Estate of Jeanne Pate

appears to be challenging the purported estate plan submitted by Ms. Espinoza, pursuant to Probate Code sections Sec.8000, Sec.8004(b), Sec.8250 et seq., Sec.8402, Sec.8502(b) and (d), and Sec.17200(a) and (b). That petition contained what appears to be the following causes/requests: A will contest ("PETITION TO CONTEST POUR-OVER WILL AND GROUNDS OF OPPOSITION TO PROBATE OF PURPORTED WILL). Internal Affairs of a Trust (" PETITION TO CONTEST THE JT LIVING TRUST INSTRUMENT AND GROUNDS THEREOF") Objection to Petition for Probate filed by Espinoza (OBJECTION TO APPOINT ISABEL ESPINOZA AS EXECUTOR OF THE ESTATE OF JOYCE BARNETT GALLAGHER") Objection to Petition for Removal filed by Espinoza (OPPOSITION TO RESPONDENT'S PETITION TO REMOVE PREVIOUSLY APPOINTED ADMINISTRATOR ...") Objection to Petition for Successor Administrator ("...AND FOR APPOINTMENT OF NOMINATED EXECUTOR") Continuance ("REQUEST FOR CONTINUANCE TO ALLOW DISCOVERY") Request for Trial ("REQUEST FOR TRIAL")

Of all the causes of action listed above, it appears the only matter left to be decided is whether the will proffered by Ms. Espinoza should be admitted to probate. This procedural posture is due to the Court's rulings on November 18, 2025, that denied the removal of Mr. Vanderkellen, and struck the Internal Affairs of a Trust petition from the pleading. However, that matter was re-filed in case no. 26PR00080, and will be dealt with separately in that case. Mr. Barnett's objections to the will require evidentiary hearing to resolve. It is recommended the Court set an evidentiary hearing date to determine whether the Will should be admitted to Probate.

Tentative Ruling: Estate of Jeanne Pate Tentative Ruling: Estate of Jeanne Pate Case Number

Case Type Decedent's Estate Hearing Date / Time Tue, 07/14/2026 - 09:00 Nature of Proceedings Petition for Final Distribution Tentative Ruling Probate Notes: Appearances required.

This hearing was set to ensure timely filing of a Petition for Final Distribution by the administrator, who was appointed on December 16, 2024. Probate Code section 8800 requires that within four months after letters first issued, a Final Inventory and Appraisal must be filed. Probate Code section 12202 further requires a Petition for Final Distribution be on file within 12 months after appointment. There is neither a Final Inventory and Appraisal on file, nor a Petition for Final Distribution on file. It is recommended the Court issue an Order to Show Cause why the Personal Representative should not be removed, and the Public Administrator be appointed to bring this estate to a close.

Tentative Ruling: Conservatorship of Lisa Kristin Forman Tentative Ruling: Conservatorship of Lisa Kristin Forman