Estates & Other Probate

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 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. Estate of Dennis M. Kimmel
   23PR00197
   Waiver of Account and Report

Tentative Ruling: NO APPEARANCES REQUIRED. This matter is CONTINUED to March 7, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. in Department 12. Please refer to the updated Probate Examiner Notes posted in the case file.

 

2. Estate of William Peter Anthony Gianquinto
   24PR00090
   Other

Tentative Ruling: NO APPEARANCES REQUIRED.  The motion is GRANTED, except as to items 4 and 5 of the proposed order lodged 12/16/24.  The Court will continue the issues of damages and the amount of attorney fees until after the time for compliance with the remaining orders has passed.  Matter is CONTINUED to March 28, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. in Department 12 for an update on status of accounting and return of property to the estate and further proceedings regarding an assessment of damages and award of attorney fees.  The Special Administrator shall file a statement of issues updating the Court on the above matters at least 7 days prior to the hearing.  Any other interested party may also file a statement of issues pursuant to local rules.  The Court will modify and sign the proposed order lodged 12/16/24 to conform to this ruling.

 

3. Estate of Janelle Oandasan
   24PR00199
   Sale of Property

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

 

4. Estate of Allan H. Roper
   24PR00203
   Waiver of Account and Report

Tentative Ruling: APPROVED. NO APPEARANCES REQUIRED. Any future Case Management Conference dates are DROPPED from calendar.

 

5. Estate of Carolyn Claire Sassenrath
   24PR00207
   Account and Report

Tentative Ruling: NO APPEARANCES REQUIRED. This matter is CONTINUED to March 7, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. in Department 12. Please refer to the Probate Examiner Notes posted in the case file.

The court notes that a revised Proposed Order for Final Distribution was submitted on January 21, 2025, however the revised proposed order is identical to the original proposed order submitted on November 15, 2024.

 

6. Estate of Joan Adele Johnson
   24PR00364
   Creditor’s Claim

Tentative Ruling: APPROVED. NO APPEARANCES REQUIRED.

 

7. Estate of Debra Lynn Moeller
   24PR01039
   Probate of Will

Tentative Ruling: APPROVED. NO APPEARANCES REQUIRED. No bond is required as the will waives bond. Petitioner is to file an Inventory and Appraisal within four months of issuance of letters (Prob. Code section 8800(b)) and either a petition for an order for final distribution of the estate or a report of status of administration within the timeframe set out in Probate Code section 12200.

The matter is SET on the March 26, 2026, probate case management conference calendar at 3:00 p.m. in Department 12 for status of estate or final account and distribution. No appearances at the hearing will be required if the court determines that administration of the estate is timely proceeding, or good cause is shown why more time is required.

 

8. Estate of Mary Elizabeth Wilson
   24PR01040
   Letters of Administration

Tentative Ruling: APPROVED. NO APPEARANCES REQUIRED. No bond is required as heirs waive bond. Petitioner is to file an Inventory and Appraisal within four months of issuance of letters (Prob. Code section 8800(b)) and either a petition for an order for final distribution of the estate or a report of status of administration within the timeframe set out in Probate Code section 12200.

The matter is SET on the March 26, 2026, probate case management conference calendar at 3:00 p.m. in Department 12 for status of estate or final account and distribution. No appearances at the hearing will be required if the court determines that administration of the estate is timely proceeding, or good cause is shown why more time is required.

 

9. Estate of Alan Jeffrey Keith
   24PR01041
   Letters of Administration

Tentative Ruling: NO APPEARANCES REQUIRED. Andrew Keith has not been served Notice of the Hearing nor filed a Waiver of Notice of the Hearing. This matter is CONTINUED to March 14, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. in Department 12 to allow time for proof of code compliant notice to Andrew Keith or the filing of a Waiver of Notice of the Hearing.

 

10. Estate of Susan R. Miller
    24PR01042
    Probate of Will and Administration WWA

Tentative Ruling: APPROVED. NO APPEARANCES REQUIRED. No bond is required as will waives bond. Petitioner is to file an Inventory and Appraisal within four months of issuance of letters (Prob. Code section 8800(b)) and either a petition for an order for final distribution of the estate or a report of status of administration within the timeframe set out in Probate Code section 12200.

The matter is SET on the March 26, 2026, probate case management conference calendar at 3:00 p.m. in Department 12 for status of estate or final account and distribution. No appearances at the hearing will be required if the court determines that administration of the estate is timely proceeding, or good cause is shown why more time is required.

 

11. Estate of Addie Coella Tieman
    24PR01050
    Letters of Administration

Tentative Ruling: NO APPEARANCES REQUIRED. This matter is CONTINUED to March 14, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. in Department 12. Please refer to the Probate Examiner Notes posted in the case file. 

 

12. Estate of David Scheibel
    24PR01053
    Name of Matter on Calendar

Tentative Ruling: APPROVED. NO APPEARANCES REQUIRED. No bond is required as heirs waive bond. Petitioner is to file an Inventory and Appraisal within four months of issuance of letters (Prob. Code section 8800(b)) and either a petition for an order for final distribution of the estate or a report of status of administration within the timeframe set out in Probate Code section 12200.

The matter is SET on the March 26, 2026, probate case management conference calendar at 3:00 p.m. in Department 12 for status of estate or final account and distribution. No appearances at the hearing will be required if the court determines that administration of the estate is timely proceeding, or good cause is shown why more time is required.

 

13. Estate of Keri Lynn Tucker
    24PR01114
    Letters of Administration

Tentative Ruling: APPROVED. NO APPEARANCES REQUIRED. Bond is fixed at $180,000.00.  Petitioner is to file an Inventory and Appraisal within four months of issuance of letters (Prob. Code section 8800(b)) and either a petition for an order for final distribution of the estate or a report of status of administration within the timeframe set out in Probate Code section 12200.

The matter is SET on the March 26, 2026, probate case management conference calendar at 3:00 p.m. in Department 12 for status of estate or final account and distribution. No appearances at the hearing will be required if the court determines that administration of the estate is timely proceeding, or good cause is shown why more time is required.

 

14. Estate of Steven George Guild
    24PR01120
    Probate of Will

Tentative Ruling: APPROVED. NO APPEARANCES REQUIRED. No bond is required as will waives bond. Petitioner is to file an Inventory and Appraisal within four months of issuance of letters (Prob. Code section 8800(b)) and either a petition for an order for final distribution of the estate or a report of status of administration within the timeframe set out in Probate Code section 12200.

The matter is SET on the March 26, 2026, probate case management conference calendar at 3:00 p.m. in Department 12 for status of estate or final account and distribution. No appearances at the hearing will be required if the court determines that administration of the estate is timely proceeding, or good cause is shown why more time is required.

 

15. Estate of Mark Leland Fritz
    24PR01125
    Letters of Administration

Tentative Ruling: NO APPEARANCES REQUIRED. This matter is CONTINUED to March 14, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. in Department 12. Please refer to the Probate Examiner Notes posted in the case file. 

 

16. Estate of Petrina Therese Rogers
    24PR01126
    Probate of Will

Tentative Ruling: APPROVED. NO APPEARANCES REQUIRED. No bond is required as will waives bond. Petitioner is to file an Inventory and Appraisal within four months of issuance of letters (Prob. Code section 8800(b)) and either a petition for an order for final distribution of the estate or a report of status of administration within the timeframe set out in Probate Code section 12200.

The matter is SET on the March 26, 2026, probate case management conference calendar at 3:00 p.m. in Department 12 for status of estate or final account and distribution. No appearances at the hearing will be required if the court determines that administration of the estate is timely proceeding, or good cause is shown why more time is required.

 

17. Estate of Rollin Royce Bruce
    24PR01145
    Probate of Will

Tentative Ruling: APPROVED. NO APPEARANCES REQUIRED. No bond is required as will waives bond. Petitioner is to file an Inventory and Appraisal within four months of issuance of letters (Prob. Code section 8800(b)) and either a petition for an order for final distribution of the estate or a report of status of administration within the timeframe set out in Probate Code section 12200.

The matter is SET on the March 26, 2026, probate case management conference calendar at 3:00 p.m. in Department 12 for status of estate or final account and distribution. No appearances at the hearing will be required if the court determines that administration of the estate is timely proceeding, or good cause is shown why more time is required.

 

18. Estate of Stephen Compagni Portis
    SPR097952
    Waiver of Account and Report

Tentative Ruling: APPROVED. NO APPEARANCES REQUIRED. Any future Case Management Conference dates are Dropped from calendar.

 

***End of Tentative Rulings***