Tuolumne — Probate Notes for May 29, 2026

Source: https://www.tuolumne.courts.ca.gov/system/files/general/pb_d5_05292026.pdf

Superior Court of California, County of Tuolumne Consolidated Calendar Hon: Steven Streger

Department 5 May 29, 2026 8:30 am DA Case # Date Filed

1 PR12133 Estate of Louis A. Benoit Jr 06/21/2022

Annie Benoit

Louis A Benoit

Laurie Jamison Attorney: Ronald Hillberg

Final Distribution Hearing

12/26/2023 Report on Status of Administration File Tracking 03/25/2025 High Density

Probate Notes are not tentative rulings. Parties and counsel are expected to appear for the hearings unless this note indicates that “no appearance is necessary.” Unless a personal appearance is required, all participants may appear via Zoom without first securing Court permission using this link: https://tuolumne-courts-ca-gov.zoomgov.com/j/1615813960?pwd=NTRMT0NwMDg5cnlYdzZ6VnBXWWFsUT09. [Meeting ID: 161 581 3960; Passcode: 123456]. All matters set for hearing in Department 5 are presumptively assigned to that department for all purposes. Parties retain the right under Cal. Const. art VI §21 to decline consent to the Commissioner serving as a Judge Pro Tem. By participating in the first hearing, or electing not to attend after due notice thereof, parties are deemed to have stipulated to the Commissioner serving as a Judge Pro Tem for the entire case. See CRC 2.816.

This is a petition to approve the final proposed distribution in the decedent’s estate case notoriously anointed as the longest-running, pointlessly delayed probate estate with one single asset. That asset was sold, and the proceeds held at Chase Bank for 2.5 years. During that time, the appointed administrator decided to abdicate her duties and disappear, forcing this Court to replace her. The petition will NOT be approved as presented for the following reasons:

1. In the §12200 report filed 12/26/2023, petitioner advised that the sole asset sold for $310,000, leaving a net to the estate of $256,589.99. The current distribution seeks reimbursement to the original administrator of $17,436.78 to “stall the foreclosure” but there is no explanation as to how this fee reduced the LoanCare or Umpqua balances satisfied through the escrow, and there is no creditor claim in the court file covering this amount. An explanation is required.

2. At the review hearing on 01/05/2024, counsel advised that a petition for final distribution would be on file “in the next 60 days.” At the following hearing in March, this Court reminded counsel of §12205, at which time counsel advised that the administrator moved to Utah and went radio silent. A full year was burned with no explanation for where the administrator was, during which time one of the beneficiaries (Louis) died. Perhaps his financial share might have assisted him in those days. Now it seems the former administrator is back in California, but no declaration explains her absence yet she is here seeking a 2/3 statutory fee. An explanation is required.

3. In September of 2023, the administrator deposited $255,623.05 into a Chase Bank. The petition indicates that “as of July 1, 2025, there remains the exact same amount on deposit. This Court requires current information about the balance, and expects to see a balance which reflects deposit of the original sum into an interest-earning account. See Probate Code §9652; Estate of Gerber (1977) 73 Cal.App.3d 96, 111.

4. The distribution to “The Estate of Louis” is not possible. The distribution must go to his personal representative or successor in interest, or it will escheat to the County. See, e.g., CCP §1441 and Probate Code §§ 7601, 7604, 7663, and 11902.

5. A request for extraordinary fees requires a detailed declaration, and none is attached.

5/24/2026 10:44 am

Superior Court of California, County of Tuolumne Consolidated Calendar Hon: Steven Streger

Department 5 May 29, 2026 10:00 am DA Case # Date Filed

2 PR11778 Conservatorship of Elias Antonio Zapata 01/22/2020

Linda Smith Pro Per

Elias Antonio Zapata

Review Hearing - Investigator Report - PR Code 1850

01/22/2020 Petition File Tracking 07/16/2024 High Density

This is an existing general conservatorship over the person and estate. Court is awaiting receipt of the annual investigative report, but based on previous reporting, this Court anticipates finding by clear and convincing evidence that the conservatorship continues to be necessary and the least restrictive alternative for the conservatee’s protection.

Annual review date: ___________, 2027

5/24/2026 10:44 am

Superior Court of California, County of Tuolumne Consolidated Calendar Hon: Steven Streger

Department 5 May 29, 2026 10:00 am DA Case # Date Filed

3 PR12412 Conservatorship of John Taylor Conly 02/20/2024

Christopher Conly Pro Per

Paula Conly Pro Per

John Taylor Conly

Review Hearing - Investigator Report - PR Code 1850

02/20/2024 Petition File Tracking 06/05/2024 High Density

This is a relatively new general conservatorship over the person and estate. Court is awaiting receipt of the annual investigative report, but based on previous reporting, this Court anticipates finding by clear and convincing evidence that the conservatorship continues to be necessary and the least restrictive alternative for the conservatee’s protection.

Annual review date: ___________, 2027

5/24/2026 10:44 am

Superior Court of California, County of Tuolumne Consolidated Calendar Hon: Steven Streger

Department 5 May 29, 2026 10:00 am DA Case # Date Filed

4 PR12068 Guardianship of Aiden Woodall 03/07/2022

Trudy Winder Pro Per

Thomas Winder Pro Per

Aiden Woodall Pro Per

Review Hearing - Guardian Rept-Probate Code 1513.2

03/07/2022 Petition File Tracking 06/14/2024 High Density

This is an established guardianship over the person of a 15 year-old. Based on the updated GC-251, he is scheduled to graduate from his program in San Diego, and return to this part of California in the hopes of returning to traditional schooling. Although the guardians indicate some personal struggles, there is no succession plan at place. Guardians are reminded that they are permitted by law to resign provided that they nominate a “responsible adult” to serve in their place until a new guardian can be vetted/appointed. Otherwise, Court concludes that the guardianship itself remains necessary/convenient and will set the annual review date accordingly.

Annual review date: ________________, 2027.

5/24/2026 10:44 am

Superior Court of California, County of Tuolumne Consolidated Calendar Hon: Steven Streger

Department 5 May 29, 2026 10:00 am DA Case # Date Filed

5 PR11902 Guardianship of Bayleigh High 02/03/2021

Catherine Rafferty Pro Per

Bayleigh High

Review Hearing - Guardian Rept-Probate Code 1513.2

FURTHER

02/03/2021 Petition File Tracking 02/03/2021 Petition 04/24/2024 High Density

This is an established guardianship over the person of a 14 year-old. The guardian has not been heard from since April of 2024, and apparently moved without providing this Court formal notice of the move. Attempts to reach her have yet to bear fruit, and if she does not appear that this hearing the court investigator will be dispatched to track her down – at her expense.

Return date:

Annual review date: ________________, 2027.

5/24/2026 10:44 am

Superior Court of California, County of Tuolumne Consolidated Calendar Hon: Steven Streger

Department 5 May 29, 2026 10:00 am DA Case # Date Filed

6 PR11259 Guardianship of Ericka Taylor, et al. 12/08/2015

Martha Peterson

Robert E Peterson

Ericka L Taylor

Kendra L Taylor

Kimberley Coey Pro Per

Trina Terradista

Kendra L Taylor

Review Hearing - Guardian Rept-Probate Code 1513.2

11/07/2025 Petition File Tracking 04/24/2024 High Density Other Cases PR12730

This is a long-term guardianship over the person requiring a substituted guardian in order to run it out to the ward’s 18th birthday – which occurred just days ago. There being no petition on file to extend the guardianship beyond the ward’s 18th birthday, this guardianship has now terminated by operation of law.

5/24/2026 10:44 am

Superior Court of California, County of Tuolumne Consolidated Calendar Hon: Steven Streger

Department 5 May 29, 2026 10:00 am DA Case # Date Filed

7 PR12079 Guardianship of Essence Camille Ray Block 03/18/2022

Christopher Waters Pro Per

Tiffany Waters Pro Per

Essence Camille Ray Block

Steven Murphy

Review Hearing - Guardian Rept-Probate Code 1513.2

03/18/2022 Petition File Tracking 06/14/2024 High Density Other Cases PR12081 PR12080

This is an established guardianship over the person of an 11 year-old. Based on the updated GC-251, she is doing quite well in school and life. She has limited visits from bio mom, none from bio dad. Based on the report, Court can see that the guardianship remains necessary/convenient and will set the annual review date.

Annual review date: ________________, 2027

5/24/2026 10:44 am

Superior Court of California, County of Tuolumne Consolidated Calendar Hon: Steven Streger

Department 5 May 29, 2026 10:00 am DA Case # Date Filed

8 PR10832 Guardianship of Karson F. Hernandez 04/27/2012

Charles Roberts Pro Per

Bonnie Lynn Roberts Pro Per

Karson Francisco Hernandez

Heather Noel Roberts

Review Hearing - Guardian Rept-Probate Code 1513.2

07/25/2024 Termination of Guardianship File Tracking 01/03/2025 High Density Other Cases CV57742 PR11351

This is an established guardianship over the person of a 15 year-old. Recently, the guardians secured via TECO a long-term order suspending bio mom’s visits. This Court is awaiting the updated GC-251, but based on previous reporting this Court intends to find that the guardianship remains necessary and will set a review hearing. A discussion regarding succession plan may be warranted soon.

Annual review date: ___________________, 2027.

5/24/2026 10:44 am

Superior Court of California, County of Tuolumne Consolidated Calendar Hon: Steven Streger

Department 5 May 29, 2026 10:00 am DA Case # Date Filed

9 PR10766 Guardianship of Landen P. Underwood 09/23/2011

Steven Levi Zukal

Courtney Lee Zukal

Landen Paul Underwood

Janis Zukal Pro Per

Review Hearing - Guardian Rept-Probate Code 1513.2

FURTHER

09/23/2011 Petition: Other File Tracking 09/23/2011 Petition 03/13/2025 High Density Other Cases PR10767

This is an established guardianship over the person of a nearly 15 year-old. Based on the updated GC-251, he is improving his schooling at Gold Rush and getting the help he needs. Court concludes that the guardianship itself remains necessary/convenient and will set the annual review date accordingly.

Annual review date: ________________, 2027.

5/24/2026 10:44 am

Superior Court of California, County of Tuolumne Consolidated Calendar Hon: Steven Streger

Department 5 May 29, 2026 10:00 am DA Case # Date Filed

10 PR11794 Guardianship of Leila Rose Klaverweiden 02/21/2020

Curtis Cashen

Carol Cashen

Leila Rose Klaverweiden

Carol Ann Cashen Pro Per

Curtis James Cashen Pro Per

Leila Rose Klaverweiden

Accounting Hearing

FURTHER - 4th

11/09/2022 Petition File Tracking 01/30/2025 High Density Other Cases PR11527

This is the Fourth accounting for the this guardianship of the estate of a minor age 15. The accounting is simple enough to be presented on GC-400, but this Court was unable to discern as presented the opening balance in the Fidelity account, the deposits actually made, and the end balance attributable to market factors alone.

5/24/2026 10:44 am

Superior Court of California, County of Tuolumne Consolidated Calendar Hon: Steven Streger

Department 5 May 29, 2026 10:00 am DA Case # Date Filed

11 PR12080 Guardianship of Liberty Joy Freedom Murphy 03/18/2022

Christopher Waters Pro Per

Tiffany Waters Pro Per

Liberty Joy Freedom Murphy

Steven Murphy

Review Hearing - Guardian Rept-Probate Code 1513.2

03/18/2022 Petition File Tracking 06/14/2024 High Density Other Cases PR12079 PR12081

This is an established guardianship over the person of a 13 year-old. Based on the updated GC-251, she is doing well in school and life. She has limited visits from bio parents. Based on the report, Court can see that the guardianship remains necessary/convenient and will set the annual review date.

Annual review date: ________________, 2027

5/24/2026 10:44 am

Superior Court of California, County of Tuolumne Consolidated Calendar Hon: Steven Streger

Department 5 May 29, 2026 10:00 am DA Case # Date Filed

12 PR11618 Guardianship of Lucas Ray Price 10/26/2018

Deborah Lynn Kraft Pro Per

Lucas Ray Price

Review Hearing - Guardian Rept-Probate Code 1513.2

10/26/2018 Petition File Tracking 06/14/2024 High Density

This is an established guardianship over the person of a 13 year-old. Based on the updated GC-251, he is doing adequate in school now that guardian has moved him to home studies. He has limited visits from bio parents. Based on the report, Court can see that the guardianship remains necessary/convenient and will set the annual review date.

Annual review date: ________________, 2027

5/24/2026 10:44 am

Superior Court of California, County of Tuolumne Consolidated Calendar Hon: Steven Streger

Department 5 May 29, 2026 10:00 am DA Case # Date Filed

13 PR11351 Guardianship of Malaya N. Hernandez 08/11/2016

Charles L Roberts Pro Per

Bonnie L Roberts Pro Per

Malaya Noel Hernandez

Heather Noel Roberts Pro Per

Review: Annual - Guardian Rept-Probate Code 1513.2

07/12/2024 Termination of Guardianship File Tracking 04/22/2025 High Density Other Cases PR10832

This is an established guardianship over the person of an 11 year-old. Recently, the guardians secured via TECO a long-term order suspending bio mom’s visits. This Court is awaiting the updated GC-251, but based on previous reporting this Court intends to find that the guardianship remains necessary and will set a review hearing. A discussion regarding succession plan may be warranted soon.

Annual review date: ___________________, 2027.

5/24/2026 10:44 am

Superior Court of California, County of Tuolumne Consolidated Calendar Hon: Steven Streger

Department 5 May 29, 2026 10:00 am DA Case # Date Filed

14 PR12081 Guardianship of Sally Trinity Rose Murphy 03/18/2022

Amanda Minick Pro Per

Nathanial Minick Pro Per

Sally Trinity Rose Murphy

Steven Murphy

Review Hearing - Guardian Rept-Probate Code 1513.2

03/18/2022 Petition File Tracking 06/14/2024 High Density Other Cases PR12079 PR12080

This is an established guardianship over the person of a 15 year-old. Based on the updated GC-251, she appears to be doing well – although the report left Para 2 blank so it is unclear where the ward is presently living. She has no visits from her bio parents. Based on the report, Court can see that the guardianship remains necessary/convenient and will set the annual review date. Whether these guardians will remain at the helm depends largely on where the ward presently resides.

Annual review date: ________________, 2027

5/24/2026 10:44 am

Superior Court of California, County of Tuolumne Consolidated Calendar Hon: Steven Streger

Department 5 May 29, 2026 10:00 am DA Case # Date Filed

15 PR12378 Guardianship of Tavien Corne 12/21/2023

Dan Gretch Attorney: Jennifer Lothert

Deonne Gretch Attorney: Jennifer Lothert

Tavien Corne

Review Hearing - Guardian Rept-Probate Code 1513.2

12/21/2023 Petition File Tracking 12/21/2023 Petition 06/26/2024 High Density

This is an existing guardianship for a minor aged 9. The Court, having received and reviewed the GC-251 with attachments, intends to find by a preponderance of the evidence that the guardianship remains necessary/convenient, and that the guardian continues to serve the ward’s best interests. Court inquires as to whether the guardians intend to adopt given that no bio parent remains.

Annual review hearing: ______________, 2027.

5/24/2026 10:44 am

Superior Court of California, County of Tuolumne Consolidated Calendar Hon: Steven Streger

Department 5 May 29, 2026 10:00 am DA Case # Date Filed

16 PR11901 Guardianship of: Nathan Shrader, Austin Shrader and Jordan Shrader 01/27/2021

Robert Patania Pro Per

Nathan Shrader Attorney: Jennifer Lothert

Austin Shrader Attorney: Jennifer Lothert

Jordan Shrader Attorney: Jennifer Lothert

Robin Grove Pro Per

Johnathan Shrader Pro Per

Motion Hearing - Visitation

FURTHER

03/18/2025 Termination of Guardianship File Tracking 03/24/2025 High Density

Additional investigation is apparently required, so Father’s parenting time remains suspended.

5/24/2026 10:44 am

Superior Court of California, County of Tuolumne Consolidated Calendar Hon: Steven Streger

Department 5 May 29, 2026 1:30 pm DA Case # Date Filed

17 FL19430 Mallory Alvarez vs. Jason Matthew De La Pena 03/16/2026

Mallory Alvarez Pro Per

Jason Matthew De La Pena Attorney: Nathan Nutting

Court Trial: Short Cause - TRO/Domestic Violence

TRO/Domestic Violence
Pre-Trial Conference

03/16/2026 OSC Application File Tracking 03/19/2026 High Density

Dueling DVROs and parentage petition. Court still needs referenced law enforcement reports and Lake County DV-TRO.

5/24/2026 10:44 am

Superior Court of California, County of Tuolumne Consolidated Calendar Hon: Steven Streger

Department 5 May 29, 2026 1:30 pm DA Case # Date Filed

18 FL19439 Jason De La Pena vs. Mallory Alvarez 03/20/2026

Jason De La Pena Attorney:Pro Per Nathan Nutting

Mallory Alvarez

OSC Hearing - TRO/Domestic Violence

TRO/Domestic Violence

03/20/2026 Petition File Tracking 03/24/2026 High Density

5/24/2026 10:44 am Page 18 of 20

Superior Court of California, County of Tuolumne Consolidated Calendar Hon: Steven Streger

Department 5 May 29, 2026 1:30 pm DA Case # Date Filed

19 FL19463 Jason De La Pena vs. Mallory Alvarez 04/09/2026

Jason De La Pena Attorney:Pro Per Nathan Nutting

Mallory Alvarez

OSC Hearing - TRO/Domestic Violence

TRO/Domestic Violence

04/09/2026 Petition File Tracking 04/17/2026 High Density

5/24/2026 10:44 am Page 19 of 20

Superior Court of California, County of Tuolumne Consolidated Calendar Hon: Steven Streger

Department 5 May 29, 2026 1:30 pm DA Case # Date Filed

20 CV68296 Petition of Rayne Leigh DeHart 02/25/2026

Rayne Leigh DeHart Pro Per

OSC Hearing - Name Change

02/25/2026 Petition File Tracking 04/17/2026 High Density

Nonconfidential name change; awaiting proof of publication.

5/24/2026 10:44 am