value and downloading forms from https://www.courts.ca.gov/forms.htm and please review your responsibilities in the Duties and Liabilities, Form DE-147, you signed and filed.

Appearance by Administrator (self-represented) mandatory (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000556 ESTATE OF LINDA JANE SUGARS, AKA LINDA JANE GONZALES
Inventory Review Hearing:
Final Inventory and Appraisal is on file.
•    Inventory and Appraisal omits characterization of decedent’s property [PrC§8850(c)]. This information will be needed prior to the closing of the estate.
Recommend Account Review Hearing 12/17/25 pursuant to Local Rule 8.82 and refer the Administrator also to Probate Code sections 12200, and 9000 through 9399.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000636 ESTATE OF PRITAM CHAHAL
Inventory Review Hearing:
Letters issued 10/15/24. Inventory and Appraisal due 02/15/25.
Final Inventory and Appraisal not on file. See Local Rule 8.41 B, Probate Code section 8800 et seq.
Consider visiting the California Courts Self Help “inventory” page at
https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/probate/inventory-estimate-value and downloading forms from https://www.courts.ca.gov/forms.htm
Appearance by Administrator (self-represented) required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000784 ESTATE OF BETTY L. BALL
Hearing on Petition for Waiver of Final Account for Final Distribution, and Allowance of Attorney’s Fees and Costs continued from 04/09/25:
Prior defects cured.
Recommend approval of petition.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 10/16/25 pursuant to Local Rule 8.92.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-001144 ESTATE OF CHARLES JOSEPH RUSSELL, AKA CHARLES J. RUSSELL
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration continued from 01/08/25:
Nothing filed since last hearing. Prior notes remain:
•    Petition, Item 2d incomplete (Whether or not bond is required and amount).
•    Petition, Item 8 identified one individual whose address is unknown: 
    o    All interested parties must be given notice. If any individual is unable to be given notice because their location is unknown, a Declaration must be filed regarding petitioner’s diligent efforts to locate that individual. See Local Rule 8.14 B, California Rules of Court rule 7.52.
•    Petition item 8 reflects that the name of one of decedent’s brothers is unknown to petitioner. This person, or his issue if he is deceased, would be an heir of the decedent’s estate [PrC§6401(c)(2)(B)]. 
    o    Please explain petitioner’s efforts to identify, locate, and serve this heir including reviewing decedent’s death certificate and birth certificate.
    -    Once the heir has been identified, please provide additional detail as to petitioner’s efforts to serve his issue pursuant to Local Rule 8.14 B and CRC 7.52.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-000650 ESTATE OF KATHRYN P. ESQUIVEL, AKA KATHRYN P. FAGAN
Hearing on First and Final Report of Administrator on Waiver of Account and Petition of Allowance of Statutory Compensation to Administrator and Attorney and for Final Distribution:
•    Request for Special Notice (Franchise Tax Board) was filed and not withdrawn (PrC §1251a).  Notice to Franchise Tax Board not on file.
Recommend continuance to 06/11/25 to coincide with previously set Account Review Hearing and allow time to perfect notice.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000063 ESTATE OF JAMES GORDON O’NEILL
Hearing on PrC§12200 Status Report of Administration:Recommend court allow estate to remain open and set a further Account Review Hearing 11/04/25.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000560 ESTATE OF JUNE MARIE JOHNSON, AKA JUNE B. JOHNSON
Hearing on First and Final Report of Executor on Waiver of Account and Petition for Allowance of Statutory Compensation to Attorney for Ordinary Services and for Final Distribution:
Prior defects cured.
Recommend approval of Report and Petition.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 11/20/25 pursuant to Local Rule 8.92.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-001315 MATTER OF MIRIAM M. OLSEN 2008 SURVIVOR’S TRUST OF THE RICHARD F. AND MIRIAM M. OLSEN 2008 FAMILY TRUST, UNDER INSTRUMENT DTD 10/08/08
Hearing on Petition for Order Confirming Trustee and Property as Trust Assets:
•    Prayer paragraph D appears outside the scope of an 850 petition (equivalent of an “omnibus clause” in a decedent’s estate probate).
Recommend approval of petition with the modification of denial of prayer paragraph D: “…any other assets discovered to belong to (surviving spouse) are transferred to (the Trust) and shall be distributed as described in the Survivor’s Trust.”
•    Need new order with modification above.
Appearance not required (unless counsel disagrees with the Probate Note). Anyone who chooses to appear at this hearing may do so either in person or remotely, by telephone, using VCourt.

PR-25-000195 ESTATE OF ROGER DALE KNIGHT
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration:
Recommend approval of petition.
Recommend Inventory Review Hearing 10/15/25 pursuant to Local Rule 8.41 B.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000197 ESTATE OF GILBERT CHARLES LONG
Hearing on Petition for Probate of Will and for Letters Testamentary:
•    Item 8 omitted dates of death for decedent’s deceased spouse and deceased son.
•    If the decedent’s deceased son died after the decedent, item 8 must identify the personal representative of the deceased son’s estate or the heirs of his estate and notice must be mailed to that person or persons. See Local Rule 8.14 and California Rules of Court rule 7.51(e).
•    Affidavit of publication file-marked 04/07/25 reflects that the notice did not include the department where this hearing will be held (Department 22). Since there are four court departments in the same building, it does not appear that petitioner can show substantial compliance with Probate Code sections 8100, 8120 et seq.
    o    Republication will be required.
•    Proposed Letters (submitted 04/07/25): Item 1 and item 2 were both completed, however, the petitioner seeks appointment only as Executor (see item 1).
Consider visiting the California Courts Self Help page at
https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/probate and downloading forms from https://www.courts.ca.gov/forms.htm
Appearance by petitioner (self-represented) required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000204 ESTATE OF ANTHONY LOBIANCO
Hearing on Petition for Probate:
•    Defects in the Petition (Form DE-111):
    o    Heading of page 1 is not checked identifying the type of petition. Examiner does not consider this to be a fatal defect as the court may make that determination.
    o    Heading of page 1 did not include a checkmark in the box “Authorization to Administer Under the Independent Administration of Estates Act”.
    o    Item 1 did not include the name of the newspaper where the petitioner has already or intends to publish notice of this petition. See Probate Code section 8121 and the court’s website here: https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/divisions/probate/newspapers
    o    Item 2d incomplete (bond) and 3e if applicable.
    o    Item 5b incomplete (existence of stepchild or foster child who would have been adopted but for a legal barrier).
    o    Item 8 omitted the nature of the relationships to the decedent, including identifying the personal representative. (Local Rule 8.26 D).
    o    Item 8 did not include the complete addresses for all those listed.
The following items must be addressed in the file:
•    Waivers of Bond [Form DE-142/DE-111(A-3e)] not on file for intestate heirs (see Probate Code section 6401). Bond may be required. Minimum bond would be $20,000.00 pursuant to Local Rule 8.33, maximum bond would be $404,874.70 pursuant to estimated value of estate alleged in the petition.
•    Form DE-147 Duties and Liabilities not on file.
•    Form DE-121 Notice of Petition to Administer Estate not on file.
•    Affidavit of Publication file-marked 04/07/25 reflects the notice did not include petitioner’s request for IAEA authority. See PrC§8100. Republication will not be reimbursable. 
•    Form DE-140, Proposed Order, not submitted.
•    Form DE-150, Letters, not submitted.

Consider visiting the California Courts Self Help page at
https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/probate and downloading forms from https://www.courts.ca.gov/forms.htm

Appearance by petitioner (self-represented) required (by VCourt if preferred).

THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 2025

Department 22
8:30 a.m.

2200521 MATTER OF ZALEEYA DE LA TORRE TRUST
Account Review Hearing:
Fifth Account and Report of Trustee has been filed and set for hearing 05/20/25.
Hearing of 05/20/25 will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

2200522 MATTER OF JUAN DE LA TORRE SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST
Account Review Hearing continued from 12/12/24:
Fifth Account and Report of Trustee has been filed and set for hearing 05/15/25.
Hearing of 05/15/25 will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-20-000786 ESTATE OF ISABEL YALLI, AKA ISABELL YALLI
Hearing on Fourth PrC §12200 Status Report continued from 01/23/25: 
•    Notice of Hearing does not appear complete pursuant to PrC§12201 on the 8 heirs for whom Assignments of Interest/Waivers of Notice have not been filed. 
Recommend court order personal representative to perfect notice pursuant to PrC§12201 before the next hearing or surcharge may be imposed. If the Petition for Final Distribution is filed prior to the next hearing, the next hearing may be vacated.
Recommend continuance to 06/13/25 to allow time to perfect notice.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-22-001214 ESTATE OF ARCELIA MADRID VAZQUEZ, AKA ARCELIA MADRID, ARCELIA M. VAZQUEZ
Petition for Final Distribution has been filed and set for hearing on 06/24/25.Hearing of 06/24/25 will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-22-001289 MATTER OF RESTATEMENT OF THE JAMES A. PAIONI TRUST
Hearing on Petition to Invalidate Transfers by Trustee and Beneficiary; to Impose Constructive Trust or Alternatively to Recover Fair Market Value; to Compel Respondents to Return Property to the Trust; to Determine Petitioner’s Claim of Adverse Possession; to Charge Respondents with Breach of Fiduciary Duty, with Wrongful Taking and for Exemplary Damages and Attorney Fees and Costs, for Damages Against Fiduciary continued from 12/17/24:
Prior Notes remain:
•    Attached Exhibits C through E do not agree with the body of the petition. It appears that Exhibit C as described in the petition (“the Order”) is actually not attached, and the documents described in the petition as Exhibits D, E, and F were labeled and attached as Exhibits C, D, and E.
•    Proposed Order not yet submitted.
A Request for Judicial Notice was file-marked 10/15/24.
Recommend court set deadline for petitioner to cure the single defect.
Appearance by petitioner’s counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-001066 ESTATE OF DEBOR LYYN STAUSS(1)    Hearing on First and Final Report of Administrator on Waiver of Account, Petition for its Approval, for Ordinary Attorney’s Fees, and for Final Distribution continued from 12/04/24 02/26/25:

(2)    Hearing on Second and Final Report of Administrator on Waiver of Account, Petition for its Approval, for Ordinary Commissions, for Ordinary Attorney’s Fees, and for Final Distribution:
Verified Supplement to Second and Final Petition asserted this petition was intended to be an “Amended Petition” superseding the earlier filed “First and Final”. Recommend court deem the Second and Final Report of Administrator as an “Amended Petition.”
Recommend the Court drop the 04/17/25 hearing on First and Final Report of Administrator and proceed with the hearing on the Second and Final Report.

Some defects cured. The following prior notes remain:
•    There were seven Creditor’s Claims filed in this matter.  A Satisfaction/Release of Claim is not yet on file for one Creditor’s Claim filed 03/11/24: Ascension Point on behalf of Synchrony Bank.
    o    Release of Creditor’s claim must be filed separately and not attached to any other pleadings.
•    Disclaimers, having not been filed within nine months of decedent’s death, appear to be untimely pursuant to PrC§§279-280 and thus not effective. 
    o    Declaration of Vernon F. Gant and Points and Authorities (both file marked 01/16/25) Matter was submitted to Judge for determination.  Please check back as the Court may make a determination before the hearing.
    o    May need Waivers of Accounting from decedent’s parents.
New Note:
•    Costs of Administration include photocopies and postage, which are considered a cost of doing business and are not reimbursable. See Exhibit A, Item 13 of costs incurred and Item 9 of anticipated costs.
•    Paragraph 24 is unclear. 
    o    Petition does not appear to request reimbursement of costs of administration.   Please clarify.
    o    The amount of costs incurred ($1,983.09) does not agree with the itemized costs on exhibit A.
•    Schedule showing Gains/Losses not attached as required by CRC 7.550(b)(6).
•    It appears the Notice of Proposed Action filed 07/29/24 omitted an attached affidavit of mailing per Local Rules 8.83 N and 8.100.
•    A copy of the seller’s statement was not attached to the petition.
•    Petition did not address distribution of the automobile and personal items reflected in the Inventory and Appraisal.
•    Assets on hand recited in Exhibit D for distribution do not agree with the assets on hand after sale of property.  Please explain the nature of the expenses and/or reduction of assets on hand.
•    Proposed Order submitted has the following defects:
    o    Does not include costs to be paid if any.  
    o    Examiner suggests counsel submit a new proposed order after the Court’s determination on the disclaimers as this language may need to be changed.

Counsel may supplement the petition to address the above defects.Appearance by administrator’s counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000128 ESTATE OF CHARLES QUINTON HEMINGWAY
Hearing on Petition for Conveyance or Transfer of Property Claimed to Belong to Estate, Double Damages for Bad Faith, Probate Code 859, Financial Elder Abuse, Attorneys Fees and Costs Probate Code §850 continued from 08/20/24, 12/03/24:
Objection filed (-by Willa Dean Hemingway)
•    Need Order.
On 12/03/24, the court directed parties to meet and confer. Need status of meet and confer efforts.
Possible long cause.
Hearing required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000646 ESTATE OF JUNE SPOTTS
Inventory Review Hearing:
Form DE-150, Letters, have not yet been issued pursuant to PrC § 8405.
Inventory and Appraisal not on file at time of review.
•    Need Letters
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000708 ESTATE OF LEODEGARIO RODRIGUEZ VELAZQUEZ
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration continued from 08/22/24, 12/19/24:
Nothing filed since last hearing. Prior Notes remain:
•    Waivers of bond [Form DE-142/DE-111(A-3e)] not on file for all intestate heirs (see Probate Code section 6401). Bond may be required. Minimum bond would be $20,000.00 pursuant to Local Rule 8.33.  Maximum bond would be $350,000.00.
•    Examiner notes Item 3f(2) is checked indicating decedent had a Will; however, the attached purported Will appears to be a power of attorney.  Also, petitioner has not requested admission of a Will.  
    o    The Supplement filed indicates petitioner requests Letters of Administration (no Will).  Please clarify.
•    Petitioner does not appear to have priority of appointment, nor is Petitioner a nominee of a person with priority (Probate Code sections 8461, 8465).  
•    It is still unclear what the relationship of the two minor children is to the decedent.
    o    A Family Tree would be helpful.
    o    A Guardian ad Litem may be necessary.
•    Form DE-140, Proposed Order, submitted 12/17/24 has the following defects:
    o    Item 2c “testate checked”; however, supplemented petition indicates this is a petition for letters of administration (No will – intestate).
    o    Item 2c indicates there is a will dated 05/13/2020, however, supplemented petition indicates this is a petition for letters of administration and there is no will.
•    Form DE-121, Notice of Petition to Administer Estate, page 2 Item 2 is incomplete (Address of person who served the Notice).  Amended Notice addressed this defect, but did not re-serve all interested persons.
    o    The Notice of Hearing, Form DE-120, file marked 12/17/24 did not cure this defect.
•    Form DE-150, Letters, not submitted.

Recommend court direct petitioner to file a family tree.
Consider visiting the California Courts Self Help page at: https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/probate and downloading forms from https://www.courts.ca.gov/forms.htm

Appearance by petitioner (self-represented) required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000994 ESTATE OF WILLIAM HENRY MARTIN, AKA WILLIAM H. MARTIN 
Inventory Review Hearing:
Letters Issued 10/17/24.  Inventory and Appraisal due 02/17/25.
Inventory and Appraisal not on file at time of review.
See Local Rule 8.41 B, Probate Code section 8800 et seq.
Consider visiting the California Courts Self Help “inventory” page at:
https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/probate/inventory-estimate-value and downloading forms from https://www.courts.ca.gov/forms.htm and please review your responsibilities in the Duties and Liabilities, Form DE-147, you signed and filed.
Appearance by Administrator (self-represented) required (Anyone appearing may do so in person or remotely, by telephone using VCourt).

PR-24-001008 ESTATE OF MARTHA ESTELLA LOVATO
Inventory Review Hearing:
Final Inventory and Appraisal is on file.
•    Inventory and Appraisal omits characterization of decedent’s property [PrC§8850(c)]. This information will be needed prior to the closing of the estate.
Recommend Account Review Hearing 12/10/25 pursuant to Local Rule 8.82.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-001150 ESTATE OF BEVERLY ANN SARABIA
(1)    Hearing on Amended Petition (file marked 01/16/25) for Probate of Lost Will and for Letters Testamentary filed by Diego M. Plancarte continued from 12/03/24, 02/06/25:
It appears petitioner has filed a Second Amended Petition (02/20/25) without leave of court. Matter submitted to the Court for determination.

Second Amended Petition Form DE-111 has the following defects:
•    Heading on page 1 requests Petition for Probate of Lost Will and for Letters Testamentary; however, this appears to be a Petition for Probate of Lost Will and for Letters of Administration with Will Annexed as petitioner was not named as executor in the Will.
•    Heading of page 1 did not include a checkmark in the box “Authorization to Administer Under the Independent Administration of Estates Act”.
•    Item 1 did not include the name of the newspaper where the petitioner has already or intends to publish notice of this petition. See Probate Code section 8121 and the court’s website here: https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/divisions/probate/newspapers
•    Item 1d did not address bond.
•    Item 3f(2) omitted date of Will.
•    Item 3f(3) not checked, but petition alleges Will is lost.
•    Item 8 must include names as they are written in the Will; AKA’s may be used to identify the correct individuals.
•    Item 8 included second generation heirs but not the deceased ancestor through which they take (please see Local Rule 8.26 E).
    o    Three of these heirs appear to be minors. Proof of service to the person having legal custody of these minors is not on file.
•    Item 8 did not properly label the proposed personal representative (Local Rule 8.26 D).
•    Attachment 3f(3) omitted from Petition (Declaration regarding lost will purs. PrC§6124). See also PrC§8223.
•    Copy of lost will not attached to petition.

Defects to be addressed in the file:
•    Waivers of bond not on file from all intestate heirs; however, personal representative resides out of state.  Bond may be required at the court’s discretion. See Probate Code §8571. Minimum bond amount currently is $20,000.00 pursuant to Local Rule 8.33. Full bond would be $420,000.00 .
•    Form DE-121 Notice of Petition to Administer Estate, (file marked 04/04/25) is defective: did not include page 2 of the form (Proof of Service). 
•    Form DE-140, Order for Probate, submitted 02/20/25 has the following defects:
    o    Incorrect box on heading is checked.
    o    Item 2 omitted date of Lost Will.
    o    Item 3 – incorrect box checked.
    o    Item 5 – Bond amount omitted.  Bond was not requested on petition.
    o    Item 6 incomplete.  (Name of Probate Referee).
•    Form DE-150, Letters, submitted 03/11/25 has the following defects:
    o    Heading is incorrect.  “Of Administration with Will Annexed” box is not checked.
    o    Item 3 incomplete.
    o    Item 1 incorrect.  “Administrator with Will Annexed” box is not checked.  Petitioner is not the named executor of the Lost Will Filed with the Court.

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

(2)    Hearing on (Competing) Petition for Probate of Will and for Letters Testamentary filed 12/23/24 by Lisa Marie Sarabia continued from 02/06/25:
Will is self-proving.
Notice appears complete.
Hearing Required.
Appearance by both petitioners (self-represented) required (anyone wishing to appear remotely, may do so by telephone using VCourt).

PR-21-001275 ESTATE OF ERA MAE BRANCO, AKA MAE BRANCO
Hearing on Second PrC§12200 Status Report of Administration:Recommend court allow estate to remain open and reset Account Review Hearing of 07/02/25 to 03/19/26 at which time a third Status Report must be filed if the estate is not in a position to be closed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-000575 HELEN SCHERR REVOCABLE TRUST  
4)        Hearing on Notice of Motion and Motion for Attorney’s Fees and Costs, Discharge from Liability, and Dismissal (file-marked 03/12/25):
SEE TENTATIVE RULING, to be posted day prior to hearing at https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/online-services/tentative-rulings/…

3)        Hearing on Petition to Approve Settlement Agreement (file-marked 12/13/24):
Recommend approval of petition.
Need proposed Order.

2)        Hearing on Intervenor’s Complaint in Interpleader continued from 12/17/24:
Notice of deposit with the court on file [CCP§386(c)].
Notice of Hearing is on file, as directed by the court on 12/17/24.
Response filed – 02/05/25, by Diane M. Kittler.
Submitted to court for determination.

1)    Hearing on Petition for Return of Property to the Trust of Helen Scherr, Dated September 26, 2003 (filed 05/26/23 by Diane Kittler) continued from 09/07/23, 12/05/23, 03/19/24, 06/18/24, 07/02/24, 08/23/24, 12/17/24:
Three objections on file. Continued to this date to trail petition to approve settlement agreement.
Submitted to court for determination.

Appearances required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000086 ESTATE OF GEORGE EDWARD COSTA, JR.
Hearing on First and Final Report of Administrator on Waiver of Account and Petition for Allowance of Compensation to Attorney for Ordinary Services and for Final Distribution:
•    Schedule showing Gains/Losses not attached as required by CRC 7.550(b)(6).
•    A copy of the seller’s statement was not attached to the petition.
•    Waivers of Accounting do not bear notary’s acknowledgement (Local Rule 8.69); Waivers must be filed separately (PrC§10954).
•    Itemization of costs of administration was omitted (see Local Rules 8.69, 8.83K).
Recommend continuance to 06/17/25 to coincide with previously set Account Review Hearing.

PR-24-000846 ESTATE OF EDWARD RODRIGUEZ
Hearing on Petition for Settlement on Waiver of Account, for Order Allowing Statutory Compensation of Attorney’s Fees, Reimbursement of Costs, and Final Distribution:
•    Paragraph 7 the Report does not appear sufficiently detailed pursuant to PrC§9202(b) (knowledge of personal representative or estate attorney).
•    Schedule showing Gains/Losses not attached as required by CRC 7.550(b)(6).
Recommend continuance to 06/13/25 to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000206 ESTATE OF WENDY A. WEBER, AKA WENDY ALICE WEBER, AKA WENDY WEBER
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration:
Proposed bond of $1,978,036.22 appears appropriate based on the value of the estate described in Petition.
Defects cured.
Recommend approval of petition.
Recommend Inventory Review Hearing 10/21/25 pursuant to Local Rule 8.41B.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000207 ESTATE OF MICHELLE CORDERO
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration:
•    Form DE-147 Duties and Liabilities not on file.
•    Forms DE-140 and DE-150, Proposed Order and Letters, not submitted.
      o    Form DE-140 submitted on 04/11/25 is for appointment of a special administrator, however, that petition was denied by the court on 03/04/25 and a new Petition for appointment of special administrator has not been submitted.
Recommend continuance to 05/13/25 to allow time to cure defect.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000212 ESTATE OF TAMMY SUE CICCONE
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration:
Petition filed a Second Amended Petition for Letters of Administration (04/11/25) without leave of court. Matter submitted to judge for determination.
Defects in the Second Amended Petition are as follows:
•    Waivers of Bond not on file for intestate heirs (see Probate Code section 6401). Bond may be required. Minimum bond would be $20,000.00 pursuant to Local Rule 8.33.
•    Petition item 3d reflects that the estimated value of decedent’s estate is under the threshold for formal probate. No declaration regarding necessity of probate was provided. While Examiner does not consider this note to be a fatal defect, it is the court’s discretion to consider granting a petition for probate under the threshold.
•    Republication is necessary pursuant to CRC 7.53(a) as an Amended Petition was filed.
•    A new Notice of Petition to Administer Estate is necessary pursuant to CRC 7.53(a) as an Amended Petition was filed.
Counsel’s Declaration (file marked 04/14/25) did not properly cure defects. Counsel may consider supplementing petition to address any defects in the future.
Recommend continuance to 05/13/25 to allow time to cure defect.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

FRIDAY, APRIL 18, 2025
Department 22 
There are no decedent's estates or trusts on calendar

MONDAY, APRIL 21, 2025
Department 22 
There are no decedent's estates or trusts on calendar

TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2025
Department 22 
There are no decedent's estates or trusts on calendar

Department 24  
09:30 a.m.

2200258 THE NICOLL & EDITH GALBRAITH TRUST
Court Trial (2-3 day estimate):Partial Settlement Agreement on file.
Appearances mandatory.

Anyone wishing to appear remotely must obtain the court’s permission to appear via VCourt by contacting the courtroom clerk.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2025
Department 22 
There are no decedent's estates or trusts on calendar

THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 2025
Department 22 
There are no decedent's estates or trusts on calendar

FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2025
Department 22 
There are no decedent's estates or trusts on calendar