Probate Notes

Probate Examiners, Anne Holsinger and Michelle Warren, may be reached at Probate.Examiner@stanct.org . Telephone calls can be directed to the Probate Unit as set forth above. Emails must have the case identification information and hearing time/date in the subject line. No attachments will be opened. The Probate Examiner can only respond to inquiries regarding the meaning of comments in the notes. Please do not email to notify that documents have been filed, to request a confirmation whether documents have been received, or to request the clearing of notes. No legal or procedural advice may be given by the Probate Examiner in response to your email.

• It is the goal of the Probate Examiner to have Probate Notes posted five (5) calendar days prior to the hearing.
• Defects described in the Probate Notes must be corrected prior to approval of the moving papers. 
• If you are filing documents to cure technical defects, they should be filed NO LATER THAN FIVE COURT DAYS before the hearing.  Later-filed documents might not be reviewed prior to the hearing and could result in a continuance of your case.

Probate Notes will be updated as needed when late-filed documents are reviewed.  Please note:  Late-filed documents that do not contain the hearing date in the caption require more time and effort to be matched to the files.  This may result in an otherwise avoidable continuance.

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Please Note: "Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred)."

This language indicates that no one is required to appear at the hearing.  Probate hearings are open to the public, however, and anyone who wishes to observe a proceeding may do so. Appearances in most cases may be made in person or remotely, by telephone, using VCourt. For more information on how to appear by VCourt, please see the section "Remote Telephonic Hearings"on the home page of this website.

POSTED JULY 15, 2025
Probate customers may view the documents in the court's files online by accessing the Case Search Portal on the court's website . Access to view confidential documents remains restricted.

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

POSTED MARCH 5, 2025
Inventory and Appraisals: If the Inventory and Appraisal has been submitted to the probate referee but not filed prior to the Inventory Review date, the Personal Representative, or their retained counsel, may file a declaration attesting to these facts and provide an anticipated timeframe for filing.  The Court may, in its discretion, continue the Inventory Review hearing without required appearances.

POSTED DECEMBER 16, 2024
Please visit the new  Probate Examiner's Corner  section of the Probate Division webpage where you will find news, reminders, and guides!

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

POSTED SEPTEMBER 29, 2022, UPDATED 12/02/22

• Please help expand the list of qualified counsel willing to accept appointment in Probate matters, as either court-appointed counsel in Conservatorships pursuant to PrC§1471, Guardians ad litem, successor personal representatives in decedents' estates, and successor trustees. 

• For appointment as counsel in a Conservatorship, please see the list of qualifications and requirements found in California Rule of Court 7.1103 and 7.1105.

• Review forms PR004, PR005, and GC-010 available for download on the Common Forms & Packets page here:  https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/forms-filing/common-forms-packets  for more information.  Remit your completed forms to the Superior Court.

THURSDAY, JULY 31, 2025
Department 22
8:30 a.m.

432815 MATTER OF JEAN SNYDER LIVING TRUST
Account Review Hearing:
Eighth Account and Report of Trustee not on file.
Recommend continuance to 02/05/26 to allow time for filing of above pleading.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-21-000570 MATTER OF ROBERT SINGLETON POOLED SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST
Account Review Hearing:
Third Account and Report of Trustees for period of 02/01/23 through 01/31/25 filed and set for hearing 10/23/25. 
Hearing of 10/23/25 will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-22-001069 ESTATE OF TINA MARIE POULOS
Account Review Hearing on the $20,000.00 in reserved funds:
See Local Rules 8.68 and 8.92.
• Receipts of distribution do not agree with the court’s order file-marked 12/05/24.
      o    Each distribution was short either $161.68 or $161.67.
• A Form DE-295, Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge and Order, was returned for correction on 07/21/25 for being premature, as a formal accounting of the retains was not filed and set for hearing yet.
A Petition for Approval of Distribution of Closing Reserve has been filed and set for hearing 10/14/25.
Hearing of 10/14/25 will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-000631 ESTATE OF MAURICIO GUADALUPE MONTOYA, AKA MAURICIO, G. MONTOYA
Discharge Review Hearing:
See Local Rule 8.92 and Judicial Council Form DE-295.
Receipts of distribution not on file [see Pr. Code section 11753(b)].
Consider downloading the form from https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/jcc-form/DE-295 . 
Appearance by Administrator (self-represented) required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-000702 ESTATE OF JULIE ANN DAVIS, AKA JULIE DAVIS, JULIE A. DAVIS
Discharge Review Hearing:
Receipts of distribution not on file
See Local Rule 8.92. Form DE-295, Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge and Order, not yet submitted at time of review.
Recommend continuance to 10/16/25 to allow time for above pleading to be submitted.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000201 ESTATE OF EDWARD ZAIA
Discharge Review Hearing:
Receipt of distribution is on file.
Form DE-295, Ex Parte Petition for Discharge and Order, has been submitted and is recommended for approval
Hearing will be vacated.
No appearances.

PR-24-001312 ESTATE OF NANCY VIRGINIA VILLARREAL, AKA NANCY V. VILLARREAL, AKA NANCY V. ATKINSON
Inventory Review Hearing:
Letters Issued 02/05/25.  Inventory and Appraisal due 06/05/25.
Inventory and Appraisal not on file at time of review.
Recommend continuance to 10/01/25 to allow time to file above pleading.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000125 MATTER OF THE TESTAMENTARY TRUST OF JAMES A. HIGGINS
Hearing on Petition for Order for Support of Beneficiary continued from 06/12/25:
Nothing filed since previous hearing. Prior Notes remain:
•    Please file a copy of judicial decree that established the testamentary trust, e.g., the Order for Final Distribution filed in the decedent’s estate court proceeding. See CRC rule 7.650.
•    Please clarify that this court is the proper venue for this proceeding. Where is the principal place of administration of the trust? See PrC§17005(a)(1).
•    Proposed Order contains findings that do not agree with the petition: see lines 15 through 18, and lines 24 through 27 on page 3 of the order.
•    Proposed Order contains an order that was not included in the prayer of the petition: see lines 12 through 14 on page 4 of the order.
Objection filed 06/11/25 – by U.S. Bank. Objection reflects the Objector/Respondent/co-Trustee did not receive notice. Recommend court direct petitioner to perfect notice on the Objector at the address provided in the Objection.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-22-000875 ESTATE OF J. JESUS JIMENEZ
Hearing on Petition and Report on Waiver of Account for Final Settlement, for Waiver of Statutory Commission, for Allowance of Statutory Attorney Fees, and for Final Distribution:
•    Petition was not verified (See California Rule of Court 7.103, California Code of Civil Procedure sections 2015.5, 446).
•    Itemization of costs of administration was omitted (see Local Rules 8.69, 8.83K).
•    Statement regarding family/affiliate relationship omitted [see PrC§1064(a)(4)].
•    Report paragraph 9 did not appear to comply with PrC§9202(b) (“is or has previously been confined”). See also PrC§216, Local Rule 8.83 F.
•    Petitioner alleged an accounting is not required (Report paragraph 13). This is incorrect; an accounting is required even when the sole asset of the estate is real property. Please see PrC§§11000, 10954, Local Rules 8.69 and 8.65, and a California Decedent’s Estate Practice Guide.
•    Request to distribute the real property to the heirs as joint tenants does not appear allowable, as they will not hold title in equal shares (see Civil Code §§ 683, 685). Tenancy-in-common appears mandated, unless the heirs agree to a different distribution. See Local Rule 8.87.
      o    Prayer did not include the proposed distribution.
•    Legal description of the real property omitted. See CRC rule 7.651(B)(3).
•    It appears that there is insufficient liquidity in the estate to pay attorney’s compensation and costs. Please clarify how fees will be paid.
•    Notice of Hearing not on file (PrC §§ 10830, 11000, 11601).
Recommend court order the personal representative to either obtain and file notarized waivers of account from all the intestate heirs purs. to Local Rules 8.69 and 8.65, OR prepare, sign and verify, file, and then provide of notice of hearing on an Amended Petition and Report to include a first and final accounting pursuant to PrC§§11000, 10954. 
Appearance by counsel required to receive the court’s order (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-001184 ESTATE OF STEVEN ROBERT LENSER
Hearing on First and Final Report of Administrator on Waiver of Account and Petition for Allowance of Compensation to Attorney for Ordinary and Extraordinary Services and Administrator for Ordinary Services and for Final Distribution:
Recommend approval of petition as prayed for.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 01/22/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.92.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000249 MATTER OF ANTON COOLEY SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST
Hearing on Petition for an Order to Confirm Validity of Trust; Confirm Trustee; and Confirm Assets of Trust; for Instructions Regarding Trust Terms and Determining Whom Property Shall Pass to Upon Termination of the Trust:
•    Notice of Hearing, Form DE-115, not on file. See PrC§17203. Please review Local Rule 8.14 B regarding notice on minors and/or persons with an unknown address.
•    Possible appointment of a Guardian ad litem on the court’s own motion will be submitted to the court’s determination once notice has been perfected. One interested person is known and is a minor; one interested person is a minor whose name and location is alleged to be unknown. The petition includes petitioner’s allegation that there may be additional interested persons who are minors whose identities and locations are unknown (PrC§1003).
Recommend continuance to 12/04/25 to allow time for notice purs. to PrC§172030. See also Local Rule 8.14 B, CRC rules 7.51 and 7.52, PrC§1212 and CCP§413.30.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000607 ESTATE OF AARON SCOTT BOONE
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration:
• Petition item 2d(2) is a request for bond to be fixed but does not state the amount of bond sought.
• Affidavit of publication file-marked 07/14/25 reflects the published notice included a request to admit decedent’s will and codicils, if any, when the petition alleges decedent died intestate. See the FAQ regarding publication posted online here: https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/divisions/probate/probate-faqs
      o    Republication will not be reimbursable.
• Proposed Order submitted 06/06/25:
      o    The Judge’s name is spelled Stacy Speiller.
      o    Item 2b was omitted (date of decedent’s death).
      o    Item 3 includes petitioner’s middle name. The order must agree with the petition, and the petition item 2b did not include petitioner’s middle name.
      o    Item 5 was left blank (bond or blocked account).
• One of the intestate heirs is a minor child. Guardian ad litem may be required. This will be submitted to the court for determination once the other defects are cured.
Recommend continuance to 09/12/25 to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000036 ESTATE OF LORI JEANNE HECTOR, AKA LORI J. HECTOR
Discharge Review Hearing:Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge has been approved.
Hearing was vacated.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 2025
Department 22
8:30 a.m.

2200521 MATTER OF ZALEEYA DE LA TORRE TRUST
Hearing on Petition to Approve Fifth Account and Report of Trustee, to Confirm Trustee’s Fees, and to Approve Attorney’s Fees continued from 05/20/25:
Prior Notes remain:
• Report and prayer of petition reflect Trustee received periodic compensation on account of $11,758.52 during the account period and seeks court approval of same. This amount appears to be inaccurate; it includes fees the court approved in the Fourth Accounting for that account period ($2,115.90). The Schedule of Disbursements reflects a payment of $2,115.00 (discrepancy of $0.90) dated 03/10/23 for purpose of “transition to periodic billing” which appears to be a mistake as that is the described purpose of the $1,360.50 disbursement dated 04/05/23 as explained in the “Fiduciary Fee Summary” attached to the accounting (page 26 of 36). 
      o    In summary, Trustee’s compensation (periodic payments of $250.00, lump sum adjustment disbursed 04/05/23, and payment of monthly invoices starting May 2023 and ending April 2024) for the current account period total $8,086.82. Please review and verify if that is the correct amount of Trustee’s fees for this account period which Trustee seeks court’s approval of.

New Note 07/31/25: Declaration file-marked 07/29/25 includes allegation that the first two notes above were cured by a pleading “Response” filed on 07/18/25. No pleadings were filed that day in thismatter. To confirm, the fiduciary and counsel may view the pleadings online via the court’s website: https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/online-services/search-case

Recommend continuance to 09/12/25 to allow time for fiduciary to review the court’s file and cure the defects.

Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

2200522 MATTER OF JUAN DE LA TORRE SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST
Hearing on Petition to Approve Fifth Account and Report of Trustee, to Confirm Trustee’s and to Approve Attorney’s Fees continued from 05/15/25:
Notes have been cured.
Recommend approval of Account and Petition as supplemented.
Recommend approval of request to increase bond by $8,000 for total bond of $211,000.00.
Recommend Account Review Hearing 07/21/2027.
Recommend Review Hearing 09/12/25 to allow time for supplemental bond to be filed prior to the court’s signing of the order submitted 07/29/25 (PrC§2320.2).
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-000859 ESTATE OF JENIA SHLIMON
Hearing on Petition for Final Distribution, Settlement of First and Final Account, Allowance of Compensation of Personal Representatives and Allowance of Attorneys Fees, Costs, and Extraordinary Fees continued from 05/14/25:
Prior Notes have been cured.
Recommend approval of Petition and Account as supplemented.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 02/26/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.92.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-000976 ESTATE OF DENNIS BRADFORD
Hearing on PrC §12200 Status Report continued from 05/14/25: 
Prior defect cured. Notice appears complete. 
Recommend court set a further Account Review Hearing 01/08/26.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-001095 ESTATE OF ROSA LINDA FELICIANO
Hearing on PrC§12200 Status Report of Administration continued from 05/13/25:
Prior Note remains:
•    Notice of Hearing not yet on file (see PrC§12201) for creditors (PrC§48). There are seven individual creditors that have filed claims in this matter and for whom there is not yet either a withdrawal of claim filed from the creditor or a Form DE-174 Allowance or Rejection of Creditor’s Claim filed from the co-Administrators. The creditors are each, therefore, an “interested person” pursuant to PrC§48 and must be given notice of a PrC§12200 Status Report purs. to PrC§12201.
The Status Report file-marked 03/27/25 sought only one-hundred-and-twenty (120) days to allow time for completion of the First and Final Report; that time has now elapsed.
Recommend court drop hearing on the Status Report for lack of notice.
Recommend court set Account Review Hearing 12/09/25 at which time a Second PrC§12200 Status Report must be filed if a Petition for Final Distribution is not on file. Recommend court include in the Minute Order an admonishment to the co-Administrators that PrC§12201 notice must be given to pending creditors based on the status of the claim as reflected in the file.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-001011 ESTATE OF CRUZ ANGEL CARDENAS
Hearing on Spousal Property Petition continued from 10/22/24, 02/20/25, 05/020/25:
Prior Notes have been cured.
Guardian ad litem has been appointed for the minor heir. Notice appears complete.
If no one appears to object, recommend approval of petition and recommend court relieve the Guardian ad litem.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000327 ESTATE OF JENNIFER L. LOURENCO AKA JENNIFER LYNN LOURENCO
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration continued from 05/13/25:
No defects in the petition.
The court will not require a Guardian ad litem at this time.
Recommend petition be granted; and recommend court fix bond as requested: $560,000.00.
Recommend Inventory Review Hearing 02/03/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.41 B.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000386 ESTATE OF JOSE RICARDO MORENO
Hearing on First Amended Spousal Property Petition (file marked 06/20/25) continued from 05/20/25, 06/27/25:
Nothing filed since last hearing. Prior notes remain.
The following defects must be addressed for the Amended petition: 
•    Item 1 and Item 7 do not agree.  Amended petition Item 1b box is now checked (confirming to surviving spouse), but Item 7a box is now checked (pass to surviving spouse).
•    Attachment 7a did not include APN and percentages of the community property interest in each asset belonging to the petitioner. See Local Rule 8.98 A.
•    It is unclear if petitioner is requesting property to be determined as passing or confirmed.  Boxes checked on the Petition do not agree and Attachment 7, which is not labeled, requests property be confirmed.
•    Form DE-226, Spousal Property Order, does not mirror petition as it recites that petitioner is requesting that property pass to surviving spouse. (item 5a is checked and attachment 5a was included).
•    A new Notice of Hearing is necessary pursuant to CRC 7.53(a) as an Amended Petition was filed.
Recommend the court order defects to be cured by next hearing or it may result in dismissal of petition.
Recommend continuance to 09/19/25. 
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000460 ESTATE OF BOBBY RAY BROWN
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration continued from 06/10/25:
The Amended Petition was dismissed by the Court on 06/10/25.
Waivers of bond [Form DE-142/DE-111(A-3e)] on file for all intestate heirs.
Prior defects cured.
Objection filed – 07/30/25 (by Terry D. Brown).  
•    Proof of service not on file for the petitioner. Service on his attorney is required, but service on the petitioner himself is also required. See California Rules of Court rule 7.51(b) and Probate Code section 1214.
Recommend the court enquire if objector served the objection on anyone.
Appearance by counsel and objector (self-represented) required. (Anyone appearing may do so in person or remotely, by telephone using VCourt).

MONDAY, AUGUST 4, 2025
Department 24
1:30 P.M.

PR-22-000274 LEOPOLD T. PRESCOTT LIVING TRUST
Settlement Conference:
A Request for Dismissal of the entire action has been filed.
Hearing has been vacated. 
No appearances.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2025
No decedent's estates or trust matters on calendar. Matters previously set on this date were reset by the court; to verify the future hearings in any probate matter, please search for the case via the Case Search Portal .

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2025
No decedent's estates or trust matters on calendar. Matters previously set on this date were reset by the court; to verify the future hearings in any probate matter, please search for the case via the Case Search Portal .

THURSDAY, AUGUST 7, 2025
No decedent's estates or trust matters on calendar. Matters previously set on this date were reset by the court; to verify the future hearings in any probate matter, please search for the case via the Case Search Portal .

FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2025
No decedent's estates or trust matters on calendar. Matters previously set on this date were reset by the court; to verify the future hearings in any probate matter, please search for the case via the Case Search Portal .

MONDAY, AUGUST 11, 2025
No decedent's estates or trust matters on calendar. 

TUESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2025
Department 22
8:30 a.m.

Some matters previously set on this date were reset by the court; to verify the future hearings in any probate matter, please search for the case via the Case Search Portal .

PR-18-000615 ALICE ROHSLAN SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST
Account Review Hearing continued from 04/09/25:
Third Account Current and Report of Trustee has been filed and set for hearing on 08/13/25.
Hearing of 08/13/25 will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-21-000621 THE JACK L. FREY LIVING TRUST
Hearing on Second Amended (file-marked 12/02/24) Petition for Approval of First and Final Accounting and Report and Petition for Allowance of Compensation of Trustee continued from 05/09/24, 08/28/24, 12/04/24, 04/02/25, 06/03/25:
Recommend approval of the Second Amended Petition and Account.
Need new proposed Order with findings regarding notice purs. to PrC§1260.
Recommend court set Review Hearing 02/20/26 at which time, if there are no further pleadings filed, the case will be closed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-21-000750 ESTATE OF RAJEND PRASAD
Account Review Hearing:
•    Neither Petition for Final Distribution nor (Second) PrC§12200 Status Report are on file at the time of review.  See Local Rule 8.82. 
Recommend court order personal representative to file a PrC§12200 Status Report (with Notice pursuant to PrC§12201) within 90 days if estate is not in a position to be closed.
Recommend continuance to 12/11/25 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-23-000611 ESTATE OF AMADOR E. NAVARRO, JR.
Hearing on First and Final Report of Administrator on Waiver of Account and Petition for Final Distribution continued from 04/02/25:
Not a fatal defect, but for counsel’s information: Waivers of Accounting filed in this probate court must bear notary’s acknowledgement. See Local Rule 8.69. As the Administrator is the sole heir, this is not a fatal defect in this matter.
Nothing filed since previous hearing. Prior Notes remain:
• As noted in the 11/26/24 rejection email, copies of the following documents were attached as exhibits; the original documents must be filed as separate pleadings:
      o    Waiver of Notice and Consent;
      o    Notice of Proposed Action (see Local Rules 8.83 N and 8.100 B);
      o    Satisfaction / Release of Creditor’s Claims.
• The Notice of Proposed Action attached to the Petition does not appear to comply with PrC§10585(c) (form, statements), nor was an affidavit of mailing attached (Local Rule 8.100 B).
• Report (lines 5 through 9 on page 2) does not appear to comply with PrC§9202(b) (“is or has previously been confined”). See also PrC§216, Local Rule 8.83 F.
•    Receipts were included in the calculation of statutory compensation; even though an Account was waived, please include a Schedule of Receipts for the purpose of verifying the calculation of statutory compensation. See Local Rule 8.65b(4), California Rules of Court rule 7.550(b)
• Itemization of costs of administration was omitted (see Local Rules 8.69, 8.83K).
• Caption of pleading appears inadequate as personal representative is also seeking ordinary compensation for his counsel [see Probate Code § 10830, California Rules of Court rule 7.102, Local Rule 8.83L].
      o    The Waiver of Notice and Consent therefore appears defective, as well, [PrC § 10830(b), 11000(b), CRC 7.50].
• Proposed Order:
      o    Paragraph 1 on page 1 is a finding that notice was regularly given, when, in this case, notice was waived.
      o    Paragraph 4: the court issued Letters of Administration, not Letters Testamentary.
      o    Paragraphs 13 and 14 conflict; the court would not be approving an account if the account was waived. Please rephrase.
Appearance by counsel mandatory (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-001299 MATTER OF LIDIA BETTENCOURT 2017 REVOCABLE TRUST
Hearing on Petition (filed by Beverly Morin) for Removal of Trustee; Surcharge; Attorney’s Fees and Costs continued from 04/23/24, 10/29/24, 11/07/24, 04/03/25:
Notice appears complete. No objection or response on file.

Hearing on Petition for Instruction (filed by Anselmo Bettencourt) and/or Removal of Trustee continued from 03/05/24, 04/23/24, 10/29/24, 11/07/24, 04/03/25:Objection filed – 02/27/24.

Each petitioner has filed their list of proposed successor trustees ad litem (with qualifications); objections on file (timely) as to each.Submitted to court: selection of an successor trustee ad litem and setting of bond purs. to PrC§15602(a)(3).

Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000895 ESTATE OF HECTOR MUNOZ
Inventory Review Hearing continued from 03/25/25:
Nothing filed since previous hearing.
See Local Rule 8.41 B, Probate Code section 8800 et seq. Letters issued 09/24/24. Final Inventory and Appraisal was due 01/24/25. Final Inventory and Appraisal not on file. 
Recommend court compel Personal Representative to file the Final Inventory and Appraisal pursuant to Probate Code § 8804 or face possible sanctions including removal from office.
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 (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000139 ESTATE OF ARMANDO CRUZ, AKA ARMANDO J. CRUZ
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration continued from 03/27/25, 07/01/25:
Prior Notes remain:
•    Affidavit of publication file-marked 05/13/25 reflected notice was published in a newspaper that has not been determined to be of general circulation in the city where decedent resided at time of death (Modesto). Please see court’s website: https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/divisions/probate/newspapers
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

If a new affidavit of publication is not on file by 08/05/25, this Note may be updated to reflect a continuance.Appearance by not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000345 ESTATE OF DORSENA M. TIPTON
Hearing on Amended Petition (filed-marked 05/09/25) for Probate of Lost Will and for Letters Testamentary continued from 05/15/25:
Prior Notes remain:
•    Affidavit of publication not on file. See Local Rule 8.12 and Pr. Code section 8121.
•    Proposed Order does not have the word “Lost” inserted in item 2c(2) (admission of Will), nor are the terms of the Lost Will attached to the proposed Order.
•    Form DE-150, Proposed Letters, not yet 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

If a new affidavit of publication is not on file by 08/05/25, this Note may be updated to reflect a continuance.Appearance by petitioner (self-represented) required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000363 ESTATE OF HELEN PATRICIA SILVA
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration continued from 05/20/25:
Prior Notes remain:
•    Petition item 8 must include the relationships of all those listed to the decedent.
•    Petition item 8 omitted the name and date of death of decedent’s predeceased spouse.
•    Waivers of bond [Form DE-142/DE-111(A-3e)] not on file for one of the two intestate heirs (see Probate Code section 6401). Bond may be required. Minimum bond would be $20,000.00 pursuant to Local Rule 8.33.
•    Form DE-147, Duties and Liabilities: item 2 on page 2 did not include the telephone number of the proposed administrator.
•    Affidavit of publication not on file. See Local Rule 8.12.
•    Form DE-140, Proposed Order, 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-25-000411 ESTATE OF INEZ DEWESE DAVIS
Hearing on Petition for Probate of Will and for Letters Testamentary continued from 05/22/25:
Nothing filed since previous hearing. Prior Notes remain:
•    Proposed personal representative’s telephone number was omitted from item 2 of Form DE-147, Duties and Liabilities.
•    Will is not self-proving per Local Rule 8.23.  Proof of Subscribing Witness (Form DE-131) not on file.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000424 ESTATE OF KEVIN DALE WILLIAMS
Hearing on Spousal Property Petition continued from 06/03/25 and reset on court’s own motion from 08/08/25:
Prior defects cured.
If no one appears to object, Recommend approval of Petition.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000431 ESTATE OF JOHN W. FATTALINI, JR.
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration continued from 06/03/25:
Prior Note has been cured.
Recommend approval of petition.
Recommend Inventory Review Hearing 02/11/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.41 B.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000448 ESTATE OF ALICIA A. MENDOZA
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration continued from 06/04/25 and reset on court’s own motion from 08/08/25:
Bond waivers on file for all intestate heirs.
Prior defects cured.
Recommend approval of petition.  
Recommend Inventory Review Hearing 02/18/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.41 B.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-000480 ESTATE OF PATRICIA ANN DODD
Hearing on First and Final Report of Personal Representative on Waiver of Account and Petition for Final Distribution:
The petition has the following defects which must be addressed:
•    Court heading recites “Santa Clara” county.
•    Description of assets on hand omitted assessor’s parcel number of real property as required by CRC 7.651(b)(3).
•    Computation of statutory compensation, including gains on sales, is required even when compensation is waived (see Local Rules 8.69, 8.83 J). The calculator tool may be found online at https://www.stanct.org/calculator-tools . 
•    Itemization of costs of administration was omitted (see Local Rules 8.69, 8.83K).
•    Schedule itemizing of property on hand for distribution, including Legal Description, APN, carry value and current fair market value omitted.  See CRC7.651, See Local Rule 8.83M.

The following must be addressed in the Court’s file:
•    Waivers of Accounting do not bear notary’s acknowledgement (Local Rule 8.69); Waivers must be filed separately and not attached to any pleading (PrC§10954).•    Need Order.
•    Notice of Hearing not on file (PrC §§ 10830, 11000, 11601).

Recommend continuance to 10/30/25 to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000152 EDMUND PAUL SCIARINI, AKA EDMUND P. SCIARINI, EDMOND SCIARINI
Hearing on PrC§12200 Status Report of Administration:
Notice appears complete.
Recommend court set a further Account Review Hearing 03/03/26.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000940 ESTATE OF PAMELA L. GABERT
Hearing on Report of Administrator on Waiver of Account and Petition for Allowance of Statutory Compensation to Attorney for Ordinary Services, For Costs of Administration, Reserve for Closing Expenses and for Final Distribution:
Recommend approval of petition.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing (6 months) pursuant to Local Rule 8.92.
Recommend court vacate Account Review Hearing 12/04/25.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000285 MATTER OF JOHN EDWARD THURMAN JR TESTAMENTARY TRUST
Hearing on Petition to Modify Trust and Appoint Successor Trustee:
If no one appears to object, recommend approval of petition.
Proposed Order submitted 07/29/25 contains findings that were not pled in the petition: lines 4 and 5 on page 2 of the proposed Order. Please submit a new proposed Order.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000304 THE RAMIRO GARCIA LIVING TRUST
Hearing on Petition for Order Confirming Trust Assets [Probate Code Section 850(a)(3)(B)]:
If no one appears to object, Recommend approval of petition.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000668 ESTATE OF SHARON DIANE BUTLER
Hearing on Petition for Probate of Will and for Letters Testamentary:•    Will is not self-proving per Local Rule 8.23.  Proof of Subscribing Witness (Form DE-131) not on file.
•    Will waived bond for the named Executor; however personal representative resides out of state. See PrC§8571. Bond may be required at the court’s discretion. Submitted to court for determination.

The following items must be addressed on the petition (Form DE-111):
See California Rules of Court rules 7.3 and 7.53 to learn about the types of forms that may be used to address these defects.
•    Caption box: The box for Authorization to Administer Under the Independent Administration of Estates Act was not checked but was requested on Item 2c of the petition.
•    Item 1 did not include the name of the newspaper where Petitioner intends to publish notice. See Probate Code section 8121 and the court’s website here: https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/divisions/probate/newspapers
•    Item 3h incomplete (resident status of proposed personal representative).
•    Item 5a(3) or (4) incomplete (existence of registered domestic partner).
•    Item 5a(7) or (8) incomplete (existence of issue of a predeceased child).
•    Item 5b incomplete (existence of stepchild or foster child who would have been adopted but for a legal barrier).

The following must be addressed in the Court’s file:
•    Form DE-147, Duties and Liabilities, 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 (Petitioner may appear either in person or remotely, by telephone, using VCourt). Please be prepared to inform the court if there are any known California creditors or liabilities of the estate.

PR-18-000614
This matter was previously set on this date and has been reset by the court; to verify the future hearings in any probate matter, please search for the case via the Case Search Portal .

PR-22-000750
This matter was previously set on this date and has been reset by the court; to verify the future hearings in any probate matter, please search for the case via the Case Search Portal .

PR-22-001311
This matter was previously set on this date and has been reset by the court; to verify the future hearings in any probate matter, please search for the case via the Case Search Portal .

PR-23-000506 
This matter was previously set on this date and has been reset by the court; to verify the future hearings in any probate matter, please search for the case via the Case Search Portal .

PR-23-001238
This matter was previously set on this date and has been reset by the court; to verify the future hearings in any probate matter, please search for the case via the Case Search Portal .

PR-23-001303
This matter was previously set on this date and has been reset by the court; to verify the future hearings in any probate matter, please search for the case via the Case Search Portal .

9:30 A.M.

PR-24-000390 THE JOSE AND AMALIA SANTIAGO REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST, DATED JULY 8, 2021
Court Trial (2 day estimate):
Appearances mandatory.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 13, 2025

Department 22
8:30 a.m.

PR-20-000815 ESTATE OF BUDDY JOE LYNCH, AKA BUDDY LYNCH, BUDDY J. LYNCH, B.J. LYNCH, BUD LYNCH
Hearing on Petition for Final Distribution of Estate; First and Final Account and Report of Co-Administrators continued from 04/02/25:
Prior Notes remain:
•    Notice of Hearing not on file for personal representative’s former attorney [CRC rule 7.704(b)].
    o    The Notice of Hearing file-marked 07/28/25 does not cure this defect because their former attorney was Benjamin Rowe, not Brandon Balcom.
•    The court granted a Fee Waiver at the onset of the case. There appear to be sufficient assets (though non-liquid) on hand for payment of court fees. Recommend court terminate the Fee Waiver.
    o    Co-administrators must make arrangements to pay previously waived court fees. Examiner estimates costs would be approximately $870.00. Parties may contact the clerk’s office or an exact amount.
Appearance at least one of the co-Administrators (self-represented) required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-20-001119 ESTATE OF FRANK CLIFFORD CARSON
Hearing on First and Final Account, Petition for Final Distribution, Allowance of Statutory Executor’s Fees, Allowance of Statutory and Extraordinary Attorney’s Fees, Reimbursement of Costs, Extinguishment of Bond, and Request for Reserve continued from 09/26/24, 11/05/24, 01/10/25, 03/21/25:
Prior Notes remain:
•    Supplement file-marked 12/19/24 entirely replaced the Accounting (Exhibit A). New Notice of Hearing appears required by CRC rule 7.53.
•    Supplement file-marked 12/19/24: Exhibit A (Accounting), Schedule D (Disbursements), the following columns contain calculation errors: Subtotal of utilities, subtotal of insurance, subtotal of property taxes, subtotal of home selling expenses, total disbursements. The account does not balance.
•    All items were rounded to the nearest dollar which is inappropriate.

Requests to be submitted to court’s determination once other notes are cured: 
•    Executor explicitly alleged that the estate is not ready to be closed, and seeks order that court allow the estate to remain open pending the wrongful death litigation pending before the US District Court, Eastern District of California.     o    Executor titled this pleading a First and Final Account and Petition for Final Distribution rather than a First Account Current and Petition for Preliminary Distribution.
•    Request for extinguishment of bond prior to discharge.

This pleading was filed over twelve months ago. On 03/21/25, the court admonished that failure to cure defects and perfect notice prior to this hearing may result in surcharge.
Recommend court issue order to show cause to Executor to appear and show cause why surcharge should not be imposed for failure to cure defects, perfect notice. A copy of the Order to Show Cause must be served on the surety company.
Appearance by Executor and counsel mandatory (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-21-000338 ESTATE OF GARY GILES
Hearing on Fourth PrC§12200 Status Report of Administration:•    Notice of Hearing not on file at time of review. (See Probate Code section 12201).
•    Status Report does not indicate how much time is needed to close the estate.

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.
Petitioners may consider supplementing petition to provide the missing information.
Judicial Council forms are available for download here: https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/forms-filing/common-forms-packets
Declarations may be written on Judicial Council Form MC-030 Declaration or on pleading paper. 
Proof of Service is Form POS-030.

Recommend continuance to 10/28/25 to allow time to cure defects.Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-000120 ESTATE OF CAMILLA CANTU GARCIA, AKA CAMILLA C. GARCIA, CAMILLA GARCIAREVIEW IN PROGRESS. PLEASE CHECK BACK. 

PR-23-000727 ESTATE OF DEAN ROBBINS, JR.
Account Review Hearing:
Do not recommend further continuance of the Account Review Hearing.

Hearing on First and Final Account and Report of Administrator and Petition for its Settlement, for Allowance of Statutory Compensation to Administrator and Attorney, and for Final Distribution continued from 06/17/25:
For future accountings, unauthorized advancements/ or authorized preliminary distributions do not belong in the Schedule of Disbursements, but in a separate Schedule of their own. See PrC§1061(a).
Prior Notes remain:
•    Notice of Hearing not on file for person(s) having legal custody of minor children [see California Rule of Court 7.51(d)].
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-000936 ESTATE OF SHARON LEE WYNNEREVIEW IN PROGRESS. PLEASE CHECK BACK.

PR-24-000959 ESTATE OF GERI LYNN ROTHSTEIN, AKA GERI ROTHSTEIN
Inventory Review Hearing continued from 04/09/25:
Nothing filed since previous 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). 
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 Executor (self-represented) 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 continued from 04/10/25:
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.  
On 04/10/25, the Court referred this matter to Public Administrator and County Counsel pursuant to PrC §7621 for possible appointment as no qualified person with statutory priority under Probate Code §8461 has petitioned for appointment.
Appearance by county counsel, public administrator and petitioner’s counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000256 RODRIGUEZ 2008 REVOCABLE TRUST
Hearing on Petition regarding Internal Affairs of a Trust and Request for Appointment of Trustee Probate Code §17200; Confirming Removal of Trustee, Appointing Trustee reset on the court’s own motion from 08/05/25:
•    Proof of notice to trustee not on file.
•    Notice to one of the remainder beneficiaries not on file [PrC§15804(a)]; specifically, Hermanas de la Cruz.
•    It appears necessary that the court set a bond pursuant to PrC§15602(a)(3), however petition did not request a bond nor did it allege the amount of bond that would be appropriate. Matter will be submitted to judge once notice is perfected.
Recommend continuance to 10/28/25 to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000351 ESTATE OF CAROL ANN COCKRELL
Hearing on Amended Petition (file-marked 05/16/25) for Letters of Administration continued from 05/15/25:
Prior Notes have been cured.
Recommend approval of amended petition.
•    Need Form DE-150, Proposed Letters.
Recommend Inventory Review Hearing 02/18/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.41 B.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-18-000615 ALICE ROHSLAN SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST
Hearing on Third and Final Account Current and Trust Report of Trustee and for Allowance of Attorney’s Fees, and Fees for Trustee’s Services:
•    Please provide a Schedule of proposed distribution purs. PrC§1063(f); include the cash on hand at end of the supplemental account and reduction by proposed fees and costs.
•    Paralegal’s hourly rate exceeds county norms.
Recommend continuance to 10/03/25 to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-22-001197 ESTATE OF PATRICIA CAINGLITHearing on First and Final Report on Waivers of Account and Petition for its Approval; Petition for Order of Final Distribution; and for Allowance of Payment of Statutory Fees; and Reimbursement of Costs Advanced:

•    Notice of Hearing not on file (PrC §§ 10830, 11000, 11601), including on the unpaid creditor (PrC§48).
•    The report reflects the executor took no action under the IAEA but also reports that he made a preliminary distribution of $10,000.00. A preliminary distribution of $10,000.00 is a power exercisable under the IAEA only after a personal representative with full authority has given notice of the proposed action. See PrC§10520. This act will be submitted to the court’s determination as to whether or not it will be approved once the other notes are cured.
•    A Partial No. 1 Inventory and Appraisal (I&A) is on file; a Final I&A has not been filed.
•    Proposed Order not yet submitted.
Recommend court terminate the Fee Waiver; the personal representative shall pay all court costs forthwith.
Recommend continuance to 09/19/25 to allow time to perfect notice, pay court filing fees.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-000764 ESTATE OF KENNETH CAPERTON
Hearing on First and Final Account and Report of Administrator; Petition for Allowance of Statutory Fees to Attorney for Ordinary Services; and Petition for Order of Final Distribution of Estate:
•    Notice of Hearing not on file (PrC §§ 10830, 11000, 11601).
•    Proposed Order not yet submitted.
•    The court granted a Fee Waiver at the onset of the case. There appears to be sufficient assets (though non-liquid) on hand for payment of court fees. Recommend court terminate the Fee Waiver.
o    Administrator must make arrangements to pay previously waived court fees. Examiner estimates costs would be approximately $910.50. Parties may contact the clerk’s office or an exact amount.
Recommend continuance to 10/29/25 to allow time to cure defects and pay court fees.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000387 ESTATE OF JEFFREY LEE KRETZ
Hearing on PrC§12200 Status Report of Administration:
A Petition for Final Distribution has been filed and set for hearing 10/09/25.
Recommend court drop hearing on PrC§12200 Status Report.
Hearing of 10/09/25 will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000338 WALLACE FAMILY TRUST DTD NOVEMBER 22, 2021
Hearing on Petition for Order Determining Trust’s Title to Property [Probate Code §850, 17200.1]:
If no one appears to object, Recommend approval of petition.
•    Need new Proposed Order:
    o    Finding regarding notice was omitted [see PrC§1260].
    o    Hearing date, time and location omitted.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000675 ESTATE OF MICHAEL EDWARD FREDERICK; AKA MICHAEL E. FREDERICK, MICHAEL FREDERICK
Hearing on Petition for Probate of Will and for Letters Testamentary:
•    Affidavit of publication not on file. See Local Rule 8.12.
•    Forms DE-140 and DE-150, Proposed Order and Letters, not submitted.
Recommend continuance to 10/17/25 to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).