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.

THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 2025

Department 22
8:30 a.m.

PR-18-000614 ROBERT ROHSLAN, JR. SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST
Account Review Hearing:
Third Account Current and Report of Trustee not on file.
Recommend continuance to 08/12/25 to allow time for filing of above pleading.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-18-000615 ALICE ROHSLAN SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST
Account Review Hearing:
Third Account Current and Report of Trustee not on file.
Recommend continuance to 08/12/25 to allow time for filing of above pleading.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-000245 ESTATE OF BERNARD PASION DE JESUS, AKA BERNARD DE JESUS
Account Review Hearing continued from 11/20/24:
Personal representative filed a Petition for Final Distribution after the deadline set by the court. The filing of the Petition set a hearing on 04/29/25.
Hearing of 04/29/25 will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000558 ESTATE OF HOSSEIN MORAD ZANGANEH
Inventory Review Hearing:
Letters Issued 10/08/24.  Inventory and Appraisal due 02/08/25.
Inventory and Appraisal not on file at time of review.
Recommend continuance to 07/10/25 to allow time to file above pleading.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000886 FIFTH AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT OF THE J&B MORAIS 1996 TRUST
Hearing on Petition to Compel Trustee to Account (Probate Code Section 17200(b)(7)) continued from 11/13/24:
On 11/13/24, the Court continued this matter to allow for further meet and confer efforts and to allow time for trustee to serve Mr. Hillberg.
Nothing filed since last hearing.
Need status of meet and confer.
Hearing Required 
Appearances required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000952 ESTATE OF FRANK BERNHARD MARKS, JR., AKA FRANK B. MARKS, JR.
Inventory Review Hearing:
Final Inventory and Appraisal on file.
Recommend Account Review Hearing 12/11/25 pursuant to Local Rule 8.82.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000957 ESTATE OF THOMAS ALLEN STEVENS
Inventory Review Hearing:
Final Inventory and Appraisal 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 12/09/25 pursuant to Local Rule 8.82.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000959 ESTATE OF GERI LYNN ROTHSTEIN, AKA GERI ROTHSTEIN
Inventory Review Hearing:
Letters issued 10/09/24. Final Inventory and Appraisal due 02/09/25.
Final Inventory and Appraisal not on file. 
Partial No. 1 Inventory and Appraisal is on file, reflects there is or may be ongoing litigation with an unknown value to the estate. If that is the reason why the personal representative did not file the Partial No.1 I&A as the “Final”, she is referred to a California Decedent’s Estate Practice Guide (available at the County Law Library). 
Recommend continuance to 08/13/25 to allow time to file either a “Corrected & Final I&A” or a “Partial No. 2 and Final I&A”.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-001090 ESTATE OF LIDIA YVETTE UMADA, AKA LIDIA IVETTE UMADA
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration continued from 11/13/24:
On 11/13/24, court directed any objection or other pleading to be filed and served by 01/08/25.  Objections are not on file.
Requested bond of $20,000.00 appears adequate based on estimated value of estate alleged in the petition.
Recommend approval of petition.  
Recommend Inventory Review Hearing 10/09/25 pursuant to Local Rule 8.41 B.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-22-000314 ESTATE OF RAYMOND ANTHONY LOZANO
Hearing on Petition for Settlement of First and Final Account and Final Distribution, Allowance of Compensation to Attorney and Administrator, Allowance of Reimbursement of Costs of Administration to Attorney, Allowance of Reimbursement of Personal Funds and Labor Expended for the Benefit of the Estate to Specified Individuals:
No defects in petition.  
The personal representative is deceased. A petition for appointment of successor administrator has been filed and set for hearing 05/13/25.
Recommend continuance to 05/15/25 to coincide with previously set Account Review Hearing in order to allow time for appointment of successor administrator.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-22-000750 ESTATE OF WENDY D. MAYHUE, AKA WENDY DANELLE MAYHUE, WENDY DONELL MAYHUE
Hearing on PrC§12200 Status Report of Administration:
Notice appears complete. 
Recommend court set a further Account Review Hearing 08/12/25.
Recommend court vacate 04/16/25 Account Review Hearing. 
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-22-000840 ESTATE OF VICTORIA RASHO
Hearing on First and Final Report by Administrator Upon Waiver of Account and Waiver of Administrator’s Compensation and Petition for Approval of: 1) Report, 2) Statutory Attorney’s Compensation, 3) Cost Reimbursement and 4) Final Distribution:
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-24-000368 ESTATE OF ROBERT A. LOTT
Hearing on Report of Administrator on Waiver of Account and Petition for Allowance of Statutory Compensation to Administrator and Attorney for Ordinary Services, for Compensation to Guardian ad Litem, for Costs of Administration, Reimbursement of Expenses Advanced, Reserve for Closing Expenses and for Final Distribution:
Recommend approval of petition.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 10/16/25 pursuant to Local Rule 8.92.
Recommend court vacate 08/20/25 Account Review Hearing.
Appearance not 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:
•    Beneficiary of estate is a Trust; Trustee has waived an Accounting; Written acceptance of Trust by Trustee not on file [PrC§10954(b)(4)].
•    Notarized Waiver of Accounting from trustee on behalf of the trust.
•    Proposed Order:
    o    Does not appear compliant with CRC 7.650(a) (inclusion of court finding that testamentary trust is valid). 
    o    Does not appear compliant with CRC 7.650(b) (incorporation of terms of testamentary trust in present tense and in the third person).
Recommend continuance to 06/13/25 to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-001302 DORIS HOLLANDER REVOCABLE TRUST
Hearing on Petition for Order Confirming Trust Assets and Directing Transfer of Assets PrC §850:If no one appears to object, Recommend approval of petition.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000172 ESTATE OF JAMES D. HOLBROOK
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration:
Petitioner does not appear to have priority of appointment, nor is Petitioner a nominee of the person with priority (Probate Code sections 8461, 8465). The person with priority does not appear to have filed a competing petition.
Requested bond of $142,900.00 appears adequate based on estimated value of estate alleged in the petition.
•    Petition item 1 requested publication in an unfamiliar newspaper. Please see list of Stanislaus County newspapers on the court’s website here: https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/divisions/probate/newspapers
•    Notice of Petition to Administer Estate Item 1 includes an aka (James Daniel Holbrook) not recited in the petition.
•    Affidavit of publication not on file. See Local Rule 8.12.
•    Form DE-150, Proposed Letters, not submitted.
•    Form DE-140, Proposed Order, not submitted.
Recommend continuance to 06/06/25 to allow time to perfect notice.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000173 ESTATE OF TONY WILLIAMS
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration:
Notes have been cured.
Recommend approval of petition.
•    Form DE-150, Proposed Letters, not submitted.
Recommend Inventory Review Hearing 10/09/25 pursuant to Local Rule 8.41B.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000174 ESTATE OF SHIRLEY ANN CLEVENGER, AKA SHIRLEY A. CLEVENGER, AKA SHIRLEY CLEVENGER
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration:
Waivers of Bond [Form DE-142/DE-111(A-3e)] on file for all intestate heirs.
Recommend approval of petition.
Recommend Inventory Review Hearing 10/09/25 pursuant to Local Rule 8.41B.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 2025

Department 22
8:30 a.m.

PR-21-001379 MATTER OF MARY JESSIE SWANSON REVOCABLE TRUST  
Hearing on Demurrer continued from 04/03/25:
SEE TENTATIVE RULING, to be posted day prior to hearing at https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/online-services/tentative-rulings/…

Hearing on Motion to Reconsider continued from 03/11/25, 03/27/25, 04/03/25:
SEE TENTATIVE RULING, to be posted day prior to hearing at https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/online-services/tentative-rulings/…

PR-22-000612 DECEMBER 13 2011 AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT OF THE BERNICE CLEMONS TRUST
Hearing on Petition for Order Compelling Redress of Breach of Trust, Removal or Suspension of Successor Co-Trustee, and Appointment of Co-Trustee [PrC§§15462(b), 17200(b) continued from 08/31/22, 09/30/22, 01/18/23, 07/19/23, 09/21/23, 01/25/24, 04/18/24, 08/13/24, 11/19/24:
Opposition filed – 08/29/22 (by Donald Ray Clemons)
On 11/19/24, parties were ordered to meet and confer regarding trials dates that are 7-10 months out from the next hearing.  
Need status of meet and confer.
Appearance by counsel mandatory (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-000834 ESTATE OF THOMAS LESLIE BERTKEN, AKA THOMAS L. BERTKEN
Hearing on First Amended First and Final Account and Report of Administration, Petition for its Settlement, for Allowance of Payment of Attorneys Fees for Ordinary Services and Statutory Executor Compensation, and for Final Distribution continued from 11/19/24:
Prior defects cured. New Note for Amended Petition:
•    Paragraph 23: calculation of statutory compensation appears incorrect.  Fee base calculation recites receipts in the amount of $3,508.68; however, the summary of account and schedule of receipts attached totals $3,480.74.  This would bring the fee base amount to $526,791.48.  The compensation amounts and distribution amounts may change.
•    Defects in the proposed order submitted 12/05/24:
    o    Line 26, Page 1 recites the hearing time as 1:30pm instead of 08:30am.
    o    Paragraph 5 (omnibus clause) does not clearly re-state the fraction to be distributed to each beneficiary. 
    o    Due to the miscalculation of receipts as stated above, the compensation amounts will change and thus the distribution amounts will change.
Recommend continuance to 06/6/25 to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-000881 ESTATE OF JONATHAN FLORES
Account Review Hearing continued from 11/14/24:Although the court’s case management system reflects that this hearing is on a “Petition for Approval of Account Review and Request for Continuance”, the Minute Order of 11/14/24 reflects that pleading (filed on 11/07/24) was dropped by the filing party on 11/14/24 at their request. This hearing is accurately a continuance of the 11/14/24 Account Review Hearing.
Do not recommend further continuance of the Account Review Hearing.

Hearing on Amended PrC§12200 Status Report of Administration:
•    PrC§12200 Status Report was not verified by the personal representative. Counsel may not verify on behalf of a court-appointed fiduciary.  Please see CRC rule 7.103(c) and PrC§1023.
•    Notice of Hearing appears defective: notice was mailed prior to the filing of the amended pleading. Notice must be re-done.
Recommend continuance to 05/15/25 to allow time to cure defect, perfect notice.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000210 ROBERT SIDNEY JUSTICE AND GAIL O’CONNOR JUSTICE 1999 REVOCABLE TRUST (1)    Hearing on Accounting (The Robert Sidney Justice & Gail O’Connor Justice 1999 Revocable Trust Summary of Account March 06, 2022 – December 31, 2023) continued from 10/23/24, 11/19/24:

(2)    Hearing on Petition by Jill Libby, Conservator of the Person for Nancy Arnold, Beneficiary, for a Report of the Trust and its Administration, for an Accounting, for an Order of Distribution of Trust Assets, for Suspension of Trustees and for Removal of Trustees. (PrC §§ 17200(a); and 17200(b)(1).)  continued from 04/25/24, 08/13/24, 11/19/24:

Objection to Petition for suspension and removal filed (by Trustees, Bruce Clark and Dianna Clark)

A petition to appoint successor trustee has been filed and set for hearing 08/06/25.
Recommend continuance of both petitions to 08/06/25 to coincide with above petition.  
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000337 ABEL RIVAS GONZALEZ LIVING TRUST DATED AUGUST 15, 2023
Hearing on Second Amended Petition (file-marked 10/28/24) for Determination of Validity of Trust; Determination to Whom Property Shall Pass; Settling the Accounts and the Acts of the Trustee; Instructing the Trustee and Compelling the Trustee to Provide a Copy of the Terms of the Trust and Information About the Trust and Account to the Petitioner: continued from 06/12/24, 09/11/24, 11/21/24:
Nothing filed since previous hearing. Prior Notes remain:
•    Notice of Hearing file-marked 10/14/24 was defective: it reflects notice was mailed before the pleading was filed. Notice of Hearing must be re-done. See California Rules of Court rule 7.53.
•    Body of Petition omitted the names and mailing addresses of those entitled to notice (PrC§17201).
•    Multiple pages appear to be missing from the copy of the Trust attached as Exhibit 3.
•    Proposed Order not yet submitted.
Recommend court set a deadline for defects to be cured or case may be dismissed.
Appearance required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000490 MATTER OF CANTERO FAMILY TRUST
Hearing on Amended Petition to Invalidate Purported, Amended and Restated Trust for Forgery (file marked 09/06/24) continued from 08/07/24, 11/20/24:
Objection to Amended Petition (filed 10/07/24 – by Charles Maurice Howard).

Status report filed 11/19/24 indicates parties have reached an agreement settling all issues. Settlement agreement not on file at time of review.
Need status of settlement.
Appearances by counsel for petitioner and objector required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000778 ESTATE OF HARVEY LASKY
Inventory Review Hearing:
Final Inventory and Appraisal is on file.
Recommend Account Review Hearing 12/10/25 pursuant to Local Rule 8.82.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000861 MATTER OF 2011 FRINK FAMILY TRUST
Hearing on Amended Petition (file-marked 03/11/25) for Order Determining Trust’s Title to Property continued from 11/14/24:
•    The Petition includes the petitioner’s assertions that the Trustors’ failure to designate the Trust as beneficiary of the two accounts was “through inadvertence” (line 2, page 5) and “due to oversight” (line 11, page 6) without providing a factual basis for either assertion. This is not the first Probate Note on this issue.
•    Petitioner appears to both acknowledge that transfer of the IRA (account 7277) into the Trust is a prohibited transaction under the US Internal Revenue Code (beginning line 20, page 5) and still yet seeks the court’s order that the retirement account be transferred to the Trust anyway. This may have serious tax implications; petitioner was previously asked to file points and authorities to address the issue of the tax implications.
    o    Attached to the petition are Declarations signed by the five trust beneficiaries acknowledging they understand the tax implications of this petition and consenting thereto.
        x    One of the Declarants is described as being fifteen-years-old. Does he have a court-appointed Guardian of the Estate (or Washington equivalent)? If so, please provide a certified copy of the Letters of Guardianship as well as a signed Declaration of Consent from the Guardian. Otherwise, a Guardian ad litem may be required.
•    Notice of Hearing (Form DE-115) not on file, including on the person having custody of the minor beneficiary.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000960 ESTATE OF MELVIN EUGENE MORRISON, AKA MEL MORRISON
Inventory Review Hearing:
Letters issued 10/10/24. Inventory and Appraisal due 02/10/25.
Final Inventory and Appraisal not on file. See Local Rule 8.41 B, Probate Code section 8800 et seq.
Pursuant to counsel’s declaration and request for extension of time to file the I&A [PrC§8800(b)], recommend court set Account Review Hearing 11/06/25 pursuant to Local Rule 8.82, at which time a PrC§12200 Status Report must be filed if the estate is not in a position to be closed.
Inventory and Appraisal must be filed before next hearing. 
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-001104 ESTATE OF JACK ELDON STEVER, AKA JACK E. STEVER
Hearing on Petition for Probate of Will and for Letters Testamentary continued from 11/19/24:
Will is self-proving.
Waivers of Bond on file for all testate heirs.
•    Form DE-121, Notice of Petition to Administer Estate, Item 2, page 2 omitted address of person completing the form. 
Recommend continuance to 05/16/25 to allow time to perfect notice.
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 not required (Anyone wishing to appear may do so in person or remotely, by telephone, using VCourt).

PR-19-001263 ESTATE OF MELVIN ALLEN, SR.
Hearing on Petition for Probate:
•    Heading of petition and petition item 2b(4) do not agree. Is petitioner seeking appointment as special administrator?
•    Bond appears required; will waived bond only as to the executor nominated in the will (the executor is reported to be deceased).
•    Proposed Order, item 2c: lost will was admitted on 06/17/2020.
•    Proposed Letters: 
    o    No boxes were checked in the heading.
    o    Item 2 did not include the special administrator’s name.
Hearing required regarding bond.

Recommend court again order counsel for the late personal representative to prepare and file a First Account Current pursuant to PrC§10953, verified upon his information and belief, pay the requisite filing fee and have the pleading set on the court’s calendar for hearing. The pleading filed “on demand” on 10/07/24 was not verified nor set for hearing, it did not contain a prayer for its settlement, nor was the filing fee paid, all of which appear statutorily necessary for the court to “settle the account as in other cases” [PrC§10953(d)].
Recommend deadline for filing be thirty days.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-22-001165 ESTATE OF CLIFFORD HENRY VILMUR  
Hearing on Petition for Final Distribution, Settlement of First and Final Account, Allowance of Compensation of Personal Representative and Allowance of Attorney’s Fees Waiver of Account:
•    The calculation of statutory compensation does not appear correct; the Report reflects the fee base was pulled from the Final Inventory and Appraisal, however the amount reported (paragraphs 14 and 20) was from the Reappraisal for Sale filed on the same date (the property was ultimately not sold). The fee base must be pulled from the Final I&A, to wit: $237,000.00.
•    Notice of Hearing appears defective: item 4a on page 2 was not completed (date of mailing). 
•    Proposed Order not yet submitted.
Recommend continuance to 06/13/25 to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-001005 ESTATE OF CAROLINA MENDES SOUSA, AKA CAROLINA M. SOUSA
Hearing on First and Final Report of Executors on Waiver of Accounting and Petition for its Settlement, for Allowance of Compensation to Attorneys for Ordinary Services, and for Final Distribution to Inter Vivos Trust:
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-23-001298 ESTATE OF TROY D. RIGGLEMAN
Hearing on Report of Administrator on Waiver of Account and Petition for Allowance of Statutory Compensation to Administrator and Attorney for Ordinary Services, for Costs of Administration, Reimbursement of Expenses Advanced, Reserve for Closing Expenses and for Final Distribution:
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-24-001308 ESPERANZA VARGAS SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST
Hearing on Petition for Instructions; and for Termination of Court-Ordered Special Needs Trust PrC §§§§ 17200, 2023, 15408, 15409:If no one appears to object, Recommend approval of petition.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000175 ESTATE OF ROBERT RICHARD BLASE
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration:
•    Affidavit of publication not on file. See Local Rule 8.12.
Recommend continuance to 06/13/25 to allow time to cure defect.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000200 ESTATE OF JOSE MELQUIADES RAMIREZ, AKA JOSE M. RAMIREZ, AKA JOSE RAMIREZ
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration:
Requested bond of $500,000.00 appears adequate based on estimated value of estate alleged in the petition.
•    Form DE-150, Letters, not yet submitted.
Petitioner has been suspended as conservator of the estate; therefore, does not appear to have priority pursuant to PrC §8461.  
Recommend continuance 08/13/25 to allow time to cure defects.
Recommend court direct clerk to mail notice to Public Administrator and County Counsel.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 2025

Department 22
8:30 a.m.

439972 MATTER OF JANELLE BOZARTH SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST
Hearing on Seventh Account and Report of Trustee, Petition for Settlement of Account; for Allowance of Fees to Petitioner, and for Allowance of Attorney Fees continued from 01/30/25:
Prior defects cured.
Recommend approval of petition and report as supplemented.
Recommend court set further Account Review Hearing 02/09/27.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-21-000924 ESTATE OF CYNTHIA JOAN CULBRETH
(1)    Hearing on Second PrC§12200 Status Report of Administration continued from 01/16/25, 03/12/25:
Prior defects cured.

(2)    Account Review Hearing continued from 03/12/25:
Petition for Final Distribution not on file at the time of review.  See Local Rule 8.82. 
If the Petition for Final Distribution is filed prior to the next hearing, the next hearing may be vacated.
Recommend continuance of Account Review Hearing to 08/20/25 to allow time for filing of the above pleading.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-22-001133 ESTATE OF KIM LUANA CHENAULT, AKA KIM L. CHENAULT, KIM CHENAULT, KIM LUANA WEBSTER, KIM L. WEBSTER
Hearing on Petition for Final Distribution on Waiver of Accounting and Request for Administrator’s Statutory Compensation continued from 02/27/25:
Prior Note remains:
•    Waivers of Accounting do not bear notary’s acknowledgement (Local Rule 8.69).
Appearance by Administrator (self-represented) required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-22-001285 ESTATE OF LINDA JEAN MODARESI
Hearing on First and Final Report of Administrator and Petition for Final Distribution on Waiver of Account and Waiver of Statutory Compensation to Administrator continued from 03/04/25:
Notes have been cured.
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-24-000314 ESTATE OF LAMONA JOANN BISHOP, AKA LAMONA J. BISHOP
Hearing on First and Final Report of Executor and Petition for Final Distribution on Waiver of Account and Waiver of Statutory Compensation to Executor continued from 02/27/25:
Prior defects cured.
Recommend approval of Report and Petition as supplemented.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 10/16/25 pursuant to Local Rule 8.92.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000035 ESTATE OF YVONNE ANNEATTE ALLEN, AKA YVONNE A. ALLEN
Hearing on Petition for Probate of Will and for Letters Testamentary continued from 02/27/25:
Declaration regarding an heir-search on file. Petitioner has alleged decedent died with no living next-of-kin or intestate heirs.
Prior Notes have been cured.
Recommend approval of petition and admission of will to probate.
•    Proposed Order submitted 04/07/25:
      o    Heading omitted checkmark in box for appointment of executor.
      o    Case number omitted.
      o    Please complete item 1.
Recommend Inventory Review Hearing 10/14/25 pursuant to Local Rule 8.41 B.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000042 ESTATE OF AUGUSTINE L. DELAGRANDE JR., AKA AUGUSTINE DELAGRANDE JR.
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration continued from 03/04/25:
Prior Note has been cured.
Recommend approval of petition, and proposed bond of $250,000.00.
Recommend Inventory Review Hearing 09/04/25.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

MONDAY, APRIL 14, 2025

Department 22
There are no probate matters on calendar.

Department 24
1:30pm

PR-23-001210 RANCANO FAMILY TRUST
(1)    Settlement Conference:
Vacatedper minute order dated 03/03/25.

(2)    Hearing on Subsequent Petition to Approve Proposed Distribution of Trust Assets and Payment of Trustees’ Fees (filed by David & Ernesto Rancaño, Co-Trustees) continued from 01/02/25:
Per minute order dated 04/08/25, this matter has been rescheduled to 05/09/25at 08:30a.m. in Department 22 to coincide with the Court’s Motion to Dismiss hearing.
Counsel to notify the Court if this Petition hearing is necessary or moot as a result of the settlement. 
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

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:
Prior Notes remain:
Proof of Dealer’s Record of Sale of Firearm for 14 of the 16 firearms were attached to a Declaration. Declaration alleged one (1) of the firearms does not require a federal licensed dealer to transfer.  
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.
13 of the 14 Receipts for firearms are on file.  (Seller’s copy ending in 00678 not on file).
Need receipts for remaining 3 firearms or proof of report for stolen firearm(s).
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 not on file.
Need status of final accounting.
Appearance by counsel 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:
•    Need new order.  Paragraph 5, Page 5 omitted the 2003 Volkswagen Beetle and Decedent’s collection of work..etc for distribution.
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 EDWARDSRelated case PR-25-000188 

Hearing on Petition for Probate of Will and for Letters Testamentary:
Will is self-proving.
•    Defects in the Petition (Form DE-111):
    o    Caption of Petition is checked probate of Will and for Letters Testamentary.  The will did not name the petitioner as an executor; Petition item 8 included an allegation that both of those individuals named as executor are now deceased. Petitioner may seek appointment as “administrator with will annexed”. 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 2b did not include the name of the proposed personal representative.
    o    Item 2b(1) is checked (executor) instead of “administrator with Will annexed”. 
    o    Item 3d does not appear to have been filled out completely. The petition reflects petitioner’s estimate that the decedent’s estate is valued at $9,772.00. No declaration alleging why formal probate is necessary has been filed. While Examiner does not consider the above note to be a fatal defect, it is the court’s discretion to consider granting a petition for probate under the threshold.  Are there any other assets other than the $9,772.00 in personal property?
    o    Item 3g(4) is checked.  This is not a successor personal representative petition.
    o    Item 5a(1) and (2) do not appear to be correct. If the decedent died five days prior to his spouse, then he was survived by his spouse for the purposes of completing this petition.
    o    Item 5a(3) or (4) incomplete (existence of registered domestic partner).
    o    Item 5a(5) or (6) incomplete (existence of child).
    o    Item 5a(7) or (8) incomplete (existence of issue of a predeceased child).  Without this information, it is unclear if Item 8 on the petition is complete.
    o    Item 5b incomplete (existence of stepchild or foster child who would have been adopted but for a legal barrier).
    o    Item 8 did not include the date of death of decedent’s spouse and daughter. 
    o    Item 8 included grandchildren. Please identify the parent through whom they inherit.
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.
•    Form DE-147 Duties and Liabilities not on file.
•    Form DE-121 Notice of Petition to Administer Estate not on file.
•    Affidavit of publication not on file. See Local Rule 8.12.
•    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).

PR-25-000188 ESTATE OF GERALDINE EDWARDS, AKA GERI EDWARDSRelated case PR-25-000187 

Hearing on Petition for Probate of Will and for Letters Testamentary:
Will is self-proving.
•    Defects in the Petition (Form DE-111):
    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 3d does not appear to have been filled out completely. The petition reflects petitioner’s estimate that the decedent’s estate is valued at $9,772.00. No declaration alleging why formal probate is necessary has been filed. While Examiner does not consider the above note to be a fatal defect, it is the court’s discretion to consider granting a petition for probate under the threshold.  Are there any other assets other than the $9,772.00 in personal property?
    o    Item 3g(4) is checked.  This is not a successor personal representative petition.
    o    Petition item 5a(3) or (4) incomplete (existence of registered domestic partner).
    o    Petition item 5a(5) or (6) incomplete (existence of child).
    o    Petition item 5a(7) or (8) incomplete (existence of issue of a predeceased child).  Without this information, it is unclear if Item 8 on the petition is complete.
    o    Petition item 5b incomplete (existence of stepchild or foster child who would have been adopted but for a legal barrier).
    o    Item 8 did not include the date of death of decedent’s spouse and daughter. 
    o    Item 8 included grandchildren. Please identify the parent through whom they inherit.
The following items must be addressed in the file:
•    Form DE-147 Duties and Liabilities not on file.
•    Form DE-121 Notice of Petition to Administer Estate not on file.
•    Affidavit of publication not on file. See Local Rule 8.12.
•    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 16, 2025

Department 22
8:30 a.m.

2200062 ESTATE OF MARY RUBY ANDRUS, AKA MARY R. ANDRUS, MARY ANDRUSREVIEW IN PROGRESS. PLEASE CHECK BACK.

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:
Nothing filed since previous hearing. Prior Notes remain:
Letters issued 05/23/24. Inventory and Appraisal due 09/23/24.
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.
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.
•    Signature of Personal representative in both the declaration and bond statement is not dated.
•    Attachment 2 omitted legal description of real property.
Correct Inventory and Appraisal will be required before next hearing.
Recommend court set an 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:
REVIEW IN PROGRESS. PLEASE CHECK BACK.

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.
Need proposed Letters.
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).