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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 Michael Richard Burns

Case Number

24PR00541

Case Type

Decedent's Estate

Hearing Date / Time

Mon, 04/14/2025 - 08:30

Nature of Proceedings

Petition: Letters Administration

Tentative Ruling

Probate Notes:

Appearances required.

Appearances required.

On September 20, 2024, Samantha Burns filed a Petition for Letters of Administration seeking appointment as administrator of the estate.  There was no testamentary instrument submitted with the petition, nor requested for probate.

On November 14, 2024, Dena Pantoja filed a written objection, and amended said objection on February 4, and March 7, 2025.  On March 7, 2025, Dena Pantoja also filed a competing petition for appointment as personal representative, seeking admission of a will to probate that was lodged with the Court on December 9, 2024.  This places the petition of Ms. Burns at issue, requiring evidentiary hearing to resolve. (In re Estate of Lensch (2009) 177 Cal.App.4th 667, 676; Conservatorship of Farrant (2021) 67 Cal.App.5th 370, 377.)

On April 7, 2025, Samantha Burns filed a Will Contest to the will being offered for probate by Dena Pantoja.  The Will Contest has not been properly served.

When a will is contested, Probate Code section 8250 requires a written objection to probate of the will be filed, and a copy of the objection along with a summons be served to all those entitled to notice listed in section 8110 [all entitled to take by intestate, and each devisee, executor, and alternative executor].  The summons must be served according to the procedures in the Code of Civil Procedure Title 5, Part 2, Chapters 3 and 4 [§ 412.10 et seq].

The petitioning party may file an answer to the objection, or demur, within 30 days after service of the summons.  (Prob. Code, § 8250, subd(a) and 8251, subd. (a).)  If a party fails to respond to a served summons within 30 days, the case is still at issue, but the non-responding party loses the right to further contest the appointment or the will.  (Prob. Code, § 8251, subd. (c).)

Appearances:

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

Meeting ID: 161 797 5412

Passcode: 8749009

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