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.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2025

Department 24
8:30 a.m.

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

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

Appearance by successor administrator required (Any person wishing to appear remotely must obtain the court’s permission to appear via VCourt by contacting the courtroom clerk).

Department 22
8:30 a.m.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 2025

Department 22
8:30 a.m.

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

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

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

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

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

As the prior notes remain and nothing has been filed to cure the defect, this Court provides one last continuance to perfect the pleadings.  Failure to do so by May 30, 2025 will result in a dismissal of the Petition.  This matter is continued to 08/20/25.  There shall be no hearing on 4/15/25.

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

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

Some defects cured. The following prior notes remain:
•    There were seven Creditor’s Claims filed in this matter.  A Satisfaction/Release of Claim is not yet on file for one Creditor’s Claim filed 03/11/24: Ascension Point on behalf of Synchrony Bank.
    o    Release of Creditor’s claim must be filed separately and not attached to any other pleadings.
•    Disclaimers, having not been filed within nine months of decedent’s death, appear to be untimely pursuant to PrC§§279-280 and thus not effective. 
    o    May need Waivers of Accounting from decedent’s parents.
    o    Declaration of Vernon F. Gant and Points and Authorities (both file marked 01/16/25) Matter was submitted to Judge for determination.  

The Court has reviewed counsel’s declaration and points and authorities regarding the disclaimers.  The Court does not find the disclaimers to be effective. 

PrC § 279(a) requires that a disclaimer be “filed within a reasonable time after the person able to disclaim acquires knowledge of the interest” in order for the disclaimer to be effective. (Emphasis added.) PrC § 279(b) then states that “a disclaimer is conclusively presumed to have been filed within a reasonable time if it is filed within nine months after the death of the creator of the interest or within nine months after the interest becomes indefeasibly vested, whichever occurs later….” (Emphases added.) If the disclaimer is not filed within the various timeframes set forth in the statute, “the disclaimant has the burden of establishing that the disclaimer was filed within a reasonable time after the disclaimant acquired knowledge of the interest.” (PrC § 279(f) [emphasis added].) 

The Law Revision Commission Comments to the 1990 Enactment of PrC § 279 clarify, “This section provides a more liberal rule concerning time of filing than does federal law. See I.R.C. § 2518 (1988); Jewett v. Commissioner, 455 U.S. 305 (1982). Federal law should be consulted if the disclaimer is executed to avoid federal taxes….A disclaimer effective under federal law is effective as a disclaimer under this part. See Section 295.”

Accordingly, a disclaimer can be valid under California law but not valid under federal law (in which case, the IRS may find that the disclaiming party owes a federal gift tax on the transfer if the amount at issue exceeds the annual gift limit—i.e., $17,000 in 2023 and $18,000 in 2024—even though the FTB finds the transfer exempt from state tax). In this case, the disclaimers were not signed within nine months of the decedent’s date of death—and then there was an unexplained additional six-and-a-half-month delay in actually filing the disclaimers. The statute repeatedly says “filed”—not executed. And because the ability to disclaim and thereby avoid a state gift tax is a privilege of statute, the statutory language must be strictly construed.

It does not appear that the sixteen-month delay between the decedent’s death and the filing of the disclaimers was reasonable. Therefore, this court finds the disclaimers ineffective. 

New Note:
•    Costs of Administration include photocopies and postage, which are considered a cost of doing business and are not reimbursable. See Exhibit A, Item 13 of costs incurred and Item 9 of anticipated costs.
•    Paragraph 24 is unclear. 
    o    Petition does not appear to request reimbursement of costs of administration.   Please clarify.
    o    The amount of costs incurred ($1,983.09) does not agree with the itemized costs on exhibit A.
•    Schedule showing Gains/Losses not attached as required by CRC 7.550(b)(6).
•    It appears the Notice of Proposed Action filed 07/29/24 omitted an attached affidavit of mailing per Local Rules 8.83 N and 8.100.
•    A copy of the seller’s statement was not attached to the petition.
•    Petition did not address distribution of the automobile and personal items reflected in the Inventory and Appraisal.
•    Assets on hand recited in Exhibit D for distribution do not agree with the assets on hand after sale of property.  Please explain the nature of the expenses and/or reduction of assets on hand.
•    Proposed Order submitted has the following defects:
    o    Does not include costs to be paid if any.  
    o    Examiner suggests counsel submit a new proposed order after the Court’s determination on the disclaimers as this language may need to be changed.

Counsel may supplement the petition to address the above defects.

Recommend continuance to 08/20/25 to allow time to cure defects. Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Appearances required (by VCourt if preferred).

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

PR-24-000846 ESTATE OF EDWARD RODRIGUEZ
Hearing on Petition for Settlement on Waiver of Account, for Order Allowing Statutory Compensation of Attorney’s Fees, Reimbursement of Costs, and Final Distribution:
Prior defects cured.
Recommend approval of petition as supplemented.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 10/16/25 pursuant to Local Rule 8.92
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

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

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

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

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

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

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

Department 24  
09:30 a.m.

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

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

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

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

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

MONDAY, APRIL 28, 2025
Department 22 
There are no decedent's estates or trusts on calendar

TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 2025

Department 22
8:30 a.m.

PR-21-000981 ESTATE OF MATTHEW R. BOX
Order to Show Cause issued 12/04/24 to Administrator:To appear and show cause for failure to appear on 12/04/24;
To appear and show the condition of the estate and why the estate cannot be distributed and closed purs. to PrC§12202. Failure to appear at this hearing is grounds for removal from office and may result in his suspension. See PrC§12204, 8500.

Order to Show Cause issued 12/04/24 to Administrator’s counsel:To appear and show cause for failure to appear, failure to file the documents previously ordered on 08/01/24.

Account Review Hearing continued from 08/01/24, 12/04/24:
Trailing PrC§12202 hearing.
The document filed on 12/04/24 (titled Status Report of Estate Administration) does not satisfy requirements of PrC§12200: not verified by Administrator (verified by his counsel), not set for hearing by the clerk’s office; $200.00 filing fee was not paid.

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

PR-23-000601 ESTATE OF CAROL HAWKINS
Inventory Review Hearing continued from 08/21/24, 12/04/24:
Nothing filed since issuance of Letters nearly fifteen months ago. 
The following orders have not been complied with:
•    Final Inventory and Appraisal not on file (ordered on 08/21/24 and ordered again on 12/04/24 to be filed within thirty days).
•    Statement of residence not on file purs. PrC§8573 after Personal Representative relocated out of California (ordered on 12/04/24 to be filed within thirty days).
•    PrC§12200 Status Report of Administration not on file (ordered on 12/04/24, due by this hearing).

Recommendations to the court:
    x    Suspend Personal Representative pursuant to PrC§8500.
    x    Issue Order to Show Cause to PR, citing her for contempt and removal from office pursuant to PrC 8502 for failure to file Account as ordered pursuant to PrC 11051, 11052.
        o    Recommend court direct the courtroom clerk to mail copies of the Order to Show Cause to the other heirs as described in the Petition file-marked 06/05/23.
    x    Refer matter to the Public Administrator and County Counsel, pursuant to PrC§7621, for appointment of Public Administrator.

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

PR-23-000749 MATTER OF ARLETE B. HEMPHILL 2021 REVOCABLE TRUST 

3)  Hearing on Petition for an Accounting and Breach of Trust filed by Robert Hemphill:
Notice appears complete.Objection filed – 04/14/25.
Possible long-cause matter.

2)    Hearing on Petition for Court Order Establishing Claim to Property, Quantum Meruit, Constructive Trust, and Declaratory Relief filed by Successor Trustee William Hemphill continued from 06/13/24, 09/17/24, 01/16/25:
Objection filed – 09/13/24.
Prior Notes remain:
•    Notice of Hearing, Form DE-120, file marked 04/02/24, did not appear to comply with PrC§§851(c)(1) (description of property) or 851(c)(3) statement advising interested persons). Notice therefore appeared defective. See Mandatory Judicial Council Form DE-115.
•    If the person to receive notice is represented by an attorney, notice should be mailed to the party and to his/her attorney per CRC7.51(b) and PC§1214.
On 01/16/25 court set deadline of today’s hearing for notice to be cured or Petition by Trustee may be dismissed.

1)  Hearing on Petition for Accounting, Breach of Trust, and Double Damages filed by Catherine Hemphill continued from 10/17/23, 02/06/24, 04/23/24, 06/13/24, 09/17/24, 01/16/25:
Objection filed – 03/12/24.Possible long-cause matter.
Need status of discovery.

Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-000903 ESTATE OF DENISE MARIE BUTLER
Account Review Hearing:
See Local Rule 8.41 B, Probate Code section 8800 et seq. Letters issued 04/22/24. Final Inventory and Appraisal was due 08/22/24.
•    A Partial No.1 I&A is on file; Final I&A not on file. 
•    Partial No.1 I&A did not include the characterization of decedent’s property [PrC§8850(c)]. This information will be needed prior to the closing of the estate.
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 on 08/23/23.

Recommend court compel the Administrator to file the Final Inventory and Appraisal pursuant to Probate Code § 8804 or face possible sanctions including removal from office.Recommend court question Administrator as to the status of the estate and thereafter order the Administrator to prepare and file a “Status Report of Administration” pursuant to Probate Code section 12200, and give Notice of Hearing thereon pursuant to Probate Code section 12201, within forty-five days of this hearing if the estate is not in a position to be closed. If the estate is in a position to be closed, recommend court order the Administrator to prepare and file a Petition for Final Distribution within sixty days of this hearing and give Notice of Hearing thereon pursuant to statute.

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

PR-23-001153 ESTATE OF ANITA KAREN DAOUD, AKA ANITA K. DAOUD, ANITA DAOUD
Account Review Hearing:
Final Inventory and Appraisal on file.
A Petition for Final Distribution has been filed and set for hearing on 06/26/25.
Hearing of 06/26/25 will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000107 ESTATE OF CRAIG LEE KEESLER
Account Review Hearing:
Nothing filed since previous hearing.
Letters issued 03/27/24. Inventory and Appraisal (I&A) due 07/29/24. 
Partial No. 1 Inventory and Appraisal on file.
Final Inventory and Appraisal not on file.
On 09/05/24, the court ordered personal representative to file the Final Inventory and Appraisal prior to this hearing (see Probate Code § 8804), and that a PrC§12200 Status Report must be filed if estate is not in a position to be closed. Neither Final Inventory and Appraisal, Petition for Final Distribution, nor PrC§12200 Status Report are on file.
Failure to file the Final Inventory and Appraisal pursuant to Probate Code § 8804 may result in possible monetary sanctions and/or removal from office.

Recommend court issue Order to Show Cause to Administrator and Administrator’s counsel 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 and Administrator’s counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000135 ESTATE OF ANDREW H. WOODS
Account Review Hearing:
Final Inventory and Appraisal on file.
A PrC§12200 Status Report has been filed and set for hearing on 05/21/25.
Hearing of 05/21/25 will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000143 ESTATE OF HENRY FRANK SHERMAN
Account Review Hearing:
See Local Rule 8.82. Neither Petition for Final Distribution nor PrC§12200 Status Report are on file.
Recommend court order personal representative to file a PrC§12200 Status Report (with Notice pursuant to PrC§12201) within 90 days if estate is not in a position to be closed.
Recommend continuance to 09/03/25 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-24-000165 ESTATE OF TONY J. FRANCO
Account Review Hearing:
See Local Rule 8.82. Neither Petition for Final Distribution nor PrC§12200 Status Report are on file.
Recommend court order personal representative to file a PrC§12200 Status Report (with Notice pursuant to PrC§12201) within 90 days if estate is not in a position to be closed.
Recommend continuance to 09/04/25 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-24-000404 ESTATE OF JOHN MARTINEZ AYOLT HETTINGA, AKA JOHN M.A. HETTINGA AKA JOHN HETTINGA
Consolidated: PR-24-000742 Estate of John Martinez Ayolt Hettinga (Non-Primary Case)
(1)    Hearing on Amended Petition (file marked 07/22/24 by Joel Hettinga) for Probate of Will and for Letters Testamentary continued from 12/05/24
Prior defects cured. Notice appears complete.
Will is not self-proving.  Proof of Subscribing witness on file.
•    Declination of named executor not on file. See Local Rule 8.18.
•    Need new proposed Order to include counsel’s information.
•    Need new Letters to include counsel’s information.

(2)    Hearing on (Competing) Amended Petition for Probate of Will and For Letters Testamentary (file marked 12/03/24 by Wylmina Hettinga) original petition continued from 08/29/24, 12/05/24:

Some prior defects cured. New Notes:  
•    Form DE-121 Notice of Petition to Administer Estate (file marked 03/26/25) is defective.
    o    Item 4a. page 2 incomplete (date mailed).
    o    Item 4b, page 2 incomplete (place mailed – city and state).
    o    Notice was given for the prior hearing date (12/05/24) instead of today’s hearing date.
    o    Proof of notice not on file for the State Attorney General (PrC§§8111, 1209).
    o    Proof of notice not on file for the foreign consulate (PrC§8113, Local Rule 8.16).
•    Form DE-150, Letters, submitted 12/03/24 omitted the date and place of execution on the Affirmation section.
On 12/05/24, the court continued to allow time to perfect publication. Prior note remains:
•    Affidavit of Publication for amended petition not on file.

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

Hearing required.Appearances required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-001031 ESTATE OF RANDOLPH J. PORTILLO
Inventory Review Hearing:
Final Inventory and Appraisal is on file.
A Petition for Final Distribution has been filed and set for hearing 06/11/25.
Hearing of 06/11/25 will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-001039 ESTATE OF CRAIG COX
Inventory Review Hearing:
Final Inventory and Appraisal is on file.
Recommend Account Review Hearing 01/06/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.82.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-000245 ESTATE OF BERNARD PASION DE JESUS, AKA BERNARD DE JESUS
Hearing on Petition for Final Distribution, Settlement of First and Final Account, Allowance of Compensation of Personal Representative and Allowance of Attorneys Fees, Extraordinary Fees and Costs:
•    Neither paragraph 5 nor 6 allege if personal representative received any formal claims from creditors, or if any claims were filed with the court (CRC 7.403).
•    Report paragraph 7 appears incorrect. A Request for Special Notice was filed on 02/16/24.
•    Please elaborate on Report paragraph 12. Deposit of funds into the attorney’s trust account does not appear to have been authorized by the court. Such an account does not accrue interest for the estate pursuant to PrC§9652. No agreement with the language described in paragraph 12 appears to be on file.
•    Please elaborate on Report paragraph 15. What is the current status of the decedent’s income tax returns?
•    The Disclaimer, signed by decedent’s mother thirteen months after decedent’s passing, appears to be untimely pursuant to PrC§§279-280 and thus not effective.
•    Paragraph 17 identifies the intestate heirs as a result of the Disclaimer(s) (PrC§279). Please provide supplemental information regarding decedent’s family tree as a result of disclaimer(s) (PrC§§282, 6401, 6402, 240). Were there any half-siblings? Did any sibling predecease the decedent? Etc.
•    Paragraph 20 includes an error in the calculation of statutory compensation in the line “2% on next $800,000.00”. The amount ought to be $25,011.66, not $22,488.34. The difference in total compensation is ~$50.47.
•    Paragraph 21 appears to contain an adding error: Examiner calculated 14.8 hours total.
    o    Extraordinary compensation therefore also appears incorrect.
•    Proposed Order:
    o    Paragraph 4 on page 2 is not correct; each heir did not (and is not expected to) sign an accounting or report.
    o    Paragraph 6 on page 2 contains findings of the court that was not reported by the personal representative in the pleading; that no claims were filed/presented, and that PR paid any creditors.
Recommend continuance to 08/20/25 to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-001218 ESTATE OF ANITA LOUISE BRUMLEY
Hearing on First and Final Report of Administrator on Waiver of Account and Petition for Allowance of Compensation to Attorneys for Ordinary Services, and for Final Distribution:•    According to the examiner’s calculation, the costs owed to attorney of record equal $1,941.67 ($2,241.67 total costs - $300 cost of republication).  Exhibit 2, itemization of costs, recites the second publication as $300.00 rather than $312.00.
•    Need new order reflecting corrected costs and correcting the omnibus clause in paragraph 7 and Exhibit A to recite the specific percentage to be distributed to each heir.

A corrected Inventory and Appraisal has been submitted which cured prior defects.  
Recommend Court vacate 04/30/25 Inventory Review Hearing.Recommend continuance to 06/13/25 to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000033 ESTATE OF MARCILLA ELIZABETH BERRY, AKA MARCILLA BERRY
Hearing on PrC§12200 Status Report of Administration:Recommend court allow estate to remain open and set an Account Review Hearing 03/17/26 at which time a Second PrC§12200 Status Report must be filed if the estate is not in a position to be closed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000303 ESTATE OF GARY BURNETT, AKA GARY GENE BURNETT
Hearing on (competing) Petition for Letters of Administration filed by the Public Administrator:
•    Form DE-121, Notice of Petition: server did not date her signature.
•    Affidavit of publication reflects notice was published only twice.
Sole heir is an individual under a conservatorship of the person only. A Guardian ad litem may be appropriate.
Does the original petitioner consent to this appointment, or will this petition be contested?
Recommend continuance to 07/11/25 to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000214 ESTATE OF KERRY JO WALKER, AKA KERRY J. WALKER, AKA KERRY WALKER
Hearing on Petition for Probate of Will and for Letters Testamentary:
Will is self-proving.
Recommend approval of petition and admission of Will to probate.
Recommend Inventory Review Hearing 10/29/25 pursuant to Local Rule 8.41 B.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000215 ESTATE OF JOHN JOE MARTINEZ, AKA JOHN MARTINEZ
Hearing on Spousal Property Petition:
Notes have been cured.
If no one appears to object, recommend approval of petition.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000217 ESTATE OF CARL. N. HELTON
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration:
•    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.
Recommend court require petitioner to mail notice to the Public Administrator.
Recommend continuance to 06/20/25 to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000225 ESTATE OF HELENA C. HILL
Hearing on Petition for Probate of Will and for Letters Testamentary:
•    Will waives bond for personal representative, however personal representative resides out of state. See PrC§8571. Petitioner seeks minimum bond of $20,000.00 pursuant to Local Rule 8.33.
Hearing required. Please be prepared to inform the court of the existence of any California creditors.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000226 ESTATE OF HELENA C. HILL
Hearing on Petition for Probate of Will and for Letters Testamentary:
•    Form DE-121 Notice of Petition to Administer Estate not on file.
•    Affidavit of publication not on file. See Local Rule 8.12.
•    Forms DE-140 and DE-150, Proposed Order and Letters, not submitted.
•    Will waives bond for personal representative, however personal representative resides out of state. See PrC§8571. Petitioner seeks minimum bond of $20,000.00 pursuant to Local Rule 8.33.
Hearing will be required once other defects are cured. Please be prepared to inform the court of the existence of any California creditors.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).