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.

MONDAY, JANUARY 26, 2026
Department 23
10:00 a.m.

PR-24-000404 ESTATE OF JOHN MARTINEZ AYOLT HETTINGA, AKA JOHN M.A. HETTINGA AKA JOHN HETTINGA
Settlement Conference:Appearances mandatory.
Any person wishing to appear remotely must obtain the court’s permission to appear via VCourt by contacting the courtroom clerk.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2026
Department 22
8:30 a.m.

334534 ESTATE OF JUSTIN R. WOOD
Account Review Hearing:
PrC §12200 Status Report filed and set for hearing 03/18/26. 
Hearing of 03/18/26 will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (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, 08/12/25, 09/16/25:
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, 08/12/25, 09/16/25:Objection filed – 02/27/24.

On 08/12/25 the court appointed Monica Ramos, CLPF, as successor trustee ad litem, and stayed that order until 09/16/25 pursuant to stipulation of the opposing sides. The court further ordered that the stay would be lifted on 09/16/25 if this matter were not resolved by that time, and the court would set bond for the successor Trustee ad litem. 

On 09/16/25, upon joint request of the parties, the court ordered that a petition to approve the settlement be filed within ninety (90) days of that hearing. Not on file.

Hearing required for court to set amount of bond for the  successor Trustee ad litem, Monica Ramos, CLPF.

Appearance by parties and their counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000477 ESTATE OF BONNIE LOU KEENER, AKA BONNIE KEENER

4.  Hearing on Court’s Own Motion Inquire into the Circumstances Surrounding the Execution of, and the Consideration for, the Purchase Agreement and Assignment file-marked 06/26/25 [PrC§§11604(b), 11604.5(g)]:
• Notice appears defective: untimely. Notice of Hearing file-marked 01/06/26 reflects notice was mailed 01/05/26 for this hearing on 01/27/26. On 10/01/25, the court directed the personal representative to give thirty days' notice of this hearing on all interested parties, including all heirs and the buyer, purs. to PrC§11604(d).
A Corrected Purchase and Sale Agreements was filed on 01/06/26.

3.  Hearing on Petition to Approve Purchase Agreement and Assignment by Guardian ad Litem continued from 01/07/26:Trailing hearing on court’s own motion purs. PrC§§11604(b), 11604.5(g).

2.  Hearing on Petition for Final Distribution, First and Final Accounting, Allowance of Statutory Fees continued from 10/01/25:Trailing hearing on court’s own motion purs. PrC§§11604(b), 11604.5(g).

• Prior Note remains: Schedule of Gains on Sale must include the equation showing the appraisal value and sale amount. See Local Rule 8.65 B 4. 
      o    The supplement file-marked 01/06/26 addressed this note by restating the Summary of Account. This note applies to Schedule B “Gain on Sale” attached to the Accounting, it does not apply to the Summary of Account.
• It appears the Guardian ad litem entered into a Purchase Agreement and Assignment on behalf of the two minor children without the authority to do so. A GAL lacks authority to sign an Assignment on behalf of the represented person without a prior court order. Agreement appears void. A hearing has been set on the court’s own motion.

1.    Account Review Hearing set by Minute Order 05/22/25 purs. Local Rule 8.82:Account Review Hearing will be vacated.

Recommend continuance of hearings on petition and the motion to 03/26/26 to allow time for notice of the hearing on motion to be perfected. 

Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000484 ESTATE OF DONALD F. AYRES
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 06/16/26 to allow time for filing of above pleadings. 
If neither pleading is on file by the next hearing date, the court may issue an order to show cause for personal representative to appear pursuant to PrC§12202.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-001362 ESTATE OF LARRY SOTO SANCHEZ, AKA LARRY SANCHEZ
Inventory Review Hearing:
Final Inventory and Appraisal is on file.
•    Inventory and Appraisal omits characterization of decedent’s property [PrC§8850(c)]. This information will be needed prior to the closing of the estate.
Recommend Account Review Hearing 09/03/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.82.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-001374 L M DAVIDSON 2018 FAMILY TRUST DTD MAY 30, 2018
Hearing on Petition to 1) Compel a Report of the Trust and its Administration; 2) Compel an Account; 3) Compel Trustee to Perform Duties; 4) Instruct the Trustee; 5) Suspend and Remove the Trustee; and 6) Surcharge the Trustee continued from 05/14/25, 09/16/25:
Objection filed 09/16/25 (by Karen E. Serpa)

Defects not cured. Prior notes remain:
•    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.
•    Need proposed order.

On 09/16/25, the court directed counsel to file declaration re status 10 days prior to the next hearing.  Status Report/Declaration is not on file.

Hearing required.Appearance by counsel and objector’s counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000047 ESTATE OF JANELLE KAY AHRENHOLTZ, AKA JANELLE KAY TABOGA
Inventory Review Hearing continued from 09/09/25:
Final Inventory and Appraisal on file.
Recommend court set an Account Review Hearing 07/21/26 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-25-000050 ESTATE OF JENNY LU MCCORD ERICKSON
Inventory Review Hearing continued from 10/07/25:
Letters Issued 06/27/25.  Inventory and Appraisal due 10/27/25.
Inventory and Appraisal not on file at time of review.
Recommend court compel Personal Representative to file the Final Inventory and Appraisal pursuant to Probate Code § 8804 or face possible sanctions including removal from office.
Appearance by Personal Representative and counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000234 ROBERT A. COCKAYNE REVOCABLE TRUST
Hearing on Petition to Invalidate Trust Based on Undue Influence and Lack of Capacity; Damages for Elder Abuse; Finding Beneficiaries Predeceased Under Probate Code §259 and Attorney’s Fees continued from 07/30/25, 09/25/25:
Prior defects cured. Notice has been perfected.
Objection filed 11/04/25 (by Jennifer M. Deguara)
•    Proposed Order not yet submitted.
Hearing required.
Appearances by counsel and objector’s counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-001121 ESTATE OF SHARON JOZWIK
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration continued from 12/09/25:
Petition reflects petitioner knows of no next of kin for decedent. On 12/09/25, the court ordered petitioner to file a verified family tree no fewer than five (5) days before this hearing. Filed 01/23/26.
Hearing required.
Appearance by County Counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000468 ESTATE OF GRACIE DUTRA
Hearing on First and Final Report of Executors on Waiver of Account and Petition for Allowance of Statutory Compensation to Attorney, and for Final Distribution:
Recommend approval of petition.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 07/30/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.92.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000946 ESTATE OF AMY RENE SMITH
Hearing on PrC §12200 Status Report:  
Notice appears complete. 
Recommend court set a further Account Review Hearing 01/28/27.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-001048 ESTATE OF TOMASA RAMIREZ
Hearing on Report on Waiver of Account, Petition for Allowance of Compensation to Attorneys and Administrator for Ordinary Services, for Reimbursement of Costs Advanced and for Final Distribution:
Recommend approval of Report and Petition.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 07/30/26 purs. to Local Rule 8.92.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-001002 BARNETT FAMILY TRUST DTD MAY 06, 2010
Hearing on Petition for Instructions, Modification of Trust (PrC §§ 15403, 15409, 17200 et seq):If no one appears to object, recommend approval of petition.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-001008 TRAMMELL 19698 TRUST DTD JUNE 11, 1998, AS AMENDED – THE SURVIVORS TRUST
(1)    Hearing on Petition to Establish Trust’s Ownership of Property; Cancellation of Instrument; for Order Authorizing and Directing Transfer of Property to Trust:Demurrer to Petition filed (by Brianna Trammell)
Recommend continuance to 05/07/26.

(2)    Hearing on Respondent Brianna Trammell’s Demurrer to Petition:
SEE TENTATIVE RULING, to be posted day prior to hearing at https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/online-services/tentative-rulings/…

PR-25-001310 ESTATE OF JOHN ALBERT KRAMARZ, AKA JOHN ALBERT KRAMARZ, II
Hearing on Petition to Determine Succession to Primary Residence:
Notes have been cured.
If no one appears to object, recommend court find notice complete and approve the petition.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-001313 ESTATE OF REXFORD MURRAY THOMAS III, AKA REXFORD M. THOMAS
Hearing on Petition for Probate of Will and for Letters Testamentary:
Will is self-proving.
•    Petition recites the date of decedent’s Will to be 07/19/20.  The correct date appears to be 07/19/23. Please clarify.
•    The order, DE-140, and Letters, DE-150, and Notice, Form DE-121, recite a second “aka” for the decedent that is not recited on the petition nor on the publication, specifically: “Rex Thomas”.
See California Rules of Court rules 7.3 and 7.53 regarding the types of forms that may be used to address these defects.
Recommend continuance to 02/20/26 to cure defect.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2026
Department 22
8:30 a.m.

2201147 DAVID LEE AMESQUITA, II SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST
Account Review Hearing continued from 05/08/25, 09/11/25:
Fourth Account has been filed and set for hearing 03/26/26.
Hearing of 03/26/26 will be confirmed.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-21-001327 ESTATE OF ANECIA LEARY

3.   Hearing on Motion for Order Determining Good Faith of Settlement continued from 01/16/26:
SEE TENTATIVE RULING, to be posted day prior to hearing at https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/online-services/tentative-rulings/…

2.   Review Hearing set by Minute Order 06/12/25 for status of meet and confer on contested accounting:    A Petition to Approve Settlement Agreement not on file.

1.    Hearing on Petition for First and Final Account and Report of Administrator and Petition for its Settlement, for Allowance of Statutory Attorney Fees, Administrative Commissions, for Reimbursement to Attorney and for Final Distribution continued from 06/12/25, 10/01/25:

On 10/01/25, court set deadline of 11/01/25 for PR to cure defects or court may impose surcharge and/or reduce statutory compensation purs. to PrC 12205 for the delay.

New Notes:
• Supplement filed-marked 10/29/25, which appears intended to address some of the Prior Notes, was not verified nor was it signed by the personal representative. See PrC§1023, CRC rule 7.103.
• The Supplement filed-marked 10/29/25 includes the allegation that the preliminary distributions were actually non-probate transfers of financial accounts with “pay-on-death” beneficiaries. If that is the case, that account(s) was never part of this estate, should not be part of the accounting or the proposed distribution, and should not have been included in the calculation of statutory compensation.

Prior Notes (see note above regarding the defective Supplement):
• Statement regarding family/affiliate relationship omitted [see PrC§1064(a)(4)].
• Report (page 2, lines 7-9) omits clear statement of compliance with PrC§9050 or a statement that there are no creditors known or reasonably ascertained. See PrC§9053(d). What were the results of the administrator’s “reasonable efforts”?
• Administrator reports that notice to Franchise Tax Board was not required in this matter. Notice to the FTB is mandatory in all such matters [see PrC§9202(c) and Local Rule 8.83 G].
• Report (page 5, lines 4-8) reflects that the administrator made preliminary distributions of cash to three of the eight heirs. Did he serve a Notice of Proposed Action for these distributions? See PrC section 10520.
• Report (page 6, line 12) does not appear correct. A Request for Special Notice was filed on 02/05/24.
• Schedule C-1 (Disbursements): ATM withdrawal is a method of transfer, not a payee. Does the administrator know who withdrew $160.00 from that account 9 days after the decedent passed, and why?
• Schedules I and J (proposed distributions) leave $4,684.67 undistributed. Is the administrator intending to add that amount to the reserved funds, thus reserving $19,684.67? 
• Proposed Order not yet submitted.

Objection filed – 07/01/25, by S. Nabong. Objection seeks court’s findings as to breach of fiduciary duties and harm, order denying reimbursements, order for surcharge, and attorney’s fees and costs.Objection to the Objection (specifically as to surcharge) filed – 10/14/25, by surety company.

Appearances required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-000743 KAREN L. PAPPAS 2009 REVOCABLE TRUST  

4. Hearing on Petition for 1) Approval of Settlement Agreement and Mutual Release; 2) Denial of Petition for Approval of Sale; 3) Orders Implementing Settlement; and 4) Retention of Jurisdiction CCP§664.6:
• Consent attached to the Settlement Agreement does not include the date of the (electronic) signature. See CRC rule 2.257.• Body of petition does not set forth the names and addresses of all interested parties and beneficiaries of the trust (including residual and contingent beneficiaries) and then clarify whether the interest of any heir or beneficiary who did not sign the agreement would be adversely impacted by the proposed settlement.
• Body of petition does not state whether notice of the court’s Breslin order was given, to whom, and when.

3. Hearing on Petition for Approval of First Account and Report of Trustee continued from 09/26/24, 03/04/25, 07/08/25, 11/12/25:No defects. Trailing.

2. Hearing on Petition for Orders Instructing Trustee to Take Proposed Action to Sell Real Property and Expunge Notice of Pendency of Action continued from 09/17/24, 03/04/25, 07/08/25, 11/12/25:
Objection filed – 09/19/24. 
Notice appears complete.

1.  Hearing on Petition for Instructions for Removal of Trustee for Breach of Fiduciary Duty, for Accounting and for Order Compelling Redress of Breach of Trust by Recession and for Order for Return of Trust Property continued from 10/12/23, 01/30/24, 04/11/24, 06/17/24, 09/17/24, 03/04/25, 07/08/25, 11/12/25:Objection filed – 01/26/24. 

Recommend continuance to 05/19/26 to allow time to cure defects.Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-001193 ESTATE OF MARTIN J. McKEAN, AKA MARTIN McKEAN
Account Review Hearing:
Neither Petition for Final Distribution nor Second PrC§12200 Status Report are on file.
Recommend court order personal representative to file a PrC§12200 Status Report (with Notice pursuant to PrC§12201) within 90 days if estate is not in a position to be closed.
Recommend continuance to 06/10/26 to allow time for filing of above pleadings. If neither pleading is on file by the next hearing date, the court may issue an order to show cause for personal representative to appear pursuant to PrC§12202.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000442 ESTATE OF HAROLD D. PETERSON, AKA HAROLD DON PETERSON
Hearing on Petition for Termination of Further Proceedings and Discharge of Personal Representative continued from 09/25/25: 
Notice appears appropriate.  
On 09/25/25, counsel requested a continuance to allow time to address debt. Debt has been addressed and confirmed not an asset of the estate.
If no one appears to object, Recommend approval of Petition as supplemented.
Recommend court discharge Personal Representative and close the estate.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000895 ESTATE OF HECTOR MUNOZ
Inventory Review Hearing continued from 03/25/25, 08/12/25, 09/16/26:
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. On 09/16/25, the court ordered the personal representative to file the Final Inventory and Appraisal within sixty (60) days.
Recommend continuance to 03/17/26, to coincide with the hearing on the PrC§12200 Status Report, pursuant to the personal representative’s Declaration file-marked 01/13/26. The Declaration includes an allegation that the only known assets of the estate are a vehicle and real property; the personal representative told the court during the hearing on 09/16/25 that there were multiple bank accounts and a 401k.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-001030 ESTATE OF ANN HEDWIG ALBRECHT
(1)    Order to Show Cause issued 09/24/25 to Benjamin D. Harvey, Esq.:
To appear and show cause for failure to appear at the 09/24/25 hearing and failure to file Inventory and Appraisal as directed.

(2)    Order to Show Cause issued 09/24/25 to Augusta Graves:To appear and show cause for failure to appear at the 09/24/25 hearing and failure to file Inventory and Appraisal as directed.

(3)    Inventory Review Hearing continued from 07/10/25, 09/24/25:
Letters Issued 01/10/25.  Inventory and Appraisal due 04/10/25.
Declaration (file marked 07/03/25) indicated the I&A is with probate referee.
On 09/24/25, the court indicated that a failure to file Inventory and Appraisal may result in sanctions, including removal.  Inventory and Appraisal not on file at time of review.
Declaration filed 01/22/26 submitted to Judge for determination.

For failure of personal representative to comply with the court’s prior orders:
 Recommend court suspend Personal Representative pursuant to PrC§8500(b).
Recommend court set a hearing on its own motion for removal of the personal representative from office (an Order to Show Cause) pursuant to PrC§§8804(b), 8502. Personal Representative will be ordered to appear and show cause why he/she should not be removed from office for neglecting to perform any act as personal representative.
Recommend court refer matter to the Public Administrator and County Counsel, pursuant to PrC§7621, for appointment of Public Administrator.
Appearance by Personal Representative and counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000020 ESTATE OF PATRICIA A. HARPER, AKA PATRICIA ANNETTE HARPER
Inventory Review Hearing continued from 10/02/25:
Final Inventory and Appraisal is on file.
Recommend Account Review Hearing 07/29/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.82 when status report will be due if the estate is not in a position to be closed,
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000904 ESTATE OF RICKEY L. FORD, AKA RICKY LEE FORD
Hearing on Petition to Determine Succession to Primary Residence (filed by Adrian Criner) continued from 09/25/25:
Notes have been cured. No defects in Petition.
Objection filed – 11/25/25 (by Jordan Alexander Ford).  
• Objection constitutes a Will contest; Proof of service of Summons not yet on file pursuant to PrC§8250, CCP§415.10 et seq.
• It appears objector has filed Form DE-165, Notice of Proposed Action, which is an incorrect form for the purpose of objecting to a petition.  
• Filing fee of $435.00 has not been paid.
• Proof of service not on file for the petitioner. Service on the petitioner is required. See California Rules of Court rule 7.51(b) and Probate Code section 1214.
Objection submitted to Judge for determination.
Recommend the court inquire if objector served the objection on anyone.
Appearance by Petitioner (self-represented) and Objector (self-represented) required (Anyone appearing may do so in person, or remotely, by telephone, using VCourt).

PR-25-000994 ESTATE OF CAROLE ANN PELCHAT
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration continued from 10/28/25:
Prior defects in the petition cured. Prior note remains:
•    Petitioner appears to have the least priority to serve as a personal representative than any other person or entity described in Pr. Code §§ 8461, 8465. A person with priority does not appear to have filed a competing petition.  Petition requests minimum bond of $20,000.00. Bond matter will be submitted to Judge for determination.
On 10/28/25, this court ordered petitioner to conduct an heir search and mail notice to public administrator.  The results of the heir search have been reported in the Declaration filed 01/23/26 confirming the only heir of the decedent is the one and same daughter identified in the petition.  
•    Notice to the Public Administrator is defective as untimely. 
Recommend a short continuance to 02/20/26 to allow time to perfect notice.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-21-000344 ESTATE OF RUDOLPH REYES
Hearing on Motion to be Relieved as Counsel:
SEE TENTATIVE RULING, to be posted day prior to hearing at https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/online-services/tentative-rulings/…

PR-22-000307 ESTATE OF SHIRLEY LANGLEY
Hearing on Third PrC§12200 Status Report of Administration:
Notice appears complete.
Prior Note remains: A Partial I&A on file; a Final I&A is not on file.
•    The Status Report includes the allegation that a Final Inventory and Appraisal cannot be filed until the personal representative receives the distribution from a deceased relative’s estate.
•    The Status Report does not state how much time is estimated before the estate will be ready to close (required purs. to PrC§12200). Hearing required.
Recommend the court instruct the personal representative that an anticipated inheritance is to be appraised by the Probate Referee, and that anticipation of a probate estate distribution is not a reason to delay filing the Inventory and Appraisal. Should the eventual distribution differ from the Referee’s appraisal, the personal representative would file a Corrected Inventory and Appraisal. Please see PrC§8901 and the California Probate Referee’s Guide.
Recommend court compel the personal representative to file the Final Inventory and Appraisal pursuant to Probate Code § 8804 or face possible sanctions including removal from office. 
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000711 ESTATE OF BILLY RANDELL JONES, AKA BILLY R. JONES
Hearing on First and Final Account of Administrator and Petition for 1. Allowance of Compensation to Attorney for Ordinary and Extraordinary Services; 2. Allowance of Compensation to Administrator for Ordinary Services; 3. Approval of Administrator’s Creditor’s Claim; and 4. Final Distribution:
Recommend court discharge bond as the estate (less than $40,000.00) is in a blocked account.
Submitted to court for determination:
- Request for extraordinary attorney’s fees.
- Petition for approval of personal representative’s creditor’s claim of $29,213.44.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-001253 ESTATE OF DOYLE H. CALDWELL
Hearing on First and Final Report of Executor on Waiver of Accounting and Petition for its Settlement, for Allowance of Compensation of Ordinary Services and Costs, and for Final Distribution:
In future matters, please ensure the pleading title is specific as to whether compensation is sought for the personal representative or counsel or both.
Recommend approval of Report and Petition.
Recommend court vacate Account Review Hearing of 03/10/26.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 07/30/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.92.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-001020 JOE PAUL GONSALES AND LUETTA MAE GONSALES 2006 TRUST
Hearing on Petition for Order Appointing Successor Trustee:
•    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. Examiner notes one beneficiary filed a bond waiver.  Waiver of bond not on file for the remaining beneficiary.
Hearing required.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-001317 ESTATE OF DENNIS HENSLEY
Letters of Special Administration expire today unless extended.
Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration:
Recommend approval of petition.
Recommend Inventory Review Hearing 07/28/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.41 B.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-001319 ESTATE OF LINDA N. ELLIOTT, AKA LINDA NELLE ELLIOT, LINDA CUDD, LINDA N. CUDD, LINDA BEST, LINDA N. BEST, LINDA SHIPMAN
Hearing on Petition for Probate of Will and for Letters Testamentary:
No defects in the pleadings.
The court will approve the petition, and admit the will, including ordering bond of $20,000.00 as requested.
The court will also set an Inventory Review Hearing 07/28/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.41 B.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2026

Department 22
8:30 a.m.

PR-21-001386 ESTATE OF LAURA I. DOWNS, AKA LAURA DOWNS
(1)    Order to Show Cause issued 09/18/25 to Stephanie M. Curtis: 
To appear and explain her failure to appear, failure to file pleadings as directed and why surcharge should not be imposed.

(2)    Order to Show Cause issued 09/18/25 to Lori A. Hunt, Esq.:To appear and explain her failure to appear, failure to file pleadings as directed.

(3)    Discharge Review Hearing continued from 01/23/25, 05/15/25, 09/18/25:
Nothing filed since previous hearing. Prior Note remains:
See Local Rule 8.92. Form DE-295, Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge and Order, not yet submitted at time of review.  It appears it was submitted and returned for corrections on 01/22/26.
Need status of discharge.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000883 MATTER OF KENNETH J. OCKEY REVOCABLE TRUST
Hearing on Motion for Relief from Waiver of Discovery Objections:
SEE TENTATIVE RULING, to be posted day prior to hearing at https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/online-services/tentative-rulings/…

Hearing on Motion to Compel Further Answers to Respondent Roxanne Ockey’s Form Interrogatories, Set One, and for Sanctions continued from 01/08/26:
SEE TENTATIVE RULING, to be posted day prior to hearing at https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/online-services/tentative-rulings/…

PR-24-001090 ESTATE OF LIDIA YVETTE UMADA, AKA LIDIA IVETTE UMADA
Inventory Review Hearing continued from 10/09/25:
Final Inventory and Appraisal is on file.
Recommend Account Review Hearing 07/09/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.82.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-001314 RAEGAN AMERINE REVOCABLE TRUST DTD DECEMBER 14, 2014
Hearing on Petition to Invalidate Trust Amendment; for Financial Elder Abuse; and Suspension and Removal of Trustee (filed by Ronald R. Amerine) continued from 04/15/25, 09/09/25:
Objection filed 03/28/25 (by Gary Amerine & Garrett Amerine)
On 09/09/25, counsel requested a continuance to allow time for parties to attend mediation.
Need status.
Appearances by counsel and objector’s counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000018 ESTATE OF DELBERT O. EVITT
Hearing on Petition for Probate of Will and for Letters Testamentary continued from 03/04/25, 07/08/25 10/08/25:
Nothing filed since last hearing. Prior notes remain:
Examiner notes it appears your documents were submitted reflecting 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. Please ensure future filings indicate the correct address.
•    Will is not self-proving per Local Rule 8.23 and Probate Code section 6240.  
•    Will was not witnessed. Declaration re: supporting evidence not on file. See PrC§§8221, 6110.
•    Form DE-147 Duties and Liabilities not on file.
•    Form DE-121 Notice of Petition to Administer Estate not on file.
•    Affidavit of publication not on file. See Local Rule 8.12.
•    The following items will need to be addressed in the petition:
    o    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
    o    Item 2a incomplete (box is not checked indicating Will to be admitted).
    o    Item 2c unclear - Both Full and Limited boxes were checked (authority to be granted under the Independent Administration of Estates Act).  Please indicate which powers are being requested.
    o    Item 2d unclear (bond).  If requesting limited authority, a bond will be required or the funds can be ordered deposited in a blocked account.  Please clarify what you are requesting.
    o    Item 3c incomplete (decedent’s residence at time of death).  Without this information, the Court is unable to determine if this Court is the proper venue for this matter.
    o    Item 3e(1) was checked (will waives bond); however, there is no statement in the Will indicating executor shall serve with no bond.  Please either file Waivers of Bond [Form DE-142/DE-111(A-3e)] or request the         appropriate bond amount on Item 2.  
    o    Item 3f(2) incomplete (date of Will).
    o    Item 5a(3) or (4) incomplete (existence of registered domestic partner).
    o    Item 5a(7) or (8) incomplete (existence of issue of a predeceased child).
    o    Item 5b incomplete (existence of stepchild or foster child who would have been adopted but for a legal barrier).
    o    Item 8 incomplete (Names, relationships and addresses).  Must include all those named in the Will, as well as the decedent’s heirs. If any are deceased, please include the date of death. See Petition item 8 and Local     Rule 8.26.
    Item 8 box checked “continued on Attachment 8” but the attachment was not included.
•    Once the issues of bond and authority under IAEA are clarified on the petition, a new Order for Probate (Form DE-140) may be required to match the request.

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
on 10/07/25, petitioner submitted Form DE-305, Affidavit re Real Property of Small Value, which was rejected and returned as this form is not permitted in a pending probate petition. 
At last hearing (10/08/25), the court indicated that if defects are not cured by the next hearing, the Court will dismiss this petition.
Need status.
Appearance by petitioner (self-represented) required (Anyone wishing to appear remotely, may do so by telephone, using VCourt).

PR-25-000051 MATTER OF ANTONE S. DIAS 2009 TRUST

1.    Hearing on Petition to Approve Settlement Agreement:Objection filed 12/12/25, by Peggy J. Dias.

Objections filed 12/15/25 by:
Ryan Dias;
Stacey Teixeira; 
Nathaniel Harpell;
Megan Kumar;
Elizabeth Bond;
Andrew Grimm.

Submit to court’s determination whether to consider Objections purs. to CRC Rule 7.801, as the court set a deadline of 12/12/25. See paralegal’s Declaration file-marked 12/16/25.

1.    Hearing on Petition to Remove Trustee; for Surcharge of Trustee; for Relief from Breach of Trust; for an Accounting; for Instructions continued from 05/22/25, 10/30/25:
No defects in the pleadings.
Matter has been continued once to allow time for possible settlement and continued a second time for judicial economy.
No objections have been filed.
Recommend court set deadline for filing of objections.

Appearance by counsel for petitioners, counsel for objectors R. Dias and P. Dias, and by objectors S. Teixeira, N. Harpell, M. Kumar, E. Bond, and A. Grimm (self-represented) required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000173 ESTATE OF TONY WILLIAMS
Inventory Review Hearing continued from 10/09/25:
Final Inventory and Appraisal on file.
•    Inventory and Appraisal omits characterization of decedent’s property [PrC§8850(c)]. This information will be needed prior to the closing of the estate.
Recommend Account Review Hearing 07/29/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.82.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000174 ESTATE OF SHIRLEY ANN CLEVENGER, AKA SHIRLEY A. CLEVENGER, AKA SHIRLEY CLEVENGER
Inventory Review Hearing continued from 10/09/25:
Letters Issued 04/09/25.  Inventory and Appraisal due 08/09/25.
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.
Appearance by Personal Representative and counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000589 ESTATE OF JERRY L. MORGAN
Hearing on Petition to Determine Succession to Primary Residence continued from 10/08/25:
If no one appears to object, recommend court find notice complete and approve the petition.
Need proposed Order.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000590 JERRY L. MORGAN TRUST DATED DTD DECEMBER 17, 2022
Hearing on Petition to Confirm Trust Asset [Probate Code 850] continued from 10/08/25:
•    Notice of hearing (file marked 01/13/26) is defective: untimely.  See Probate Code section 851.
Recommend continuance to 03/06/26 to allow time to perfect notice.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000593 ESTATE OF KELSY JEE HEE RAMOS, AKA KELSY RAMOS, KELSY JEE RAMOS, KELSY J. RAMOS
Inventory Review Hearing:
Final Inventory and Appraisal is on file.
Recommend Account Review Hearing 09/30/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.82.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-000951 ESTATE OF GUSTAVO CASTILLO, AKA GUSTAVO CASTILLO DIAZ(1)    Hearing on Petition for Letters of Administration continued from 10/08/25, 10/09/25:

Petitioner seeks full powers but proposes no bond and monies (amount unknown) to be placed in a blocked account at Oak Valley Community Bank in Modesto, California. Either bond with full powers or limited powers with a petition for confirmation of sale are preferred. Submitted to the Judge for determination.Petitioner to note: if the Court grants the petition as prayed and the proceeds from the sale exceed $245,000.00, a second blocked account at a different institution may be required due to FDIC insurance limits. 

(2)    Hearing on Spousal Property Petition continued from 10/09/25:If no one other than N. Castillo appears to object, recommend approval of petition.

Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

445526 MATTER OF PATRICIA SANCHEZ MOORE REVOCABLE TRUST
Hearing no Seventh Account and Report of Co-Trustees; Petition for its Approval; Allowance of Attorney’s Fees; and Reimbursement of Costs:REVIEW IN PROGRESS. PLEASE CHECK BACK.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-23-000053 ESTATE OF BRADLEY CONLEY
Hearing on First and Final Report of Administrator on Waiver of Account and Petition for its Settlement; Petition for Allowance for Statutory Compensation for Ordinary and Extraordinary Services by the Attorney and Statutory Compensation to the Administrator; for Reimbursement of Costs Advanced and for Final Distribution of Estate:
•    Please provide copies of supporting documentation regarding the Administrator’s request for reimbursement of personal funds, e.g.: invoices noted as paid, receipts, mortgage statements, or as a last resort – copies of financial account statements with all but the last four digits of the account number redacted purs. to California Rule of Court.
•    Need new proposed Order purs. to Supplement file-marked 12/08/25.
Recommend continuance to 02/11/26, to coincide with Account Review Hearing already set, to allow time to submit above filings.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000636 ESTATE OF PRITAM CHAL
Hearing on Amended PrC § 12200 Status Report of Administration: 
Notice appears complete. 
Recommend court set a further Account Review Hearing 07/29/26.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-001276 ESTATE OF ALVIN LANCE STILLFORD, AKA ALVIN L. STILLFORD, AKA AL STILLFORD
Hearing on First and Final Report of Administrator and Petition for its Settlement, and for Final Distribution upon Waivers of Accounting and Notice; for Allowance of Statutory Attorney’s Fees and Allowance of Statutory Administrator’s Commissions; and for Reimbursement of Costs Advanced by Attorneys:
Recommend approval of petition.
Recommend Discharge Review Hearing 07/30/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.92.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-001021 MATTER OF ESTHER DANIEL YOUHANAEI REVOCABLE TRUST
Hearing on Petition for Order Confirming Trust Assets:Recommend approval of petition if no one appears to object.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-001325 ESTATE OF PAUL SCOTT ICHORD, AKA PAUL ICHORD
Hearing on Petition for Probate of Will and for Letters Testamentary:
Recommend approval of petition and admission of will to probate.
Need proposed Letters.
Recommend Inventory Review Hearing 07/29/26 pursuant to Local Rule 8.41 B.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-001329 ESTATE OF SHERRIE AMBER PEER, AKA SHERRI PEERHearing on Petition for Letters of Administration:

Defects in the petition, Form DE-111:
•    Heading of page 1 did not include a checkmark in box “Authorization to Administer Under the Independent Administration of Estates Act”.
•    Item 1 did not identify the newspaper where petitioner intends to publish notice.
•    Item 3d(5) did not include the amount of encumbrances (the amount of the decedent’s share of the mortgage).
•    Petition item 8 was not completed (names and addresses of all the intestate heirs, as well as whether they are adults or minors).
•    The court cannot determine if Waivers of Bond are on file from all heirs until item 8 is completed.

Defects in the file:
•    Form DE-121 Notice of Petition to Administer Estate not on file.
•    Affidavit of publication not on file. See Local Rule 8.12.

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).

FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2026
Department 22
8:30 a.m.

PR-20-001119 ESTATE OF FRANK CLIFFORD CARSON
Hearing on Amended (file-marked 08/07/25) 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, Reduction of Bond, and Request for Reserve continued from 09/26/24, 11/05/24, 01/10/25, 03/21/25, 08/13/25, 12/10/25:
Nothing filed since previous hearing. Prior Notes remain:
• There are two receipts of distribution on file for preliminary distributions of two specific pecuniary devises. The receipts reflect the distributions were for only the amount of the devise and did not include interest. See PrC§§12000, 12003. See also PrC§1063(e).
• Schedule of Disbursements: 
      o    Please explain the 04/11/23 disbursement of $8,500.00 for purpose of “Refund to Buyer of Model A Truck”.
      o    Please explain the 06/08/23 disbursement of $1,200.00 for purpose of “car appraisal”. Were any vehicles appraised by an appraiser other than the Probate Referee?
• The Schedule of Receipts reflects only one deposit by the executor ($300.00); the deposit by executor for $1,235.00 as reported in the attachment “Costs Advanced by Executor” (referenced in the body of the petition as Exhibit A although not labeled as such) was not also included in the Schedule of Receipts. Is there a particular reason for that?
• Please provide copies of supporting documentation regarding the executor’s request for reimbursement (other than for administrative expenses like the bond premium and death certificate) for maintenance, taxes, insurance, utilities, e.g.: invoices noted as paid, receipts, account statements, or as a last resort – copies of financial account statements with all but the last four digits of the account number redacted purs. to California Rule of Court.
• The request for order reducing bond upon filing of receipts appears premature; upon the filing of the receipts, the executor may seek reduction of bond ex parte.
• The request for authority to distribute retained funds without further court order does not appear compliant with Local Rules 8.68 and 8.92. A personal representative may not distribute balance of a reserve that was originally $20,000.00 or greater without further court order, as the court will require an accounting of the retained funds prior to authorizing distribution.
Appearance by counsel mandatory (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-22-000327 ESTATE OF WILLIAM CARL SILVA
Hearing on First and Final Report of Administrators on Waiver of Account; Petition for Final Distribution; Allowance of Compensation to Attorney for Ordinary Services continued from 08/20/25, 10/10/25, 01/09/26:
Nothing filed since previous hearing. Prior Notes remain:
•    One of the two heirs passed away after the petition was filed; prior to his death he executed an Assignment of Interest. On 01/09/26, the court directed the personal representative to file a verified supplement describing that heir’s estate plan and identifying his beneficiaries or intestate heirs, and directed the personal representative to give notice of hearing, as well as serving a copy of the future supplement as well as the supplement file-marked 10/23/25, to those individuals. See PrC§11601.
Recommend continuance to 03/13/26 to allow additional time to file above pleadings.
Appearance by counsel mandatory (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-24-000365 ESTATE OF JAMES D. LUNA
Hearing on PrC§12200 Status Report of Administration continued from 01/06/26:
Nothing filed since previous hearing.
•    Notice of Hearing not yet on file (see PrC§12201).
On 01/06/26¸the court ordered personal representative to perfect notice pursuant to PrC§12201 before the next hearing or surcharge may be imposed. 
Recommend court issue Order to Show Cause to the personal representative to appear and show cause why surcharge should not be imposed for failure to abide by the court’s order.
Appearance by personal representative, personal representative’s counsel mandatory (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
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:
Opposition filed – 09/10/25, by T. Mawyer. 
Hearing set for court’s consideration of stipulation submitted late.
Appearance by counsel required (by VCourt if preferred).

PR-25-001236 ESTATE OF GEORGE GASPAR
Hearing on Spousal Property Petition continued from 01/08/26:If no one appears to object, recommend approval of petition.
Appearance not required (by VCourt if preferred).

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2026
No decedent's estates, trust matters on calendar.