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 Mary Ann Riggs
   25PR00947
   Attorney’s Fees

Tentative Ruling: APPROVED.  NO APPEARANCES REQUIRED.

2. Conservatorship of Patricia James
   SPR80580
   Account & Report

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

The Request of Conservator for Accounting Waiver for the period of November 15, 2023 through November 28, 2025, is APPROVED.

The Seventh Account and Report of Trustee is APPROVED.

Conservator fees are approved in the amount prayed.

Attorney fees are approved in the amount prayed.

Conservator/Trustee’s request to continue to receive periodic compensation of up to two (2) hours per month, not to exceed $350.00 per month, is approved.

Bond remains set in the amount of $345,000.00

Conservator/Trustee is directed to pay the court investigator assessment of $600.00 within 30 days, payable to the Sonoma County Superior Court, in care of the Probate Division. Please include the case number and name of the conservatorship.

The matter is SET on the February 17, 2028, case management conference calendar at 3:00 p.m. in Department 12, for status of account. If the Eighth Account and Report of Trustee, and Request and Order for Waiver of Accounting for the conservatorship estate, are filed at least seven (7) days prior to the hearing, no appearances shall be required.

3. Conservatorship of James L. Patton
   SPR88906
   Sale of Property

Tentative Ruling: NO APPEARANCES REQUIRED. The matter is CONTINUED to July 10, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. in Department 12, to allow Petitioner adequate time to comply with the following requirements for Confirmation of Sale of Real Property:

Proof of Service must be filed. The conservatee and his attorney, the Sonoma County Public Defender, must be served at least 15 days prior to the hearing, along with all other required parties and Proof of Service by Mail filed.

Proof of Publication must be filed. The petitioner indicated that publication would occur in the Press Democrat, pursuant to Government Code 6063(a), but proof of publication has not been filed.

4. Conservatorship of John Connolly
   SPR091651
   Account & Report

Tentative Ruling: APPEARANCES REQUIRED as the conservatee has indicated that he wishes to attend the hearing.  Appearances may be in person or by Zoom.  The conservator shall arrange for his appearance. 

The conservatorship shall continue without modification.

The Fifth Account and Report of Conservator is APPROVED.

Bond is increased to $112,000.00.

Attorney fees are approved in the amount prayed.

Conservator is directed to pay the court investigator assessment of $600.00 within 30 days, payable to the Sonoma County Superior Court, in care of the Probate Division. Please include the case number and name of the conservatorship.

The matter is SET on the October 22, 2027, case management conference calendar at 3:00 p.m. in Department 12, for status of account. If the Eighth Account and Report of Trustee, and Request and Order for Waiver of Accounting for the conservatorship estate, are filed at least seven (7) days prior to the hearing, no appearances shall be required.

5. Conservatorship of Judith Lynn O’Quest Carter
   SPR097148
   Account & Report

Tentative Ruling: NO APPEARANCES REQUIRED. The outstanding documents have been received and reviewed.

The matter is CONTINUED to May 29, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. in Department 12, for the review and report of the court investigator.

***End of Tentative Rulings***