Probate Case Management Conference Calendar

If the tentative ruling is accepted, no appearance is necessary unless otherwise indicated. You must notify the probate clerk at (707) 521-6893 if you wish to be heard in response to the tentative ruling. You must inform the clerk concerning your appearance choice: Zoom or in person. Any interested party who wishes to be heard in opposition to a petition must notify all other parties of the intent to appear. Both notifications must be completed no later than 4:00 p.m. on the court day immediately preceding the day of the hearing.

Unless notification to the probate clerk has been given as provided above, the tentative rulings shall become the rulings of the court at 3:15 p.m. on the day of the hearing.  

To Join Department 12 "Zoom" Online

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

To Join Department 12 "Zoom" by Phone

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

Guide for participating in court proceedings via Zoom for Department 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 Maxine Edith Moore
   24PR00483
   Case Management Conference

Tentative Ruling: NO APPEARANCES REQUIRED. Matter is DROPPED in light of the May 15, 2026, hearing on the Petition for Removal of Executor and Petition for Probate.

2. Estate of James D. Brown
   24PR00602
   Case Management Conference

Tentative Ruling: NO APPEARANCES REQUIRED. This matter was continued from February 26, 2026 to allow executor an opportunity to conclude estate administration. No change in the status of the case is apparent and there is no update filed with the court demonstrating good cause why not. Pursuant to the Order to Show Cause (OSC) previously issued and continued to this date, the executor is removed forthwith, and the letters revoked. The executor is not discharged and will remain personally liable for any losses to the estate or breach of fiduciary duty to the extent allowed by law and supported by the facts.

The case is DISMISSED without prejudice.

3. Matter of Mary Lango Trust
   24PR00815
   Case Management Conference

Tentative Ruling: NO APPEARANCES REQUIRED.  Based on the information provided in the Joint Statement of Issues filed by the parties, the Court assumes more time is needed to file a petition for approval of their settlement agreement. Matter is CONTINUED to a Case Management Calendar on July 16, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. in Department 12 for status of settlement.

4. Estate of Naomi Louise Tenen
   24PR00841
   Case Management Conference

Tentative Ruling: APPEARANCES REQUIRED for status of Final Account and Distribution.

5. Matter of Esther G. Stevens Trust
   24PR01051
   Case Management Conference

Tentative Ruling: NO APPEARANCES REQUIRED.  It appears from the information provided in the statement of issues filed April 2, 2026, that the parties are continuing to negotiate the remaining outstanding issues. Matter is CONTINUED to May 28, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. in Dept. 12 for status of settlement discussions or discussion of other methods to resolve remaining disputes if an agreement is not reached.

6. Estate of Theresa M. Bare
   25PR00006
   Case Management Conference

Tentative Ruling: NO APPEARANCES REQUIRED. In light of the information provided in the Administrator’s Report filed March 12, 2026, this matter is CONTINUED to a Case Management Calendar on July 16, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. in Department 12 for status of final account and distribution.

7. Estate of Lindel Lee Douglas
   25PR00016
   Case Management Conference

Tentative Ruling: APPEARANCES REQUIRED for status of Final Account and Distribution.

8. Estate of Debra Rene Morgan
   25PR00019
   Case Management Conference

Tentative Ruling: APPEARANCES REQUIRED for status of Final Account and Distribution.

9. Conservatorship of Louise Broughton Crowe
   25PR00241
   Case Management Conference

Tentative Ruling: APPEARANCES REQUIRED for status of filing of Inventory and Appraisal (Judicial Council form GC-040) and Notice of Filing Inventory and Appraisal and How to Object (Judicial Council Form GC-042.)

10. Conservatorship of Nancy Lake
    SPR81504
    Case Management Conference

Tentative Ruling: NO APPEARANCES REQUIRED. In light of the information provided in the Declaration filed March 24, 2026, this matter is CONTINUED to a Case Management Calendar on September 3, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. in Department 12 for status of the second, and the third and final account.  The Court notes the great efforts taken to address the conservatee’s needs, and that this was managed despite the simultaneous occurrence of a difficult time for the conservator.  The Court also appreciates the benefit to the conservator and conservatee of trustee counsel’s specialized knowledge about benefits available and skill in pursuing them to the benefit of everyone. 

11. Estate of Peter Henry Goedinghaus
    SPR095427
    Case Management Conference

Tentative Ruling: NO APPEARANCES REQUIRED. In light of the information provided in the Declaration filed April 1, 2026, this matter is CONTINUED to a Case Management Calendar on July 16, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. in Department 12 for status of final account and distribution.

***End of Tentative Rulings***