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 Eva Ammann
   24PR00465
   Account & Report

Tentative Ruling: NO APPEARANCES REQUIRED. Matter is CONTINUED to August 8, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. in Department 12.

The Final Inventory and Appraisal was filed on September 18, 2024; however, a Notice of Filing Inventory and Appraisal and How to Object to the Inventory or the Appraised Value of Property (Judicial Council Form GC-042), was not filed, as required. Form GC-042 is to be filed each time an Inventory and Appraisal is filed and requires 30 days’ notice to the parties.

Petitioner is directed to file and serve Judicial Council Form GC-042, allowing 30 days’ notice to the parties.

Petitioner is also directed to file Confidential Contact Information for Use by Court Investigator. (Sonoma County Local Form PR-12).

2. & 3. Conservatorship of Maria Del Rufugio Valle
   SPR097900
   Attorney’s Fees
   Account & Report

Tentative Ruling: NO APPEARANCES REQUIRED. The conservatorship of the person and estate shall continue without modification.

The First Account and Report of Conservator of the Estate is APPROVED.

Fees for the services of the Conservator of the Estate are approved in the amount prayed.

Fees for the services of attorney for Conservator of the Estate, Kristen M. Ingersoll, are approved in the amount prayed.

The request for reimbursement of costs advanced by attorney for Conservator of the Estate, are approved in the amount prayed.

Bond is decreased to $550,000.00.

The Petition for Conservator of the Person’s Compensation and Attorney’s Compensation is APPROVED.

Fees for the services of the Conservator of the Person are approved in the amount prayed. The request to receive periodic compensation in the amount of $250 per month, beginning March 8, 2025, not to exceed 24 months, is approved.

Fees for the services of the attorney for Conservator of the Person, Roy N. Johnston, are approved in the amount prayed. 

Conservator of the Estate is directed to pay the approved fees to the Conservator of the Person and Attorney for Conservator of the Person.

Conservator of the Estate is directed to pay to the Office of the Court Investigator the amount of $600.00 within 30 days.

Matter is SET on the May 6, 2027, case management conference calendar at 3:00 p.m. in Department 12, for status of account. If the Second Account and Report of Conservator of the Estate is filed at least seven (7) days prior to the hearing, no appearances shall be required.

***End of Tentative Rulings***