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 JANUARY 6, 2026
Local Rules of Superior Court of California, County of Stanislaus, revisions effective January 1, 2026, are now available for download .

UPDATED SEPTEMBER 18, 2025; POSTED MARCH 5, 2025
Inventory and Appraisals: An Inventory and Appraisal must be filed in all decedent's estates, conservatorship, and guardianship matters by a date certain pursuant to statute. If the estate has no assets at all as of the date of the appraisal (e.g., the date of decedent's death, or the date of appointment), an Inventory and Appraisal  is still required  and failure to file the form even when the estate has no value will very likely result in a required court appearance. For more information, those interested are invited to review the California Probate Referee Guide published by the California Probate Referee's Association, which is available for download online.

If more time is needed to marshal the assets, please see California Probate Code section 8800(b) and (c). Failure to file the Inventory and Appraisal by the statutory deadline, or obtain an extension of time, may result in penalties.

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 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 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 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.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 04, 2026

Department 22
8:30 a.m.

PR-21-000536 ESTATE OF JESUS PLANCARTE-BOCANEGRA AKA JESUS PLANCARTE BOCANEGRA
Hearing on Petition for: 1. Apportionment of Statutory Attorney’s Compensation; 2. Reimbursement of Costs Advanced; and 3. Interim Extraordinary Fees of Attorney continued from 08/13/26:
Prior defect cured.
The court will approve with reduced amount of extraordinary compensation in the amount of $8,000.00.  
Counsel to submit new order.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000323 ESTATE OF WALLACE ALLAN FARLEY
Hearing on PrC§12200 Status Report of Administration continued from 06/24/26, 07/28/26:
Nothing filed since previous hearing. Prior Notes remain:
•    Notice of Hearing not on file (see PrC§12201).
•    Report reflects that a Partial I&A is on file and that a Supplemental I&A will be filed later; please review the most recent Probate Referee Guide, available for download online. A Final I&A is due within four months of the issuance of Letters even if all the property is not yet marshaled. A Supplemental I&A does not take the place of the Final I&A, it would be used for property discovered/marshaled after the filing of the Final I&A.
The information in the Status Report is now four months old. Unless a notice of hearing is filed late, recommend court drop the hearing on the Status Report for lack of notice and for being stale, and order the personal representative to file an updated PrC§12200 Status Report within 30 days or the court may issue an order to show cause purs. to PrC§12201 for the personal representative to appear and show the condition of the estate; the court may at that time order the personal representative to file an accounting purs. to the same statute.
Appearance by personal representative’s counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000628 ESTATE OF SCHU CHU
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration continued from 07/29/26:
Waivers of Bond on file from all intestate heirs.
Prior defects cured.
Recommend approval of petition as supplemented.
Recommend Inventory Review Hearing 03/04/27 pursuant to Local Rule 8.41B.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000683 ESTATE OF MARK SHERIFF
Hearing on Petition to Determine Succession to Primary Residence continued from 07/30/26:
Prior Notes appear to have been cured.
Recommend court find notice is not required and approve the petition, if no one appears to object.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 07, 2026
COURT HOLIDAY

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 08, 2026
Department 21
8:30 a.m.

 PR-23-001268 IN THE MATTER OF JOE R. FERNANDES AND NELLIE E. FERNANDES FAMILY TRUST
Settlement Conference:
Notice of Settlement is on file.
Settlement Conference and Trial dates have been vacated.
Matter set for Court's Motion to Dismiss on 11/06/26 at 8:30 am in Department 22
No Appearances.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 09, 2026
Department 22
8:30 a.m.

PR-24-000782 ESTATE OF DIANA LEE DIMENCO-FREER
Account Review Hearing:
Petition for Final Distribution has been filed and set for hearing on 10/27/26.
Hearing of 10/27/26 will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-001275 ESTATE OF GRAHAM FREDRICK ROTH
Account Review Hearing:
See Local Rule 8.82. Neither Petition for Final Distribution nor PrC§12200 Status Report are on file.
The document file-marked 09/03/26 and titled “Second Status Report” does not constitute a PrC§12200 Status Report as it was not verified by the personal representative; the $200.00 filing fee was not remitted; did not specify the amount of time necessary before the estate would be in a position to be closed. 
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 02/03/27 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-24-001350 ESTATE OF MATTHEW MCPHERSON
Account Review Hearing continued from 05/05/26:
On 05/05/26 court ordered the personal representative to file a PrC§12200 Status Report with Notice of Hearing within 90 days if estate is not in position to be closed.
•    Neither Petition for Final Distribution nor PrC§12200 Status Report have been filed. 
Recommend court issue Order to Show Cause to personal representative and personal representative’s counsel to be personally present pursuant to PrC§12202:
      o    To show condition of estate and why estate cannot be distributed and closed;
      o    So that court may order personal representative to prepare and file a First Account Current at the court’s discretion pursuant to PrC§12202(b).
      o    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-25-000140 ESTATE OF WILLIAM DONALD FILIPPINI, AKA DONALD FILIPPINI
Account Review Hearing:
PrC§12200 Status Report has been filed and set for hearing 10/13/26.
Hearing of 10/13/26 will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000519 ESTATE OF PASQUAL CASTANEDA
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 02/03/27 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-25-001123 MATTER OF RAFAEL R. ARMENTA SR. FAMILY 2011 TRUST
Hearing on Petition for Order Determining Title to Assets and for Order Approving Modification of Irrevocable Trust continued from 02/18/26, 05/20/26:
Prior Notes have been cured.
•    Submitted to court for determination: The Declaration of Due Diligence file-marked 08/13/26 is as to one of the two co-petitioner’s knowledge and efforts only. Decedent’s will identified a child of decedent’s whose name and location were unknown to him at the time the will was drafted. See California Rule of Court 7.52.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-001242 ESTATE OF SHIRLEY KOELMANS 
Inventory Review Hearing:
Final Inventory and Appraisal on file.
Petition for Final Distribution has been filed and a hearing set for 10/08/26.
Hearing of 10/08/26 will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-001293 ESTATE OF PAMELA JEAN JOHNSON
Inventory Review Hearing:
Final Inventory and Appraisal is on file.
Recommend court set an Account Review Hearing 05/11/27 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-26-000077 ESTATE OF KAREN SMITHER, AKA KAREN LOUISE SMITHER
Inventory Review Hearing:
Final Inventory and Appraisal is on file.
Recommend Account Review Hearing 05/11/27 pursuant to Local Rule 8.82.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000343 ESTATE OF IAN PAUL LABANDERO MADULARA
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration continued from 05/21/26:
New Notes:
Some of petitioner’s filings included an incorrect address for the Court. Please note, the correct physical and mailing address of the Clerk’s Office is: 801 10th Street, 4th Floor, Modesto, CA 95354. The courtroom is on the 6th Floor of the same address.  Please ensure future filings indicate the correct address.
• Affidavit of Publication file-marked 08/18/26 reflects the publication gave notice of an incorrect address for the department where the hearing will be held (801 10th St, 6th floor, not 1100 “I” St, Modesto, CA which is the Family Law Clerk’s Office). 
      o    Republication will not be reimbursable.
• Form DE-121 Notice of Petition to Administer Estate file-marked 07/22/26 gave notice of an incorrect address for the department where the hearing will be held (801 10th St, 6th floor, not 1100 “I” St, Modesto, CA which is the Family Law Clerk’s Office). 

Prior Notes remain:
• Petitioner has filed a Petition for Letters of Administration (which would be appropriate if the decedent died intestate) and checked box 3f (alleging the decedent died intestate), but petitioner also completed item 2a (requesting admission of the decedent’s will to probate) and item 3e (alleging the decedent’s will waived bond). Did the decedent leave a will or no? On 05/21/26, the court directed the petitioner to amend the petition pursuant to CRC rule 7.53. Not on file.
      o    If the decedent did not leave a will, bond must be addressed. See PrC§8482 and Local Rule 8.33.
• The heading of the Petition, page 1, does not agree with item 2c. Is the petitioner seeking full or limited authority under the Independent Administration of Estates Act?
• Petition item 3d was left blank (character and estimated value of the property of the estate). Is petitioner either not aware of any property of the estate, unaware of its value, or does the petitioner believe this estate has no value? Please address. See California Rules of Court rules 7.3 and 7.53.
• Petition item 5a(3) or (4) incomplete (existence of registered domestic partner).
• Petition item 5a(7) or (8) incomplete (existence of issue of a predeceased child).
• Petition item 5b incomplete (existence of stepchild or foster child who would have been adopted but for a legal barrier).
• Petition item 8 must identify the relationships those listed had with the decedent. See item 8.
• Petition item 8 includes an heir with an incomplete address (the state only). 
• Form DE-147 Duties and Liabilities not on file.
• Forms DE-140 and DE-150, Proposed Order and Letters, not submitted.
Once defects are cured, the court may hold a hearing to determine if a Guardian ad litem will be required to represent the interests of the minor heirs. Please review Local Rule 8.07.

Recommend continuance to 01/05/27 to allow time to cure defects. Failure to amend the petition with the fatal defect noted above after having been ordered to by the court, on 05/21/26, may result in the denial of the petition.Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-000308 ESTATE OF GEORGE DOUGLAS BIXLER, SR.
(1)    Report of Sale and Petition for Order Confirming Sale of Real Property at 4944 Mary Harrison Mine Road, Coulterville CA (APN: 003-230-015000):
•    Petition item 4c omitted date of private sale. Without this date, it is not possible for Examiner to verify if notice by publication was timely (Local Rule 8.55).
•    Deposit amount recited in item 4d ($500.00) appears to be under the minimum of 10% of the purchase price. Buyer’s committed loan not provided. Please see Local Rule 8.60.
•    Affidavit of publication file-marked 08/05/26 reflects that notice was not published in a newspaper determined to be of general circulation in the county where the real property is located. See PrC §10300(a). An order directing alternate publication is not on file. This appears to be a fatal defect since the published notice must be perfected before the sale is made (PrC 10312). It appears necessary for the court to vacate the sale and order a new sale purs. to PrC 10313(c).
Recommend court vacate sale and order a new sale pursuant to PrC10313(c).

(2)    Report of Sale and Petition for Order Confirming Sale of Real Property at 4813 Crown Lee Road, Coulterville, CA (APN: 003-240-009000):
•    Petition item 4c omitted date of private sale. Without this date, it is not possible for Examiner to verify if notice by publication was timely (Local Rule 8.55).
•    Deposit amount recited in item 4d ($500.00) appears to be under the minimum of 10% of the purchase price. Buyer’s committed loan not provided. Please see Local Rule 8.60.
•    Affidavit of publication file-marked 08/05/26 reflects that notice was not published in a newspaper determined to be of general circulation in the county where the real property is located. See PrC §10300(a). An order directing alternate publication is not on file. This appears to be a fatal defect since the published notice must be perfected before the sale is made (PrC 10312). It appears necessary for the court to vacate the sale and order a new sale purs. to PrC 10313(c).
Recommend court vacate sale and order a new sale pursuant to PrC10313(c).

(3)    Report of Sale and Petition for Order Confirming Sale of Real Property at 4901 Crown Lee Road, Coulterville, CA (APN: 003-240-012000):
•    Petition item 4c omitted date of private sale. Without this date, it is not possible for Examiner to verify if notice by publication was timely (Local Rule 8.55).
•    Deposit amount recited in item 4d ($500.00) appears to be under the minimum of 10% of the purchase price. Buyer’s committed loan not provided. Please see Local Rule 8.60.
•    Affidavit of publication file-marked 08/05/26 reflects that notice was not published in a newspaper determined to be of general circulation in the county where the real property is located. See PrC §10300(a). An order directing alternate publication is not on file. This appears to be a fatal defect since the published notice must be perfected before the sale is made (PrC 10312). It appears necessary for the court to vacate the sale and order a new sale purs. to PrC 10313(c).
Recommend court vacate sale and order a new sale pursuant to PrC10313(c).

(4)    Report of Sale and Petition for Order Confirming Sale of Real Property at Vacant Lot in Coulterville, CA (APN: 003-250-020000):
•    Petition item 4c omitted date of private sale. Without this date, it is not possible for Examiner to verify if notice by publication was timely (Local Rule 8.55).
•    Deposit amount recited in item 4d ($500.00) appears to be under the minimum of 10% of the purchase price. Buyer’s committed loan not provided. Please see Local Rule 8.60.
•    Affidavit of publication file-marked 08/05/26 reflects that notice was not published in a newspaper determined to be of general circulation in the county where the real property is located. See PrC §10300(a). An order directing alternate publication is not on file. This appears to be a fatal defect since the published notice must be perfected before the sale is made (PrC 10312). It appears necessary for the court to vacate the sale and order a new sale purs. to PrC 10313(c).
Recommend court vacate sale and order a new sale pursuant to PrC10313(c).

Examiner notes the Court granted administrator Full Authority under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. No Notices of Proposed Action (DE-165) or proof of service for these sales are on file. Recommend court inquire if Administrator served any NOPAs and received any objections to the proposed actions to clarify compliance with Probate Code §§ 10580 et seq. or basis for court confirmation of sale.

Hearing required.
Appearance by counsel mandatory (in-person only, CRC rule 7.452).

PR-24-000636 ESTATE OF PRITAM CHAHAL
Hearing on PrC §12200 Status Report of Administration:  
Notice appears complete. 
Recommend court set a further Account Review Hearing 03/11/27.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000861 MATTER OF 2011 FRINK FAMILY TRUST
Hearing on Motion to Reopen Case and Vacate Request for Dismissal:
SEE TENTATIVE RULING, to be posted day prior to hearing at https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/online-services/tentative-rulings/…

PR-24-001087 MATTER OF PATRICIA ANDERSON 2024 REVOCABLE TRUSTHearing on First and Final Account and Report of Trustee and Petition for its Settlement; for Order Approving Payment of Attorney’s Fees and Costs; for Order Approving Retroactive Pay to Trustee for Trust Services; for Order Approving Ongoing Fees for Trust Services:

-    Note by Examiner, not a fatal defect: Trustee has labeled this as a First and Final Account since the settlor has passed away, however Trustee has also declared her intention of preparing the real property for sale before distributing the trust residue to the remaindermen; this therefore would be a First Account Current as the Trust is not ready to be distributed and terminated. Trust Article V C.2. appears to allow the Trustee discretion to delay distribution for up to a year after the settlor’s death.-    Note by Examiner, not a fatal defect: In the body of the Report, Trustee alleged she intends to prepare the home for sale. If it is her intention to handle the sale herself before distribution to the remaindermen, she must seek the court’s prior approval before commencing the sale process as the Trust does not appear to grant that power/authority.

•    Notice of Hearing appears defective: untimely (PrC§17203).
•    The value of the cash on hand at the beginning of this account (which is to say, when the Trust was initially funded) does not agree between the following: Receipt of Distribution file-marked 07/09/26 ($279,284.34); total of two Inventory and Appraisal forms on file (file-marked 07/06/26 and 07/09/26; $279,284.34); Schedule of Distributions to Court Approved Trust attached to the Second and Final Account in related conservatorship case PR-22-001242 ($280,427.85); Summary of Account attached to this petition ($280,427.85). Please clarify.
•    Statement regarding family/affiliate relationship omitted [see PrC§1064(a)(4)].
•    Statement regarding interest bearing accounts omitted [see PrC§1064(a)(5)].
•    Accounting page 9 of 12 was omitted; Examiner could not complete review of Schedule of Disbursements.
•    Schedule of Disbursements: there appears to be an arbitrary division of categories “BENEFICIARIES CARE”, “TRUST ADMINISTRATION” (two subcategories with the same name, pages 7 of 12 and 8 of 12), “CONSERVATEE’S CARE”, and some subcategories are broken up between multiple categories (e.g.: Trustee fees, caregiver fees, telephone).

Note to be submitted to court’s determination once other defects are cured:In the petition, Trustee asks the court to allow her to pay herself a flat monthly rate, as allowed by CRC rule 7.903(c)(8), and also that she be compensated retroactively beginning 03/01/25, however it appears based on the Account that Trustee has already been paying herself compensation at a monthly rate of $500.00 without prior court’s approval; examination of the Trust (Article VII H.) and the court’s order approving the petition for substituted Judgment reflect that neither included an order re: periodic Trustee compensation, which means that compensation was only allowed after a specific court order purs. to PrC§2643.1(b) and CRC rule 7.903(c)(8). 

Recommend continuance to 01/06/27 to allow time to cure defects, perfect notice.Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000288 ESTATE OF PATRICK CHARLES SAMUEL CRAWFURD
Hearing on Final Report and Petition for Final Distribution on Waiver of Account; Approval of Acts; Waiver of Representative Compensation; Allowance and Payment of Attorney Fees and Costs; Tax Compliance:
Notes cured.
Recommend approval of petition as supplemented.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 03/25/27 pursuant to Local Rule 8.92.
Recommend court vacate Account Review Hearing 11/03/26.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-001192 ESTATE OF WALDO R. PEREZ
Hearing on Petition for Final Distribution of Estate; First and Final Account and Report of Administrator; and for Allowance of Attorney Statutory Fees and Costs:
Recommend approval of petition.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 03/25/27 pursuant to Local Rule 8.92.
Recommend court vacate Account Review Hearing 02/23/27.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000838 ESTATE OF MIGUEL ALONZO RODRIGUEZ
Hearing on Petition to Determine Succession to Primary Residence:
Defects in the Petition:
•    Please provide additional detail as to Attachment 11(2): decedent’s interest in the property and facts to show the property was decedent’s primary residence in California. Much is provided alleging decedent owned it (also necessary), but the only fact related to his residing there is …(decedent) “lived in the property continuously until death”. Item 11(2) requires “facts”, so please provide at least two facts related specifically to residency.
•    The information provided in item 13 is helpful, but it does not provide each petitioner’s specific percentage interest in the real property. This information must be provided purs. to PrC§§13150 et seq. See proposed Order item 9b.
•    Attachment 14 omitted.
•    Copy of grant deed showing current title was not attached or provided on separate pleading. 
Defects in the Court’s file:
•    Proof of mailing not on file for the Department of Health Care Services, nor Declaration that notice is not required (see Local Rule 8.17 and PrC§215).
•    Form DE-315, Order Determining Succession to Real Property, not on file at time of review.
Recommend continuance to 12/03/26 to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026
Department 22
8:30 a.m.

439659 DAVID FLUENCE SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST
Account Review Hearing continued from 05/21/26:
Eighth Account Current and Report of Trustee has been filed and set for hearing 10/01/26.
Hearing of 10/01/26 will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred.)

PR-23-0000964 ESTATE OF DIANA HERNANDEZ
Hearing on Petition for Final Distribution on Waiver of Account; for Allowance of Statutory Compensation for Personal Representative and for Statutory Fees for Her Attorney continued from 02/05/26, 03/27/26, 05/15/26:
Nothing filed since last hearing. Prior notes remain:
•    Need itemized list of assets on hand.  Please refer to PC§1062f.  "(f) Itemized list of property on hand, describing each item at its carry value."  Also Local Rule 8.83M. 
•    Body of petition appears not to describe the property on hand for distribution (after statutory compensation) nor the order of specific distribution sought. See CRC 7.651, Local Rule 8.83M.
•    Need order.
Need status.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000365 ESTATE OF JAMES D. LUNA
Hearing on First and Final Report and Account of Administrator and Petition for Approval Thereof; for Order for Payment of Administrator’s Statutory Fees; for Order for Payment of Attorney’s Statutory Fees and Costs; and for Order for Final Distribution continued from 06/04/26:
Prior Notes have been cured.
Recommend approval of Account and Petition as supplemented.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 03/25/27 pursuant to Local Rule 8.92.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-001167 MATTER OF ELDON & SHIRLEY MAWYER LIVING TRUST DTD 02/25/25, MAWYER SURVIVOR’S TRUST DTD 08/25/22
1)    Hearing on Petition Regarding Internal Affairs of a Trust; Trust Contest, Elder Abuse and Disinheritance; Claim to Return Property Owned by Another; Double Damages, Attorneys Fees continued from 03/12/25, 07/30/25, 12/04/25, 01/22/26, 01/30/26, 05/14/26:Opposition filed – 09/10/25, by T. Mawyer. 
Need status of meet-and-confer. 

2)  Hearing on Cross-Petition for Elder Financial Abuse; for Return of Property; for Double Damages; for Accounting; and for Attorney’s Fees and Costs continued from 01/22/26, 05/14/26:
Objection filed – 12/19/25, by Chicago Title Company. 
Need status of meet-and-confer. Per Minute Order of 05/14/26, counsel were to also discuss whether any further objection(s) would be filed.

Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000207 ESTATE OF MICHELLE CORDERO
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 60 days if estate is not in a position to be closed.
Recommend continuance to 01/14/27 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-25-001067 ESTATE OF BASIL BARRANT DAVIS, SR.
Inventory Review Hearing continued from 06/09/26:
Final Inventory and Appraisal on file.
Recommend Account Review Hearing 03/02/27 pursuant to Local Rule 8.82.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-001076 ESTATE OF KIRK DAVID BAKER 
Account Review Hearing:
•    Neither Petition for Final Distribution nor PrC§12200 Status Report are on file at the time of review.  See Local Rule 8.82. 
Recommend court order personal representative to file a PrC§12200 Status Report (with Notice pursuant to PrC§12201) within 90 days if estate is not in a position to be closed.
Recommend continuance to 01/21/27 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-26-000122 ESTATE OF FRANCISCO H. CORTEZ
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration continued from 03/19/26, 06/09/26:
On 06/09/26, the Court granted the petitioner’s request to strike the Amended Petition.

Nothing filed since last hearing. Prior notes for original petition remain:
Defects in the Form DE-111, Petition (file marked 02/04/26):
•    Caption box did not address “Authorization to Administer Under the Independent Administration of Estates Act.”
•    Item 3 recites the date of death as 05/30/2005 which does not appear to agree with the attached death certificate (05/30/15)
•    Item 3c did not include the county.
•    Item 5a(3) or (4) incomplete (existence of registered domestic partner).
•    Item 5b incomplete (existence of stepchild or foster child who would have been adopted but for a legal barrier).
•    Item 8 did not identify/label the proposed personal representative (Local Rule 8.26 D).
Petitioner 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.
The following must be addressed in the Court’s file:
•    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. Full bond would be $31,000.00. Submitted to Judge for determination.
•    Form DE-121 Notice of Petition to Administer Estate omitted service to one of the heirs reflected in Item 8 of the petition; specifically, Erika Cortez.
Appearance by petitioner (self-represented) required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000358 ESTATE OF GLORIA MAGHTAS
Hearing on Petition for Return of Personal Property, Probate Code §850; for Exemplary Damages Under Probate Code §859; for Conversion (filed by Rameena Stubendorff) continued from 06/06/26:Objection filed – 05/27/26 (by Neda Zabadneh, aka Neda Howell)
•    Proof of service not on file for the petitioner. Service on her attorney and petitioner is required. See California Rules of Court rule 7.51(b) and Probate Code section 1214.

The following must be addressed in the Petition:
•    Notice of Hearing, Form DE-120, file marked 04/06/26, does not appear to comply with PrC §851(c)(1) (description of property), PrC §851(c)(2) (relief sought), or §851(c)(3) (statement advising interested persons). Notice therefore appears defective on those who did not waive notice. See Mandatory Judicial Council Form DE-115.
•    It does not appear that the Notice of Hearing reflected personal service of the notice and a copy of the petition on the respondent. See PrC§851, CCP§§413.10 et seq.
•    Petition neither alleges a Trust nor includes a copy of a Trust.
On 06/09/26, the court directed petitioner to file points and authorities as to why this petition should be filed and to address the issue of the probate court’s jurisdiction when there is no underlying estate case. Points and Authorities (file marked 07/09/26) on file. Submitted to Judge for determination.
Hearing required.
Appearances by counsel and objector (self-represented) required (Anyone appearing may do so in person, or remotely, by telephone using VCourt).

2201133 TAMARA MASTAIN SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST
Hearing on Petition to Approve Fifth Account and Report of Trustee from 01/01/2024, through 12/31/2025, and to Approve Trustee’s and Attorney’s Fees:
Recommend approval of Account and Petition, including reduction of bond by $43,000.00, for total bond of $217,000.00.
Recommend court reset Account Review Hearing of 11/10/26 to 08/03/2028.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-000658 ESTATE OF GILBERT JUNSTROM
Hearing on PrC§12200 Status Report of Administration:
Notice appears complete. 
Recommend court set a further Account Review Hearing 01/21/27.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-001200 ESTATE OF BESSIE MAE PUGH
Hearing on First and Final Account and Report of Lois Johnson; Petition for Final Distribution, Statutory Fees and Extraordinary Fees:
•    Caption of the Petition and Order appears inadequate as personal representative is also seeking Reimbursement of Funds Advanced [California Rule of Court 7.102, Local Rule 8.83L].
    o    Notice therefore appears defective, as well, [CRC 7.50].
•    Exhibit D, Proposed distribution, requests reimbursement to the personal representative in the amount of $11,460.94 which does not appear to agree with the prayer of the petition. Paragraph 9 of the prayer requests the amount of $9,142.94 which represents half of the $18,285.88 she advanced from her personal funds for the benefit of the estate as outlined in Exhibit A.  $5,737.82 of the personal funds advanced were for the purpose of reimbursing Brenda Puh Phinizzee. What was the nature of the expense which was reimbursed? Please explain and/or correct the discrepancy.
•    Please provide additional information in support of attorney’s fees, including a breakdown of which tasks were performed by counsel, and which were performed by the paralegal pursuant to CRC 7.702.
•    The title/caption of the proposed order does not match the title/caption of the Petition. In addition, please phrase as an “Order” rather than a “Judgment”.
Request for extraordinary compensation will be submitted to the Judge for determination once defects are cured. 
Recommend continuance to 12/01/26 to allow time to cure defects.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000497 ESTATE OF FREDEVINDA MOTA CARRILLO, AKA FREDEVINDA M. CARILLO
Hearing on First and Final Account and Report of Administrator, and Petition for its Settlement, for Allowance of Statutory Attorneys Fees and Costs Advanced, and for Final Distribution of Estate:
Please be aware in future Notes that paragraph 7 the Report does not appear sufficiently detailed pursuant to PrC§9202(b) (knowledge of personal representative or estate attorney).
• Notice of Proposed Action must be filed, with affidavit of mailing attached, per Local Rules 8.83 N and 8.100.
• Accounting does not appear correct:
      o    Based on the escrow statement, there were no losses or gains on sale; the sale price was exactly the same as the appraisal value.
      o    The expenses of sale are not considered losses on sale, they are considered disbursements; they do not impact the calculation of statutory compensation.
      o    Credits are where money comes from: property on hand at beginning of account, additional property received, receipts, gains on sale. Charges are where money goes to: disbursements, losses on sale, property on hand at close of account.
      o    The “total charges” ought to equal the “total credits”; in this case, the record would appear to reflect that both total $90,000.00.
      o    The Summary of Account reflects that an amount of cash on hand at the end of the account period that does not agree with the Schedule of Property on Hand at the End of the Account period. The latter appears to be incorrect, based on the Examiner’s calculations, while the former appears accurate.
• The disbursements issue detailed above impacted the calculation of attorney’s statutory compensation, which already had a number of defects:
      o    The accounting reflects that $503.23 was not from receipts but rather disbursements, and so does not belong in the calculation.
      o    Even with the above correction, the fee base appears to be lower than expected, likely due to a mathematical error. 
      o    4% of the first $100,000.00 cannot be $4,000.00 in this case.
• The proposed distribution does not appear correct. Cash on hand at the end of the account less fees, costs, and reserve, does not equal the amount described in line 6 on page 8. All of that is moot given that the calculation of statutory compensation does not appear correct.
Recommend continuance to 10/09/26 to allow time to cure defects.
Recommend court vacate Account Review Hearing of 12/01/26.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000828 ESTATE OF JORDAN OLIVER ROSE
Hearing on Petition to Determine Succession to Primary Residence:If no one appears to object, recommend court find notice complete and approve the petition.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000832 ESTATE OF ANIL K. JOSHI
Hearing on Petition to Determine Succession to Primary Residence:If no one appears to object, recommend court find notice complete and approve the petition.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000853 ESTATE OF WAYNE S. ARMBRUST, AKA WAYNE SCOTT ARMBRUST
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration:
Notes have been cured.
Recommend approval of petition.
Recommend Inventory Review Hearing 03/10/27 pursuant to Local Rule 8.41 B.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2026
Department 22
8:30 a.m.

PR-24-000821 ESTATE OF ALFONSO MIRANDA AYALA, AKA ALFONSO M. AYALA, ALFONSO AYALA
Hearing on PrC§12200 Status Report of Administration continued from 08/12/26:
Nothing filed since previous hearing. Prior Note remains:
Notice of Hearing not on file for interested party Violet B. See PrC§§12201, 1220.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-001186 ESTATE OF KATHLEEN ROSE HARLAN, AKA KATHY R. HARLAN, AKA KATHY HARLAN
Hearing on Amended (file marked 02/04/26) First and Final Report of Executor on Waiver of Account and Petition for Allowance of Executor Fee, Attorney Compensation for Ordinary Services, for Reimbursement of Costs, and for Final Distribution of Estate continued from 10/22/25, 02/19/26, 09/03/26:
Prior defects cured by the Amended Petition.
One note remains:
•    Paragraph 22, Page 7, requests that petitioner be authorized to pay the estate of former administrator, Sherwin Yates Rhinehart, compensation in the sum of $9,900.00.  Proof of issued Letters of Mr. Rhinehart’s estate is not on file.
Request for extraordinary compensation submitted to court for determination.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-001300 ESTATE MARIA MADALENA VIEIRA, AKA MARIA MADALINA VIEIRA AND MARIA M. VIEIRA  
Hearing on Amended (file marked 08/20/26) First and Final Report of Personal Representative and Petition for Final Distribution on Waiver of Account and for Payment of Compensation for Ordinary Services to Attorney for Personal Representative and for Waiver of Ordinary Compensation for Personal Representative continued from 07/22/26:
Prior defects cured.
Recommend approval of amended petition.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 03/25/27 pursuant to Local Rule 8.92.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000448 ESTATE OF ALICIA A. MENDOZA
Hearing on First and Final Account and Report of Administrator, and Petition for its Settlement on Waiver of Accounting, and for Final Distribution continued from 08/12/26:
Prior defects cured.
Recommend approval of petition as supplemented.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 03/25/27 pursuant to Local Rule 8.92.
Recommend court vacate Account Review Hearing 10/13/26.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000239 ESTATE OF SHERWIN YATES RHINEHART
Hearing on Petition for Probate of Lost Will and for Letters Testamentary continued from 04/29/26, 08/13/26:
Prior Notes are cured.
Submitted to court’s determination:
•    Whether a Guardian ad litem is necessary for the three minor beneficiaries. See Local Rule 8.07.
•    Whether to set a prove up hearing purs. to PrC§6124 (lost will presumption). See Declaration of counsel file-marked 07/14/26, Declaration of petitioner file-marked 08/13/26, and Declaration of counsel file-marked 08/14/26.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000263 ESTATE OF CLARA F. LINDO, AKA CLARA FATIMA LINDO
Hearing on Petition to Determine Succession to Primary Residence continued from 05/12/26, 09/01/26:
On 05/12/26, the court took judicial notice of the Petition to Determine Succession filed in case PR-26-000264 for the Estate of Joe Lindo, and the Petition for Final Distribution filed in case PR-24-000547. In the former petition and this one, the petitioner (who is the personal representative of the Estate of ADELAIDE LINDO) alleged that the decedents CLARA and JOE each owned 1/3 of the real property asset that is also the sole asset of this estate. In Estate of ADELAIDE, the personal representative alleged that ADELAIDE decedent owned 100% of the subject property. 
It appeared to the Probate Examiner that the personal representative may have filed the two related Petitions to Determine Succession anticipatorily, based on the expected inheritance from Estate of ADELAIDE. It also seemed that the personal representative intended or intends to show in this matter that he and his brother MANUEL LINDO are the sole successors-in-interest in the estates of both CLARA and JOE purs. to PrC§13006.
On 09/01/26, the court granted the Petition for Final Distribution in related case PR-24-000547, as supplemented, and directed the petitioner to file a Supplement in this case based on that order. Supplement on file.
Hearing required.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000264 ESTATE OF JOE A. LINDO, AKA JOE ALBERTO LINDO
Hearing on Petition to Determine Succession to Primary Residence continued from 05/12/26, 09/01/26:
On 05/12/26, the court took judicial notice of the Petition to Determine Succession filed in case PR-26-000263 for the Estate of Clara Lindo, and the Petition for Final Distribution filed in case PR-24-000547. In the former petition and this one, the petitioner (who is the personal representative of the Estate of ADELAIDE LINDO) alleged that the decedents CLARA and JOE each owned 1/3 of the real property asset that is also the sole asset of this estate. In Estate of ADELAIDE, the personal representative alleged that ADELAIDE decedent owned 100% of the subject property. 
It appeared to the Probate Examiner that the personal representative may have filed the two related Petitions to Determine Succession anticipatorily, based on the expected inheritance from Estate of ADELAIDE. It also seemed that the personal representative intended or intends to show in this matter that he and his brother MANUEL LINDO are the sole successors-in-interest in the estates of both CLARA and JOE purs. to PrC§13006.
On 09/01/26, the court granted the Petition for Final Distribution in related case PR-24-000547, as supplemented, and directed the petitioner to file a Supplement in this case based on that order. Supplement on file.
Hearing required.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000746 ESTATE OF SHIRLEY MARIE JANZ, AKA SHIRLEY M. JANZ
Hearing on Petition to Determine Succession to Primary Residence continued from 08/18/26:
Prior defects cured.
If no one appears to object, Recommend court find notice complete and approve petition.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-26-000781 ESTATE OF BILLY EDWARD ADAMS
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration continued from 08/13/26:
Nothing filed since previous hearing. Prior Notes remain:
•    Petition item 8 omitted address for one of the relatives.
•    Affidavit of publication not on file.
Appearance by petitioner and petitioner’s counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2026 No decedent's estate or trust matters on calendar