Skip to main content.

Fraud Alert: Scam Text Messages Claiming DMV Penalties -

We have been made aware of fraudulent text messages being sent to individuals claiming to be from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or the court system. These messages often state that the recipient owes penalties or fees related to traffic violations or DMV infractions and may include a link or phone number to resolve the matter. 

Take these steps to reduce the chances of falling victim to a text message scam:

  • Never respond to unsolicited or suspicious texts — If you receive a message asking for personal or financial information, do not reply.
  • Verify the source — If you are unsure, always contact the DMV through official channels.
  • Call the DMV if you have concerns — The DMV customer service team is available to help you at 800-777-0133.

Please see DMV warning about fraudulent texts: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/news-and-media/dmv-warns-of-fraudulent-te…

Jury Scam alert -

The Santa Barbara Superior Court has received complaints about individuals trying to scam members of the public by pretending to be court officers or officials. The Jury Services office of the Santa Barbara Superior Court does not call citizens to request payments for failing to appear for jury duty. California law does not permit citizens to pay a fine in lieu of jury duty. If you receive such a call simply hang up and, if the scammer persists, call your local law enforcement agency. Learn more about the recent scam warning.

Notice to Jurors:

Prospective jurors summoned for jury service can expect to receive their jury summons in postcard form. Please check your mail for a postcard with important instructions to fulfil your jury service. Visit the Jury Services page for more information.

Estate of Percy E Nelson

Case Number

24PR00051

Case Type

Decedent's Estate

Hearing Date / Time

Tue, 06/17/2025 - 09:00

Nature of Proceedings

Final Distribution

Tentative Ruling

Probate Notes:

Appearances required.

The following must be submitted:

Proof of Service of Notice of Hearing (Form DE-120).  There is no Proof of Service on file showing Notice of Hearing was given to Sherry L. Dove, a named devisee in the Will. Notice must be given 15 days prior to hearing, served on all known heirs and devisees, as well as on the Personal Representative (if not the petitioner) and special notice requestors.  (Prob. Code, §§ 11601 & 1220.) Notice must be sent to the person, not the person’s representative. (§1220.)  No such document was filed.

The Court has authority to order notice to Ms. Dove under the circumstances.  (Prob. Code, §1202.)

Supplement to the Petition. The proposed distribution of 100% of the estate to Decedent’s daughter differs from the distribution ordered by Decedent’s Last Will and Testament. According to Decedent’s testamentary intent, the following was to be distributed from the estate:

  • Jana Alberghini Salvagio (Granddaughter) - 1,000 shares of Pacific Gas & Electric Company stock, $5,000.00 in cash, and any Pacific Gas & Electric Company shares that split after the execution of the will, OR $ 25,000.00 “worth of stock” if no Pacific Gas & Electric Company shares are owned by the estate.  It is arguable that the royalties paid out by the Texas mineral lease could be considered “stock” under a plain language reading of the will.
  • Kerith Alberghini (Granddaughter) – 1,000 shares of Pacific Gas & Electric Company stock, $5,000.00 in cash, and any Pacific Gas & Electric Company shares that split after the execution of the will, OR $ 25,000.00 “worth of stock” if no Pacific Gas & Electric Company shares are owned by the estate.  It is arguable that the royalties paid out by the Texas mineral lease could be considered “stock” under a plain language reading of the will.
  • Sherry L. Dove (unknown relation)  - $3,000 cash.
  • Joann Alberghini (Daughter) – Residue after distribution of the above gifts/devises.

A supplement is required to explain why distribution is different and must be accompanied by Points and Authorities showing good cause as to why the Court should not order distribution as outlined above, and explaining how this court has authority to make a distribution different from the will.

Accounting or Waivers.  There is no waiver on file as to Sherry L. Dove.  Each person entitled to distribution from the estate may waive a final account by 1) filing a written waiver of account (Prob. Code, § 10954, subd. (a)(1)); OR by filing 2) proof of adequate provision for satisfaction in full of the person’s interest (Id., subd. (a)(2)). No such document was filed.

The final account must be submitted, if not waived. (Prob. Code, § 10951.)  The final account must contain all items listed in Probate Code section 1061:

  • (1) The property on hand at the beginning of the period covered by the account, which shall be the value of the property initially received by the fiduciary if this is the first account, and shall be the property on hand at the end of the prior account if this is a subsequent account.
  • (2) The value of any assets received during the period of the accounting which are not assets on hand as of the commencement of the administration of an estate.
  • The amount of any receipts of income or principal, excluding items listed under paragraphs (1) and (2) or receipts from a trade or business.
  • Net income from a trade or business.
  • Gains on sales.
  • The amount of disbursements, excluding disbursements for a trade or business or distributions.
  • Loss on sales.
  • Net loss from trade or business.
  • Distributions to beneficiaries, the ward or conservatee.
  • Property on hand at the end of the accounting period, stated at its carry value.

If the documents curing these deficiencies are not processed by 8:00 a.m. on June 16, 2025, it is recommended that the matter be continued to a date to be set by the Court at the hearing, unless the party appears and requests a different date, or submits a request for a different continuance date prior to the hearing. (Local Rule 1721(c)(2)(A-B).)  If the matter is continued, documents must be submitted at least 10 days prior to the new hearing date to be considered.

 

Due to staffing limitations, processing times may be delayed. To assist in processing, attorneys and parties should include the next court date in the “Filing Description” field provided by the electronic service provider. That field is also used for further descriptions of the document being e-filed, so be sure to put the calendar date FIRST in the field – BEFORE any further description of the document being e-filed (e.g.: 06/28/16 For XYZ).

Appearances:

The court is open to the public for court business. The court is also conducting hearings via Zoom videoconference.

Meeting ID: 160 543 3416

Passcode: 5053334

Was this helpful?

Yes No
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.
Was this helpful?