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 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 JULY 11, 2025
The revised Local Rules took effect July 1, 2025, and are now available for download . 

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.

DUE TO STAFFING LEVELS, THE PROBATE NOTES MAY BE UPDATED INFREQUENTLY BETWEEN THE FOLLOWING DATES: FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 19, 2025, TO FRIDAY OCTOBER 3, 2025. WE APPRECIATE YOUR PATIENCE.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2025
Department 22
8:30 a.m.

2201024 ESTATE OF KEVIN D. SILVA 
(1)    Order to Show Cause issued 04/15/25 to Bruce Ramsey, Esq.:
To appear and show cause for failing to appear at 04/15/25 hearing.

(2)    Review re Status Conference:
On 04/15/25, parties were directed to continue meet and confer efforts to resolve issues.
Need status.
Hearing required.
Appearance by counsel mandatory (by VCourt if preferred).

444600 MATTER OF FRANK E DRULLINGER TRUST
Review Hearing regarding status of transfer and accounting by Trustee ad litem Renee Lunsford, continued from 03/06/25:
A Second Amended Seventh Account and Report, bringing the account current, was recently filed as the court had ordered on 03/06/25; the court’s direction to TAL on 10/10/24 was that she amend the account to bring it current to the date of death of the late successor Trustee. The amended account has been set for hearing on 01/21/26.
Hearing of 01/21/26 will be confirmed.
Cursory review reflects that the accounting was not verified nor was it signed by the Trustee ad litem. Please see PrC§1023 and CRC rule 7.103(c) (verification required by court-appointed fiduciary even when absent from the county).
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-22-000296 ESTATE OF NIRAJ AMIT SINGH
Account Review Hearing:
•    Neither Petition for Final Distribution nor (Second) 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 01/07/26 to allow time for filing of above pleadings. 
If neither pleading is on file by the next hearing date, the court may issue an order to show cause for personal representative to appear pursuant to PrC§12202.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-22-0000307 ESTATE OF SHIRLEY LANGLEY
Account Review Hearing:
Prior Note remains: A Partial I&A on file; a Final I&A is not on file.
Neither Petition for Final Distribution nor Third 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 30 days if estate is not in a position to be closed.
Recommend continuance to 01/21/26 to allow time for filing of above pleadings. If neither pleading is on file by the next hearing date, the court may issue an order to show cause for personal representative to appear pursuant to PrC§12202.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-22-000678 ESTATE OF WAYNE ERLANDSON
Hearing on Amended Petition (file marked 08/18/25) for Settlement on Final Account, for Order Allowing Statutory Compensation of Attorney’s Fees, Administrator’s Fees, Final Distribution, and Reduction of Bond continued from 01/30/25, 03/28/25, 05/16/25:
Prior defects cured. 
•    Request that bond be reduced upon the filing of the receipts would not allow for court oversight. What if the receipts were not filed? Examiner will recommend this request be denied. 
Recommend approval of petition with the modification that bond will not be reduced.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 03/26/26) pursuant to Local Rule 8.92.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000095 ESTATE OF NORMA JEAN CATHCART
Account Review Hearing continued from 06/03/25:
Nothing filed in more than twelve months. 
On 06/03/25, the court directed that a PrC§12200 Status Report must be filed 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 to be personally present pursuant to PrC§12202:
    + To show condition of estate and why estate cannot be distributed and closed;
    + So that court may order Administrator to prepare and file a First Account Current at the court’s discretion pursuant to PrC§12202(b).
    + Noncompliance may result in removal of personal representative from office (PrC§§12204, 8500).
Appearance by Administrator mandatory (by VCourt if preferred).

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:The Court vacated this hearing and continued it to 09/17/26 pursuant to the request of the administrators.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000302 ESTATE OF JESUS RANGEL
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration continued from 05/22/25:
Nothing filed since previous hearing. Prior Notes remain:

– See California Rules of Court rules 7.3 and 7.53 to learn about the types of forms that may be used to address these defects.
Defects in the Form DE-111, Petition:
• Item 1 did not include the name of the newspaper where Petitioner intends to publish notice. See Probate Code section 8121 and the court’s website here: https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/divisions/probate/newspapers
• Item 2b did not include the name of the proposed personal representative.
• Item 2c was not completed (requesting either full or limited authority to administer this estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act).
• Petition item 8 did not include the proposed personal representative (Local Rule 8.26 D).

Defects in the file:
• Item 4 was not completed on the Waiver of Bond form; it’s unclear if the heir waived bond for the petitioner or some other proposed personal representative.
• Form DE-147 Duties and Liabilities not on file.
• Form DE-121 Notice of Petition to Administer Estate not on file. Form DE-120 Notice of Hearing may not be used for this purpose because Form DE-121 is a mandatory form. See Pr. Code sections 8100 et seq.
    + Mailed notice must also be given to the foreign consulate of the nation of which the decedent was a citizen (Pr. Code section 8113, Local Rule 8.16).
• Affidavit of publication file-marked 05/21/25 was defective: notice omitted most of the information found in Pr. Code section 8100. Recommend court order petitioner to publish new notice that includes the information in Pr. Code section 8100 (but not the part about a will), and order that republication will not be reimbursable.
• Forms DE-140 and DE-150, Proposed Order and Letters, not submitted.
• Petitioner appears to have the least priority to serve as a personal representative than any other person or entity described in Pr. Code §§ 8461, 8465. A person with priority does not appear to have filed a competing petition. 
    + On 05/22/25, the court ordered that petitioner was required to mail notice (Form DE-121) to the Public Administrator.

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) mandatory (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000303 ESTATE OF MARIA DE LOS ANGELES QUEZADA MACIAS
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration continued from 05/22/25:
Nothing filed since previous hearing. Prior Notes remain:

– See California Rules of Court rules 7.3 and 7.53 to learn about the types of forms that may be used to address these defects.
Defects in the Form DE-111, Petition:
• Item 1 did not include the name of the newspaper where Petitioner intends to publish notice. See Probate Code section 8121 and the court’s website here: https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/divisions/probate/newspapers
• Item 2b did not include the name of the proposed personal representative.
• Item 2d(1), (2), or (3) were left blank (petitioner’s requests regarding bond or blocked account).

Defects in the file:
• Item 4 was not completed on the Waiver of Bond forms; it’s unclear if the heirs waived bond for the petitioner or some other proposed personal representative.
• Form DE-147 Duties and Liabilities not on file.
• Form DE-121 Notice of Petition to Administer Estate not on file. Form DE-120 Notice of Hearing may not be used for this purpose because Form DE-121 is a mandatory form. See Pr. Code sections 8100 et seq.
    + Mailed notice must also be given to the foreign consulate of the nation of which the decedent was a citizen (Pr. Code section 8113, Local Rule 8.16).
• Affidavit of publication file-marked 05/21/25 was defective: notice omitted most of the information found in Pr. Code section 8100. Recommend court order petitioner to publish new notice that includes the information in Pr. Code section 8100 (but not the part about a will), and order that republication will not be reimbursable.
• Forms DE-140 and DE-150, Proposed Order and Letters, not submitted.

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

PR-18-000650 ESTATE OF JOELLA SARGENT
Report of Sale and Petition for Order Confirming Sale of Real Property at 5096 Dogtown, Coulterville, CA (APN: 002-210-0070) and 10296 Kow Street, Coulterville, CA (APN: 002-020-0200):
•    Petition item 4a omitted manner of vesting title.
•    Petition item 4c omitted date of private sale. Without this date, it is not possible for Examiner to verify if notice by publication was timely (Local Rule 8.55). Examiner cannot verify if petition was filed after the sale. See PrC§10308(b), Local Rule 8.55.
•    Petition reflects there was an exclusive contract for commission.  Please provide a copy of the court order authorizing exclusive contract.  PC§10150(c).
Recommend continuance to 12/17/25 to allow time to cure defect(s).
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-000546 ESTATE OF ROBERT LEROY CARLSON, AKA ROBERT L. CARLSON, ROBERT CARLSON
Hearing on Second PrC§12200 Status Report of Administration:•    Notice of Hearing file-marked 08/14/25 did not reflect that notice was given to the creditors that have filed claims and for whom it does not appear that personal representative has filed Forms DE-174 Allowance or Rejection of Creditor’s Claim [PrC§§12201(b), 48].
•    Final Inventory and Appraisal not yet on file. Examiner notes status report indicates that there is ongoing litigation in two related court cases that are not yet resolved.  Please note, Inventory and Appraisal is required. See Local Rule 8.41 B, Probate Code section 8800 et seq.

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 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 counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000605 ESTATE OF ANNIE PEARL COTTON
Hearing on Petition for Final Distribution on Waiver of Account, Report of Administrator, and Petition for Reimbursement of Costs Advanced by Attorney and for Allowance of Statutory Attorney’s Fees:
• Waivers of Accounting do not bear notary’s acknowledgement (Local Rule 8.69).
• Proposed Order submitted 07/15/25: Paragraph 18 on page 4 is incomplete.
Recommend continuance to 11/07/25 to allow time to cure defect(s).
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-001039 ESTATE OF CRAIG COX
Hearing on Report of Administrator with Will Annexed on Waiver of Account and Petition for Allowance of Statutory Compensation to Attorney for Ordinary Services, for Costs of Administration and for Final Distribution:
Recommend approval of Report and Petition.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 03/26/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.92.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000489 MATTER OF VIRIGINIA SIEMERS REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST
Hearing on Petition to Establish Trust Interest over Property (PrC§17200):
•    Body of petition does not appear to establish this county as the proper venue. 
•    Body of petition identified only the Trustee/trust beneficiary as a person entitled to notice; petition did not identify the settlor’s intestate heirs as being entitled to notice. Three other people were given notice of this matter (ref: filed Notice of Hearing forms) but were not identified in the petition.
•    The pleading title references Probate Code section 17200 and the petition paragraph 4 references the case of the Estate of Heggstad. Estate of Heggstad does not apply to PrC§17200; the incorrect statute appears to have been used as the basis for this proceeding.
•    Please expand on the points and authorities as to the Estate of Heggstad.
•    Please expand on the argument that the settlor intended for her interest in the property to be made part of the trust. Upon what basis does petitioner assert that belief?
•    Please include the entire legal description and assessor’s parcel number within the body of the petition, not only an exhibit, for any real property.
•    Please provide all copies of recorded grant deeds going back to the time one of the Siemers’s first acquired title, to show chain of title and current title. Was an Affidavit of Death of Joint Tenant recorded? If so please provide it. If one was not recorded, this petition may be premature.
•    Please include the entire legal description and assessor’s parcel number within the body of the order, not only an attachment, for any real property.
Recommend continuance to 11/21/25 to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000836 ESTATE OF ALLEN MITCHELL JACKSON, AKA ALLEN M. JACKSON
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration:
Recommend approval of petition.
Recommend Inventory Review Hearing 03/17/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.41 B.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000839 ESTATE OF JOYCE MARY MOORE, AKA JOYCE M. MOORE
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration:
Recommend approval of petition.
Recommend Inventory Review Hearing 03/17/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.41 B.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000841 ESTATE OF DANIEL R. HUTSELL, AKA DANIEL RICHARD HUTSELL
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration:
•    Petitioner indicates that the decedent and his spouse died on the same day. It does not appear that a probate case has been opened for the decedent’s wife. Recommend court direct Petitioner to file a verified supplement clarifying why probate for the decedent’s wife is unnecessary and further clarifying whether the decedent’s spouse had any other heirs or beneficiaries besides the children listed in Section 8 of the current petition. 
•    Recommend court take judicial notice of case PR-25-000483 on its own motion. As there is not a temporary or general Guardian of the Estate appointed for either of the two minor heirs, a Guardian ad litem appears required. See PrC§1210. To be submitted to court for determination once other note is cured.
Recommend continuance to 10/24/25 to allow time for filing the above-referenced supplement.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2025
Department 22
8:30 a.m.

2200841 ESTATE OF JACINTO CAETANO OLIVEIRA, AKA JACINTO CAETANO DE OLIVEIRA
Discharge Review Hearing continued from 07/28/20, 10/28/20, 05/27/21, 12/01/21, 05/17/22, 12/01/22, 05/02/23, 11/07/23, 05/08/24, 12/19/24, 02/07/25:
Status Report is on file (with proof of service attached) requesting further six month continuance.
Recommend continuance to 03/18/26 pursuant to executor’s request.
Appearance not required (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, 04/15/25:
Prior defects cured.
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.  Copy of Report is on file.
All other receipts of distribution are on file. 
See Local Rule 8.92. Form DE-295, Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge and Order, with copies of previously filed receipts attached not yet submitted at time of review.
Recommend continuance to 01/22/26 to allow time for above pleading to be submitted.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred

PR-21-001386 ESTATE OF LAURA I. DOWNS, AKA LAURA DOWNS
Discharge Review Hearing continued from 01/23/25, 05/15/25:
Nothing filed since previous hearing. Prior Note remains:
Receipts of distribution not on file.
See Local Rule 8.92. Form DE-295, Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge and Order, not yet submitted at time of review.
Need status of discharge.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-21-001394 ESTATE OF KATHLEEN M. DUGAN SMETHURST, AKA KATHY SMETHURST   
Discharge Review Hearing:
Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge has been received and recommended for approval.
Hearing will be vacated.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-22-000295 ESTATE OF INGRID EDDINS
Hearing on Order to Show Cause issued 01/24/25 to personal representative and continued from 06/03/25:
•    To appear and show cause why court should not issue sanctions including surcharge, suspension, or removal from office for failing to appear on 01/24/25 and 06/03/25 and for failing to submit a signed Form DE-295, Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge and Order

Discharge Review Hearing continued from 11/07/24, 01/24/25:
Nothing filed since previous hearing. Prior Notes remain:
See Local Rule 8.92. Form DE-295, Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge and Order, not yet submitted.

Appearance by personal representative and personal representative’s counsel mandatory (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-22-000324 ESTATE OF KURT D. BESERRA
(1)    Order to Show Cause issued 06/03/25 to personal representative, Kayeley Beserra:
To appear and explain her failure to appear at the 06/03/25 hearing and failure to file Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge. 

• It appears that the Personal Representative’s mailing address may have changed.
    + The court file has not been updated with a new mailing or physical address. This form is available for download online here: https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/jcc-form/MC-040
Recommend court direct Personal Representative’s to file Judicial Council Form 
MC-040 with the Court.

(2)    Discharge Review Hearing continued from 11/07/24, 01/24/25, 06/03/25:
Nothing filed since last hearing. Prior notes remain:
Receipts of Distribution not on file.
On 06/03/25, the court directed personal representative to file Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge and that failure to file by next hearing may result in possible sanctions or surcharge.
See Local Rule 8.92. Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge not yet submitted.
Appearance by personal representative and her counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-22-000727 ESTATE OF RUTH MARIE ANTONIO
Discharge Review Hearing:
Two of the fourteen receipts of distribution not on file: Franciscan Missions and Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration.
Recommend continuance to 02/26/26 to allow time for receipts to be filed. See PrC§11753.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-000904 ESTATE OF BELINDA SUE EARLY, AKA BELINDA S. EARLY
Discharge Review Hearing:
One of two Receipts on distribution on file.  Need receipt.
Form DE-295, Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge and Order, not yet submitted.
Recommend continuance to 11/20/25 to allow time to file the above pleadings.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000286 ESTATE OF PRADEEP SINGH
Discharge Review Hearing:
Receipts on distribution not on file.
Form DE-295, Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge and Order, not yet submitted.
Recommend continuance to 11/20/25 to allow time to file the above pleadings.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-000411 ESTATE OF ELIZABETH EILEEN MOSES
Hearing on First Account and Report of Personal Representative and Petition for Settlement Thereof; for Allowance of Attorney’s Compensation for Ordinary Services; for Allowance of Personal Representative’s Compensation for Ordinary Services; and for Preliminary Distribution Under PrC§11623:
•    Is this a First Account Current or a First and Final Account? Pleading title and page 1 line 18 do not agree.
•    The Account appears not to balance. The discrepancy is approximately ~$0.09 in the property on hand at close of the account. How has the petitioner tried to reconcile this discrepancy?
•    Exhibit “E” (proposed preliminary distribution) reports that the amount of cash of the estate after the compensation, reimbursement, and preliminary distributions, is $153,848.27, which does not appear correct. If the net amount cash available for distribution after the reimbursement and compensation is $293,848.27, and the preliminary distributions of cash will be $45,666.67, $38,666.67, and $42,166.66, that would leave $167,348.27 cash on hand. The discrepancy is exactly $13,500.00, which is the value of the vehicles that are also being distributed. Were the vehicles perhaps included in the calculations of cash on hand by mistake?
•    Proposed Order, paragraph 6: please change “Administrator” to “distributees” to conform to PrC§11622(c).
•    At the time of the Final Accounting, please report why the personal representative has not completed marshalling the assets by this time, two years after Letters were issued, as reflected in paragraph 10 of this petition. See PrC§12205.
Recommend continuance to 11/07/25 to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000457 ESTATE OF BOBBIE GENE PEARSON, AKA BOBBY GENE PEARSON, BOBBY PEARSON
Hearing on First and Final Account and Report of Executor and Petition for its Settlement, and Petition for Final Distribution, Reimbursement of Costs Advanced, and for Allowance of Compensation to Attorneys for Ordinary Services:
Several pages are illegible, likely due to issues with the quality of scanning: page 12, 14, 15, 16, and 21 of this 23-page document.
Recommend continuance to 11/13/25, to coincide with Account Review already set, to allow time to cure defect and then for review of the accounting schedules.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000041 ESTATE OF ANGELA VELAZQUEZ DELAGRANDE, AKA ANGELA V. DELAGRANDE
Hearing on PrC§12200 Status Report of Administration:
Notice appears complete.
The reason for the requested continuance, to allow time to secure a bond, appears moot. A bond has been filed and Letters were issued the week after the Report was verified.
Recommend court allow estate to remain open and set an Inventory Review Hearing 03/03/26.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000493 MATTER OF PRITCHARD FAMILY TRUST
Hearing on Petition 1) Financial Elder Abuse; 2) Breach of Trust and Fiduciary Duty; 3) Compel Accounting; 4) Compel Distribution; 5) Surcharge for Damages Resulting from Breach of Trust; 6) Constructive Trust; 7) Suspension and Removal of Trustee; 8) Instructions:
•    Notice of Hearing, Form DE-120, file marked 06/24/25, does not appear to comply with PrC§§851(c)(2) (relief sought). Notice therefore appears defective on those who do not waive notice. See Mandatory Judicial Council Form DE-115.
Hearing required. 
Appearances required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000855 ESTATE OF KELLY MONK
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration:
•    Petition item 8 omitted the name and date of death of decedent’s predeceased spouse.
•    Affidavit of publication not on file. See Local Rule 8.12.
•    Form DE-140, Proposed Order, not submitted.
Recommend continuance to 11/14/25 to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000857 ESTATE OF MELODY JEAN BURNS, AKA MELODY J. BURNS, MELODY BURNS
Hearing on Petition for Probate of Will and for Letters Testamentary:
•    Petition item 3g was not completed (petitioners’ status as executors).
•    Petition item 3h was not completed (petitioners’ residencies).
•    Petition item 8 did not identify the Trustee of the Trust identified in decedent’s Will. See Local Rule 8.14A and 8.26.
•    An individual identified in item 8 (Donald) is alleged to have survived decedent but since passed away. The successors-in-interest of that individual are not clearly identified, nor is the personal representative of that individual’s estate. See California Decedent’s Estate Practice Guide and Local Rule 8.14 A.
•    Affidavit of publication not on file. See Local Rule 8.12.
Recommend continuance to 11/14/25 to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000859 ESTATE OF WILLA DEAN HEMINGWAY
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration:
•    Petition item 8 omitted the name and date of death of decedent’s predeceased spouse.
•    Affidavit of publication not on file. See Local Rule 8.12.
•    Form DE-150, proposed Letters: heading has the incorrect address for this court.
•    Waivers of bond on file from intestate heirs, however personal representative resides out of state. See PrC§8571. Bond may be required at the court’s discretion. This will be submitted to court for determination once other notes are cured.
Recommend continuance to 11/14/25 to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000863 ESTATE OF CATHERINE A. TOWNER
Hearing on Petition to Determine Succession to Primary Residence:
•    Please provide additional detail in Attachment 11 to satisfy petition item 11(2) (facts that show the property was decedent’s primary residence in California).
•    Please provide additional detail in Attachment 11 to satisfy petition item 11(3) (facts that show the asset was decedent’s separate property).
•    Please provide a copy of the prior recorded deed(s), back to the originating deed showing transfer from a third party to the decedent. (Attached to the petition is an Interspousal Transfer Deed, which appears to be the deed showing current title).
Recommend continuance to 11/14/25 to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000867 ESTATE OF JAMES MICHAEL COFFEE
Hearing on Spousal Property Petition:If no one appears to object, recommend approval of petition.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-22-000218 ESTATE OF GILBERT DANIELS, AKA GIL DANIELS
Discharge Review Hearing:Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge and Order has been submitted and approved.
Hearing has been vacated.

PR-23-000904 ESTATE OF PATRICIA JEAN KESTERSON
Discharge Review Hearing:Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge and Order has been submitted and approved.
Hearing has been vacated.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2025
Department 22
8:30 a.m.

PR-22-001197 ESTATE OF PATRICIA CAINGLIT
Hearing on First and Final Report on Waivers of Account and Petition for its Approval; Petition for Order of Final Distribution; and for Allowance of Payment of Statutory Fees; and Reimbursement of Costs Advanced continued from 08/13/25:
Nothing filed since previous hearing. Prior Notes remain:
•    Notice of Hearing not on file (PrC §§ 10830, 11000, 11601), including on the unpaid creditor (PrC§48).
•    The report reflects the executor took no action under the IAEA but also reports that he made a preliminary distribution of $10,000.00. A preliminary distribution of $10,000.00 is a power exercisable under the IAEA only after a personal representative with full authority has given notice of the proposed action. See PrC§10520. This act will be submitted to the court’s determination as to whether or not it will be approved once the other notes are cured.
•    A Partial No. 1 Inventory and Appraisal (I&A) is on file; a Final I&A has not been filed.
•    Proposed Order not yet submitted.
New Note: on 08/13/25, the court terminated the Fee Waiver; the personal representative shall pay all court costs forthwith.
Appearance by Administrator and Administrator’s counsel mandatory (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000960 ESTATE OF MELVIN EUGENE MORRISON, AKA MEL MORRISON
Hearing on First and Final Report of Executor on Waiver of Accounting and Petition for its Settlement; for Statutory Attorneys’ Fees, for Reimbursement of Costs Advanced and for Final Distribution continued from 08/27/25:
Recommend approval of petition as supplemented.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 03/26/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.92.
Recommend court vacate Account Review Hearing 11/06/25.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-001196 ESTATE OF ASHBINDRA SINGH
Hearing on Spousal Property Petition continued from 12/17/24, 02/07/25, 03/07/25, 07/02/25:
Nothing filed since last hearing. Prior notes remain.
•    If minors listed under item 9 are living issue of decedent, Guardian ad Litem will be required for acceptance of Notice of Hearing on behalf of minors.
On 03/07/25, the Court indicated if guardian ad litem is filed prior to the next hearing, the Order to Show Cause will discharge. A petition to appoint guardian ad litem was submitted but returned for corrections on 06/05/25.
Need status of guardian ad litem.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000187 ESTATE OF RONALD RAY EDWARDS, AKA RON EDWARDS
Related case PR-25-000188 
Hearing on Second Amended Petition for Probate of Will and for Letters of Administration with Will Annexed (file marked 08/29/25) continued from 04/15/25, 06/27/25, 08/15/25:
Will is Self-Proving.
Prior defects cured. One note remains:
•    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 submitted to judge.
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 (Anyone appearing may do so in person or remotely, by telephone, using VCourt).

PR-25-000188 ESTATE OF GERALDINE EDWARDS, AKA GERI EDWARDS
Related case PR-25-000187 
Hearing on Second Amended Petition for Probate of Will and for Letters of Administration with Will Annexed (file marked 08/29/25) continued from 04/15/25, 06/27/25, 08/15/25:
Will is Self-Proving.
Prior defects cured. One note remains:
•    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 submitted to judge.
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 (Anyone appearing may do so in person or remotely, by telephone, using VCourt).

PR-25-000386 ESTATE OF JOSE RICARDO MORENO
Hearing on (Second) Amended Spousal Property Petition (file marked 09/11/25) continued from 05/20/25, 06/27/25, 08/01/25:
On 09/11/25, petitioner filed what was titled “corrected” petition.  Please note, there is no such thing as a corrected petition.  Please see California Rules of Court rules 7.3 and 7.53 to learn about the types of forms that may be used to address defects.
Matter will be submitted to judge for determination.
The following defects must be addressed for the corrected petition: 
• Address of the court is incorrect.  It should be recited as: 801 10th Street, 4th Floor, Modesto, CA 95354.
• Attachment 7a did not include percentages of the community property interest in each asset belonging to the petitioner. See Local Rule 8.98 A.
Additional item to be addressed:
• Need new order. Form DE-226, Spousal Property Order, submitted 06/20/25 has the following defects:
    + Does not mirror petition as it recites that petitioner is requesting that property pass to surviving spouse. (item 5a is checked and attachment 5a was included).
    + Attachment omitted the APN.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000475 ESTATE OF JEFFERY DAVID FENDLEY
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration continued from 06/11/25, 08/22/25:
Prior Note: Please be advised that the heading of petitioner’s pleadings has not reflected the correct address for this court. This court is located at 801 10th Street, Modesto, CA. The clerk’s office is located on the fourth floor and the courtroom, Department 22, is located on the sixth. Please take care when providing notice that it reflects the correct addresses.
•    Affidavit of publication file-marked 09/11/25 reflects the notice published in the newspaper gave an incorrect address for the department where the hearing will be held and stated the wrong hearing time. Republication will not be reimbursable.
•    Form DE-150, Proposed Letters, not submitted.
Recommend court order that failure to perfect notice by the next hearing may result in a dismissal of this action.
Recommend continuance to 11/14/25 to allow time for republication.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000479 ESTATE OF DONALD HEFFNER
Hearing on Ex Parte Petition for Letters of Special Administration:
In addition to statutory special powers in Probate Code section 8544, the petitioner seeks additional authority to take possession of the property, to secure, maintain, and market the property for sale, and to enter into a purchase agreement and complete a sale of the property, and to deposit the proceeds of sale into an estate account.
If the court were to find that bond was not waived, the petitioner requests in the alternative that Letters of Special Administration issue without bond but order that sale proceeds be deposited into a blocked account. The petitioner did not specify a financial institution or location.
Notice of hearing on file, reflects notices were mailed four days prior.
Hearing required.
Appearance required (by VCourt if preferred).

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2025
Department 24
10:00 a.m.

PR-18-000116 ESTATE OF GUADALUPE A. OROZCO, AKA LUPE OROZCO   
Settlement Conference:Appearances mandatory.
Any person wishing to appear remotely must obtain the court’s permission to appear via VCourt by contacting the courtroom clerk.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2025
Department 22
8:30 a.m.

33869 ESTATE OF RUDY BONZI
Status Review Hearing continued from 06/30/21,12/02/21, 07/06/22, 09/20/22, 09/20/23, 12/12/23, 09/24/24:
On 09/24/24, the court directed counsel Mello to file a 2024 Status Report within ten (10) days of the hearing on 09/24/24, with proof of service to all interested parties. Not on file.
On 09/24/24, the court directed counsel Mello to file a 2025 Status Report no later ten (10) days prior to tis earing, on 09/23/25, with proof of service to all interested parties. Not on file.
Recommend court issue an Order to Show Cause to Administrator and Administrator’s counsel to appear and show cause why sanctions and/or surcharge should not be imposed for failure to abide by the court’s order.
Appearance by counsel mandatory (by VCourt if preferred).

429809 ESTATE OF MARY ANN BONZI
Status Review Hearing continued from 06/30/21, 12/02/21, 07/06/22, 09/20/22, 09/20/23, 09/24/24:Status Report filed 09/03/25, with proof of service.
Appearance by counsel mandatory (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-000699 ESTATE OF THELMA JENKINS
Account Review Hearing:
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 forty-five (45) days if estate is not in a position to be closed.
Recommend continuance to 02/03/26 to allow time for filing of above pleadings. If neither pleading is on file by the next hearing date, the court may issue an order to show cause for personal representative to appear pursuant to PrC§12202.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000360 ESTATE OF LAWRENCE YOUNG
Account Review Hearing:
•    Neither Petition for Final Distribution nor (Second) 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 01/28/26 to allow time for filing of above pleadings. 
If neither pleading is on file by the next hearing date, the court may issue an order to show cause for personal representative to appear pursuant to PrC§12202.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000963 ESTATE OF ALAN HOMER EARLY
Inventory Review Hearing:
Letters issued 03/25/25. Inventory and Appraisal was due 07/25/25. 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 and please review your responsibilities in the Duties and Liabilities, Form DE-147, you signed and filed.
Of note – the Administrator requested dismissal of this entire action; said request was not entered.
Appearance by Administrator (self-represented) mandatory (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-001338 ESTATE OF JOHN H. RIEN
Inventory Review Hearing:
Letters Issued 03/20/25.  Inventory and Appraisal due 07/20/25.
Inventory and Appraisal not on file at time of review.
Recommend Account Review Hearing 04/21/26 when PrC§12200 Status Report will be due, if Petition for Final Distribution is not on file. 
Inventory and Appraisal must be filed before next hearing.
See Local Rules 8.82 and 8.41 B.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000078 ESTATE OF KENNETH JAMES MAXWELL
Inventory Review Hearing:
Letters Issued 03/18/25.  Inventory and Appraisal due 07/18/25.
Inventory and Appraisal not on file at time of review.
Recommend Account Review Hearing 04/21/26 when PrC§12200 Status Report will be due, if Petition for Final Distribution is not on file. 
Inventory and Appraisal must be filed before next hearing.
See Local Rules 8.82 and 8.41 B.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000080 ESTATE OF SUE JANKE, AKA SUE MORSE AKA SUE JANKE-MORSE, AKA SUE ANNE JANKE MORSE, AKA SUE A. MORSE, AKA SUE A. JANKE
Inventory Review Hearing:
Final Inventory and Appraisal is on file.
Recommend Account Review Hearing 05/19/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.82.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000684 ESTATE OF FREDERICK JOSEPH OLIVERA
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration continued from 08/20/25:
See California Rules of Court rules 7.3 and 7.53 to learn about the types of forms that may be used to address these defects.
Defects not cured. Prior notes remain:
• Item 3e(3) is checked; however, Waivers of Bond not on file from all intestate heirs.
      +    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. Maximum bond would be $488,000.00. Bond matter will be submitted to Judge’s determination when defects are cured.
• Petition item 8 did not properly label the proposed personal representative (Local Rule 8.26 D).
• Notice of Petition to Administer Estate, Form DE-121, omitted the date of signature of declarant on page 2.
• Need new Letters: Letters, Form DE-150, submitted 08/20/25 have the following defect:
      +    Oath was dated prior to verification on petition (PrC§8403).
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-19-001293 MATTER OF WALTER LEROY WELKER JR. SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST
Hearing on Third Account and Report of Co-Trustees, Request for Reduction of Bond and Request for Attorney Fees:More time is needed for review. Matter will be continued to 10/09/25 to allow time for review.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-001118 VICKIE MARTIN AND LAWRENCE MARTIN REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST
Related decedent’s estate matter PR-23-000706
Hearing on Notice of Motion and Motion to Continue Hearing Dates for Settlement Conference and Trial:
SEE TENTATIVE RULING, to be posted day prior to hearing at https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/online-services/tentative-rulings/…

PR-25-000042 ESTATE OF AUGUSTINE L. DELAGRANDE JR., AKA AUGUSTINE DELAGRANDE JR.
Hearing on PrC§12200 Status Report of Administration:
Notice appears complete.
The reason for the requested continuance, to allow time to secure a bond, appears moot. A bond has been filed and Letters were issued the week after the Report was verified.
Recommend court allow estate to remain open and set an Inventory Review Hearing 03/03/26.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000866 ESTATE ANGELINA GARCIA, AKA ANGIE JOSEPHINE NUNEZ, AKA ANGELINA N. GARCIA
Hearing on Amended Petition for Letters of Administration (file marked 08/15/25):
•    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 $526,898.48.
•    Affidavit of publication not on file. See Local Rule 8.12.
•    Form DE-140, Proposed Order, not yet submitted.
Defects in Form DE-111, amended petition:
Petitioner is referred to California Rules of Court rules 7.3 and 7.53 to learn about the types of forms that may be used to address these defects.
•    Petition item 5a(3) or (4) incomplete (existence of registered domestic partner).
•    Petition item 5a(7) or (8) incomplete (existence of issue of a predeceased child).
•    Petition item 5b incomplete (existence of stepchild or foster child who would have been adopted but for a legal barrier).
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-25-000870 ESTATE OF KATHIE LOUISE JOHNSON
Hearing on Petition to Determine Succession to Primary Residence:
REVIEW IN PROGRESS. PLEASE CHECK BACK

PR-25-000872 ESTATE OF ANN ELIZABETH BELL, AKA ANN E. BELL
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration:
Bond waivers on file for all intestate heirs.
•    Petition item 8 did not include by properly labelling the proposed personal representative pursuant to Local Rule 8.26 D.
Recommend continuance to 10/02/25 to allow time to cure defect.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

9:30 AM

PR-21-001404 ESTATE OF ROBERT NELSON, AKA ROBERT G. NELSON, SR.
(Related case PR-22-000250)Court Trial continued pursuant to stipulation from 06/17/25 (1 day est):
Appearances mandatory.