Conservatorships

If the tentative ruling does not require appearances, and is accepted, no appearance is necessary. 

Any party who wishes to be heard in response or opposition to the Court’s tentative ruling MUST NOTIFY the Court’s Judicial Assistant by telephone at (707) 521-6893 and MUST NOTIFY all other parties of the intent to appear, and whether they will appear in person or by Zoom.  Both notifications must be completed no later than 4:00 p.m. on the court (business) day immediately before the day of the hearing.

Unless notification of an appearance has been given as provided above, the tentative ruling shall become the ruling of the court the day of the hearing at the beginning of the calendar, absent an objection from an interested party per Probate Code section 1043.    

To Access the Probate Examiner Notes:

• Access the Portal
• Accept the Terms
• Choose Smart Search, insert your case number, and follow all instructions.

To Join Department 12 “Zoom” Online

• Navigate to website: https://sonomacourt-org.zoomgov.com/j/1603772262
• Enter Meeting ID: 160 377 2262
• And Password: 419097

To Join Department 12 “Zoom” By Phone:

• Call: +1 669-254-5252 US (San Jose) and enter the same meeting ID and password as listed above.

Guide for Participating in Court Proceedings via Zoom for Dept 12:

• After joining the meeting and checking in with the clerk, please mute your audio when not speaking. This helps keep background noise to a minimum.
• Be mindful of background noise when your microphone is not muted. Avoid activities that could create additional noise, such as shuffling papers.
• Position your camera properly if you choose to use a web camera. Be sure it is in a stable position and focused at eye level, if possible. Make sure everything visible in the frame is appropriate for an appearance in court.
• If a confidential session becomes necessary it is incumbent on you to ensure you are able to participate from a private location so that unauthorized people cannot overhear or see the proceedings.
• Chat is enabled for the sharing of documents among participants and the court and to allow attorneys to communicate individually with each other or their clients only. No chat messages should be sent privately to the court as it would amount to an unauthorized ex parte communication. Neither should chat messages be sent to all participants unless directed by the court.
• The recording function has been disabled. Remember, the prohibition against recording court proceedings, even remote ones, remains.
• Be patient. Check in will take more time and the experience from those who have tried this before is that proceedings are a little slower generally.

1. Conservatorship of Sharon Zanassi
   25PR00083
   Sale of Property

Tentative Ruling: APPEARANCES REQUIRED for confirmation of the sale of real property.

2. Conservatorship of Sidney S. Scherer
   25PR01192
   Appointment of Conservator

Tentative Ruling: NO APPEARANCES REQUIRED. Due to the death of the conservatee, the conservatorship TERMINATED by operation of law, pursuant to Probate Code section 1860(a).  The conservator continues to have the duty of custody of the estate pursuant to Probate Code section 2467.  Matter is CONTINUED to the May 14, 2026, case management conference calendar at 3:00 p.m. in Department 12 for status of accounting.

If the First and Final Accounting is filed at least seven (7) days prior to the hearing date, no appearances shall be required.

3. Conservatorship of Patricia Ann Duclos
   25PR01306
   Appointment of Temporary Conservator

Tentative Ruling: NO APPEARANCES REQUIRED. In light of the Request for Dismissal filed on 12/4/25, the matter is DROPPED from calendar.

4. Conservatorship of Gerald L. Somer
   25PR01347
   Appointment of Temporary Conservator

Tentative Ruling: NO APPEARANCES REQUIRED. The Petition for Appointment of Temporary Conservator of the Person and Estate is DENIED. There are insufficient exigent circumstances establishing good cause for a temporary conservatorship.

In light of the objection by the proposed conservatee to the appointment of the petitioner as conservator, the parties are directed to meet and confer prior to the hearing on the general conservatorship on January 23, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. in Department 12, pursuant to Local Rule 6.2.F.2. The parties may also wish to discuss the possible nomination of a professional fiduciary for appointment.

5. Conservatorship of William Newmark
   SPR83275
   Review

Tentative Ruling: NO APPEARANCES REQUIRED. The conservatorship shall continue without modification.

Counsel for the conservatee is directed to contact the conservatee to discuss the nature and substance of his statements to the Court Investigator expressing dissatisfaction with the conservator and/or conservatorship and whether initiation of follow up legal proceedings are merited. 

Matter is SET on Friday, December 10, 2027, at 9:30 a.m. in Department 12, for the biennial review and report of the court investigator.

***End of Tentative Rulings***